Choosing Local for the Holiday Season
Supporting our local community for the holidays is an amazing option, especially for the kids ages zero up to four on our list. These local holiday gifts may spark your interest in trying to shop local this holiday. They are also very budget-friendly, all costing under $30 (most of them under $15!).
Albuquerque has so many incredible spots to consider when getting your local holiday gifts for kids. I find the local spots are heartwarming and the staff are so helpful. They also have unique toys, books, and activity sets. In a world where online ordering is at the tip of our fingertips, it feels good to have an in-store experience plus support our local community at the same time.
For these local holiday gifts for kids, I am sharing three local spots that never disappoint.
Color Wheel Toys
Color Wheel Toys is a toy store in the heart of Los Ranchos. They have incredible choices from gently used toys, classic toys, science and educational toys, puzzles, and so much more. This local toy store not only has gifts for all budgets, but they have the best staff that helps you find the perfect gift every time.
While they do not do shipping, their website does allow you to order online and pick up at the store. You can even use their free gift wrapping option, which is a win during the holiday season. Gifts here range in price, but they have so many affordable options plus the most incredible stocking stuffer finds too.
For Baby
All options are under $15
Baby Paper: This sensory baby paper is such a great toy and gift for the baby in your life. My son was gifted this exact one when he was young, and he used it all the time. This is great for a stocking stuffer or to gift with a book or small toy. This one costs just under $7.
Apple Grab Toy: I just purchased this apple grab toy for a baby on my list this year. It’s a versatile toy that is for babies zero to eighteen months. Landing at just under $13, it’s a great option for the baby in your life.
Indestructible Book: I have been so excited to purchase one of the indestructible books. They make so much sense because I have books that have been drooled on and even ripped apart. I grabbed the Baby, Let’s Count version from Color Wheel Toys this year to gift to a baby on my list. These are a great option and cost only $6.
For Toddler
All options $27 and below
Stuffed Animals: I was never really a stuffed animal person, but my son is obsessed with them. He has a collection of “stuffies.” If you have a toddler on your list, Color Wheel Toys has some amazing options for stuffed animals. Prices vary between $10 and $30 for the stuffed animals. The cute bunny stuffed animal I linked comes in at $13.
Block Set: You can never go wrong with a classic block set. This will bring endless play and creativity for the toddler in your life. This block set linked is under $24.
Dough Playing Set: I gifted my son this dough playing set from Color Wheel Toys last year for Christmas. It was a hit and is still a toy we bring out and play with. This one costs $27 and the dough is included.
There are so many incredible options in store at Color Wheel Toys. It is a fun experience to go, and they even have play stations for your kids to play at while you shop.
Retail Therapy ABQ
Retail Therapy ABQ is a local boutique located in the heart of Nob Hill. This store is so unique. They have so many amazing gift options from babies up to adults. But if you are a lover of our home state of New Mexico, you will love the amazing options they have for babies and toddlers. They have a cute section of the store that has many options such as the softest pajamas, New Mexico-themed onesies, toys, and books for babies and toddlers. They do have a website and offer shipping.
For Baby
All items under $28
Silicone Teether: Retail Therapy ABQ has the cutest selection of teethers. The one linked is $12 and a great gift option for the baby in your life. They also have other feeding essentials like bibs, spoons, and bowls that are great gifting options for baby.
Rattles: This boutique has the cutest little rattles. Not to mention some are either red or green chilis, a New Mexico staple. These rattles are made of quality materials and make a sweet gift for baby coming in at $12.
Onesies: The beautiful New Mexico-themed onesies bring me back to gift the babies in my life time and time again at this store. I just purchased one that says “Besitos” ($28) and another that has the state of New Mexico on it with a heart (not available to link online). They have so many cute onesie options that are New Mexico themed in store.
For Toddler
All items $28 and under
Hello New Mexico Book: We purchased this book for my son a few years ago and have enjoyed reading it time and time again. Retail Therapy ABQ sells this book along with a few other New Mexico-themed books costing around $10. These are a great gift option for the toddler in your life to read and learn about our beautiful state.
Pajamas, Dresses, & Clothes: When you go into the store, Retail Therapy ABQ has the softest pajamas for toddler-aged kids. They also have cute dresses and outfit options too. Prices vary on those items, but they are a great option to gift the toddler in your life. As a mom, I know I love it when my son is gifted cool clothing and pajamas.
Head into Retail Therapy ABQ for unique and special gifts for the babies and toddlers on your list.
Page 1 Books
Page 1 Books is one of Albuquerque’s local bookstores located in the northeast heights. I have been going here since I was a kid. Page 1 has a selection of secondhand books, rare books, and new books. This store is a book lovers heaven and an amazing place to find gifts. The helpful staff also can help you find the perfect gift for the young baby or toddler on your list. Page 1 does have a website and offers shipping.
I have linked some options for babies and toddlers below. But I recommend going into the store to experience the magic of Page 1 Books in person. You can find gently used books that look like new for incredible prices. You can also find a book that you did not even realize existed. The experience of gifting from a bookstore is so fun.
For Baby
If you are gifting a book to a baby, a board book is always an ideal choice. They are pretty sturdy and can withstand drool, spit up, and prevent ripped pages.
A Classic Choice: Corduroy is a beloved classic book that comes in a board book format for between $4 and $8 at Page 1 Books.
A Finger Puppet Book: I also loved the little finger puppet books when my son was young and have a few of them. This one linked here is called the Little Puppy, and for $8, it’s a great option for babies. They have other themes of this book format too.
A Unique Book: Page 1 is full of unique choices. I love this book called The Mitten but we have the hardcover version. They have a board book version that is perfect for gifting to a baby and a fun, winter-themed book for the holidays.
For Toddler
5 Minute Story Books: The five-minute story books are a hit in our house. They offer multiple themed stories in one book. My son has the Bluey 5-Minute Stories Version. But we just got the Disney Princess 5 Minute Stories version for my niece on my last trip to Page 1. These ones range from $12 to $15, or if you find them second-hand, they can be just six dollars.
Educational Books: There is nothing better than a fun book that enhances learning basic concepts that our kids are starting to learn in toddlerhood. One of our favorite books is Chicka Chicka 1 2 3. It is the number version of the original Chicka Chicka Boom Boom which is about the alphabet. Both options are about $8.
Unique Book Option: My son loves this book called Moon about the moon’s cycle. It’s a board book, which is still a great option for a toddler, but they also offer the paperback version. This book is about $10.
Head over to Page 1 books for a fun gifting experience to picking out books for the kids in your life. Also while you’re there, they do have books for kids of all ages and adults too.
I hope this list of shops inspires you to choose local this year for the babies and toddlers in your life. Not only is it an amazing experience to go shopping around town and support our local economy, but it can also be budget friendly too. Enjoy the holiday season ahead.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Winter and the Holidays for more holiday fun.
