Shop Pott. Co: A Local Shopping Guide for Kids (Big and Little)!

Babies, munchkins, or teenagers all can be hard to shop for but no worries, we have the perfect suggestions for what to buy and where to get it in Pottawattamie County!  Some places even have extra discounts for Small Business Saturday this week, too, so it pays to shop early!

If you’re looking for the perfect baby gifts, your first stop should be Kids Outfitters in Avoca.  They have a wide variety of clothes, shoes, and toys – many of which have never been used!  You can’t go wrong with long-sleeve onsies in Iowa in winter!  Also, I’m a big fan of any squishy toy that makes noise, lights up, or can be chewed on.  And while you’re at it, grab some cereal puffs at the grocery store!

Want to get a one-size-fits all gift for an under 8, how about a book from a local author?  Cami Larison, a Riverside teacher, just put out a children’s book called Beaver’s Dam Friends that she will even autograph for you.  You can buy on Amazon and set up to have her sign it.  Read here to find out more.

Want to give them a gift of your childhood?  Head to Second Impressions or Analog in Walnut.  Second Impressions carries vintage toys and comic books that are new and old!  Analog carries vintage games as well as new and old gaming.  They have a great mix for every gamer in your life.

Shopping for a kid who might be interested in agriculture?   You can’t go wrong with a miniature tractor, combine, or even a 4-wheeler from AgriVision in Macedonia!  And while you’re in Macedonia, swing by The Painted Camel.  They have the cutest character rings for little girls or one-of-kind keepsake-type Christmas ornaments! Figurines make a good gift, too. Grab Precious Moments at Lehan’s in Minden.  They have quite a collection.

For older kids, I’m a big fan of giving them experiences, and we have some great ones that are outside and COVID-friendly!  Why not buy a Pottawattamie County Park pass for them for 2021?  They can see the elk and buffalo in Hancock or take to the trails at Hitchcock.

Another thing that could be fun for the whole family is taking them skiing or tubing at Mount Crescent!  I’d stick to tubing but what a great staycation option!

I also happen to know that horse-riding lessons are also a score!  Mine loves Ashley Mason Equestrian here in Oakland, but Josie’s Riding Experience in Walnut has a great reputation, too!

Plus, it’s never too soon to be thinking about next summer!  Did you know that you can buy student golf memberships?  Treynor and Oakland-Riverside both have great courses!

If you want to make sure it’s personal, you can’t go wrong with supporting the Booster Clubs in all the local school districts. They sell hats, mittens, masks, and hoodies in their school colors!  Every kid likes to support the home team!  Riverside gear can also be purchased at Oakland Pharmacy and AHSTW gear can be ordered from What’s Your Sign Graphics in Avoca.

And when all else fails, I think of 2 things.  1. Dollar General in Avoca, Crescent, and Oakland has toys and gift cards! 2. You can never go wrong with food!  Kids love McDonald’s in Shelby, or for those teenagers that love their coffee, Destination Coffee in Oakland or Treynor Java Supply in Treynor offer gift cards, too!  

So hopefully that helps make your shopping list a little easier this holiday season!  Shop Local!  Shop Pott. Co!