From a craft table in 1980 to one of the country’s most beloved destinations for Christmas magic, SBK Gifts has always been a family-run celebration of beauty, tradition, and heartfelt giving.

Our Story

It Started with a Craft Table

It all began at a craft fair in 1980, with handmade beaded barrettes, teacher gifts, and a mother’s creative spirit. She named her small business Story Book Kids, inspired by her two daughters, Jill (from Jack & Jill) and Heidi (the little German Girl)—both lovingly named after characters from classic Little Golden Books. The name quickly came to reflect more than just a sweet beginning. It stood for imagination, tradition, and the joy of giving something meaningful.

That humble, fold-out card table was the first spark of what would grow into a family-run business with decades of history—built on heart, connection, and the kind of gifts, collections, and traditions that become part of a family's story.

A Spark of Holiday Magic

We opened our first mall location (Florence, Kentucky) in 1988, and quickly our store became a treasure trove for collectors. It was the golden age of collectibles, and our shelves were filled with beloved lines like Precious Moments, All God’s Children, Cherished Teddies, Cat's Meow Village, Tom Clark Gnomes, Emmet Kelley Jr., Merry Moo Moos, and more. Families came to find keepsakes that marked life’s milestones and traditions—and we loved being a part of that joy.

Then came 1991—a year that would quietly shape our future. That’s when we took a leap on two new lines for the store.  The first line was a then-unknown ornament designer named Christopher Radko that created European glass ornaments.  The second line was a series of lighted, collectible ceramic buildings known as Department 56 Villages. It was our first true step into heirloom-quality Christmas décor—pieces designed not just to decorate, but to help create cherished memories and lasting moments of holiday joy. That moment marked the beginning of our transformation into a destination for collectors and families—those starting new traditions, celebrating old ones, and shaping the kind of seasonal magic that’s passed down for generations.

Going Online and Creating a Year-Round Holiday Destination

In 1997, we took our first steps online, building a website to share the magic of SBK beyond the walls of our store. By 2004, we were carefully packing and shipping ornaments through eBay, connecting with collectors across the country. What began as a small digital effort quickly blossomed into a thriving community of holiday lovers, decorators, and collectors who felt just as close to us as those who visited in person.

For us, going online wasn’t just about growth—it was about extending the wonder. We wanted to bring the joy of discovery, the beauty of our products, and the warmth of our store experience to people near and far.

That same year—1997—also marked another turning point: we opened our standalone brick-and-mortar location on Reading Road in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was, and still is, our largest and most immersive space yet. Christmas shines here every day of the year, joined by a dedicated Halloween room and festive décor for every season. Every corner is thoughtfully curated to spark joy, celebrate tradition, and capture the magic of the moment.

In 2020, we reached a milestone especially close to our hearts: the revival of Santa Land, a beloved European glass ornament line first introduced in the 1970's. With deep respect for its legacy, we've partnered with small cottage family workshops in Europe. We work side by side with their skilled glass ornament artisans that use century-old techniques to lovingly recreate vintage favorites and dream up new heirloom-worthy glass ornament designs with a playful, modern spirit. Together, we’ve brought Santa Land back to life, preserving the charm, craftsmanship, and nostalgia that collectors remember and treasure. Exclusively available only from SBK Gifts, every Santa Land ornament is a tribute to old-world artistry and joyful nostalgia, made to be cherished for generations.

Today, SBK Gifts is proud to be one of the most trusted sources for European glass ornaments in the country. Our philosophy is simple: when we believe in a line, we embrace it with intention and wholehearted dedication. Each collection is presented with a rich and varied assortment—honoring its heritage, showcasing its artistry, and inviting collectors into a world of enduring beauty. What we offer is more than a selection; it's a thoughtfully curated experience meant to be explored, cherished, and built upon year after year. It’s our way of honoring the designers, makers, collectors, decorators, and gift-givers who welcome our family into their celebrations.  

A Name That Grew With Us

For decades, we were known as Story Book Kids—a name lovingly coined by a mother and inspired by her daughters, Jill and Heidi, whose imagination and joy helped shape our earliest days. It reflected where we began: at craft fairs and mall shows, offering handmade gifts filled with heart and the spirit of meaningful giving. Over the years, that little dream blossomed—nurtured by family, fueled by creativity, and embraced by families and collectors who became a part of our story.

What began as a fold out card table of barrettes and teacher gifts slowly transformed into a year-round destination for heirloom ornaments, seasonal décor, and collectible treasures. As we grew, we realized that while Story Book Kids held deep personal meaning, it no longer reflected who we had become.

In 2015, we gently turned a new page in our story, evolving our name to SBK Gifts. The initials—SBK—honor our beginnings as Story Book Kids, a name filled with heart, imagination, and holiday wonder. It was a tribute to where we started and a celebration of where we were headed: a year-round Christmas shop and holiday store dedicated to creating memories, nurturing traditions, and helping families celebrate each season with meaning and magic.

The Story Continues

SBK Gifts remains, at its core, a family business—still led by the same family, shaped by the same values, and inspired by the same joy that first took root at that single craft fair fold-out table in 1980. From exclusive ornament lines to unique seasonal décor and gifts, collectors know they can count on us for a thoughtful, extensive assortment. Our connection doesn’t stop at checkout—we stay close with our community through social media, live video events, phone calls, and personal email conversations that have become just as treasured as in-store visits.

Whether you’ve been with us for decades or are just discovering us today, welcome. We’re honored to be a part of your holiday traditions—and grateful to share this story with you.