Retail therapy and one-of-a-kind gifts are in store when you shop our list of the best boutiques in Greater Des Moines, as voted by locals. From statement piece sweaters to home goods that really tie the room together, supporting local never felt, or looked, so good!
*All of our Des Best lists are crowdsourced and voted by locals.*
Hinge
Good luck walking out of this charming house-turned-boutique without finding a must-have item. As soon as you enter, you’ll be surrounded by a wonderland of boho chic clothes and accessories (most under $50), modern farmhouse home décor, and more. If you think you’ve seen it all, you haven’t. Take a stroll up the stairs to the second floor to find more you didn’t know you needed, including a sale rack and cute vintage items for the kids’ room.
Fontenelle Supply Co.
Cuz we’re the three best friends that anyone could have...and we started our own company! The owners at this hip East Village shop share the values of a Midwestern upbringing and high-quality American manufacturing, which you’ll find in their menswear. They have shirts with rocking Japanese tigers, but you can also still do the classic flannel look, if that’s more your vibe. Think hipster lumberjack chic. And let's not forget some good old fashioned leather items, from wallets and flasks to a custom-made axe sheath!
DSM Mercantile
It’s not just local clothing boutiques, we also have a local one-stop-shop general store to bring you back to the simpler times in life. Just what we all need from time to time. You’ll find items for your home, kitchen, desk, and even some local honey in this charming, highly Instagrammable Highland Park spot.
Real Deals Ankeny
Here’s the real deal, it’s trendy and it’s affordable. Those two things can co-exist! The inventory changes weekly, so you must be quick on your feet if you want to snag the newest piece of home décor or trendy top that’s going to spark conversation with your guests. No need to go to L.A. to find the coolest trends, they do it for you with their new weekly fashion and accessories inventory.
Vinyl Cup Records
Vinyl and brews, what a delightful sounding (and tasting) combo! No counter and no posters in a record store? Better see it to believe it. This unique spot will have you sippin’ on a local craft beer or coffee while you connect with others over your love for music. Take your vinyl for a test drive in a cozy and vibrant listening room. This is an unpretentious and comfortable experience where you’ll find everything from rare hidden gems to the newest releases.
West End Salvage
Are you looking for a showstopping home décor piece that you’d typically only find on the east or west coast, or even overseas? Save the travel and shipping because these guys have it handled. Four huge floors of unique and never boring treasures reside here. If it sounds familiar, it’s because they were featured on their eponymous show on HGTV for two seasons. So go find inspiration in the form of the unexpected, from lamps and tables to one of the best cups of coffee in town!
Preservation
If you’re into vintage everything, look no further than Preservation for their blend of modern and vintage. These one-of-a-kind pieces of clothing and accessories will speak to your inner fashionista without compromising your inner comfortista. There is also a photography studio on-site, where you can schedule a timeless yet modern photo shoot.
Bing's
Ever have trouble finding the perfect gift for that one friend, family member or coworker who has it all? Do you prefer funny gifts that will have everyone rolling? That’s exactly what you’ll find at this Valley Junction favorite. Cat in space mug? Yep! Freddy Mercury jigsaw puzzle? If you’ve dreamt of it in some weird fever dream, they probably have it on a coffee mug, koozie or dish towel.
Bozz Prints
White you’re in Valley Junction, make sure to check out this hip shop founded by John Bosley, inspired by his love of travel, architecture, and the iconic scenery around us. And we’re here for it! Find prints to hang, t-shirts to wear, coffee mugs to drink out of, and stickers for your beer fridge that feature Midwest landmarks we know and love. He even designed the Drake Bulldogs basketball teams’ uber-popular hometown jerseys; and you can pick up the T-shirt version of that in the store. If you don’t find what you want, there’s a custom design opportunity waiting to happen.
Active Endeavors
Calling all active families and Iowans! Find all your outdoor apparel and equipment at this West Des Moines store. With a staff that’s as knowledgeable and friendly as they are adventurous (“trekking in the Himalayas” adventurous), they will outfit you with the best digs the industry has to offer. Think “locally owned-REI," with brands like Patagonia, North Face, Prana, and Yeti. Their end of season sales are some of the best deals you’ll ever find on your favorite brands.
Art Terrarium
Liven up your workspace or home with a wide variety of houseplants, terrariums, and planters. Not sure how to care for your new plant buddy, no worries! Art Terrarium will help you care for your new friend. And get this, they even offer full-service plant styling! Stop in to find your favorites or something new and rare that will really tie the room together.
Beaverdale Books
The age-old question: What’s a good book to read? Step inside this cozy corner, independent bookstore to find books by Iowa authors, do-it-yourself, and health and fitness. There’s just something about perusing a locally owned bookstore you can’t replicate with Amazon. If you can’t find your next best read in their variety of books, they’ll happily order it for you!
Eden
You just found your new go-to gift store and self-care shop, you’re welcome. This apothecary sources its products from around the world and specializes in self-care rituals. You know you’re doing something right when you get a shout from the queen of Instagram, Chrissy Tiegen. Staff will make you feel special and unique, just like their products. Treat yo’ self or treat others!
KIN
KIN is the kind of store that stops you in your tracks when you’re scrolling on Instagram. You’ll do a double take at their collection of vintage and custom jewelry, crystals, candles, and mystical goodies. Find balance, along with the perfect gift, at this East Village hotspot.
Little House on Main
Much like the Bondurant town square that it’s located on, Little House on Main is small but mighty. It’s the place to go for curated goods and gifts where you'll find everything from the perfect seasonal statement piece to a cozy cardigan and jar of artisanal jam. We don’t like to judge a book by its cover, but we will judge a boutique by its Instagram page, and Little House’s Insta all the fire emojis.
MoMere
With more than ten years under their belt, MoMore is one of the stalwarts of the Valley Junction boutiques, with its success rooted in giving the people what they want (including top notch customer service). Featuring an eclectic mix of kitchen decor, men’s and women’s fashions, and a whole second floor of children’s books, toys, and clothing, MoMere will have you coming back for mo’.
The Funky Zebras
Originally starting in 2011, The Funky Zebra’s popularity has produced more than 12 sister stores across the state. The original, located in Ankeny, earned its stripes with great customer service and a wide selection of jewelry, blouses, purses, sweaters, and more. Get all the latest downtown looks at this Uptown Ankeny gem!
Porchlight
Porchlight encompasses just about everything we love about the East Village. Charming, cute, hip without trying too hard, and wholly unique. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of rustic furniture, household accessories, paper products, glassware, and even plants. If you love things that are one of a kind, you’ll want to be here.
Back Country
Take the back roads over to Beaverdale, where you’ll find a fit for every adventure at Back Country. If “gorpcore” (outdoorsy chic) is your aesthetic, Back Country offers contemporary men’s and women’s fashions from around the globe, with an emphasis on brands sustainably and ethically made. Make your way over to this hidden gem, it’s worth the hike!
Old Station Craft Meats
For the grill master and BBQ enthusiast in the family, Old Station Craft Meats in Waukee is the gift that keeps on giving. With a focus on locally sourced cuts of meat, this is the place to go whether you’re looking for the best version of the classics (ribs, steaks, ground beef) or something beyond your local grocery chain (lamb, picanha, venison). And with a knowledgeable staff who are there to help guide you no matter your level of meat mastery, you'll be able to craft up your next drool-worthy feast in no time.
Adorn
Just when you thought downtown Indianola couldn’t get any cuter, here comes Adorn, beckoning you to make that short Indianola road trip you’ve been putting off. This modern gift shop has all the pretty things you’ve seen in your favorite magazine and bookmarked on Pinterest, from essential tees and comfy pants to sneakers and makeup. Trust us when we say you won’t leave empty handed.
Happy DSM
Happy DSM thinks outside the box to bring you carefully curated “happy boxes” that make for the most unique and custom gifts around. For the traveler, a box featuring a bucket list book, porcelain “Never Stop Exploring” wall tag, and Italian roof diffuser. For the foodie, a box filled with brie cheese, jams, and cheese board recipe cards. That’s just a taste of what you can find at this Valley Junction gem, where no idea (or personality type) is too crazy!
Little Lion Eclectics
Find inspiration in Polk City at Little Lion Eclectics, specializing in vintage antiques and mid-century modern reclaimed furniture. Whether it’s a cool bar cart, a retro dresser, or that bookcase you need to tie the room together, they’ll have your home looking magazine ready in no time. Come with an open mind and leave with an incredible statement piece.
MARNe
This sustainably minded women’s clothing boutique in the East Village has some of the most unique and trendy seasonally rotated items in a neighborhood that hangs its hat on unique and trendy. Tucked amongst the restaurants, coffee, and music venues that beg for a whole day trip, you’ll find the perfect sweater, jacket, or pair of statement earrings for your next night out. Make MARNe a must stop on your next East Village excursion!
Raygun
The “Greatest Store in the Universe” has certainly lived up to its own billing, going from quaint East Village t-shirt store to trend-setting pop culture phenomenon, with ten locations across the Midwest. The OG outpost is where you’ll find everything that made it the stuff of legend, from kitschy, self-aware t-shirts to drinkware and even wall art. For visitors it’s an essential souvenir stop and for locals, a wearable source of community pride.
Allspice Culinarium
Spice up your life, literally, at this East Village favorite specializing in culinary herbs, spices, olive oils, and balsamic vinegars. Give your spice rack the makeover you didn’t know it needed with creative twists on the old classics (or stick with the old classics) like ghost pepper salt and Nashville hot chicken seasoning. And their gift boxes are the secret ingredient for that hard to shop for foodie on your list.
