“First comes the stocking of little Nell,
Oh, dear Santa fill it well
Give her a dolly that laughs and cries
One that will open and shut it’s eyes
Next comes the stocking of little Will
Oh, just see what a glorious fill
Here is a hammer and lots of tracks
Also a ball and a whip that cracks” – Gene Autry
The next local gift guide is dedicated to the little ones, who embody the magic of Christmas. I’ve had fun browsing some of my favorite in-town shops to find special items that would be perfect under your tree.
1. Rudolph crocheted sweater by Little English at Duck Duck Goose for baby girls or boys to wear to holiday events. ($78)
2. An array of fun and colorful jewelry for little to big girls at Marigold Modern Kids. ($12)
3. Help your child write a letter to Santa and receive correspondence straight from Mr. Claus with the special kit from Mr. Boddington’s Studio available at Marigold Modern Kids. ($30)
4. Pirate plush rattles for your little landlubber from Gibson‘s in Five Points. Gibson’s recently moved back to their original location on Saluda Ave. and have a large selection of gifts for everyone on your list. ($20)
5. Do you want to build a snowman? You can find your Frozen II gear at Be Beep. See below for a round-up of hot toys for 2019. ($7.50)
6. Is it your baby’s first Christmas? Commemorate the holiday with a beautiful ornament from Just the Thing. ($15)
7. This beautiful paint your own nativity set available at Cottage & Vine is a great family project and will keep little hands busy during winter break. ($20)
8. Make the season a little sweeter with these adorable and tasty gingerbread men from Blue Flour Bakery. Stay tuned for a guide with all things to Eat, Drink and Be Merry this season. ($79 for a large gingerbread box including 45 mini gingerbread cookies, two medium and one large gingerbread man)
9. Keep your sweet peas warm with these adorable pink or blue knit hats from Codington Fields.
My own little girl Christmas wish dreams came true when I met up with Ava Allen, owner of Be Beep Toy Store, to get a tour of the hottest gifts for 2019 including some perennial favorites.
1. This is the first year that the store has carried real Icee makers- so fun for birthdays.
2. Tikiri unicorn and other animals- perfect for a teething baby.
3. Air Fort is an instant indoor play land- it quickly inflates and can be deflated and stowed easily.
4. As a 90’s child, I loved seeing the return of Kaboodles! Be Beep can personalize for your tween.
5. Find all of your Frozen II swag – from dolls to dress up to puzzles and games- Anna & Elsa are everywhere.
6. For older girls, the store is stocking jewelry making kits, art projects and aromatherapy sets.
7. Wimmer Ferguson developmental toys are still top sellers for babies.
8. Robotics are popular across the board and a great way to encourage your future engineer.
9. To burn off some holiday energy, get the kids outside to play large scale yard games like this giant bowling set.
Be Beep is offering coupons in its holiday catalog as well as weekly email coupons so sign up to stay in the know, and don’t miss their annual Black Friday morning Pajama Party for 20% off the entire store.
Lastly, don’t forget to give to children in our community who need it most. The Salvation Army of the Midlands is collecting new, unwrapped gifts for the Christmas Warehouse, and Be Beep is hosting a collection bin, so consider purchasing a toy to donate.
Merry Merry!
