Written by 2023: Madison Stano, Des Moines Girl Contributor / Updated for 2024 by Morgan Chicchelly

We love to support our small businesses here in the Des Moines metro, and what better way to do that than by curating a holiday gift guide! What we love about small business shopping, is that you can really find some cool stuff and choose gifts that your loved ones will not only enjoy but remember for a long time. Here are our picks in 2024: 

A Small Biz Holiday Gift Guide For The People In Your Life

(in no particular order) 

Candle Making Date at Candle Bar DSM

Make your own candle as an experience gift or take the gift to wrap and present later. Either way, Candle Bar is a really fun way to gift this season, plus it’s nestled right in the heart of Valley Junction, which is a small business hotspot! 

Best for: The friend you’re overdue for a date with or a sister/cousin!

Nixon & Norman Toy + JouJou Punch Card

We got an amazing opportunity to host a meet up at JouJou DSM earlier this year. JouJou is an immersive indoor Montessori-style play place that all the little ones in our life LOVE. Couple a punch card or membership option at JouJou with a cute handmade toy from Nixon & Norman – another local business – for the perfect gift they can use throughout the next year.

Best for: The new mama, papa or little on in your life!

Eden Beauty: Gift Sets, Spa Services & More

Let’s face it; you totally have the prettiest sister out there. That’s why we chose a self-care boutique trusted by the Des Moines area since 2003 to grace her beautiful face. Eden is all about sourcing the best products from around the world and bringing them to Des Moines so that we can experience luxury beauty at its finest. 

Eden has multiple skincare sets you can choose from when shopping for your sis, and honestly, we recommend all of them. The luxurious sets will make her feel like she is receiving a spa treatment from the comfort of her own home and introduce her to one of her new fav local businesses. PLUS, Eden just opened a Spa with a variety of services to check out or buy a gift card for.

Best for: The sis who likes to treat herself.

DSM Mercantile Gift Boxes

We love DSM Mercantile for basically every reason, but we especially love their gift boxes that feature MULTIPLE small business products. Win, win. These boxes make the perfect holiday gift for coworkers, host gifts, or aunties. We ordered some for our DSMG team this year. 😊 Be sure to stop into the store as well. You’ll for sure find another gift for yourself or a loved one. 

Best for: Host/hostess gifts and coworkers 

Adri ART Pottery at Kunzler Studios 

Let’s hear it for our local artist community! We recently connected with Adri ART when their hand-thrown sprinkle and holiday mugs caught our eye while scrolling on Instagram. It’s never a bad idea to pick up a one-of-a-kind piece by a ceramics artist at Kunzler Studios in Valley Junction. Check out Adri Art’s pieces here, which will be available online and at Kunzler Studios soon! 

Best for: Your creative friend, cousin, or anyone who appreciates local art!

Fontenelle Supply Co.: Custom Leather Goods & Gifts

Fontenelle Supply Co. is one of those stores that you walk into open-minded, and the shelves show you what you need. From their stunning apparel, custom leather goods, and camping supplies, you may leave with more than you intended.

At Fontenelle, you will find a small but mighty team that is dedicated to what they do and getting you the best product. Whether your loved one spends free time outdoors, locked up in a study, or working magic in the kitchen, you are sure to find a great gift here. Explore home products such as unique snacks, stationary, apothecary and more. While you’re there, stock up on winter clothing like hats, gloves and scarves to brace for the Midwest chills!

Best for: Dads or any other person who enjoys their life a little rugged. 

Reading in Public: Books & Community

Got a sibling who can’t seem to put down their latest read? Or, perhaps they’re always looking to learn more or immerse themselves in a fantasy world? Whatever their reading habits may be, Reading in Public is a bookstore and cafe in Valley Junction with a warm staff who has all the best reccs. 

Whether they’re in to politics and education, romance and fantasy, or mystery and thrillers- Reading in Public is likely to have the book that’s been on their wishlist all year. Not sure what they’re reading? A gift card is just as nice (and they can enjoy a warm cup of coffee or holiday drink with it too!). 

Best for: The sibling that always has their nose in a book.

Cooking Class at the Culinary Annex

Make your gift something you can do together, book a cooking class! Chef Cass has opened her very own culinary studio not only with delicious class opportunities from Korean and Peruvian cuisine, to Thai and and Indian- but does it all with home cooks who range from no skilled to personal experts. 

With hands-on experience and lasting knowledge, this gift is a must-have. There’s nothing better than doing something together and not only learning new skills, but making lasting memories. Not sure what cuisine to test your skills at? No worries! The Culinary Annex also offers fun events, so be on the lookout for upcoming pop-ups and future cooking class schedules.

Best for: The couple who loves trying new things together.

Divine Times Vintage: Hidden Treasures

If you haven’t quite made it over to Divine Times Vintage in Highland Park, now’s the chance! We all love the feeling when you casually browse a vintage or thrift shop, and you come across the P-E-R-F-E-C-T gift- something that reminds you of your loved one. From home decor and collectibles, furniture and clothing, Divine Times has got you covered. Their rotating selection of vintage vendors means that there is always something new in store. 

Got a partner who loves vintage sweaters, jackets or shoes? Or, perhaps they collect mugs or other kitchen decor? Exploring vintage and thrift shops around the Des Moines metro is the best way to find that perfect lil’ something!

Best for: The partner who loves the little things (and perhaps has an eye for the eccentric)

Moglea: Stationary & Home Goods

Moglea is a design and letterpress studio near the heart of downtown Des Moines. Artisans work to create beautifully designed cards, stationary, and other home decor. Their simplistic, bright designs are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. Want to go all out? Their artists can also provide custom services such as wallpaper or interior art work. Or, if you’re looking to go a bit more simple, then their selection of home goods such as puzzles, art books, candles, and more!

P.S., we’ve also caught wind that soon they’ll be offering furniture! Be sure to give them a follow and stay up to date when that’ll be dropping.

Best for: The partner who loves keeping things neat or needs something to brighten up their WFH space. 

Petals & Moss: Plants & Collectibles

Looking for something for the partner who adores their plants? Petals & Moss is a plant lover’s sanctuary in East Village, boasting beautiful tropical and indoor plants, as well as home decor and various collectibles. This cozy plant shop is ready for the holiday season, with a knowledgable staff ready to offer their advice should you have any questions about choosing the perfect plant for a gift. 

Not too confident in your plant-picking abilities? No worries! They also offer a wide selection of terracotta pots, planting materials, unique planters, candles, and so much more. 

Best for: The partner who is a plant-dad or plant-mom. 

Varsity Cinema: Gift Cards, Membership & More

Photo creds to @hiddendsm

Want another idea of something you can do with your S.O.? How bout a membership or gift card to one of Des Moines’ classic gems, Varsity Cinema! Support this locally-owned theater and check out their merch, gift cards and membership options. This is such a cool gift for you and your partner to not only enjoy the movies, but support local while you do it!

Purchase a membership and schedule a monthly movie date night with your partner, make a fun game out of different types of movie genres you can see, or simply choose the Varsity whenever you’re thinking about checking out Hollywood’s next blockbuster (or that indie movie you keep seeing on your FYP). 

Best for: The partner who is the resident movie buff.

Kitchen Collage: Kitchen Essentials, Cookbooks & More

If you’ve never stopped inside kitchen collage, then did you really visit the East Village? This store is full of kitchen gadgets, tools, recipe books, specialty spices and so much more from floor to ceiling. Did we mention you can also peruse beautiful kitchen supplies like Le Creuset and Smeg (you know, the upscale brands we fantasize about owning)? Outside of funky salt & pepper shakers, Kitchen Collage also offers gadgets that’ll have you thinking, “I didn’t even know this was a thing!”- and you’re life changes because of it.

Want more? They also offer a calendar full of unique classes, whether it’s learning about how to mix the best martini, or the secret behind a yeast donut, their cooking demonstrations and tastings will make any parent swoon.

Best for: The family cook (moms, dads, or hey- don’t forget the grandparents!)

Jane’s Family Shop: Adorable Kid Clothes & Accessories

I have to admit, I am a huge sucker for baby clothes– and the new mama in your life probably is as well. Jane’s offers modern and aesthetically pleasing family goods that any parent would love to have in their home and babes’ closet. One thing that makes Jane’s stand out is the women’s section in the store. This allows moms to treat themselves while stocking up on clothes, toys, and supplies for their littles.

Be sure to check out their selection of classic stuffies, adorable wooly sweaters, and unique toys. So whether you know someone who is expecting, someone who “has expected” or simply want to browse all things cute- Jane’s is the place!

Best for: New moms/dads, experienced moms/dads & all those with kiddos!

Wildflower: Flower or Seasonal Wreath Subscription

Giving your mom a thoughtful arrangement on her birthday, mother’s day, and other special occasions is a great way to show her she is loved. One way to make flower deliveries easier (and more frequent) is to get her a Wild Flower subscription.

You can choose between weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly plans to deliver your mom an elegant hand-crafted arrangement. Not only will you light up your mom’s day every time her flowers arrive, but you will be supporting a local business in its efforts to fill Des Moines with more joy.

Best for: The mom with a green thumb (or simply enjoys the presence of beautiful flowers). 

KIN DSM: Jewelry, Crystals, or Candles

If you’re looking for a local shop where you can’t go wrong, look no further than KIN. Between their stunning jewelry collection, mesmerizing crystals, unique pop-up events, and modern home pieces, you are sure to find something to gift your friend. We love that KIN has a modern take on mystical things and creates an environment you will instantly feel welcomed. Even if you are a beginner, the staff will always jump at a chance to help you and give you personalized recommendations.

Also, this year they’ve put out their OWN gift guide for those who simply love to feed off of the energies of others or are into art. Chose from a plethora of handmade candles, a 2024 ritual kit, holiday-inspired incense, and so much more.  

Best for: the free-spirit in your life, or the hostess with the mostest! 

MARNē: Sweaters, Accessories & More

Marnē is a boutique in East Village known for their beautifully curated miscellaneous decor, bags, accessories and their wide selection of clothing. Each item is hand-picked, creating a whole vibe that any of your fav gal pals will love (esp any of your vegan girlies). If you haven’t stopped into Marnē yet, it’s essential to know just how much this shop does for our community. They are a sustainable, vegan, and locally curated. Oh, and did we mention their little gift selection is to die for?

Best for: The local fashionista & sustainable girlies who love a bit of color.

East Village Spa: Spa Services, Beauty & More

Located in the historic and bustling East Village is the luxurious East Village Spa. Here you will find expert massage therapists, estheticians, and nail techs that live to bring your body comfort and radiance. If your bestie is a skincare fanatic, opt for a rejuvenating facial. If they’re a go-getter who is on their feet all day, book a calming massage. Or, book nail appointments for you two to enjoy together!

If you’re in between services or not sure which they’d prefer, a gift card makes for the best gift, giving them the option to choose the spa treatment of their choice. Or, stop in and view the premium spa products East Village spa offers for more of an at-home “treat yo’ self” experience.

Best for: The friend who is in dire need of some R&R.

Best Stocking Stuffers:

There are, of course, an endless amount of shops to find the perfect gift at. Check out these gift shops too: 

Local Gift Shop Guide

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