Your grandfather's hardware store it isn't: Restoration Hardware is more then hammers and tape measures

I know that Restoration Hardware is a nationwide chain of stores, nearly 100, and 8 in Florida alone, but it has always seemed more welcoming, friendly and comfortable then most big chain stores. I think because of the name it doesn't scream "expensive furniture store," even if their prices for a leather couch are the same as a nice used car. They really offer tons more then beds, mirrors, chairs and bathroom cabinets. In defense, their chairs and sofas are probably very well made and will be heirlooms handed down for generations, but I do wonder who buys some of the things. I love the floor lamps and wooden and metal easels for holing photos and small artwork. They are much more then way-costly leather furniture and chrome lamps. Every Christmas at holiday shopping time, I stay far away from malls and only shop at smaller, more personal shops. Every year there are more recipients with stockings then there are dollars to match and I found that Restoration Hardware cannot be beat, cannot, for creative, inventive, fun and affordable stuffer gifts. The name of the store should be a hint of some of the unusual and useful gifts they pile around the store and registers. Very cool levels, flashlights, folding everythings including whatchamacallits of every size and description. They have all the most loved and popular board games you remember playing as a kid. Plus, hand warmers in fuzzy cases (perfect for Florida's cold, 75-degree wintry nights), hammers for breaking car windows as we plunge off mile-high bridges and must escape the murky fathoms. They even pride themselves on cool, almost irresistible how-to books, toys and games from the wild and woolly 1940s-50s...think wooden blocks, Slinkys and kits for building forts to keep frontiersman safe and little boys in their coonskin hats. I am always surprised at their wide selection and do buy something here for everyone on my list (even if they haven't a clue what it is or how they would use it. It's the thought and I loved buying it here.) Right now they are selling photographs of Rock icons of the 1960s such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. This store is much, much more than fancy-smancy leather library chairs. It's full of great stuff! Where else would you go for 1920s Naval Binoculars and tripod. 9In stock now!) Come on. Think. So if the the binoculars and super-detailed, handmade wooden sailing vessels are your thing, they got 'em.