Shop for the Holidays Along Your Route Home

You’re heading home after work, but still have some holiday shopping to do. What local shops and restaurants are along your route that could wrap up the last gifts remaining on your list? Whether you still need to buy for family members, friends or coworkers, we’ve got a few locations along your commute that make it easy to find the perfect way to say, “Happy Holidays!” in 2024! Check them out below:

Along I-235 

Exit 7: MLK Jr. Parkway / 19th St. / Keo Way

• Mainframe Studios: More than 220 local artists in 30 disciplines call Mainframe home, working in fine arts, fashion, photography and more. Attend a First Friday event — the next one is on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from 5 – 8 p.m. — to meet the artists and buy from them directly or reach out to an artist individually. You can also shop the Holiday Art Market taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 from Noon – 4 p.m.
• Northern Vessel: Sign up that special someone for the Northern Vessel Coffee Club, a subscription-based membership that’s $10/mo. This Keo  Way coffee shop has a fall menu available through Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, too, so be sure to stop in for a warm drink, and while you're here purchase the new sage One Percent t-shirt in the shop.
• Smokey Row Coffee Co.: A favorite right off the interstate, Smokey Row Coffee Co. is where you can get the coffee lover in your life a gift card to use on-site or buy them a drink. Try flavored or seasonal blends like the Apple Cider Steamer or Campfire Mocha.      

Exit 5B: 42nd St.

• Des Moines Art Center: For the artist in your life, consider purchasing an art class at the Des Moines Art Center, located just west of 42nd Street on Grand Avenue. Classes and workshops take place all year long. You can also shop art books, jewelry, Art Center exclusives and more at The Museum Shop.
• Des Moines Community Playhouse: Gift certificates are available, or grab tickets to a show at The Playhouse:
  • Men on Boats performances take place Feb. 7 – March 2, 2025
  • Jesus Christ Superstar performances take place March 7 – 23, 2025
  • Waitress performances take place July 11 – 27, 2025

Exit 3: 73rd St. / Windsor Heights

• 515 Brewing Co.: Along the Clive Greenbelt Trail, 515 Brewing Co. has innovative beers in the taproom, along with magnetic bottle openers that would make a great stocking stuffer for the beer drinker in your life. You can see the Fall / Winter hours here.
• Fairy Tale Cotton Candy: On Grand Avenue, what once was Chocolate Storybook is now Fairytale Cotton Candy, not far off Exit 3. Stop in to purchase gift sets that include bestselling flavors like Ghost Pepper Watermelon Cotton Candy and Ranch Cotton Candy. Don't worry! You can still purchase from Chocolate Storybook, too. Might we recommend the Ho Ho Holiday Chocolate Box or the Joy to the World Holiday Chocolate Pail?
• Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio: Gilroy’s is on 8th Street, so you won’t need to travel far to grab a gift card from this dine-in restaurant. This one’s perfect for anyone  looking for an extensive bourbon menu, not to mention gluten-friendly and vegan options. Toast to the fall season with the classic cocktail, the Apple Butter Old Fashioned, or try the Apple Spice and Everything Nice (it's alcohol-free!)

Exit 1B: Valley West Dr.

• Monarca Gourmet Paletas: Grab some swag and a gift card to Monarca for the ice cream lover you know. Paletas are ice cream popsicles made in-house that you dip into toppings of your choice. Right now you can try the Pumpkin Spice paleta, Coffee Ice Cream paleta  and more! Check out this recent interview with Owner Jose Jacome to learn more about this local business.
• Valley West Mall: Peruse the shops for gifts at Valley West Mall, including Fit to Be Tied, JC Penney, Kay Jewelers, Maurices and more. And stop by Selfie Wrld Iowa for Instagrammable fun and more than 30 backdrops that offer fun opportunities for pics to gift your family and friends.

Along I-80: West to East

Exit 110: Adel

• Adel Flowers and Gifts: Send a Christmas flower arrangement to someone in Adel or nationwide, including wreaths or bouquets. A Christmas Centerpiece or Red Poinsettia Basket are great gift ideas, too.
• Azalea Lane Boutique: At Azalea Lane Boutique, find stocking stuffers like lip balms and wax melts along with gift ideas like Christmas pajamas and jewelry. And sweater weather is here to stay! Stock up on fall and winter options here.

Exit 118: Grand Prairie Parkway (Waukee)

• Old Station Craft Meats: Pick up locally sourced meat products for the holidays. Pre-orders are now open for Ferndale Market turkeys. Order yours by calling (515) 452-0150 or email Suzanne@OldStationCraftMeats.com.
• The Coffeesmith: Along Alice's Road, The Coffeesmith is a great place to find the new Supernova Energy Drink featuring edible glitter. It comes in non-caffeinated, too! The fall menu is available now so treat a friend to coffee while you do your holiday shopping together.

Exit 121: Jordan Creek Parkway

• Des Moines Golf & Country Club (DMGCC): Not far off the Jordan Creek Parkway exit, membership at DMGCC can include fine dining, pickleball and more. Choose between a Golf Membership and Social Membership.
• Giordano’s: The world-famous pizza and full Italian menu not only offers gift cards for the West Des Moines location, but you can ship pizzas nationwide, too!
• Jordan Creek Town Center: West Des Moines’ premier shopping destination offers holiday deals at its stores. Check out The Lego Store, Anthropologie, Apple, FP Movement, Kendra Scott, Nike and more.

Exit 124: Clive

• Wildwood Lodge: Book a night at the dog-friendly Wildwood Lodge for your visiting family. What better way to say thanks for visiting during the holiday season than by paying for their stay? Amenities include an indoor pool, an expanded breakfast, indoor fireplace and more.

Exit 129: NW 86th St.

• Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines/Urbandale: The Hilton Garden Inn offers seniors and members of the military and their families exclusive savings at participating hotels. Not only that, but visitors will enjoy an on-site restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center, free parking and more.
• Russell’s Trophies & Engraving: Purchase a product for custom engraving — including laser and hand engraving. Products include glasses, cookwear and more.
• Texas Roadhouse: Grab a gift card or purchase from the shop. Texas Roadhouse Honey Cinnamon Butter Wax Melts, Legendary Margarita Socks and steaks make the perfect gifts.

Exit 127: Iowa 141

• 5 Borough Bagels: Authentic house-made New York-style bagels await at 5 Borough Bagels. Treat a friend to breakfast and some gourmet coffee. Visit the Urbandale restaurant (there's another location in Clive), and keep your eye out for information on a new bakery in Waukee and second location in Jordan Creek Mall.
• Climb Iowa: Just off the exit in Grimes, Climb Iowa offers memberships, gift cards and classes. This gift offers fun and action for all ages and abilities, and they can use it at the Historic East Village location in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), too.
• Home Depot #2115: From holiday savings to gift cards and subscriptions, The Home Depot is a great option for the DIYers in your life or anyone looking to improve their home. Help them out this holiday season with the perfect tools or home décor.
• Royale Flush Gaming: Host a casino night for whatever group you’re celebrating with this holiday season! Games include blackjack, craps, roulette and more.

Exit 135: Polk City

• Little Lion Eclectics: Look at antiques and modern furniture and decor on Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. or by appointment other days of the week.
• Meraki Mamas Boutique: Grab the I'm Cold crewneck or the Iowa Counties shirt this holiday season. They make perfect Secret Santa gifts or White Elephant gift exchange options. 

Exit 143: Altoona

• Adventureland Resort: Grab a 2025 season pass in Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze for family fun at the park next year.  
• Bass Pro Shops: The Christmas Gift Guide offers special savings for him, her, kids and even dogs. Check out Bass Pro Shops’ family jammies, flannels and hoodies, too. And Santa arrives at Bass Pro on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at 5 p.m. 
• Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse: A gift card for Johnny’s will show you care this holiday season. Johnny’s premium steaks are hand selected and aged a minimum of 28 days. Entrees like Johnny’s Steak De Burgo, the Midwest’s Best Filet Mignon, not to mention the Johnny’s Signature Meatballs appetizer made with house-made meatballs are just a few of the options that await you.
• Outlets of Des Moines: Explore the shopping options at Outlets of Des Moines so you can search out the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Check out Ann Taylor Factory Store, Francesca's, Merrell and Nautica!
• Prairie Meadows: Whether you’re looking for stylish clothing, designer fragrances or gift cards that can be redeemed at a Prairie Meadows restaurant, shop or hotel stay, this is one gift with a ton of options in one location!

Exit 164: Newton, Towards Pella

• Iowa Speedway: Purchase official Iowa Speedway NASCAR merch! Fill out the form to be notified of the 2025 pre-sale for the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol NASCAR Weekend Aug. 1 –  3, 2025. You can also place a deposit for your best chance to beat the sellout. 
• Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: Make a monetary donation or provide support through volunteering in someone’s name this year. A gift of giving can help the Newton community and this beloved garden.
• Iowa Bike Co.: Great gifts for cyclists await at Iowa Bike Co. in Newton. This season, you won't want to miss what's new for 2025!

Exit 182: Grinnell

• Anna Kayte's Boutique: From long-sleeve blouses and floor-length pleated skirts to sweatshirts and sweaters, Anna Kayte's has a variety of new arrivals for the fall and winter seasons.
• Loralei’s Giftshoppe: This gift shop blends contemporary and vintage items in a historic building in the heart of Grinnell. From Milkhouse candles to lotions, soaps and more, Loralei’s is a local favorite during the holiday season. 
• Suzi’s Boutique: For women’s clothing, purses and more, Suzi’s is the place to buy! Find shackets this season in an array of colors and designs that are great for staying cozy in the colder weather, or shop early for holiday designs!

Along I-80: North to South

Exit 94: 36th St. (Ankeny)

• Costco: Pick up holiday cards, wrapping paper and ribbons to put together the most magical looking gift. Looking for an easy way to show you care this holiday season? The Movie Marathon Gourmet Popcorn Gift Set, Godiva & More Holiday Trunk or Season's Best Sweet and Savory Gift Basket are just a few of the holiday gift baskets Costco offers.
• Otter Creek Golf Course: Purchase Buddy Lessons (a single sesh or series of three are available) for you and your bestie this year, or find top brands at the Pro Shop.

Exit 92: First St. (Ankeny)

• Sully Locker & Meat Market: Put an order in for a smoked ham or prime rib from Sully Locker & Meat Market.

Exit 90: Oralabor (Ankeny)

• Fleet Farm: This is where to find stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Don't forget to stop by Fleet Farm's Toyland for the kids.

Exit 56: Indianola/Winterset

• Adorn: Check out items for baby, for the home and for you! Gift cards are available, too, including an option to pool money for one recipient with a Group Gift Card.
• Pageturners Bookstore: Shop the Holiday Catalog at Pageturners and give the gift of books!
• Lula Belle Designs: Festive sweaters and other holiday apparel and gifts can be found at Lula Belle Designs in Indianola.
• Pine Creek LTD: Seasonal decor from Pine Creek in Winterset is the perfect holiday gift for loved ones, and you can now find Pammel Park Coffee, too.

The holiday season is the perfect time to shop local in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Support local businesses, creators and makers across the region. You can find ideas on where to shop using the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMlocal Guides and other regional business directories listed here. Don’t miss the Holiday Promenade each year, when you can skate at Brenton Skating Plaza, shop local businesses, see Santa and attend a downtown tree lighting!.