23 Days Till: News Store Has Darien-themed Gifts

a venerable town institution after 82 years on Tokeneke Road, has Darien tee shirts that would fit nearly anyone—from young kids to super-sized adults.

Both their hats (at $23.95) and shirts (prices vary, but the most expensive is $21.95 for XXL size) come in a variety of colors.

The shop also sells Christmas cards illustrated with an artist's rendition of Darien and Rowayton scenes ($14.95 for a box of 10).

Edmund F. Schmidt's "Noroton Heights" history book is also available for $29.95 (that's a five-cent discount off the $30 cover price—unless he was just kidding, in which case you're going to pay the full $30, before taxes.)

Bill Frate, a third-generation owner of the store at 19 Tokeneke Rd., will tell you that the wooden shelves along two walls have been in the store for generations. And maybe he'll let you say hello to his pet parrots in the store, Ben and Bobby. (Will they say hello back?)