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Best Places For Kids To Shop For Holiday Gifts

By Anna Berend

We all know the holiday season is about giving. Of course, you might have a hard time convincing a kid of this, but after your child has completed his or her own list of holiday desires have them make a shopping list for all the special people in their lives.

Making this list will help shift your child's focus from individual wishes to granting other's wishes. Then, after talking about the people on the list and a budget to follow, allow your child to pick out gifts for these exceptional people.

Some of my fondest memories as a child involve shopping for gifts for my mom, dad and brother and special teachers. As a mom, some of my most treasured gifts are those that my sons have picked out for me. My boys love to select the gifts they bestow on their loved ones. The gift giving process takes on a whole new meaning when they choose the present.

This list has a selection of stores that range in price points and items, but for the most part, these stores offer a wide selection of gifts, both small and large, with prices for all budgets. Happy shopping!

Patina
(credit: Sasha Westin)


Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

There is a large selection of gifts here ranging from unique jewelry to cool kitchen gadgets to beautiful home furnishings to exquisite scarves, fun and interesting toys and games and on and on. There are locally made and earth friendly pieces, as well. The prices range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollar, as well. A child could find a gift for everyone on his or her list here and have a grand time shopping in this amazing store.

Bibelot
(credit: BibelotShops.com/Anne Garrison)


Hours: M-F 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Bibelot is very similar to Patina in the gift selections and prices. You'll find stunning, inspiring, intriguing, practical and whimsical gifts here whether seeking a gift for a baby, a grandma, a teacher, a teen-aged cousin, a nanny or mom or dad. You can even find pieces made by local artists. There is something wonderful for everyone. The browsing alone is such fun that you and your child won't mind spending time here even if you leave empty-handed, although that is almost impossible to do.

Florists
(credit: Jupiter Images)


Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Bachman's is not simply a florist and nursery with beautiful, flowers, plants, gardening tools and novelties. While those items make fabulous gifts for a child to choose from, Bachman's is also a meticulously curated gift store with unique and lovely gifts that will thrill anyone on your child's list. The prices range from very reasonable to extremely expensive. So, be sure to steer your child in the right direction, depending on his or her budget.

If you are looking for organic, green, chemical free or locally sourced items, Linden Hills Co-op has a lovely selection of chocolates, kitchen items, clothing, small toys, decorative items and more that are economical and Earth friendly. In years past, my child has checked off much of his holiday list while shopping at the co-op.

Midtown Global Market Kids Play Area
(credit: Crystal Grobe)


Hours: M-Sat 10 a.m. – 8.p.m. Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

This Market houses a number of businesses with a selection of gifts from many parts of the world. You'll find beautiful jewelry, art, musical instruments, food, kitchen gadgets, home furnishings and much, much more. The prices are very reasonable and the trip through the indoor market will feel like a trip around the world. Park in the ramp located behind the Market and have your parking ticket validated anywhere you purchase something for free parking. Do your child and yourself a favor and stop for a cupcake or cookie at Salty Tart and container of hummus at Holy Land Deli before you end our world tour.

Best Places for Kids to Shop for Holiday Gifts - 2 Kids with Art
(credit: Thinkstock)


Hours: M-Sat 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Let your child get inspired as you wander through the arts and craft supplies. There are many very economical options here that allow a child to express his or her creativity and love through art. Choose a wooden frame to decorate or a blank canvas and some cheap paints and brushes for your own little Picasso. The paintings always turn out beautifully and the recipient is sure to be delighted by the one-of-a-kind art. Of course, if your child is ready to take on knitting or needlework or other more intensive projects you can find those here too. I like the location in Richfield because there's a Dollar Store next door where you can pick up gift bags and tissue paper for very reasonable prices.

Anna Berend is an attorney and the author of Motherly Law Blog. On Motherly Law, Anna writes about legal issues that affect families and offers tips and resources that pertain to those legal topics. On occasion, inspiration strikes and Anna writes about something totally unrelated to the law.You can find Anna at www.motherlylaw.com, on Facebook at Motherly Law and on Twitter @MotherlyLaw.

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