‘Tis the season to shop local! We’ve made a list, and checked it twice, with not only some of the best local shops in Greater Des Moines, but also ones where the gifts are made locally. From spicy salsas and sweet wines to custom jewelry and loud socks, we’ve got something for every Iowan (or Iowan wannabe) on your list.
Retail
AllSpice Culinarium
Where: 400 E Locust Street, Des Moines
At AllSpice Culinarium, you'll find a spice for every taste, including spices from Des Moines' one-of-a-kind favorite eateries and flavors, such as Gusto Pizza, Ammazza Suocera, Mo'Rub, and Rory Brown.
AR Workshop
Where: 1631 SW Main Street, Suite 104, Ankeny
AR Workshop in Ankeny allows you to give the gift of crafting fun. You can choose to gift them the experience of participating in one of AR Ankeny’s many crafting classes, or you can get a DIY kit to – go! These range from creating your own canvas pillow cover to plank signs to blanket creations. These come with everything you need to do in the comfort of your own home!
Arf & Wag Studio
Where: 8033 University Blvd., Suite. B, Clive
For all you pet lovers out there, give the gift of a photo session featuring your furry friends. Arf & Wag specializes in pet portraits, creating the long lasting gift of photos with your favorite pets. Dogs, cats, birds, and more can all be photographed.
Backroom Clothing
Where: 2601 Beaver Ave., Des Moines
If you're looking for a new suit or other quality men's clothing items at value prices, Backroom Clothing is a great option for shopping this holiday season. Explore the store or give the gift of a shopping spree with a gift card.
Board and Brush
Where: 12871 University Ave., Suite 150, Clive
Board and Brush is perfect for the creative person. Book a time for a sip and paint to create your own board sign. Give the gift of a workshop to create charcuterie boards, door mats, and more. Don't want to create the sign? You can purchase premade boards as well!
Bozz Prints
Where: 215 5th Street, West Des Moines
Bozz Prints specializes in prints, posters, and apparel with a distinct style and fun Midwest bent. The handcrafted designs are inspired by local landmarks, including the iconic Traveler's umbrella downtown, gold-domed Capitol, and Gray's Lake bridge.
Brandmeyer Popcorn
Where: 647 S. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny
Specializing in gourmet popcorn, Brandmeyer Popcorn boasts more than thirty flavors, so you’re sure to find something that will please every taste. From traditional flavors like cheddar and caramel to more unique flavors like apple cider cinnamon and jalapeno fireball, Brandmeyer Popcorn is a perfect gift. Get single bags, variety samplers, and even everyone's favorite holiday tradition, popcorn tins.
Canoe Sport Outfitters
Where: 203 W. Salem Avenue, Indianola
With all the excitement around the Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON), you won't want to be left out next year! Purchase your canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard now to enjoy navigating the water and take advantage of the 86 planned access points throughout Greater Des Moines.
Capital City Fruit
Where: 1850 Colonial Parkway, P.O. Box 337, Norwalk
Want a fresh idea? Check out Capital City Fruit. They offer farm fresh produce delivered directly to your doorstep. With more than 100 individual and mixed boxes to choose from, the choices are endless! Plus, no membership or subscription is required, so perfect for a gift.
Chocolaterie Stam
Where: Three locations: Ingersoll Ave, Valley West Mall, Outlets of Des Moines
Chocolaterie Stam has been creating fine European Chocolates since 1913 and these are the perfect gift for someone sweet in your life. If chocolate isn't what you're looking for, they also offer gelato, nuts, candies, gift boxes, and more.
Chocolate Storybook
Where: 1000 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines
Give the gift of fine chocolates, truffles, and other sweet confections. Chocolate Storybook has something for any sweet tooth: decadent truffles, sweet and salty chocolates, cotton candy, caramel, and more. Or, make gift-giving easy with the All-Iowa Snack Box filled with favorite local goodies, including Amana mustard, summer sausage, and cheese, Almost Famous Popcorn, Gourmet Crackers, and a 9-piece box of chocolates decorated with corn icing.
Crème Bakery
Where: 543 28th Street, Des Moines
The ultimate sweet shop in Greater Des Moines. Your place for coffee, cocktails, cakes, pastries, and more. Grab a gift card, or other goods from the local partners they display in their store.
Des Moines Mercantile
Where: 3707 6th Avenue, Des Moines
Des Moines Mercantile is your one-stop-shop for handcrafted, local goods. Nestled in the heart of historic Oak Park, this modern general store inspired by simpler times features leather goods, hand-printed posters, kitchen and bathroom goods, and fun stationary.
Flag of Des Moines
Where: 2121 Wakonda Drive, Des Moines
Don't call it a comeback. Officially adopted in 1974, the Des Moines flag soon became lost to history. That is until a grassroots movement began in 2019 to reinstate the flag. Now you'll see the flag proudly displayed on front lawns, car bumpers, and clothing throughout the city. You can get an actual flag, or rep it on a t-shirt, socks, stocking cap, or hat as well.
Gong Fu Tea
Where: 414 E 6th St, Des Moines
While exploring the East Village, don't forget to stop inside Gong Fu Tea. Priding themselves on having ultra-high quality loose-leaf teas available for purchase, Gong Fu Tea is a stylish teahouse with other accessories available.
Heart of Iowa Market Place
Where: 211 5th Street, West Des Moines
Located in the heart of Historic Valley Junction, they specialize in Iowa gift baskets, gourmet foods, souvenirs, John Deere, Iowa Hawkeye, and Iowa State gifts. Pretty much everything you’d associated with Iowa, all in one spot.
Ichi Bike
Where: 311 E Walnut Street, Des Moines
Ichi Bike is just about the most unique bike shop around, offering one-of-a-kind creations, with everything from electric bikes to BMX, to vintage retro bikes. If you can dream it, they can build it.
KIN
Where: 333 E Grand Avenue, Suite 106, Des Moines
KIN is a modern mystical shop in the East Village that specializes in vintage and custom jewelry. If you need rings, bracelets, earrings, or necklaces, they’ve got it all. Looking for something else? They also have candles, books, décor, crystals, and so much more. If you're more of an experience gift giver, book a session of Aura Photography. Learn about the energy in your auric field, and have it captured on a film photo. Book your time here.
Lola's Fine Sauces
Where: 2202 Wolf Way Suite 1110, West Des Moines, IA 50265
For those with a spicier taste, try Lola's Fine Sauces for a selection of locally made hot sauce, salsa, and cocktail mixers. This retail store and restaurant is based on a secret family hot sauce recipe passed down from mother to son.
May Eleven
Where: 350 E Locust St Suite 103, Des Moines
A brand-new boutique in the East Village, May Eleven has you set for all the holiday looks you may need. Describing their style as modern and everyday, May Eleven has many options for the chic style you may be aiming for.
Mainframe Studios
Where: 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines
For the art lovers on your list, look no further than Mainframe Studios. Home to more than 75 artist studios, Mainframe artists sell all kinds of locally made gifts, including ceramics, jewelry, painting, hand-blown glass, custom clothing, scarves, and blankets.
RAYGUN
Where: 505 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines
The folks at Raygun have their finger on the pulse of current events and use a screen printer to impart cheeky sayings, Des Moines inside jokes, and political observations on t-shirts, postcards, and pint glasses.
She Home and Gift
Where: 400 E Locust Street, Des Moines
For Des Moines merch with a more feminine flair, head to She. Here you'll find delicate skyline prints on bags, furniture, and note cards. They also have some of the coolest holiday décor to add holiday cheer to your home.
Sticks
Where: 400 E Locust Street, Suite 12, Des Moines
Sticks' wooden, handmade pieces are quintessential "Des Moines." Started in 1992, Sticks has received national acclaim for their distinctive line of furniture, accessories, and art. Plus, it’s easy to support small businesses when they carry home accessories, jewelry, gifts and more from artists and vendor both near and far.
West End Architectural Salvage
Where: 22 9th Street, Des Moines
Hunt for one-of-a-kind finds spread over four floors of home decorating inspiration at West End Architectural Salvage, as featured on HGTV. Here, repurposing artists create custom furnishings and décor pieces using salvaged materials. It’s an antiquers paradise, and their work is featured in many of the coolest bars and restaurants in town.
LOCAL RESTAURANT GIFT CARDS
Give the gift of a night off from cooking! Find your favorite cuisine here.
BREWERIES
Greater Des Moines' breweries have something for every taste — stop by one of our many taprooms and pick up a six-pack, growler, or gift card and drink local!
515 Brewing Company
Where: 7700 University Avenue, Suite C, Clive
Barn Town Brewing
Where: 9500 University Avenue, West Des Moines
Big Grove Brewery
Where: 555 17th St. Des Moines
Confluence Brewing Company
Where: 1235 Thomas Beck Road, Suite A, Des Moines
Exile Brewing Company
Where: 1514 Walnut Street, Des Moines
Firetrucker Brewery
Where: 716 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny
Kinship Brewing
Where: 255 NW Sunrise Drive, Waukee
Lua Brewing
Where: 1525 High Street, Des Moines
Peace Tree - Des Moines Branch
Where: 317 E Court Avenue, Des Moines
Reclaimed Rails Brewing Co.
Where: 101 Main Street NE, Bondurant
Twisted Vine Brewery
Where: 112 SE 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
West Hill Brewing Company
Where: 219 W Salem Ave, Indianola
WINERIES
A bottle of wine never disappoints. Check out one of Greater Des Moines' wineries for a great gift (and, of course, be sure to factor in time to sample the wines before you buy).
Covered Bridges Winery,
Where: 2207 170th Trail, Winterset
Jasper Winery
Where: 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
Summerset Winery
Where: 15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola
Tassel Ridge Winery
Where: 1681 220th Street, Leighton
HOTEL GIFT CARD
Missing your loved ones? Give the gift of a visit to Greater Des Moines – or treat yourself to a luxurious staycation! Find hotels here.
MEMBERSHIPS AND SEASON PASSES
Greater Des Moines is chock- full of attractions and arts organizations, giving you plenty of ways to stay entertained and appreciate the community's culture. Consider a gift they can enjoy all year long!
Ballet Des Moines season tickets
Brenton Skating Plaza season pass
Des Moines Art Center membership
Des Moines Metro Opera season tickets
Des Moines Performing Arts season tickets
Des Moines Community Playhouse season tickets
Des Moines Symphony subscription
Living History Farms membership
LOCAL SPORTS
Des Moines is home to several minor league sports teams. Tickets or gear are the perfect gifts to help the sports lover in your life root for the home team!
Don't forget — you can always pick up a Catch Des Moines gift card, which can be used at any one of our excellent local restaurants, shops, and attractions! Visit catchdesmoines.com/giftcard for more information.
