Written by Natalie Scully, Valley High School Student
Everyone is talking about how holiday shopping is going to be challenging this year. Well, guess what isn’t stuck on shipping containers out at sea? All of the incredible things you can buy from our local small businesses. Whether you’re online shopping at home or out and about around town, check out this Ultimate Gift Giving Guide to get some ideas for this holiday season!
Beers & Cheers
Create a memorable experience for your family by heading to any of these local West Des Moines locations to surprise your loved one with a gift card for an adventure they’ll never regret.
Barn Town Brewing has a passion for craft beer and loves using high-quality ingredients and healthy foods from Iowa farms. Barn Town loves creating unique experiences.
El Guapo’s Tequila + Tacos serves the best tacos with fresh homemade tortillas. They have fantastic ambience and over 100 tequilas. El Guapo’s is waiting for you!
Something that your family may have never done before: have some drinks while getting their hair cut and styled. Scissors & Scotch has ample grooming services and a fully-stocked and inclusive bar. “Look Good, Feel Great.”
Culinary Nomad is a mobile kitchen that Chef Andrew Cardillo runs in West Des Moines. They have a fantastic menu with a range from pasta to chicken sandwiches. This on-the-go Italian kitchen is outstanding!
A gift for him or her (or them!) this holiday season
Feeling the love this holiday season? Surprise your special someone with a necklace or ring to show how much you care.
Christopher’s Fine Jewelry has a wide selection of different diamonds and gemstones to choose from. Whether it’s a bracelet or necklace, they have something for everyone. With more than five collections of jewelry for her and 2 watch collections for him, you won’t have to worry this holiday season.
Morrissey’s Fine Jewelry has an extensive amount of jewelry from charms, dangles, and bangles to engagement rings and wedding rings. Get your children special charms and bracelets, or give earrings to your significant other!
Gifts to last a lifetime
Pause a moment in time, and keep it forever. These West Des Moines businesses can help you give your loved one a gift they’ll cherish for generations.
Midwest LifeShots Photography is the perfect place to create a memorable gift your family can’t forget. Take family holiday photos or get the perfect shot of your little ones that their grandparents can put on the wall. From wedding photos to newborn photos, these photographers can capture the moment just right!
Have a favorite photo, important memorabilia or a craft your little one made? The Great Frame Up has something for everyone to make sure you get what matters most to you protected for decades behind a frame. Get your most important moments up on the wall. Visit The Great Frame Up and spread that holiday joy.
Cute & Creative Gifts
Have no idea what to get your family for the holidays? These local West Des Moines businesses sell the cutest small gifts, trinkets, and customizable items. Your family will cherish the little things in life.
One Board Gal is the perfect small business to get a cheese board, cheese platter, or charcuterie board for any holiday or party. Create a customized spread of cheese, and you’ll quickly become the “host(ess) with the most(est).”
Heart of Iowa Market Place is a small business with lots of charm. They have such memorable gift baskets. Get one specifically tailored to your loved one for the holiday season. With Heart of Iowa, you can have a customized, heartfelt gift that your family will absolutely adore.
Chocolate, yum! The best thing for a perfect holiday party or feast: a platter of assorted custom chocolates from Chocolate Storybook. This is the perfect cozy corner chocolate shop to make the holidays pleasant and one of a kind!
MoMere has all the ingredients you need to create a beautifully decorated home such as dish towels, throw pillows, fuzzy blankets, and wicker baskets. Make your home the one your family loves to spend time in.
give. This is a perfect little gift shop with something for everyone–from cookbooks to lotions to candles that make your home feel warm and comfortable this holiday season. This store is all about helping you give gifts with intention.
Relaxing Holiday Gifts
Everyone needs time to take a moment to step back and relax. The holiday season is the most stressful time of the year. So, give a gift to release that stress with these West Des Moines businesses.
Back pain from putting together gifts? Muscle strain from the holiday dinners? Well, Vero Chiropractic is the place for you. Not only can you get your alignment repaired, but you can get the pressure of stress off your nerves. Get aligned for the holidays.
Coachlight Clinic & Spa can help with all your stress, from facial treatments to all different kinds of massages. The best way to unwind from the holidays is a facial and a back massage to get you back to your good ol’ self.
Give back this holiday
The best thing about the holidays is giving and helping others. Everything you don’t have a use for, you won’t need anymore. Clothes, toys, furniture–you name it. Get in the holiday spirit and give a little holiday cheer by donating to Many Hands Thrift to create a special holiday for another family.
You can also donate and volunteer with DMARC Food Pantry. DMARC provides food for Iowa children, families, and seniors to lead full and active lives, strengthening the communities where they live. Let’s help work towards a hunger free Iowa.
