1 Paperboat is a new gift (and so much more) shop in Bellingham's Historic Fairhaven District that fans of Glassybaby, Brighton, Ugg, Lyssé leggings and Sid Dickens memory blocks will have to immediately check out. Also, lovers of nautical decor, quality-made clothing, stuff with a bird on it, candles and body lotions. Owners Diane and Royal Reinsch have been in retail for over 30 years, so they know how to choose the right items and merchandise a small space so that everything stands out on its own. Bright and fun to browse around in, 1 Paperboat is located in the new South Bay Suites building, next to the Village Inn and just off the South Bay Trail. 
Yes, there are Glassybabys, in so many colors and ready to gift to someone special or to yourself. Fans of this brand of hand-blown candleholder know that there's nothing quite like a Glassybaby. The rich colors, heft and glow are renowned, as is the fact that four artists make each one. The Seattle company is also known for its level of giving to charity (millions of dollars since it was founded), and 10% of the proceeds of every Glassybaby sold at 1 Paperboat goes to Whatcom Hospice. 
Brighton is another exclusive line for 1 Paperboat with quite a following. Chains, bracelets, earrings and pendants shine from displays, and leather handbags line the shelves. 
1 Paperboat loves home decor, and carries lamps. trays, throws, signs, decorative items and pillows, many with a nautical theme. 
Here's where you can find Sid Dickens memory blocks, to create your own story wall in your living room, bedroom or kitchen. 
Ladies will find some beautiful clothes designed for comfort at 1 Paperboat. Diane chooses lines that are top-quality and still priced right. "Lyssé leggings are super comfortable," she said. They feel great all day, and don't bunch up or fall down!" Below left are a few of the Chavez for Charity bracelets available for just $10. "They'd make a perfect gift for office gift exchanges or Secret Santas," said Diane. A percentage of the proceeds goes to charity--a different one for each color. Yellow is Alex's Lemonade Stand (children's cancer charity), brown is Best Friend Animal Society, and so on. Learn more at the store! 
Diane pulled out this super-cute Mia Melon Provocateur jacket to show me. It's wind and waterproof, stylish and warm, comes in not-too-bright red, olive and black, and looks great on everyone. The shop also features lots of knitwear for this time of year, from soft sweaters to hats, gloves and scarves in bright colors to warm up our grey Northwest winters. 
The lacy bits above are Rosemunde tanks, which are made of silk and designed to be a base layer to keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. According to Diane, all the European ladies consider these a wardrobe staple. The lace peeking out from a jacket or cardigan would be so pretty. And if you love your comfy Ugg boots, you'll be glad to know they now have a clothing and home line. The hoodie and jacket on display are unbelievably cozy, and the throws are as soft as bunny fur. 
Diane stocks a line of home goods and body care by Mer Sea, who also makes practical and pretty travel wraps, shown above in coral. The color is gorgeous in person, and the wrap is just the thing to throw into your airplane carry-on to keep you warm and cozy during your flight. It also comes in black, grey, cream and navy. Other well-known lines carried at 1 Paperboat include Comfy USA, Amma Design, Foxcroft, Mariposa, Cut Loose, Mycra Pac and Darzzi. Many are fair trade and made in the U.S. or over the border in Vancouver, B.C. Diane is an exuberant guide, armed with the background info on every item in the store. She clearly loves what she does, and has a gift for chatting up her customers and making everyone feel welcome. She and her husband love their new Fairhaven location, and I have a feeling they're already considered a vital part of the neighborhood. 
1 Paperboat, 1134 10th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-656-6588 Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 1 Paperboat on Facebook [mappress mapid="77"]
