Wild Cat Gift & Party! (formerly Wholly Craft)

In the heart of Ohio, finding that perfect gift – something truly unique, thoughtful, and perhaps a little whimsical – can transform an ordinary gesture into an unforgettable moment. For those in Columbus and the surrounding areas, the search often leads to a delightful destination known for its vibrant spirit and curated collection: Wild Cat Gift & Party! (formerly Wholly Craft). This beloved local shop has long been a go-to for residents seeking more than just mass-produced items; it's a place to discover artistic prints, quirky novelties, and all the festive trimmings for any celebration. This article will dive into what makes Wild Cat Gift & Party a cherished part of the Columbus community, exploring its evolution, diverse offerings, and the charm that keeps Ohioans coming back for more.

Introduction / Overview

Wild Cat Gift & Party! has a rich history in the Columbus creative scene, originally known as Wholly Craft since 2005. It began as a small outlet for a burgeoning wave of independent crafters and artists, quickly growing into a hidden gem for unique, handmade gifts. Over the years, it expanded significantly, eventually becoming a premier destination for thousands of gifts from hundreds of crafters, artists, and designers. In 2019, Wholly Craft merged with its sister store, Surprise Modern Party and Cocktail Goods, and rebranded as Wild Cat Gift & Party! This evolution brought party supplies and a renewed focus on creative celebrations into the fold, seamlessly blending with the existing ethos of unique gift-giving.

Today, Wild Cat Gift & Party stands as Columbus's premier destination for fun, creative gifts, and unique party supplies. It maintains a strong dedication to its DIY roots and a proud adherence to feminist ethics, aiming to be a space filled with laughter, creativity, and fun. The store specializes in offering quirky gifts, distinctive party supplies, and beautifully handmade goods for every person and occasion, making it a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience for locals in Ohio.

Location and Accessibility

Wild Cat Gift & Party! is conveniently located at 3515 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA. This address places it squarely within the vibrant Clintonville neighborhood, a well-established and highly-regarded area in north Columbus. Clintonville is known for its eclectic mix of independent businesses, charming residential streets, and a strong sense of community.

The store's location on North High Street, a major thoroughfare in Columbus, ensures excellent visibility and accessibility. For those driving, street parking is often available nearby, and the neighborhood is generally walkable, making it easy to combine a visit to Wild Cat Gift & Party with other local errands or a stroll through the area's unique shops and eateries. The Clintonville Farmers' Market, a beloved local institution, is also located along the same stretch of High Street, potentially enhancing the overall appeal of a visit to the area. Columbus's public transportation system, COTA, also serves the North High Street corridor, providing bus routes that connect Clintonville to other parts of the city, thereby ensuring convenient access for a wider range of Columbus residents. The welcoming atmosphere of Clintonville and the ease of reaching the shop make it a practical and enjoyable destination for gift and party supply needs.

Services Offered

Wild Cat Gift & Party! offers a range of products and services that extend beyond typical retail:

• Curated Gift Selection: The primary offering is a meticulously curated selection of unique, quirky, and often handmade gifts. This includes:
  • Prints & Wall Art: A popular category, as noted by a customer who buys "many prints for my walls."
  • Greeting Cards: An extensive collection of witty, artistic, and unique cards for all occasions.
  • Apparel & Accessories: Including "wacky socks," t-shirts with unique designs, and other wearable items.
  • Books & Stationery: Featuring diverse titles and fun stationery items like notepads and pens.
  • Home Goods & Kitchenware: Eclectic items for the home, including oven mitts with humorous sayings, mugs, and bar accessories.
  • Baby & Kids Gifts: Adorable apparel and unique gifts for infants and toddlers.
  • Themed Gifts: Specific categories like "Feminist Gifts" or "Pop Culture Gifts" (e.g., Taylor Swift themed items), reflecting their unique aesthetic.
  • DIY Kits & Activities: Reflecting their roots, they offer various DIY kits for creative endeavors.
• Party Supplies: A comprehensive selection of party essentials:
  • Balloons: A wide range of balloons, including options for building custom balloon bundles for various occasions (birthdays, graduations, Pride Month). Customers have praised their thoughtful service for balloon pickups, even offering early pickups during snowstorms.
  • Banners & Garlands: Decorations to set the scene for any party.
  • Tableware: Unique plates, napkins, and other party table essentials.
  • Confetti & Streamers: Fun additions for celebrations.
• Local Delivery for Balloons: For added convenience, balloons are available for local delivery within Columbus, Ohio, making party planning even easier.
• Online Shopping with In-Store Pickup: Customers can browse and purchase items through their website and choose to pick up their orders in-store, combining digital convenience with local support.
• Gift Cards: Available for purchase, providing a flexible gifting option for recipients to choose their own unique items.

Features / Highlights

Wild Cat Gift & Party! stands out in the Columbus retail scene for several compelling features:

• Unique & Quirky Product Assortment: The store is highly praised for its "quirkiness" and its ability to offer items that you won't find at typical big-box stores. This makes it a go-to for truly unique gifts and prints, as one customer enthusiastically states, "I have never once not found something wonderful."
• Support for Local Artists & Handmade Goods: Originating as Wholly Craft, the store has a deep commitment to supporting local crafters, artists, and designers. This focus ensures a fresh and authentic selection of handmade goods, contributing to the local economy and offering customers distinctive, often artisanal, products.
• Welcoming & Friendly Staff: Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional service. Staff are described as "kind and helpful," "so welcoming and friendly towards my dogs and kids," and "very thoughtful," especially in their proactive communication regarding balloon pickups. This personalized and warm approach significantly enhances the shopping experience.
• Inclusive & Ethical Ethos: The store proudly maintains its "feminist ethics" and supports the LGBTQIA+ community year-round. This commitment is reflected in their product themes (e.g., "Feminist Gifts," Pride-themed items) and creates a welcoming atmosphere for diverse customers.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: Shoppers consistently comment on the "atmosphere" and "fun" vibe of the store. It's designed to be an inspiring space that encourages Browse and discovery.
• Blend of Gifts and Party Supplies: The successful merger that brought "Party" into the name means it's now a comprehensive destination for both thoughtful gifts and all the necessary elements for a celebration, streamlining the shopping process for special occasions.

Promotions or Special Offers

Wild Cat Gift & Party! offers a few distinct ways for its loyal customers in Ohio to save and stay engaged:

• "Dottie's Dice Club" (Loyalty Program): By joining their rewards program, "Dottie's Dice Club," customers can receive 10% off their first purchase. This program is also designed to offer "other surprises" to members throughout the year, rewarding frequent visits and purchases.
• Newsletter Subscriber Discount: Similar to their loyalty club, subscribing to their newsletter often grants a discount, such as 10% off your next full-price purchase, along with exclusive coupons and updates on new arrivals and events throughout the year.
• Seasonal Sales & Special Collections: While not a discount store, Wild Cat Gift & Party may feature special promotions related to specific themes or holidays (e.g., "Slay this Pride Month!" with themed products, "top of the class graduation supplies"). They also mention a "Summer Book Deal" where reading books can lead to winning pizza, indicating creative and fun promotional activities.
• Gift Cards: Available in various denominations, Wild Cat Gift & Party gift cards offer a convenient way to share the unique shopping experience, allowing recipients to choose exactly what they want.

For Columbus locals, joining "Dottie's Dice Club" and subscribing to their newsletter are the best ways to stay informed about any current offers and to receive exclusive discounts on their unique finds.

Contact Information

If you're planning a visit or have specific questions for the team at Wild Cat Gift & Party! in Columbus, here is their contact information:

• Address: 3515 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
• Phone: (614) 420-6603

You can also visit their official website, wildcatgiftandparty.com, for their most up-to-date hours of operation, information on new arrivals, and details about their services like balloon bundles and online ordering.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the residents of Columbus, Ohio, Wild Cat Gift & Party! (formerly Wholly Craft) at 3515 N High St is more than just a gift shop; it's a vibrant cornerstone of the community's creative and celebratory spirit. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique approach to retail, offering an escape from generic, mass-produced goods in favor of distinctive, often handmade, and always characterful items. This shop thrives on the joy of discovery, consistently delighting customers with its "quirkiness" and ensuring that every visit promises something "wonderful."

The passionate and genuinely "kind and helpful" staff, as universally praised by patrons, cultivate a truly welcoming environment—even extending thoughtful gestures like early balloon pickups during a snowstorm. This personalized customer service, combined with their commitment to supporting local artists and maintaining an inclusive ethos, deeply resonates with the values of the Columbus community. For Ohioans seeking not just a gift, but an experience, whether it's finding the perfect artistic print for their home, a hilarious card for a friend, or all the unique trimmings for a memorable party, Wild Cat Gift & Party remains an essential and beloved local destination, promising a touch of whimsy and wonder with every visit.