It’s the holidays! Use this Des Moines-based small business gift guide to aid your tough gift decisions. Shopping small will never go out of style and this year, especially, with supply chain delays it’s the best year to show our support for the small businesses that have weathered the pandemic.
Written by: Vada Abrahamson, Des Moines Girl Contributor
Many factors go into a good gift: presentation, thoughtfulness, timing, and of course, where you bought it from. Shopping small is our favorite way to ensure our gifts make a mark on more than just the recipient. You guys asked for a small biz holiday shopping guide this season, and we are more than thrilled to deliver. We gathered the best holiday gifts in Des Moines to get you shopping sooner, from stunning vintage to hands-on classes. Consider this list our gift to you and enjoy shopping small this season.
For The Sister
Shopping for your sister can be a hit or miss; you feel like you know her so well until it comes to finding the perfect gift. Don’t get stuck hunting this season, and let us do the work for you by picking from these tremendous local gifts that even the pickiest of sisters will love.
Eden Beauty Gift Set
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.
Perspire Sauna Membership
Most of us are familiar with the concept of a sauna. You go in, sweat for an hour, and leave feeling refreshed somehow. Of course, our local businesses are always taking things a step further, and Perspire Sauna does just that with their infrared experiences.
Infrared saunas use light colors to directly heat up your body, not just the air around you. If you’re ready to put a membership in your cart for your sister (and one for yourself), you have three great options to choose from.
Rooted Yoga Classes
There’s no gift like that of movement, community, and a sense of belonging. At Rooted Yoga, that is exactly what your sister will find. Rooted Yoga has a team dedicated to inner and outer growth. They have created a space that encourages many people to do just that.
Whether you want to treat your sister to a single class or purchase a membership, she will be met by empowering instructors and a class full of people who are excited to lift each other up and take on their growth journey together.
For The Partner
If the sentence “You don’t need to get me anything” sounds familiar to you at all– don’t worry, we’ve been there. Luckily, the Des Moines area is booming with great gifts and experience to get your partner this holiday season that will blow them away despite their low maintenance wish list.
Storyhouse Bookpub
We really can’t think of a better way to give back time and time again than with a book or gift card to Storyhouse Bookpub. Between the experience, shopping local, giving a book a second chance at life, and giving your partner the best gift yet.
Our favorite part of this gift is that you can take it a step further and turn it into a mini date night by attending one of their many events. Storyhouse has all genres of books so that you can pick one of their favorites or get them hooked on a new series.
Cooking With Alessandra Class
Gift your partner a front-row seat to the best cooking class in the metro when you book with Alessandra. Born in Italy (and well-traveled), Alessandra has one goal– to bring her love of cooking to others.
These cooking classes can help build foundational skills and may even help your partner find their signature dish. Between the hands-on experience and lasting knowledge, this gift is a must-have. But book quickly because spots go fast and months in advance!
You can also buy a “cooking class to-go” as pictured above if you’re not sure what day works best!
Fontenelle Supply Co. Made-To-Order Leather Goods
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 partner loves to spend free time outdoors, locked up in a study, or working magic in the kitchen, you are sure to find a great gift here.
For The Mama
For the mom who does it all, has it all, and knows it all, it’s only fitting to get her a gift from the city that also has it all. Des Moines is full of local shops that moms will love, and you can even turn a shop into a special spot for the two of you.
MARNē Sweaters or Accessories
Marnē’s curation is beautiful; what more can we say? In all seriousness, there are numerous pieces that new moms (or your mom!) will love, and if you aren’t sure of her taste, pick her up a gift card.
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?
Jane’s Family Shop Adorable Kid Clothes
I have to admit, I am a huge sucker for baby clothes– and the new mama in your life probably is as well. Janes offers modern and aesthetically pleasing family goods that any mom would love to have in her home and her babes closet.
One thing that makes Janes 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.
Wild Flower 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.
For The Friends
Our friends are the people we take on shopping trips, swoon over online shopping sites, and give mini-fashion shows after a clothing haul. So it’s pretty easy to have an idea of what they would like as a gift. Take all of your great ideas and turn them into a local treasure hunt with these fantastic shops.
Preservation Accessories and Gifts
We can’t think of a more harmonious blend of vintage and modern than that of Preservation. This brick-and-mortar shop offers a unique combination of home goods, accessories, clothing, and all things stylish.
Of course, if this store seems to have your friend’s vibe, but you don’t quite know what to get her, you can always opt for a gift card and let her treat herself. But if you need some guidance, the vintage hats and modern apothecary are absolutely stunning.
KIN 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.
East Village Spa Gift Card
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.
When you choose a spa gift card for your friend, you will have many options for services to gift her. If she is a skincare fanatic, opt for a rejuvenating facial. Or, if she is a go-getter who is on her feet all day, book a calming massage.
Bozz Print Puzzles
Puzzles became a big hit in the heat of lockdown– personally, we hope the trend sticks. Gifting your friend a Bozz Prints puzzle combines the fun and excitement of fulfilling a puzzle with intricate local designs.
These unique puzzles tug at the heartstrings of any Iowan and are totally gorgeous enough to frame and display in your home. Not only are you getting your friend one of the coolest gifts out there, but this is a surefire way to occupy a few hours of their time.
Are you ready for our 12 Days of Giveaways? Kicking off in December we’ll be giving away one prize every single day on Instagram. Make sure you’re following us and tell your friends.
