Gift Guide 2015
More than 80 ways to give to the people you love (and buy local)
By Christa Zaro @christazaro and Lindsay LarkinPage 13 of 13
1. Dollhouse, $142,
& Pirate Ship, $158
Talk about a happy holiday! Hailing from Italy, Sevi toys have definitely sweated the details on these play sets. They are sure to bring years of joy and imaginative play to your little ones. This shop in the Grand America is a blast to shop at. Check out the digital monster wall, candy organ, a giant robot and the most fun ceiling you've ever seen. There's a wall of classic board games to choose from. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the prices and the huge selection of quality children's toys. (LL)
JouJou, 555 S. Main, Salt Lake City, 801-258-6557, GrandAmerica.com/services/grand-shopping/jou_jou
2. The Secret Garden, An Inky Treasure Hunt & Coloring Book by Johanna Basford, $15.95
Here is a book of black & white illustrations waiting to be brought to life with coloring. Buy it with Straedtler triplus fine liner pens, $45, which includes a set of 20 in vibrant colors in stand-up box. (CZ)
The Children's Hour, 898 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, 801-359-4150, ChildrensHourBookstore.com
3. Mighty Wallet, $16
Boys love wallets. Period. This wallet is the thinnest on the planet because it's made with Tyvek, a microfiber plastic, and it's made from 25 percent recycled materials. Ultra slim with little bulk, it's durable and water resistant, and there are many cool patterns to choose from. It's good luck to give a wallet with money inside. Slip an extra $20 in there to spend at Children's Hour. You won't find a more unique store for children. (CZ)
The Children's Hour, 898 S. 900 East, Salt Lake City, 801-359-4150, ChildrensHourBookstore.com
4. Musical Duck Race, $39.99
Owners of Tutoring Toy, a 27-year-old independent toy store, report this is "the" gift for the holidays. There's a fountain that whirls, spins and circulates water around a track with nine musical sound effects and four ducklings. Comes with mute button for parents. Good luck getting your cutie out of the bathtub. For ages 6-36 months. (CZ)
Tutoring Toy, 1400 S. Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-581-1060,
TutoringToy.com
5. Triassic Triops DLX, $20
Grow your own ancient creatures that look similar to a horseshoe crab. Watch the life cycle of the triops, which live 30-90 days. Deluxe kit includes easy-to-view aquarium, thermometer, gravel, magnifying glass, glow beads, food and triops eggs. Nonmembers are welcome to shop in the museum's gift shop, which has one-of-a kind exploratory toys. But why not become a member for only $109 annually for 2 adults and up to 6 children? It's a Utah family bargain. (CZ)
Natural History Museum, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, 801-581-6927,
NHMU.Utah.edu
6. Crazy Fort, $59.99
Tired of your kids absconding with your pillows and blankets to make a fort? No more! Here's an erector set that kicks it up a notch. Connect 25 balls and 44 sticks to create a unique design and then cover it with bed sheets. For ages 5-99. (CZ)
Tutoring Toy, 1400 S. Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, 801-581-1060,
TutoringToy.com
7. Dewey Bob by Judy Schachner, $17.99
This book about a raccoon on the hunt for friendship is sure to become a family favorite. The illustrations are absolutely the cutest and will have your little one asking for more reading time. The King's English Bookshop is settled in an old house and each room is its own chapter from the fantastic kids area, to the mystery, fiction, and non-fiction rooms. You won't find a more knowledgeable staff and be sure to check out the book signings. (LL)
The King's English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City,
801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com
More by Christa Zaro
-
Last Call, 2015
If you're anything like me, you're feeling as if you overindulged your appetite and overextended your wallet.
- Dec 30, 2015
-
Magic in Their Eyes
Christmas requires us, no matter our age, to believe in magic.
- Dec 16, 2015
-
Good Graces
Not only are these gifts fun to shop for, but you'll charm your hosts every time.
- Dec 9, 2015
- More »
More by Lindsay Larkin
-
Just in the Nick of Time
Did you check your list? Did you check it twice?
- Dec 23, 2015
-
Warm & Cozy
It's my season! I love autumn.
- Nov 18, 2015
-
Write Now
Revive the lost art of the paper letter
- Oct 22, 2015
- More »
Latest in Gift Guide
