New Orleans Shopping Tips by ATXtraveler Top 5 Page for this destination

New Orleans Doll Company: Voodoo Dolls Voodoo Review

One of the interesting shops we went into down in the French Quarter was a doll shop which specialized in voodoo dolls. Although I do not know much about voodoo dolls, I do know that they have quite a few cute big lipped dolls throughout the stores, with some great craftsmanship.

The dolls came in all sizes, from a keychain sized one up to a full sized doll. There were also some picture prints and also some hand painted items in the store, but the emphasis was on the voodoo doll in the store.

What to pay: The smallest key chains were $3, and the larger ones were closer to $100.

Address: Chatres Street, near Conti

Directions: French Quarter

Theme: Toys and Games

French Market: Bric-à-brac heaven French Market Review

Bric-à-brac refers to items of low value, which are typically sold in a street market style setting. This is the ultimate definition of what is available in the French Market outdoor shops in New Orleans. Mardi Gras masks and beads, t-shirts galore, knick knacks, trinkets, and other things are available. There are also some local artists' work, which appear to be much more valuable than the Bric-à-brac label I gave to the entire shop.

Your best bet is to just walk around for an hour or so and figure out if there is anything you can not live without.

What to buy: Bric-à-brac

What to pay: $3 to $500

Address: 1100 and 1200 block of N. Peters

Phone: 504-522-2621

Theme: Local Craft

Website: http://www.frenchmarket.org/

Lush: Soap it Up. Beauty Review

Although I likely would not have given this shop a second look, Sarah was interested in the unique look of some of the soap and bath products in Lush. Her friend Angela (ADawn412) loved some of the products from this store when she lived in London, so we thought we would give it a shot.

Sarah is a big time bath fan, so her focus was mainly on the bath products, including something I had not seen called the bath melt. Essentially it is like a marshmallow for your bathtub, simply drop it in while running your water, let it dissolve completely, then jump in. They had a little demonstration while we were in the shop, but I am sure you will just have to try it for yourself.

If you choose to make a purchase, you will get a ticket here also, which enters you into a drawing for a prize that they pull two times a day (1pm and 4pm). The gift they were giving away was a $200 gift set.

What to pay: You could spend $5 or $500.

Address: 405 Decatur

Phone: (504) 525-0730

Theme: Bath and Beauty

Website: http://www.lushusa.com/shop