Archie McPhee

I was trying to describe to a friend the other day what Archie Mcphees is and found myself at a loss for words.
A.P carries some of the most bizarre items ever and there seems to be no rhyme or reason to most of it. I find myself laughing through the whole store and also find myslef buying things I'd never dream of buying elsewhere.. You just have to buy it because its soo weird.
My kids go nuts in here! We often buy weird party trinquets for Halloween and such.
If you havent been here you are missing out!

Posted 11/16/05 | Report Abuse

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When I first moved to Seattle, a friend who lived here many years ago told me I had to visit Archie McPhees. Its got to be the most unique store...anywhere. They specialize in slaughtering sacred cows you can buy a fire-spitting Nun wind-up toy, rubber live strong bracelets glorifying the 7 deadly sins. This is another one of those stores that has a strong online presence but whose retail selection is even bigger and varied when visiting in person. A great place for Halloween diehards in Seattle you can buy full-sized latex mummies at their retail store, but not online!

Posted 10/01/05 | Report Abuse

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Just wandering around this store is a blast. If you like pop culture at cheap prices this is the place for you. Plus they have a random assortment of gadgets and hardware odds and ends that spark the creative juices in one's brain.

PROS: bright and colorful plus free parking
CONS:

Posted 07/02/05 | Report Abuse

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Archie McPhee's is the king of the FOUR G's - "GOOFY GAG GIFTS GALORE". What a crazy fun store! The store is piled full of the weird and unusual! Get a good laugh or a great gag gift!

Posted 06/23/05 | Report Abuse

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Archie Mcphee, while known for their gag gifts, is a place everyone in the area should see. I've gone there on a number of occasions after thinking, "where in the world would I ever find a ______ (insert item)" and have found it there. They have a great selection of totally random stuff and their prices are reasonable enough that you can pick up a few items and not feel bad about it. If you're planning a themed party, Archie McPhee's is a gold mine for getting party favors and decorations.

PROS: Fun, Great gag/novelty items, huge selection, great service
CONS:

Posted 05/08/05 | Report Abuse

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This place is as odd on the outside as the inside. Quite colorful and slightly creepy..in a clown creepy way. The store has all the goodies and odd gifts and whatnot. They actually sell those candy ciggarettes(remember those). The main attraction is the massive supply of costumes. I was quite impressed. The employees are cool and weird at the same time. I love this place! It's next door an alcohol store as well.
All in all...this place feels so wrong that its actually right!!

Posted 04/18/05 | Report Abuse

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I find myself feeling a mix of disgust at mass-produced kitch/pop-culture and a strong draw towards unique little plastic items whenever I visit the store or its website. My favorites items are the Evil Bendy and the Monster Women.

PROS: Everyone will find something they like
CONS: Not a place for highbrow tastes

Posted 04/07/05 | Report Abuse

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To be honest, I never buy anything from Archie McPhee's, and yet I always find myself drawn back there to show the store off to out of town guests or just to have a fun time browsing. Where else can you find pirate patches, rubber chickens, spanish-speaking magic-8 balls, and boxing nuns? Many of the products bring me back to my childhood, as they're the exact toys I craved decades ago.

PROS: Nostalgia, humor
CONS: Does anyone actually buy these items?

Posted 04/06/05 | Report Abuse

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Not only do I love this store, I love the location and I love the customer service. You can always find the perfect gift wether it is for a friend, lover or co-worker. You can find gag gifts and funny gifts and even good stuff for yourself and your kids. My son loves it at Archie McPhee's.

Posted 02/25/05 | Report Abuse

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No trip to Seattle would be complete without paying a visit to Archie McPhee. Locals love it too! They have an amazing assortment of gifts, cards, and collectibles. They recently opened a 2nd store next door to the main store. Archie McPhee's has an incredible section of Halloween stuff; rare and vintage candy, and other hard to find items. Be sure to try out the Photo Booth!

PROS: Plenty of parking
CONS:

Posted 02/21/05 | Report Abuse

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Are you broke, but need to get stocking stuffers for little nieces and nephews? Or, are you planning a Luau for your 20-something friends and need decor? Or, do you need to add to your cereal-mascot bobble-head collection? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should zip right over to Archie McPhee's in Ballard. Now spread over to two stores (the former liquor store that shared it's parking lot), this is a rather famous Seattle attraction now. Expect long lines around Halloween and Christmas, but be impressed by how their staff can remember how much every one of the little toys from the bins costs, without a price tag. The store is affiliated with a novelty maker called Accoutrements, that makes funny things like the Barista Action Figure (and the Librarian Action Figure too). Hell, it's had to describe everything that is there. If you are just bored some Saturday or Sunday, take 45 minutes and browse. I promise you, you will get good laughs.

Posted 02/14/05 | Report Abuse

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If you are looking for an interesting costume or just for a cool shop, go to Archie McPhees. Products made by its creative arm, Accoutrements, are sold in specialty shops nationwide! The store's back wall is wallpapered with photos of celebrities who have made the Ballard pilgrimage. You can find everything from a Sigmund Freud action figure, a red rubber "Devil Duckie" with black horns, to a shimmying hula girl for the dash of your car. You'll also find an amazing selection of postcards, Japanese candy, punching puppets, wind-up toys, scientific surplus, bobble heads, costuming accessories and even rolls of "police line do not cross" tape.

Posted 01/26/05 | Report Abuse

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