Tis’ the season for shopping, and once again we’re providing you with a variety of gift ideas to be found throughout Columbus this holiday season. Every Thursday over the next five weeks, we’ll be showcasing gift ideas at various stores. This week we’re focusing on children.
1. Topozoo available at Lottie Da boutique
“The #1 must have item in my shop this year is Topozoo, says Amy Routh. “They are unique wooden custom creature playsets that are manufactured and shipped here in the USA, designed by the Ohio based toy company Geared for Imagination.” Each comes with 15 pieces that assemble into 3 animals per set. All the pieces and sets can be mixed and combined to created over 400,000 different custom “creatures” limited only by your imagination. Choose from three playsets – Dinosaurs, Safari and Monsters. ($32 each)
Lottie Da Boutique
4705 N. High St.
Clintonville
More information online at www.lottiedababy.com.
2. Blind Boxes available at Rivet
Looking for more of a surprise gift, or a fun stocking stuffer? Rivet carries several varieties of blind boxes for you to give. From the Simpsons, to Dunny, to the popular UglyDolls and darling Re-Ment replicas, there are plenty to choose from. Pick up a few! (from $6)
Rivet
1200 N. High St.
The Short North
More information online at www.rivetart.com.
3. Heavenly Hair Kit available at Larson’s Toys and Games
For girls in the 8-12 set, this science kit is sure to be a hit! “It has everything you need to make your own shampoo and conditioner,” says Gary Larson. Kids can also learn some really cool science about their hair, plus there are styling tips from the pros. ($19.99)
Larson’s Toys and Games
1617 W. Lane Ave
Lane Ave Shopping Center
More information online at www.larsonstoys.com.
4. Wooden Teethers from Little Allouette
Little Allouette has been crafting “wood for wee ones” since 2007. They have become quite a hit for those looking for a classic wood teether in fun, modern shapes. Even better is they are made here in Columbus from locally sourced hardwoods. The perfect size for babies, or wonderful props for photos, this is one gift that is sure to delight. (from $10-28). If you cannot decide on one beautiful design, give their Wee Wood of the Month Club for $55.
Little Allouette toys can be purchased online at their Etsy store, or found at various shops around Columbus.
5. Ted D. Bear from The Land of Nod
Have a little one in your life? Everyone needs a teddy bear. This adorably cute and huggable one from Land of Nod would be the perfect friend to give. Ted D. is 8″, has stitched on eyes and nose and sits in a seated position. ($14.95)
This bear can be purchased online at The Land of Nod.
6. Classes in any interest.
For teens, consider giving classes in an area that they are interested in. Igloo Letterpress in Worthington offers Letterpress and Bookbinding classes. (about $80). Sew to Speak in Clintonville offers all kinds of levels of sewing classes, from Intro to Machine Sewing to making and designing your own quilts and clothes. ($25-80). The Columbus Children’s Theatre Academy offers classes for a variety of ages at several locations. ($80-90). Or consider giving a season subscription to the Children’s Theatre’s shows, prices vary.
7. roll: Push Balance Bike
Need a cool gift for a youngster learning to ride a bike? The roll: Push Balance Bike is great because there are no moving parts to get stuck in. “It’s designed to teach kids from the ages of 2 to 5 to ride a bike without ever using training wheels.” Available in green, orange and blue. ($99)
roll: 3 locations
1510 W. Lane Ave
Easton: 3950 Townsfair Way
Polaris: 2042 Polaris Parkway
More information online at www.roll-online.com.
8. Lego and Duplo Sets from The Lego Store.
What kid doesn’t like these? The quintessential building blocks, legos and duplos are fun to collect, build and imagine. While the creative sets are great to get for special pieces, the plain blocks make for great creative play. (Some of the models from the Architecture Series and the games they recently debuted are fun for adults too!) (Prices vary)
The Lego Store at Easton
4400 Gramercy St
More information available online at www.lego.com.
9. Classic Wooden Schoolbus available at SproutSoup
Owner Alissa DeRouchie tells us, “This solid wood school bus has long been a hit with preschoolers. The top opens revealing ten removable peg people. Made in Vermont by Montgomery Schoolhouse.” They are carved from hardwood maple and sure to last many years. ($48)
Sprout Soup: a natural family store
4310 N. High St.
Clintonville
More information available online at www.sproutsoup.com.
10. Ohio Loves Me Bodysuit/Shirt available at Wholly Craft
Made by local favorites Mr. Pickles, the Ohio Loves Me baby bodysuit is perfect for that out of state baby you love or any local proud buckeye baby. The American Apparel bodysuit is available in 3-6 mos, 6-12 mos, 12-18mos, 18-24 mos and in tshirts for toddler sizes 2, 4, and 6 and comes in Red. (about $10)
Wholly Craft
3169 N. High St.
Clintonville
More information available online at www.whollycraft.net.
Thanks for Reading and Happy Holidays!