Givens Flowers & Gifts celebrates 40 years

Givens Flowers & Gifts in Georgetown is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

In 1981, Toby and Carol Givens opened Givens Flowers & Gifts, renting a small room on N. Race Street from Thelma Hudson. What started out as a small hobby-type business turned into a multi-location enterprise with stores in Seaford and Laurel, and two locations in Georgetown. The businesses serviced all of Sussex County and the surrounding area.

Toby retired from Du Pont in 1985, and he and Carol put their heart and soul into the business.

The Givens have three sons, Andy, Tommy and Jimmy, all of whom played a part from time to time in growing the business.

For 33 of the 40 years Givens Flowers & Gifts has been open, Toby and Carol watched their business flourish. In 2014, Toby and Carol sold the business to their nephew Chip Stevenson and his wife Tina.

Even after the Givens retired from the flower shop, Toby and Carol still offered advice. The business continues today to be known for their unique design and quality.

Toby recently passed away, leaving a legacy in Georgetown both professionally and personally. The town would not be the same without Givens Flowers & Gifts, but more importantly, without Toby Givens. He was a past president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, with Givens Flowers being a member for the entire 40 years it has been in business. Toby was also a past president of the Historic Georgetown Association, and a fixture in and around Georgetown. Toby was fortunate to see the 40-year anniversary of Givens Flowers and Gifts, and the impact the business continues to make on the community before his passing.