When you’re searching for that special, one-of-a-kind gift made with love, look no further than the Blackfoot Gift Bazaar.

Born and raised in the Blackfoot area, sisters and co-owners of the gift bazaar, Sheri Chapman and Debani Farr, share a love for unique items and each other. Their warmth is felt the moment you walk through the door.

Over 10 years ago, Sheri was a vendor at the Gift Bazaar for the former owner, Sydnee Hale. Sydnee mostly sold beads back then, with only a few vendors offering other items, and not many of them. Sheri sold home décor and wood items her husband helped her create, as well as beaded items. However, her sign-making ability was what truly stood out. She has an eye for design and can decorate a room or an entire house. While living in Arizona, she would assist with spec homes, outfitting them for the builders.

Sheri started working a few days a week, helping Sydnee with many parts of the business, but her full-time teaching job limited the time she could dedicate. That’s when Debani began assisting, until one day, Sydnee made an offer to buy her out.

Debani also worked part-time teaching music at the TaVaci School of Performing Arts in Blackfoot and Pocatello, a children’s program she loved.

Taking over the Bazaar allowed Sheri and Debani to spend more time with their families. Debani, being a single parent, nearly raised her youngest son in the store.

The sisters aimed to improve the store by adding more retail space for a variety of vendors selling different items. They attended local craft shows and encouraged artisans to bring their work to the store. They decided to create as many different booths as possible, avoiding duplicates so shoppers would have a wide selection of items to choose from.

Wanting to offer some clothing options in the store, Debani found a line of clothing that they now carry. There is also another vendor that sells clothing and accessories, offering many affordable items. Sheri also sells baby clothing, purses and home décor.

Debani manages the advertising and bookkeeping, calling herself the store’s “tech support,” while Sheri is more of the in-store setup and handling of the items.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary in August, they now have over 60 vendors and offer some of the most affordable booth rental fees in the area. The store’s popularity has been so great that there is a waiting list for those who want the chance to display and sell their own items.

They are always receptive to suggestions for improvement or to adding another unique item to the store.

Talking to these two ladies, you can feel the love and respect they have for each other. The support and encouragement they offer, along with their passion for our community, are evident. They have made friends and become family to many in Blackfoot and are highly respected.

The Blackfoot Gift Bazaar is located at 488 W. Bridge St., open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They can be reached at 208-419-5497 or found on Facebook and Instagram @blackfootgift.