Zanzibar Helps Shoppers Give the World to Loved Ones This Holiday Season.

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 30, 1999--

Some say the world is getting smaller. We are, after all, now connected as one by minuscule microfibers and wires that run over and under the earth. However, step into Zanzibar this holiday season and you'll likely feel the opposite is true. Located in the shade of Treaty Oak, Zanzibar leaves shoppers feeling as though the world is a much grander and deeper place than our wired age will have us believe. Stunning handicrafts from tiny, remote villages dotting the globe humble us, and remind us that we were connected long before the Internet took the credit.

Husband-and-wife owners Judith and Trey Massengale are admittedly not high-tech, but proudly high-touch. Having met and fallen in love in the exotic surroundings of Bali, Indonesia, they both have world travel in their blood, and a deep appreciation for other peoples and far-off lands.

"When shoppers walk into our store, I want them to sense the love we have for travel and adventure, and the respect we have for the craftsmen and women around the world who don't produce with machines, but rather with their hands and their souls," says Judith Massengale. "When we look for merchandise for our shop, we look for the soulful, the unusual. We want to inspire your curiosity, spark your creativity and broaden your horizons."

Zanzibar offers fine home furnishings, unusual architectural elements, gifts and contemporary crafts from all over the world, including the Dutch East Indies, Provincial China, Morocco, Turkey, India, Thailand, Korea, England, France, Africa, Italy and Japan.

Massengale says, "Trey and I have a ceaseless energy for finding new sources and new suppliers. Consequently," she continues, "we have an unlimited selection of holidays gifts you will be excited and proud to give."

For the child on your holiday gift list, the Massengales have a new children's section -- inspired by their eight-month-old Gavin -- where you'll find such items as finger puppets from Tibet and whimsical cloth folk animals from Sri Lanka.

For the teacher on your list, Zanzibar has candles, pewter frames from Italy and clove boxes from Bali. Hostess gifts include batiked, bone serving utensils from Indonesia and handmade soaps and soap dishes. At your ornament exchange, take the coveted Cloisonne ornament from China, or the camel rider from India. For Dad, consider an unusual magnifying glass, letter opener or leather-bound photo album from Italy. Your student will enjoy the gift of music from Zanzibar's unusual CD selection. Grandma might appreciate the garden gates from a Dutch Colonial plantation or other gardening items inspired by Trey's love of the outdoors.

For the home, Zanzibar offers limitless ideas. Massengale is most proud of their exceptional collections of lamps from places like Morocco and Italy; pottery from Japan; rustic country antiques from England and France; and unusual architectural elements like carved pillars from a remote Japanese village and lattice work doors from China.

Visit Zanzibar at 109A West 6th Street, or call the store at 512/472-9234.