Curated selection of ethically sourced international goods, including textiles, home decor, and artisan crafts.
Showcasing handmade items from Albuquerque and regional artists, supporting the local creative community.
Specialized collections for Christmas, stocking stuffers, and other occasions with unique, affordable options.
Offering international-inspired home items like Turkish towels, bed covers, and decorative pieces.
Explore themed rooms in a converted home setting, providing a whimsical and engaging shopping environment.
We were just there looking for Christmas gifts. The patio door was open but the main door was locked. We saw people inside and even saw them take away the barking dogs. We knocked but they would not open for us despite us seeing other customers in there. We also called them twice since we saw people inside and they ignored our call, and the voicemail greeting stated “don’t bother leaving a message because they don’t get checked.” Guess they don’t actually want the business which is shame because I was excited for another local gift shop. Won’t be stopping here ever again. Super weird vibe.
This was a really cool store out in the middle of nowhere. It's someone's home that they turned into a store. They sell a lot of international stuff and it's interesting just walking through it. There was a lot of stuff and it would of taken me an hour to look through it all but I encourage you to come visit. Who knows what you might find!
I was driving down Mountain St when I saw a sign for an arts and crafts show here. The show was in front and to the side of the store. The store is quite amusing. All kinds of good quality items. Rooms are set up for different themes. Good variety of items. I've never stopped, but knew this place was here. The staff were great and knowledgeable. I'm definitely going back.
We stopped in ABQ on our way to Tucson and happened on this beautiful shop while walking the neighborhood around our Airbnb. The shop is a house that’s been transformed into a world travel experience! The owner has curated some great things. This is the kind of shop I’d do all my gift shopping in. All the items are fair trade and very well made and very reasonably priced. Love, love, love!
My new favorite store! Wonderful, whimsical, gorgeous & affordable items from all over the globe as well as by local artisans. I got a bed cover, Turkish towels, and stocking stuffers all reasonably priced & great quality! Will do my holiday shopping here!

Discover global treasures and local crafts in a whimsical, fair-trade gift shop experience.
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The Next Best Thing to Being There is a unique gift shop located in Albuquerque, NM, offering a curated collection of international goods and local artisan products. Housed in a charming converted home, this shop provides a whimsical and immersive shopping experience with fair-trade items, high-quality crafts, and affordable gifts. Perfect for holiday shopping, souvenirs, or finding one-of-a-kind treasures, it celebrates global cultures and supports ethical sourcing. With a 4.8-star rating, it's a beloved destination for those seeking unique, well-made items in a welcoming atmosphere.
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