No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, we’re sure that you can find a great gift–if not the perfect gift–from a local business in Des Moines. Instead of going to a mall to get your shopping haul complete in one go, visit Valley Junction, the East Village, Highland Park, or Ingersoll Avenue. These four neighborhoods are sure to have what you will need to check off your entire shopping list this holiday season. Be on the lookout for Small Business Saturday deals from these places!

Written and Updated by Corinne Hastings, DSMG Contributor // Featured Photo by Sam Battaglieri on Unsplash

East Village

If you’re shopping for your boujee aunt, the friend that just moved into a new place, or in-laws that you really want to impress, there are plenty of fantastic options in the East Village. This neighborhood has a little bit of everything, from vintage stores to plant shops and wonderful clothing boutiques, you are sure to find things for everyone on your list.

Shopping for someone who already seems to have everything or has expensive taste can be a struggle during the holidays. Leona Ruby is the place to shop for the in-law that you’re trying to impress or that friend who always seems to be ahead of the trends. If you’re shopping for someone who loves to host, the foodie in your life, or that person who you’re not quite sure what to get for them, you cannot go wrong with something from AllSpice Culinarium. They have a wonderful selection of gift sets as well as individual spices, extracts, oils and so much more. Everyone eats, so you’re sure to find something for that hard to shop for person on your list at AllSpice.

We’re sure that your list includes at least one person that you want to give something special to, a gift that reflects how special they are to you. Ephemera or Kin will have the thoughtful gift that you’re looking for. Kin has curated a shop full of intentional and meaningful gifts for the person in your life who is introspective and mystical. Their shop is filled with books, crystals, and candles that are sure to inspire. While Ephemera specializes in paper goods and stationery, their gift selection is unparalleled. From cocktail kits to puzzles, all of which are aesthetically pleasing, Ephemera will have that niche something special that you didn’t even know you were looking for.

Other Places to Visit: 

TLDR (too long, didn’t read): We argue that the East Village has the most all-around options for kids, friends, and mother-in-laws.

Highland Park / Oak Park

Highland Park and Oak Park have quickly grown into a Des Moines staple and continues to bring established and exciting businesses into the neighborhood! If you are shopping for someone who appreciates quality over quantity, sustainability, or an item that feels curated just for them, this is the neighborhood for you this holiday season.

Starting any holiday shopping day with a warm drink from The Slow Down Coffee Co. is highly recommended, and they have some gifts available from other local vendors in their store. Des Moines Mercantile has been one of our favorite shops for great local finds, and is where I personally send anyone looking for a gift. They have great gift options for the couple that just moved into their first home, someone who loves to cook, and even have some great options for the kiddos in your life. If you don’t know what to get your parents, this modern general store ranks highly on our recommended shops in DSM.

For the person in your life who is looking to be more sustainable, values items that can last them a lifetime, and especially for the friend who loves skincare products, THE COLLECTIVE is the place to go. They have reusable household items, sustainable pet care items, and an amazing selection of skincare and haircare products. Divine Times Vintage is another new and wonderful shop with an eye-catching selection of vintage goods for the friend that appreciates a unique gift and something they know you picked out just for them. One of Des Moines’ favorite plant shops, Art Terrarium, moved to Highland Park this past year, and their staff will help you find the right plant for each kind of person in your life.

Read more about this neighborhood at this neighborhood guide!

TLDR (too long, didn’t read): Highland + Oak Park have become the new small biz hot spot with more than enough gift ideas to satisfy your holiday shopping list.

Ingersoll Avenue

Ingersoll is a great spot to eat, drink, and shop. Pick up gift cards for the foodie or cocktail/mocktail lover in your life at Lucky Lotus, Lachele’s Fine Foods, The Cheese Bar, Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure, or The Bartender’s Handshake,

We can’t think of a more harmonious blend of vintage and modern than that of Preservation – a sustainable boutique between 36th and 37th. 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 giftee’s vibe, but you don’t quite know what to get her, you can always opt for a gift card and let them treat themselves. But if you need some guidance, the vintage hats and modern apothecary are absolutely stunning.

If you’re headed to someone else’s home to celebrate the holidays and want to wow the host, grab an arrangement from Wildflower. They create gorgeous floral arrangements that are guaranteed to make the best of impressions, if you want to go above and beyond, they also have dried arrangements that will last much longer than the holiday season. 

Make sure to save the date for Dec. 9 to participate in the Peppermint Trail on Ingersoll and the Roosevelt Cultural District. Tons of local businesses will have special deals happening all day. Check out all the details here. 

TLDR (too long, didn’t read): Ingersoll is always a favorite to eat, shop, or bike through any time of year and the holidays are no exception.

Valley Junction

Yes, technically, Valley Junction is in WDM, but we still count it because Valley Junction has something for everyone. I know, I know, you think we’re just saying that, but it’s true! You can spend a whole Saturday wandering through the various antique shops, boutiques, and craft stores and you’ll find something for every person on your list this holiday season.

For that person who would rather have an experience than a gift, Candle Bar DSM and Kunzler Studios have wonderful options for you. Upcycled DSM is newly opened and perfect for consignment vintage and a fun find. Reading In Public Books is a go-to local bookstore.

Between Bozz Prints and Bings, which are conveniently right next door to each other, they have something for everyone. If you’re looking for a funny white elephant gift, a gift for a grandparent, or if you’re shopping for that person who you’re not quite sure what to get for them, we would be shocked if you didn’t find something at one of these two stores. They have a little bit of everything for everyone, and they have things for all price ranges. Bozz Prints is a great place to grab some stocking stuffers, from socks to magnets you will find something for all of the midwest and dad joke lovers in your life. They also have beautiful prints of places and parks around Des Moines, Iowa, and the greater midwest. Their prints would be excellent for someone looking to commemorate a special place in a unique way or for that person who needs some wall decor for their new place.

TLDR (too long, didn’t read): Valley Junction is a great place to shop for out-of-town friends and family, sisters, mamas, and yourself.

Are you ready for our 12 Days of Giveaways?

From December 1-12, we’ll be giving away one prize from a Des Moines-based business every single day on Instagram. Make sure you’re following us and tell your friends.

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