Imagine you had a magic lamp with a gift shop genie inside. What would you wish for?

Would you desire gifts to suit everyone from your baby nephew to your grandmother? Perhaps complimentary gift-wrapping and a colorful selection of greeting cards? How about a special order invitation service? 

You can tell your genie to take the day off as Three Wishes, 304 E. Silver Spring Dr., has it covered, and right in our own backyard.

Inside the airy space that once housed a fitness studio is a lovely variety of gift giving options thanks to owners and Whitefish Bay residents Kate Lewis, Beth O’Connell and Kathy Gebel.

The trio, who opened the boutique in October of last year, scours the country in search of the most beautiful gifts. O’Connell says they’re headed to Atlanta in a few weeks and another buying trip to New York City is on the horizon this summer. 

Although Three Wishes first opened its doors this past fall, the owners are no strangers to the retail community in Whitefish Bay. The friends worked for Giraffe, Ltd., formerly located at the new City Market development site.  

”After the building was sold and we were forced to move, the former owner, for personal reasons, decided not to pursue a new location,” Lewis said. “Former customers in the community, our friends and families encouraged us to reopen. With the former owner’s blessing and inspiration, the three of us decided to move ahead.”

A grant from the Whitefish Bay Business Improvement District helped make their wishes come true.  

”We love the walkability of Silver Spring, the visibility of our new location and the friendliness and support of the community.  We never seriously considered any other locale,” Lewis said. “We are so grateful to our wonderful customers who have found us at our new location and have encouraged and supported us so enthusiastically.”

When you step inside the sunny and airy boutique you’re met with products ranging from pottery to pillows, candles to brightly colored journals, scarves to wine stoppers and everything in-between. A newly styled children’s section brightens up a corner of the shop, filled with decor, toys and clothing.

A cozy table is set up along one wall to discuss custom invitation options; whether it be for an intimate dinner party or an elaborate wedding, Three Wishes specializes in special order and in-house printed stationery and invites. For grabbing a gift on the go, the shop offers a wall of greeting cards covering any situation from funny to thoughtful. Any gifts purchased are expertly wrapped free of charge. 

Next time you’re in need of a show of gratitude for that special someone, even if that someone is you, stop by Three Wishes, Whitefish Bay’s very own gift shop genie.