Supporting local businesses is at the top of many shoppers’ minds this holiday season. As a mother of two myself, here are my suggestions for some unique gifts our St. Louis stores have to offer for the children on your list this year.
Keep Them Busy: With all of the time spent at home this year, parents are searching for activity-based gifts more than ever. How can you help pass the time and keep kids engaged? Recently launched Kedukid is the brainchild of mother and Play Street Museum–St. Louis owner Nicole Simon. She has always made busy bags for her own kids when going on trips or out to restaurants and found herself making at home busy activities with homemade play dough at the start of the pandemic. The Gingerbread Man Play Dough Kit is a great holiday-themed gift that can be used to create a gingerbread man, pretend cookies, a Christmas tree, or whatever your child chooses to dream up.
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Must-Have Books: EyeSeeMe, a bookstore in University City, holds one of the largest collections of African-American–focused children’s literature in the United States. They are extremely helpful in providing recommendations depending on what you are looking for and helped me pick out a handful of books this year that might be my kids’ favorite bedtime stories, including Monster Trouble and Ada Twist Scientist. Their book subscription service ships two monthly featured books straight to the recipient, with the option to choose books tailored to ages baby to highschooler. Prices range from $15.99 to $24.99 a month and you can select the number of months you would like to gift.
Shop for a Cause: You can feel proud that your purchase is going a long way when you shop at The Nook, a nonprofit retail space. The store rotates in new products year-round, featuring many local makers, and their profits go to St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The board sets by Jaq Jaq Bird are a sustainable way to keep little ones entertained and learning. With two themed sets to choose from at $30 each, they come with five reusable boards, Butterstix to write with, and an adorable travel pouch. Use a damp cloth to erase and reuse and this gift will last for years to come.
Stocking Stuffer: Have your cookie and paint it, too, with Cookies by Beth. Based in Chesterfield, Beth Kelly specializes in unique glazed icing cookies. Each kit comes with a large cookie, outlined in one of four holiday designs, an edible paint pallet, and a paintbrush. They are packaged together in a cellophane bag; perfect for stocking stuffers! Check out her Facebook and Instagram page for more designs. All orders can be placed via email to [email protected].
Do You Hear What I Hear?: Tonieboxes, sold locally at Happy UP Inc. in Clayton and Edwardsville, are one of the hot items for kids this year. It’s an easy-to-use audio box. You can play your own content on the device, but they are generally used with individual Tonies (plastic figures you place on top and they tell stories to kids through the speaker). Starter box sets are $99.99 and individual Tonies are $14.99.
Swinging into 2021: When playgrounds were closed this year, my kids really missed the swingsets. I love that this pocket swing set for $24, sold at City Sprouts, can go wherever you roam from Forrest Park to your own backyard.
Cute and Cuddly: Jelly Cat stuffed animals have always been a favorite at hour house because of how soft (and washable) they are. City Sprouts always has a good selection of irresistible Jelly Cat stuffed animals, such as this festive Rolbie Reindeer for $35.
Hang in There: Honeycomb is making holiday shopping easy this year by offering free virtual zoom personal shopping consultations. They are carrying ornaments, ranging from $5 to $10, by local clay jewelry designer Nova Vita Co. Kids can decorate the ornaments themselves. The popular kids’ shop in Tower Grove also sells a beautiful acrylic paint set ($28) that can be used with the ornaments or any other arts and crafts projects. (Bonus: For an extra fee, Honeycomb is offering to gift wrap your purchases and deliver them to your front door, if you live in St. Louis, or ship them to family members.)
Always in Style: The Woman’s Exchange is a volunteer-led not-for-profit organization founded in 1883 by women for women, so you can feel good about making a purchase that supports their mission. You can’t go wrong choosing from their classic children’s styles, including the iconic cherry dresses. They currently have a cute selection of well-made sweaters with playful motifs like the ones pictured here for $60 each.
Nothing Beats Making Memories: St. Louis has so many wonderful children’s attractions and one way to keep it that way is by supporting them. Give kids or other parents a year membership. From the new St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station to the City Museum, you can’t go wrong with a gift that keeps on giving all year round.
Other local stores to support that carry a wide range of popular and trending toys include Circle of Knowledge, Imagination Toys, and Frisco Train Store.
