This post is sponsored by Greater Des Moines Partnership.
The countdown to Christmas is on, with little hands moving holiday calendar markers each day or finding an advent calendar surprise. While those small trinkets are taken care of, you might still be on the lookout for other gifts on your list. Here are a few ideas for shopping local in Greater Des Moines this holiday season.
Find Unique Items Using the #DSMlocal Buying Guide
The #DSMlocal Buying Guide includes a section for grandparents, parents, kids and recent grads, as well as a few other specific groups. The kids will love the stocking stuffers from Learning Post Toys, baby apparel from Magic Stitches Embroidery or ready-to-paint projects from Five Monkeys, while a cutting board etching from Bob’s Custom Trophies is perfect for grandma!
Utilize Online Directories
The Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMlocal page offers directories for Black Iowa Businesses, the Downtown Farmers’ Marketplace Online, Shop Where I Live in Central Iowa and many more. View the complete list of recommended sites here.
Donate to Local Cultural Organizations
You can support local attractions like Blank Park Zoo by purchasing an annual membership or by donating online. The Zoo, along with many other cultural organizations around the region, continues to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. By making donations in lieu of gifts, you not only shop local, but you make a difference in the community as well. Here are a few other locations you can buy a season pass, find gifts or make a donation to:
- Ballet Des Moines: Donate | Shop The Nutcracker Package (Through Saturday, December 12)
- Des Moines Botanical Center: Donate | Shop
- Des Moines Art Center: Donate | Gift Memberships
- Des Moines Community Playhouse: Donate | Gift Certificates
- Des Moines Metro Opera: Donate | Holiday Cheer Package
- Des Moines Performing Arts: Donate | Gift Certificates
- Iowa Events Center: Festive To-Go Boxes (Through Saturday, December 12)
- Living History Farms: Donate | Membership
- Science Center of Iowa: Donate | Gift Memberships
This is the time to show support for the small businesses and business owners that make Greater Des Moines the special place that it is. Check out the ideas above and round out your gifts for the 2020 holiday season!
All photos courtesy of DSM Local.
