Mark and I happened upon a quest to find the perfect wedding gift for our friends Erin and Rand this past weekend. Where did we think we could find this present? At Valvo’s Chocolates and Distinctive Gifts of course! DISTINCTIVE gifts! 
Valvo’s is one of those stores located on Route 5 just past the Erie County (cheap gas at the reservation) line going into Chautauqua County. One of those scary stores I have driven by more times than I could count that I always SAID I had to visit.
Why scary? Well, this is what greets you when pulling into their parking lot. Dolly.
Hello Dolly!
I do think the clincher of the day was seeing that they were offering Bluth Bananas inside. We couldn’t resist!
From their website.
Valvo’s is the destination for thousands of customers each year. Whether you are a candy enthusiast, or simply out to satisfy your sweet tooth, Valvo’s has something for everyone!
The store is especially popular around the holidays. Decorated and stocked with seasonal favorites, the cheerful atmosphere makes this stop a must on your families’ to-do list
In addition to candy, Valvo’s is also famous for its statuary, making this store a popular stop in summer as well.
Whether you are in search of religious statuary, pillars, pots, fountains, benches, birdbaths, and the like, Valvo’s has a variety wide enough to match any garden’s decor. Be sure to allow yourself enough time to browse the overflowing gift shop carrying collections of stuffed animals and children’s gifts, garden ornaments, unique furniture, Marian Heath greeting cards, and many more items you’ll have a hard time finding anywhere else!
So? What better occasion to visit? Finding a gift for Erin and Rand. I mean who wouldn’t want a statuary on their front lawn? Um. Yeah. Remember, BLUTH BANANAS INSIDE.
But before going inside, we wandered around the lot.
Many praying statues. Not so Erin and Rand. but what a treat to greet visitors, right?
Medium sized ceramic cow? Not so much. I think Erin is lactose intolerant.
A PENGUIN! Wait, Erin and Rand. And while Erin has lived with Penguins while being my roommate throughout the years, I tend to think this is one animal she might have seen enough of in her time. Plus this poor little guy was pretty beat up.
Now Mickey and Minnie seem to be a nice option, but for the fact that they don’t seem to sell very well since the store had many, many on display. I wouldn’t want to get something out of style. I’m looking for timeless.
Hmmm timeless. Moving on…
YES! A giant COCK! Just what Erin and Rand need! Except well, this guy is a little out of my price range. Although every girl wants a giant…um. Moving on.
Lions. Lions seem to be a popular option for many. And the lion is our sorority mascot, but these lion ssure don’t look like happy Alphies. Sorry Erin, no lions for you. At least not these.
Or these.
I swear, there’s just something unnerving seeing the Virgin Mary with a red price tag around her neck.
But right after I repented over thinking bad thoughts about the Virgin Mary, Mark found the PERFECT WEDDING GIFT! Lovebirds!!! (Not telling whether or not we actually bought it. You’ll just have to wait and see.) Fear not Erin, the exchange policy is good for chocolate. Or I made that up.
Inside the store, were more scary lifesized figures. This particular hall was creepy.
Hmmm. The Blues Brothers?
How about Jesus? (Looks a little like Rand, no?)
Sad to say, the only thing (maybe) we found to enjoy at the end of this wedding shopping excursion was the coveted Bluth Banana.
And we didn’t end up saving any. Sorry.
Maybe a gift card is the best option after all?
