July 30, 2025

Gifting with: Ashley Olmstead

[Q] Where are you from and where do you currently reside?

[A] I am originally from Miami, and currently live right outside Philly in Elkins Park, PA.

[Q] As proprietor of Quail Store, your expertise for curation and for the experience of the shopper is beautiful. What is your thought process in the culmination of items for your shop?

[A] Well, thank you! When opening Quail Store, my intention was to create a place that rejected commodity and glorified craft. When sourcing, I primarily am looking for things that convey the dedication of the maker. Whether it be dedication to quality or artistry usually both… and then texture.

[Q] This thoughtful curation at Quail Store is by no accident, where did your love for creative objects come from?

[A] My Mom for sure. She has excellent taste in everything but men.

[Q] Have you always found joy in gift giving?

[A] Absolutely. Gifting can be such a sincere gesture of affection, intimacy, gratitude… but if done without consideration can amplify the lack of those things. It has always been my aim to provide the former, not the later. It’s about paying attention...

"I do my best to tailor a gift to what is happening in their life at the moment. What is going to put a smile on their face, or lighten their spirit… everyday things are great… a lovely set of napkins, a hand towel, something to remind them of your relationship during their day to day. I also like to create a moment of time for someone when gifting: a great magazine and some tea, a candle and a towel…a reason for someone to take some time for themselves…time is a great gift."

Fig 4. Autumn Sonata on Display at Quail Store

Fig 6. The Charlotte Robe Gifted at Quail Store

Fig 7. The Emilie Toiletry Bags, Gift Wrapped by Quail Store

[Q] What is the best gift you have ever received? How did it make you feel?

[A] Early into dating, my now husband bought me a pack of pens. I was particular about using this specific type of pen and he took it upon himself to notice how much I liked them, notice I was running low, and make a point to go get them. It was just so unexpected and full of thought. He paid attention! Maybe it’s silly, because it was just pens from the grocery store, but I shed tears!

[Q] What is the best gift you have ever given?

[A] I surprised my husband with a helicopter ride over Los Angeles for his 30th birthday. It was so fun and watching his excitement was just as much a gift for me! Such a great memory totem.

[Q] When thinking about a gift, for a particular person, what goes into this thought process?

[A] t’s different for each person, but I do my best to tailor a gift to what is happening in their life at the moment. What is going to put a smile on their face, or lighten their spirit… everyday things are great… a lovely set of napkins, a hand towel, something to remind them of your relationship during their day to day. I also like to create a moment of time for someone when gifting: a great magazine and some tea, a candle and a towel…a reason for someone to take some time for themselves…time is a great gift.

[Q] The importance of gift wrapping; what are your thoughts? Does your wrap change from year to year? The necessity of ribbon? Of a sentimental card?

[A] Wrapping is crucial. It is a sport, like platting at a restaurant, presentation is perception. Not that it needs to be fussy but it should be considered. Furoshiki with scrap fabric is a go to, but if using paper I use recycled craft or butcher (I save any craft paper bags that I can for reuse). Tape selection is the real standout for me. I really like masking tape the best and washi is fun for color. As far as ribbon goes, I like to use only natural fibers: twine, raffia, twill tape. We use recycled sari silk at the shop and that I am obsessed with. It takes dye so well and can be reused over and over. A simple bow to me is best, maybe with a sprig of plant as a nod to the season. Simple but thoughtful.

[Q] A.S. is infatuated by archives. What might a gift from QS, in an archival sense, suggest in 100 years? How might one describe those whose pieces they collected from your shop?

[A] Beautiful, useful, considered.

[Q] How do you plan to spend the holidays? Any gift giving traditions?

[A] We will be having a quiet break at home with our 2 dogs, Oscar and Remi. We have an 1889 farmhouse that we have been working on, so we typically buy something for the house. Sometimes it’s something fun like a new quilt or new tile but sometimes it’s a new water heater. Not sure what is on the priority list this year. And always stockings, which we typically fill with good coffee, chocolate, maybe nice hand cream and always socks.