A One-Stop Shop Guide to Local Retailers + Holiday Gifting in Downtown DSM

The holiday season is here, and so is the season of holiday shopping! Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is ready and waiting to be your one stop shop for gifting (see what we did there?!). Explore the list below including upcoming markets and shopping events plus where to buy gifts in Downtown DSM for every.single.person. on your list this year.

Where to Shop in Downtown Des Moines For ...

This year, support local Downtown DSM businesses with your holiday shopping! It is true that your dollar goes further when you look local first. We’ve curated this list of many wonderful Downtown DSM retailers to help you do just that:

Find Stocking Stuffers in Des Moines

Almost Famous Popcorn – who wouldn’t love a yummy snack in their sock?
Horizon Line Coffee – fresh coffee beans make a great stocking item!
RAYGUN – find quirky socks, shot glasses, magnets, postcards, coasters and more
Scenic Route Bakery – snag a tasty pastry or cookie, or fresh coffee beans

Kids' Gifts in Downtown Des Moines

Aha! Store at the Science Center – everything from science kits to souvenirs
Eden – in addition to beauty and skin care products, find gifts for little ones
Ephemera – beyond stationery and candles, find unique and fun items for kids and babies, too!
Janes – Family Shop – clothing for babies, children and mamas, too

Buy Gifts for Her

Aimee – clothes + shoes + accessories for women
Amour – lingerie, pajamas and also loungewear
Domestica – cards, stationary, jewelry, art and lots more
Garden Shop at the Botanical Garden – kitchen items, home goods, jewelry, books and more
KIN – a one-of-a-kind mystical boutique
Leona Ruby – shop a fine selection of jewelry
MARNe – Vegan and sustainable items
Velvet Coat – women’s clothes, jewelry, accessories

Shop Gifts for Him

Fontenelle Supply Co. – clothes, leather goods, boots and more
Subsect Skateshop – skateboards and skate shoes and skate clothes

Gifts for Anyone on Your List

Plain Talk Books & Coffee – shop a wide selection of used books
The Salvation Army – lots of treasures to be found at this secondhand, thrift store
Storyhouse Bookpub – books, books and more books (and audiobooks too!)

Downtown Specialty Shops

AllSpice – herbs, spices, oils, vinegars ideal for an at-home chef
Fleet Feet Des Moines – a robust range of running shoes, exercise clothing and gear
Gateway Market – specialty foods, floral items, treats, beer and wine
Gong Fu Tea – specialty teas and tea accessories
Jett and Monkey’s Dog Shoppe – all you need for your furry friend
Kitchen Collage – all you need for the kitchen: bakeware, gadgets, tools and more

Plants, Art + Home Items

Art Terrarium – you’ll find plants, gift cards for classes and plant accessories
Funky Finds Vintage & Retro – MCM furniture, home décor, kitchenware and more
Petals + Moss – plants, vintage and antique items
Porch Light – both vintage and new home décor and more
She Home & Gift – candles, pillows, décor
West End Architectural Salvage – one-of-a-kind shop with vintage, antique and salvaged finds

More Downtown Des Moines Gift Ideas

Buy an Experience Gift in Downtown Des Moines

Consider buying gift cards, tickets to a show, an annual pass or membership or just day-passes to a local attraction or performing arts venue such as Des Moines Performing Arts or the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Explore these lists of Downtown DSM attractions, sports teams and music/entertainment venues for additional ideas for that perfect experience gift item!

Local Food, Drinks + Desserts

Look local for holiday sweets deliveries, catered meals and local eateries to entertain your out-of-town guests. Try one of these local restaurants to find warm food and seasonal drink this winter or gather a few ideas of Downtown DSM bakeries for desserts and other treats this holiday season.

Downtown Des Moines Shopping Markets + Events

Holiday Promenade 

Friday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 16 | Historic East Village 
Feel the spirit of the season as you shop the Historic East Village in Downtown DSM! On the 9th, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride sponsored by Prairie Meadows and meet the Grinch (in book form) provided by Global Atlantic Financial Group. On the 16th, enjoy fireworks to cap off the evening with special thanks to MidAmerican Energy Company. Each week will also bring carolers to the streets of Downtown DSM and a visit from Santa. 
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Holiday Pop-Up Market 

Thursday Dec. 8 | Ruan Center 
Support local small businesses! This festive market will take place on the first floor of the building. 
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The Ritual Holiday Market 

Saturday, Dec. 10 | The Firehouse 
Shop a wide-range of products including knitted, crochet and yarn items, art, soap, coffee bean and herbal goods. 
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West End Shop Hop 

Saturday, Dec. 10 | Western Gateway Area 
Shop hop ‘til you drop! This shopping event is hosted by Art Terrarium, Moglea, West End Salvage, Golden Hour, CKD Home, The Cave DSM, Horizon Line Coffee, VZZ Vintage, Thistle’s Summit and Copy + Paste. Stop by one of the stores to snag your Shop Hop passport for a chance to win prizes and freebies. 
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Makers, Bakers & Brews Holiday Market 

Saturday, Dec. 17 | Peace Tree 
Vendors will include Ladyfern Clay Ceramics, Nixon and Norman, 6 Degrees of Deliciousness, Nida Handcrafts and several more! 
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Last Call Open Studio Event 

Saturday, Dec. 17 | Mainframe Studios 
Shop four floors jam-packed with unique art and handcrafted goods from DSM artists: ceramics, glass, quilts, apparel, art prints and paintings, jewelry, DIY kits and lots more for one-of-a-kind gifting. 
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BONUS IDEA: Every Thursday during December, 818 – a tiny design empire, will offer free gift wrapping at Confluence Brewing Co. Freewill cash or food donations will benefit the Food Bank of Iowa!

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.