In this article:
• Toys, clothes and essentials for babies and toddlers
• Crafts, books and snacks for little kids
• Personalized keepsakes and jewelry, edible gifts, and functional home decor for moms
• And more interactive and savory gifts for the holidays
If shopping from small businesses is on your seasonal to-do list, you won’t have to venture far. Here, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas for gifting to the important people in your life. And you can find all the items on this shopping list in-store and/or online from local shops right here in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Check out our editor’s gift picks for toddlers, little kids and for moms, including several made by our favorite local mompreneurs.
RELATED: How Does an Angel Tree Work?
Gifts for Baby & Toddler
Lil Sis Bobble Hat from BabyBliss, Dallas
Keep your little one warm in these adorable, knit beanies, available in pink and in blue, that read either Lil Sis and Lil Bro (for babies 3–12 months) or Big Sis and Big Bro (for 1 to 3-year-olds). // $40; shopbabybliss.com (reader-voted as Best Children’s Boutique in our 2025 Best for Moms & Babies survey)
Happy Cactus Teether Rattle from Southern Stork Baby & Children’s Boutique, Plano
This combo silicone-beaded teether and mini plushie is machine washable and made by Mary Meyer, a Vermont-based company that also produces a line of plushies called Again Friends made from recycled plastics. // $12.50; southernstorkboutique.com
Large Rubber Duck from Toy Maven
For babies who love nothing more than bath time, this oversized rubber duckie is sure to elicit giggles. It’s big (7.5-by-10-by-9 inches), and the bottom is sealed to prevent trapping bacteria. Available at the Toy Maven, with stores in Preston Hollow/Dallas, Park Cities and Southlake. // $27.99; thetoymaven.com
InnyBin at The Happy Lark, Fort Worth
Let your littles develop their fine motor skills by pulling, shoving and squishing these colorful shapes in and out of this cube by Fat Brain Toys. Best for ages 6 months to 3 years. // $30; thehappylark.com
Gifts for Elementary Aged Kids
Klee Natural Makeup Kits from JoJo Mommy, Dallas
If you’ve caught your kid digging in your makeup drawer (that’s some expensive experimentation), treat them to their own kid-friendly cosmetics that are free from fragrances, artificial dyes, and other petrochemical ingredients. A variety of kits include eyeshadow, blush, lip shimmers, nail polish and even hair products. // From $19.99; jojomommy.com
Color Me Tote from Little Orange Fish, Grapevine
For your kids who can’t stop drawing on everything, let them make their mark on this canvas tote with a cheerful message: “Have a Beary Good Day.” Order online or go in-store to Little Orange’s new larger location, still on Main Street. // $2o, includes six markers; littleorangefishkids.com
Lil’ Carl the Snowman from Kate Weiser Chocolate
Once again snagging a spot on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, these snowman cocoa bombs by chocolatier Kate Weiser have become a holiday staple. Stop by her chocolate shops in Dallas, Fort Worth and another that just opened on Main Street in historic Grapevine to watch the melting demonstrations and pick up a “Carl” or a pink, peppermint-flavored “Carla.” // $7.50 for one in-store; or $28 for a four-pack; kateweiserchocolate.com
Grab & Go Dough Jar from Collins & Conley, Fort Worth
These play dough kits made without the preservatives are paired along with themed toys and trinkets for sensory play—all created by Houston mom Julie Friedman. // $15 each; collinsandconley.com
Narwhal & Jelly Books & Plushies from Talking Animals, Grapevine
Gifting a book and matching stuffed animal is typically a hit in my family (something soft to cuddle with while reading), and this kid-friendly bookstore that recently expanded to a second location has several options for parents to pair up. Kids looking to start a new series? Try the Narwhal and Jelly series, written for 6 to 9-year-olds. // $9.99 for books 1 and 2; $22 for plush set; talkinganimalsbooks.com
Gift Ideas for Moms
Hand-Cut Silhouettes by Karl Johnson
This has been on my own wishlist for too long. Here’s how it works: have your kid sit as still as they can for just 5 minutes, and this talented silhouette artist will use tiny scissors hand-cut their profile from paper, which you can frame for a keepsake. Sign up for a time slot December 12–17, 2025 when Johnson visits several local children’s stores in Plano, Keller, Fort Worth and Dallas. Can’t make it? He also works his magic via Zoom. // $35; sign up at cutarts.com
Name Bracelets by Loren Williams
Since our spring interview with Loren Williams, I can’t help thinking about these dainty, gold bracelets, which you can customize with the name of your loved one. // $65; shoploreneveryday.com
Tepetán Mocktail/Cocktail Mixers from Central Market
Oak Cliff couple Elsa and Chris DeGroot first bonded over margaritas and enchiladas, and years later, created their own line of cold press mixers, made with fresh juices but without the pasteurization. Mix it into a cocktail or drink as is. // $7.99 for 12 ounces; centralmarket.com
Phthalate-Free Candles from White Rock Soap Gallery, Dallas
For candle-lovers who are also sensitive to the common chemicals found in them, check out these hand-poured candles, made with soy, beeswax and coconut oil and without the parabens, phthalates or paraffin. My personal favorite is Amber and Oak scent, and they’ve got many more seasonal scents to choose from. // $18 for 8-ounce jar; whiterocksoapgallery.com
Swankymat by Dallas Mom Emilie Vannguyen
This splurge is as much for Mom as for baby. These high-density foam mats give just enough cushion to double as a playtime spot for baby and a workout mat for adults. They’re waterproof, free of BPA and other chemicals, and come in a variety of colors and designs. // From $429, with Black Friday and other discounts available; swankymat.com
Variety Basket from Vending Nut Company
Great for everyday grazing or grab-and-go snacks for your holiday guests, these baskets include a variety of almonds, cashews, chocolate almonds, chocolate pecans, and praline frosted pecans (roasted and salted). 4-3/4 lbs. // vendingnutco.com
Camp For Christmas
Give a gift that lasts long after Christmas! Save $200 on Sky Ranch Overnight Camp in Van, TX with code DFWC4C at skyranch.org, plus get a printable gift certificate. It’s more than a present, it’s a week of incredible fun, new friendships, and purpose-filled adventure. // Get details at skyranch.org
My Museum Magnetic Play Scene from Petit Collage
Available at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth store. Become the world’s greatest curator! Encourage kids to express creativity as they fill their dream art museum with iconic paintings and sculptures, and use their imaginations to take the animal visitors on a guided tour. Experience endless combinations of artwork to display and hours of fun. Perfect for ages 3+. // $26. Get details at shop.themodern.org
RELATED: Want to gift an experience rather than an item? Here’s where to see the best Christmas lights shows in Dallas-Fort Worth.
