Craig's Curious Emporium

For those in Oklahoma City with a penchant for the mystical, the magical, or simply the wonderfully unusual, Craig's Curious Emporium is a name that resonates with delight and discovery. Located at 1209 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, this isn't your average gift shop. Instead, it's a treasure trove of "weird, mysterious, and metaphysical" items, as described by its devoted customers. Since 1995, Craig's Curious Emporium has evolved from a small bohemian shop into an institution, inviting locals into a world of unique finds that promise to enlighten, illuminate, and entertain.

This article will delve into what makes Craig's Curious Emporium a truly unique and cherished spot for residents of Oklahoma. We'll explore its vibrant location, the incredible array of products and experiences it offers, and the standout features that keep customers returning year after year. The consistent praise for its "eclectic selection" and "friendly and very informative" staff paints a clear picture of a place that goes beyond retail, offering an immersive journey for anyone with a curious spirit. For Oklahomans seeking spiritual tools, unique home decor, or simply a fascinating place to explore, Craig's Curious Emporium provides an unparalleled experience.

The sentiment from long-time patrons, like one who visits for their birthday "every year to stock up on my candles, herbs, and incense," speaks volumes about the store's enduring appeal and its ability to become a cherished part of personal rituals. It’s a space where customers feel "safe and welcomed, not pressured or swindled," fostering an environment of trust and genuine connection. This dedication to a unique, positive customer experience is what truly sets Craig's Curious Emporium apart in the Oklahoma City landscape.

Craig's Curious Emporium is prominently situated at 1209 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, USA. This address places it in Oklahoma City's thriving 23rd Street corridor, a dynamic area known for its diverse businesses, eateries, and unique cultural spots. Originally a fixture in the city's well-known Paseo Arts District, its current location continues to build on its legacy as an accessible and intriguing destination within a vibrant part of the city.

Accessibility for locals and visitors alike is a key advantage of this location. NW 23rd Street is a major thoroughfare in Oklahoma City, ensuring ease of travel by car from various neighborhoods. Ample parking is typically available, making a visit convenient for those driving. Its presence on such a prominent street also makes it visible and easy to find, drawing in both intentional visitors and curious passersby.

The relocation to 23rd Street signifies its continued commitment to being part of Oklahoma City's evolving landscape, maintaining its unique identity while remaining a central and easily reachable hub for its diverse clientele. Whether you're coming from downtown, the northern suburbs, or elsewhere in the metro area, Craig's Curious Emporium is positioned to offer a convenient and captivating shopping experience.

Craig's Curious Emporium offers more than just retail products; it provides an experience and a wealth of specialized items catering to those with interests in metaphysics, unique gifts, and spiritual practices. While it doesn't offer "services" in the traditional sense of appointments like a salon, its extensive curated inventory acts as its primary offering. Here's a breakdown of what you can discover:

• Extensive Selection of Metaphysical Supplies: This is a core offering, featuring items for spiritual practices and personal well-being.

  • Crystals & Stones: A "huge selection of crystals" and healing stones, often sourced globally, available in various sizes and price points to suit different needs and budgets.
  • Herbs & Botanicals: A wide range of dried herbs and botanicals for various uses, including traditional and spiritual practices.
  • Incense: A significant highlight, with the store creating its own "Emporium incense line" that is hand-dipped on-site in over 90 scents daily, known for its long burning and extra strong fragrance.
  • Fragrance Oils: Over 100 perfume-grade fragrance oils, bottled in-store, with popular scents like Angel's Breath, Patchouli, and Mexican Vanilla. Pure essential oils are also available.
  • Smudge Sticks: An extensive line of smudge type incense, including various types of sage and other varieties, used for cleansing and purification.
  • Tarot Cards & Divination Tools: A selection of tarot decks, oracle cards, and other tools for divination and self-reflection.
  • Religious & Spiritual Tools: A wide range of merchandise and tools related to various religions and spiritual practices, including rosaries and Egyptian-themed items, making it a valuable resource for hard-to-find items in the region.

• Books & Educational Resources: A massive inventory of books covering topics related to metaphysics, spirituality, personal growth, history, and more, serving as a resource for knowledge and exploration.

• Unique & Eclectic Gifts: The store is a haven for "really interesting Oddities" and "unconventional items, antiquities and gift ideas." This includes:

  • Candles: Hand-poured, highly scented candles created by Craig's since 1993, focusing on rare and exotic fragrance blends.
  • Custom Jewelry: Featuring unique, quality stones and crystals, often crafted in-house, with Craig's expertise in jewelry design ensuring unique treasures.
  • Quirky Trinkets & Curiosities: A constantly rotating collection of fascinating and unusual objects that delight and inspire curiosity.
  • Statues & Decorative Art: Items ranging from small decorative pieces to larger statues, often with spiritual or mythological themes.

• Customer Assistance & Information: The staff is highlighted as "friendly and very informative," willing to help customers learn about products and answer questions, creating an enriching shopping experience.

• Procurement of Hard-to-Find Items: The store prides itself on procuring hard-to-find items and is open to customer requests for specific products they don't currently carry.

• Sensory Experience: The environment is designed to engage all senses, with fragrant incense, a trickling waterfall (as mentioned on their website), and visually stimulating displays, making the visit itself a unique service.

Craig's Curious Emporium in Oklahoma City is distinguished by several unique features and highlights that consistently captivate its local clientele and make it a beloved institution:

• "Very Eclectic Selection" and "One of a Kind Finds": This is arguably the most defining feature. Customers repeatedly praise the store for its incredibly diverse and unusual inventory. Unlike chain stores, Craig's hand-selects its merchandise from around the world, ensuring a collection of items, from crystals and books to "Oddities" and rare antiques, that are truly unique and often hard to find elsewhere. This makes every visit a "treasure hunt" experience.

• Focus on Metaphysical and Spiritual Items: The Emporium is a go-to destination for those interested in metaphysical, spiritual, and occult supplies. Its comprehensive stock of crystals, herbs, incense, oils, tarot cards, and religious artifacts caters to a specific, often underserved, market in the region. This specialization makes it a vital resource for its niche community.

• In-House Crafted Products: A significant highlight is the store's dedication to creating its own products. This includes hand-dipped incense (with over 90 scents daily), hand-poured candles (created since 1993 with unique fragrance blends), and custom jewelry often made with unique stones and crystals. This in-house production speaks to quality and exclusivity.

• Friendly and Informative Staff: Customer reviews consistently commend the staff for being "friendly and very informative" and "helpful." This personal touch, with staff members like Levi being specifically mentioned, greatly enhances the shopping experience, providing guidance and enriching customers' understanding of the products.

• Immersive Sensory Experience: The store is designed to engage all senses. The "fragrant incense" and ambient sounds (like a waterfall, according to their website) create an inviting and mystical atmosphere that encourages exploration and makes spending "hours exploring this place" a delightful activity.

• Longevity and Reputation: Having been "an Oklahoma City institution for all things unique since 1995," Craig's has built a strong reputation over decades. Its evolution from a small shop to a "warehouse of books and curiosities" signifies its enduring appeal and ability to adapt while maintaining its core identity.

• Community-Oriented Approach: The store prides itself on "serving our community with honesty and integrity" and creating a space where customers "feel safe and welcomed." This focus on customer well-being and a commitment to procuring requested items further cements its role as a valued local business.

Given the unique nature of Craig's Curious Emporium as a curated gift and metaphysical shop, its approach to "promotions" often centers more on the discovery of rare items and the unique shopping experience itself, rather than frequent deep discounts like a mass retailer. However, based on typical practices for such establishments and general business strategies, locals might find the following:

• New Arrivals & Ever-Changing Inventory: The very nature of the store, constantly bringing in "new" and "hard-to-find items," serves as an ongoing "promotion." Customers are encouraged to visit frequently because there's always something new to discover, creating a continuous incentive to explore the latest treasures.

• Price Points for All Budgets: As mentioned on their website, "Our selection is vast and includes an array of price points. You'll find what you need at a fair price, every time." This commitment to offering items across various price ranges ensures that the unique inventory is accessible to a broader customer base, making the experience itself a form of value.

• Custom & In-House Items: The ability to "tailor-make items specific to your needs" (like custom jewelry or special candles/incense) is a unique offering that adds significant value, even if not a direct "discount." It allows customers to acquire truly personalized and exclusive products.

• Loyalty or Frequent Visitor Recognition: While not explicitly stated, local businesses of this nature often foster customer loyalty through personal relationships. This might translate into informal perks for repeat customers or special notifications about unique incoming items, though this would be on a more individual basis.

• Social Media Updates: Businesses like Craig's often use platforms like Facebook or Instagram to announce new shipments, highlight particularly intriguing items, or give followers a sneak peek of new inventory. Following their social media channels would be the best way for locals to stay informed about the latest additions.

• Events or Workshops: Metaphysical shops sometimes host events, workshops, or readings. While no specific events were found in the provided snippets, checking their official website or social media for community events could reveal special offerings or educational opportunities.

For the most current "promotional" news or to inquire about specific items, reaching out to the store directly is recommended. The value at Craig's often comes from the uniqueness and quality of the finds, rather than traditional discount sales.

For those in Oklahoma City intrigued by the unique offerings of Craig's Curious Emporium and wishing to visit or make inquiries, the following contact information is available:

• Address: 1209 NW 23rd St, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, USA

• Phone: (405) 524-9447

• Mobile Phone: +1 405-524-9447

Craig's Curious Emporium boasts consistent operating hours, being open every day of the week from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, it's always a good practice to check their official website or call ahead for any holiday hours or unexpected changes, ensuring the most accurate information before planning your visit.

For the residents of Oklahoma City, Craig's Curious Emporium stands out as an exceptionally suitable and enriching local destination, particularly for those with an adventurous spirit and an appreciation for the unique. It offers far more than just a typical retail experience; it's a journey into a world of curiosities, spiritual tools, and handcrafted treasures that truly sets it apart.

The primary reason for its suitability for locals lies in its unparalleled "eclectic selection" and its focus on "one of a kind finds." In a retail landscape often dominated by chain stores, Craig's provides a refreshing alternative, allowing Oklahomans to discover truly distinctive gifts, personal items, and metaphysical supplies that can't be found elsewhere. This dedication to unique inventory makes every visit an exciting "treasure hunt," encouraging repeat visits and fostering a sense of discovery.

Furthermore, its specialization in metaphysical and spiritual items makes it a vital hub for a specific community within Oklahoma City. Whether seeking crystals, herbs, incense, or divination tools, locals have a reliable and extensive resource at their fingertips. The fact that many products, like incense and candles, are hand-crafted in-house adds to their authenticity and quality, offering a level of bespoke charm rarely found.

The consistently praised "friendly and very informative" staff members are another significant highlight. Their willingness to assist, share knowledge, and create a "safe and welcomed" environment ensures that every customer feels valued and supported, regardless of their familiarity with the items. This personalized customer service transforms a shopping trip into a delightful and even educational experience.

Finally, its convenient location on NW 23rd Street, combined with its long-standing reputation as an Oklahoma City institution since 1995, cements its place as a trusted and beloved local landmark. For Oklahomans seeking an immersive sensory experience, truly unique gifts, or specialized metaphysical supplies, Craig's Curious Emporium is an indispensable and enchanting local gem.