Tis the Season to Shop Local

‘Tis the season! If you are like me, your holiday list of people to buy for is never-ending. Technology and today’s world has made it super easy to jump online and catch a great deal from a big box store. The convenience is enticing, but the value and effect of supporting local, small businesses is so much more rewarding. When you buy local, not only are you supporting a small business owner, but you are also supporting your community’s economy.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) is blessed with some amazing local businesses and I am here to share with you some of my personal favorites. Keep these #DSMLocal places in mind when you are crossing people off your holiday list.

Des Moines Mercantile

3707 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313; desmoinesmercantile.com

Des Moines Mercantile is located in the heart of Highland Park in Des Moines, Iowa. This mercantile reminds me of a simple general store, but with a modern flair all of us would love today. You will find tons of handmade items from locals including wood baskets, wool dryer balls, local artwork, children’s books and handmade dolls, coffee from Pammel Park Coffee Co. handmade lotion and beeswax candles and so much more. A great place to create a collective basket of local items for the one you love.

Blind Pig Cocktail Bodega

222 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265; blindpig.shop

If you have dined at Cooper’s on 5th in the Historic Valley Junction you may have come across the Blind Pig Cocktail Bodega. The perfect place to purchase a gift for the cocktail and/or whiskey lover in your life. You can purchase bar tools, various fun kits, glassware and more.

KIN

333 E Grand Ave, Ste 106, Des Moines, IA 50309; kindsm.com

KIN is a dreamy place to shop if you have someone on your list that loves the unique and different. Whether you are looking for items that promote relaxation through candles, bath bombs/salts, and incense or beautiful vintage jewelry you will find something at KIN. You may not be able to walk away without grabbing something for yourself too. Not sure what to buy? The staff at KIN is amazing at helping find the perfect gift.

Storyhouse Bookpub

320 SW 7th St, #103, Des Moines, IA 50309; storyhousebookpub.com

Is there any better gift than a book? Gift a book of adventure and fantasy or an intense thriller! Storyhouse Bookpub is a book oasis located in the Historic East Village that’s filled with books of all genres and for all ages. Buying a book here is great, but their cozy bookstore will make you want to stay all afternoon. If you are not sure of what book to purchase, whether it is for an adult or baby, they will be able to guide you in the right direction. If you have littles at home, make sure you stop by on a Saturday at 11 a.m. for storytime.

Art Terrarium

106 11th St. Des Moines, IA 50309; artterrarium.com

Plants have been a hot commodity over the past several years. Did you know there is a plant wonderland located in DSM? Art Terrarium is filled with house plants, rare finds, planters, classes, events and much more. Not sure if your mother-in-law can keep a plant alive, but loves the idea of one? Art Terrarium can help you pick out the perfect one and explain exactly how to care for it! Gift cards are always a great option, too.

Trixie’s Salon & Spa

4118 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311 

A salon is a place to shop for gifts? YES! I have recently discovered that Trixie’s Salon & Spa is not just a place to get your hair done. They have an incredible shop full of the cutest and most unique goodies. While a gift card to get a massage or your eyebrows done is a GREAT gift, they offer some fun boutique items as well. Clothing, jewelry, mugs, earrings, candles and more. Great items for stocking stuffers. The majority of items they sell are from local DSM makers, too. You cannot go wrong at Trixie’s.

BONUS! While shopping this holiday season we do not want to forget the hardworking small businesses who may not have a brick-and-mortar location. You will be amazed by how many dreamers and doers there are creating items within our community. Add these #DSMLocal online local places to your list.

B.E. Happe Designs

behappedesigns.com

B.E. Happe Designs was created by a local mom who now travels the country with her family in an RV. While she is not local all the time, DSM is home to Brooke Happe and her family. B.E. Happe offers the cutest hats in all sizes and styles. They are all handmade and one of my favorite fall and winter accessories. Read her story and purchase a hat or two for the people you love.

Shop Kind Roots

shopkindroots.com

Shop Kind Roots is an Iowa eco-friendly shop run out of a home right here in DSM. If you have someone on your holiday list that is passionate about sustainability and being kind to our earth, this is the place to shop. She offers bundles for someone who may be beginning the sustainability journey, fun pet items such as a matching bracelet and collar (because your cat and dog are on your holiday list, right?) and so much more.

Doe A Deer

doeadeerdesign.com

Home for Doe A Deer is in a small town 35 minutes from Des Moines in Stuart, Iowa. Reagan is the owner and designer of this fun shop and is always releasing creative gifts. My favorite? Bowl covers! Why have I never thought of this before? Sustainable, fun, and a really great gift for anyone. You will also love her flour sack towels, fun apparel, ornaments and stickers. You can shop online or many of her items are in various stores around DSM. I have snagged some items as teacher's gifts.

Dirt Road Candle Co.

shopdirtroadcandleco.com

Dirt Road Candle Co. is one of my favorite candles and you can find them in several stores in and around the region or you can order online. They offer a variety of fun scents that are seasonal or signature scents. Grab a hand-poured hand soap and matching candle as a hostess gift for the next holiday party you attend this season.

Wild Skye 

Wild Skye is a newer shop to DSM. Currently virtual with a physical location opening in the spring, you will find the most unique gift items. If your friends and family love to add fun pieces to create a cozy space, Wild Skye is the place to shop. Wild Skye offers home goods such as wicker baskets, decor items, frames and the most adorable signs.

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Support local businesses, creators and makers across the region. You can find ideas on where to shop using the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMlocal Guides and other regional business directories listed here.