With a dipping economy looming over her head, Anderson resident Cathy Ray decided to take the risk millions of people take each year — starting a small business.

“With the economy the way it is, I wanted something that would be affordable to anybody,” Ray said. “Nothing over $50.”

Ray is the owner of Creative Gifts, the three-week-old store at 706 E. Eighth St.

“I started making baskets for people in 1989,” the 53-year-old said. “That’s how long I’ve had my retail license. I did the craft-show circuits for a while.”

There’s something for everybody at Creative Gifts. From a sterling silver golf-cart shaped clock to a handmade, magnetic rearview mirror dangler, the store is stocked with gifts for anyone.

“I have a bad habit of buying these to go with outfits,” Ray said as she showed off earrings and bracelets made by a woman in Anderson.

As she walked through her shop, she showed off bingo supplies and electric candles, “They smell like cinnamon toast,” she said, picking up the candle and sniffing it.

When she got to the section of baby items, she said, “You can tell this is my pride and joy.” Ray has a 3-year-old granddaughter, and she hopes for more in the future, she said.

Ray’s favorite piece in her store is an antique blue glass hand.

“I went to an antique store, and I saw it and I fell in love with it,” she said as she carefully handled the heavy piece. “The guy at the store said he thought he’d never sell it. I asked him if he had any others, and he said no. I haven’t seen another like it.”

Ray has two adult children. Her daughter works in Daleville, and her son works in Indianapolis. Ray’s husband retired from Guide Lamp several years ago, she said.

She was a “lunch lady” for Anderson Community Schools while her daughter was in elementary school.

“The kids love me because I was nice,” she said. “I wasn’t the mean one.”

Ray progressed into creating gift baskets after she became frustrated with ordinary gifts.

“The first year I did Christmas baskets for my family, they just loved it,” she said.