By Roxy Garrity | For Raleigh Convergence
Consider small businesses in Raleigh when buying for the kids in your life this holiday season.
These stores and businesses not only have unique and affordable gifts for kids, but they’re taking extra safety measures to ensure a socially distant shopping experience, curbside pick up or even delivery.
Here are 14 Raleigh area businesses where you can find gifts for children:
Alara+Zane
Where: 200 Park at North Hills Street, Suite 120, Raleigh
Nestled in North Hills, a great place to do holiday shopping, Alara+Zane is a unique store that offers quality clothing and products for children up to age six as well as a space where they can play. Play passes start at $15 and you can also book private play sessions. On their gift guide this holiday season is an adorable wooden Emotions Memory Game ($30) and Unbreakable Sunglasses ($15) that will make a great stocking stuffer.
MORE SHOP LOCAL: Don’t miss our guide to holiday shopping events and more gift-giving resources supporting local.
PlayFunParty
Where: 2908 N. Main Street, Suite 100, Fuquay-Varina
PlayFunParty in Fuquay-Varina is an indoor play area for kids but if you don’t feel comfortable visiting yet, don’t worry. They offer a character balloon delivery service starting at $40, and Mickey Mouse or Daniel the Tiger can make a contactless delivery to your home. A 10-minute meet and greet with a photo is also an option.
PlayFunParty equipment can also come to you! Ranging from $150-$250, you can rent a toddler play area, designed for crawlers to 4 years old, and have it delivered and set up in your home or backyard.
House of Swank Clothing Company
Where: 119 E Hargett Street, Raleigh
Keep your kids on trend with a locally themed T-shirt ($19.99) by the House of Swank.
Not only are they cool, but these shirts are super soft and comfortable! They also make youth-sized face masks ($11.99.)
The Flourish Market
Where: 307 West Martin Street, Raleigh
Give a gift that gives back. Every product sold at The Flourish Market has a bigger purpose like helping employ refugee moms (right here in Raleigh) who make adorable baby gifts. Personally, our toddler loves the Klee Girls All Natural Makeup. ($14)
Science Safari
Where: 1255 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary
Science Safari carries everything from science experiments, to building kits, and toys that will keep your kids moving during virtual learning breaks (ie: the Maverick Pogo Stick $49.95.)
They are currently limiting the number of visitors in the store but welcome you to check out their gifts in person. If you don’t know what exactly you’re looking for, they are happy to be your master personal shopper!
Alsies Ice Cream mobile truck rental
Where: Throughout Wake County
Imagine waking up, going outside, and seeing an ice cream truck in your driveway! Sounds like every kids’ dream, right? You can turn that dream into a reality with the help of Alsies Ice Cream. For $65 plus the cost of the ice cream, you can have them come to your home. They travel all around Wake County and offer e-gift cards too.
Raleigh Tennis Association – Try Tennis Tool Kit
Where: 6325 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 35, Raleigh
Editor’s note: This address has been corrected.
For $150, you can have everything you need to play a family game of tennis delivered to your door. This includes a pop up net, 2 adult sized rackets, 2 junior rackets, balls, and even links to online resources with tips on how to improve your game.
Plus, you’ll be supporting The Raleigh Tennis Association, a non-profit supported by volunteers within the Raleigh community.
Cirque De Vol
Where: 300 W Hargett Street, #40, Raleigh
Let your child flip and swing around with the safety and guidance of a trained professional. Cirque De Vol in Downtown Raleigh offers youth gymnastics, acrobatics, and aerial arts classes. You can sign up for a session, or drop-in classes are $30.
Quail Ridge Books
Where: 4209 Lassiter Mill Road, Suite 100, Raleigh
This independent bookstore is currently offering free media mail and contactless pick up! Check out their 2020 Kids Holiday Guide for your young reader.
Falls River Music
Where: 10930 Raven Ridge Rd, Suite 103, Raleigh
A new guitar, music lessons, or both? Falls River Music offers name-brand acoustic guitars for purchase. If you’re not sure your child will enjoy the instrument they also allow you to rent a guitar for $30-$35 a month.
Nick’s Trains
Where: 5201 Oak Park Road, Raleigh
This family owned and operated store is filled with new, used, and collectable model trains and toys. They encourage you to come in to talk trains, but also offer curbside pick.
Deco Raleigh
Where: 207 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh
Deco Raleigh is located in the heart of downtown Raleigh and features over 75 local brands. They also have adorable bundle gifts for kids like this “Learning at Home” set ($59.50.)
Read With Me
Where: 111 E. Hargett St., #110, Raleigh
Read With Me is an independent bookstore specializing in high-quality children’s books located in Downtown Raleigh. In addition to books they also sell e-gift cards that can be redeemed online and a variety of bookish accessories.
Marbles Corner Shop
Where: 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh
Marbles Corner Store at the Marbles Kids Museum is offering private personal shopping appointments, curbside pickup and delivery (free for orders over $40). Take home the power of play with their selection of whimsical and educational toys. They also offer Play Kits for $99 and for every one purchased, one is donated to a Wake County family in need.
MORE SHOP LOCAL: Don’t miss our guide to holiday shopping events and more gift-giving resources supporting local.
Motivated by creativity, culture, and humanitarian progress, Roxy Garrity is a freelance journalist who lives in Raleigh with her husband and daughter. Currently, she’s the content manager for Fun 4 Raleigh Kids. She’s written for LittleThings, Huffington Post, and multiple news outlets.