Store Hours:
Monday - Saturday
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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About Us
Preserving Scandinavian traditions in America
The Gift Box opened its doors in November of 1947 in Geneva, Illinois. The original owner, Edythe Anderson, was the
daughter of Swedish immigrants. She had a vision of opening a shop that would make the Scandinavian items she was
familiar with available here. Edythe had always wanted to own her own business and had saved enough after years of
working to finally open her store. In 1966, the store expanded to include the downstairs area of the building. In 1960, Cole Travel
was added to the shop. Cole Travel is a travel agency that specializes in Scandinavian travel but is also available for any
travel needs (if you would like to learn more about Cole Travel, click here).
Lennart Jonsson, an employee of The Gift Box since he immigrated from southern Sweden in 1954, took over the shop when
Edythe Anderson retired. His Swedish background and extensive knowledge of Scandinavian culture, history and arts made
him the perfect candidate for running the store. Lennart's ability to connect with people and his passion for all things
Scandinavian has helped the store in its success. Customers often know him by name and stop by frequently with inquires
about Scandinavia and to hear a good story. They appreciate his experience and expertise. It is also not uncommen for
people to come in and enjoy being able to "talar svenska" with Lennart.
Today The Gift Box continues to strive to preserve its Scandinavian heritage. Keeping the authentic Scandinavian gifts
and food available is paramount. Everything from Norwegian sweaters to Swedish clogs, crystal and glass, Royal Copenhagen
figurines, Carl Larsson artwork to handcrafted gifts and antiques. Individuals who desire to keep a connection with their
roots often come here and enjoy seeing the products they remember from their family history or their native country.
There are still several activities in the community that are important to The Gift Box. Many come to Geneva every year
for Swedish Days, the city wide celebration of midsommar. This festival began here in the 1950's as a result of the large
Swedish-American population in Geneva and is now a 6-day long celebration in mid-June. Another time of Scandinavian
interest is the holiday season. During the Christmas walk in downtown Geneva the shops stay open late and are filled
with holiday spirit. You can stop into the Gift Box and enjoy pepparkakor and hot glogg, the Swedish winter drink. Not
long after that is the annual Lucia day celebration on December 13th. The Gift Box celebrates it by always having a Lucia
girl dressed up in the morning happy to serve customers Swedish coffee and the traditional Lucia buns.
The Gift Box is here to assist you with all your Scandinavian needs, whether you are looking for genuine gifts and foods
or are wanting to arrange travel plans, we'll be happy to help! Feel free to call us at 630-232-4151.
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