Local Stores
with all the things
Cub Shrub
Cub Shrub, located in Grandview, is home to a well-curated hub of all things kid. The shop is filled with unique, beautiful, and fun gifts for all ages. The quality is top of the line. Their website says, “Your favorite brands for your favorite people” and I couldn’t agree more!
If you’re looking for something holiday-themed, they’ve taken the hard work out and created a Holiday 2020 section on their website.
Website | Facebook
Address: 1257 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212
You can shop Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 by appointment only (sign up here!) Curbside pickup is available Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Keep an eye on social media for updates.
LilyLimes
Lilylimes is the place for the perfect gift. For a new child, for your child, for your grandchild, for mom, or for yourself. I love lilylimes because they have a unique selection of just about everything. If you didn’t hear, they have moved from their Worthington location to Easton!
Shop Online HEre
Website | Facebook
Address: Easton at 4019 The Strand E, Columbus, OH 43219
Wild Cat Gift + Party
Wild Cat Gift + Party is the perfect place to find a handmade and fun gift. You’ve probably seen me post about them on social media and that is because I just love everything they offer! You might not know this, but in the back of their store (and online), they have an AMAZING kids section. Thoughtfully curated puzzles, books, craft kits, handmade onesies, and other infant gifts. I just love it all.
Shop Online Here
Website | Facebook
You can shop in store with a private appointment, online with contactless pick up, local delivery and low flat rate shipping for all online orders.
Marigold Curated
Marigold is a curated store filled with all the wonderful thrifted finds by owned Jolie. She has an eye for second hand and you’ll find a mix of classic, vintage, and trendy things. A few weeks ago I was able to visit in-store and loved her kid’s section. Toys, shoes, books, clothes, etc. Make sure to follow Marigold on IG to see her latest hauls. There is a storefront, however – hours are changing due to the times. Make sure to check social media + website to see how to order/pick-up, etc.
Tip: Follow on IG to see her latest finds + to “shop the drop!”
Website | Instagram
Address: 3045 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH
Nicole’s for Children
(Going out of Business Sale)
Nicole’s for Children carries the latest childrenโs fashions from around the world! You’ll find unique, high-quality childrenโs clothing, gifts, and toys. You may have recognized them from the brick and mortar they had located in downtown Powell. For now, they are strictly online, and sadly, they are closing that down as well. However, they still have some great options!
Use code: closing 50 to get 50% off your entire purchase! ALL SALES ARE FINAL!
Book Stores
Cover to Cover Childrenโs Books
Cover to Cover is an independent bookstore that was first opened in 1980 by teacher Sally Oddi. In 2017, Sally retired and the new owner, Melia Wolf, a former art teacher, moved the store to Upper Arlington. The entire book store is for young readers – making the options endless!
They have a great curated list for the holidays organized by age from babies to teens.
Website | Facebook
Address: 2116 Arlington Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43221
They offer complimentary premium gift wrapping, free delivery for orders $25 and up, affordable shipping across the continental U.S., wish lists sharable with loved ones across the globe + gift cards, and e-certificates.
The Book Loft
The Book Loft is one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores! The pre-Civil War era buildings that once were general stores, a saloon, and a nickelodeon cinema, now are home to 32 rooms of Bargain Books. They have an INCREDIBLE kids section. It is HUGE and filled with your classic favorites + new authors to explore. I love that they have a section dedicated to just Ohio. I found a few holiday-themed Ohio books which the girls love.
Shop Online Here
Website | Facebook
Address: 631 South Third St. Columbus, OH 43206
Gramercy Books
Gramercy Books is a locally-owned, independently minded, carefully curated neighborhood bookstore located in the heart of Bexley, Ohio. It is one of my favorite places to visit and not just because they’re connected to Kitties Cakes. They have a great selection of kids’ books for all ages and are very helpful in helping you pick the right one!
Paint by Sticker Kids: Zoo Animals: Create 10 Pictures One Sticker at a Time!By Workman Publishing /// First Little Readers: Guided Reading Level A (Parent Pack): 25 Irresistible Books That Are Just the Right Level for Beginning Readers (Paperback) By Deborah Schecter
Shop online here
Website | Facebook
Address: 2424 E. Main Street, Bexley, OH 43209
My Bookworm Box – Book subscription
My Bookworm Box is a monthly book club for children ranging in age from newborn through elementary school. For the holidays, you can purchase a monthly subscription (you choose the number of months) and it will include a gift box + book of your choice! My Bookworm Box will ship the gift box + book to you or an alternate address with a note from you upon purchase. The last day to order is Friday, December 18th. The monthly gift subscription will begin in January.
Toy Stores
Dublin Emporium
As a mother and a former educator, Enas, the owner of Dublin Emporium has a mission is to provide high-quality, mind-expanding, safe, and fun toys for all ages. I would say she does a fabulous job at that. Her store is filled with toys that enrich child development, such as wooden toys, learning games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and so much more. Keep an eye on her Instagram because she does a ton of great reels showcasing her products.
Shop Online Here
Website | Facebook
Address: 28 North High St, Dublin, OH 43017
Naturally Curious Kids
We used to live in Uptown Westerville, just walking distance from Naturally Curious Kids and I am totally sad we aren’t super close anymore. If still lived there, I can see so many nights walking up with the girls. It is such a cute shop filled with all the things you can imagine. They specialize in intentionally picked, high-quality toys. I LOVE their website, too. It is organized very well and easy to find what you’re looking for (or maybe what you didn’t know you were looking for….) You’re sure to find something for ALL ages and ALL interests.
Music and Monkeys Railway 
Fat Brain Toy Co. dimpl digits
Shop Online Here
Website | Facebook
Address: 13 E. College Ave., Westerville, OH 43081
Learning Express
Learning Express is a specialty toy, game, and book retailer that I loved going to as a kid! They have so many fun things in their stores. On their website, you can shop by age, interest, best sellers, etc – making it very easy to find the perfect gift!
Website | Facebook
Address: Upper Arlington, Worthington, and New Albany
Find the closest location here.
They offer shipping, In-store pickup, Curbside pickup, and Local Delivery.
Bonus Find: COSI Connect Kits
At COSI, they believe science is everywhere and because we can’t explore that idea in their incredible space, they’ve created COSI Connects Kits – kidsโ science boxes with five daysโ worth of themed STEM activities and science experiments for kids delivered right to your front door.
Currently, there are five different themes: Water, Nature, Dinosaurs, Human Body, and Space. These kits come with every item and ingredient you need, so there are no extra trips to the store or searches through the pantry. The cost is $25 members/$30 non-members.
BUY the Kits here
Clothes
Jamison & Bexley
Jamison & Bexley is owned by Jennifer, a local mama to two kids – Jamison & Bexley. When she isn’t entertaining us with her relatable sense of humor or witty comments about motherhood, she curates an incredible collection of Infant and toddler clothing inspired by and for adventurous, courageous, artistic, unique, and amazing kids! It’s children’s clothing that tells a different story.
Shop Online Here
Twinzzshop
Owned by Kelly, an extremely talented local mama of twins, Twinzzshop is your go-to for handmade bodysuits for twins, triplets, and siblings. Don’t worry – she hasn’t let out single babes! She carries size NB – 24mo and t-shirts for twins or siblings, size 12mo-2T and up. All designs (appliques) are created from recycled t-shirts and handsewn, so they’re green!
Shop Online HEre
Declan + Crew
You’ve probably heard the name Declan + Crew many times on my Instagram and that’s because most of my wardrobe comes from! Declan + Crew is owned by Amber, who is a local mama to three kids and is so relatable & super trendy (also in a relatable way). I love her kid’s tees, especially the holiday-themed ones! They’re great quality and the sizing is true to size!
Shop online here
Clothe Ohio
Clothe Ohio features Ohio apparel, with a soft twist. Fun Fact: For each order placed, they give a new t-shirt or sweatshirt to an Ohioan in need. Teamed up with non-profits and charitable organizations throughout the state, they are able to give directly to the people who need it most.
Shop Online Here
Tru Man
TruMan Brand is owned by Katie, a local UA mama who is the sweetest, most creative lady! I love the simplicity of her designs that show Ohio pride, but also send a message at the same time. Her OH What Fun holiday shirt is a classic and one of my favs, but I am LOVE her OH So Kind line. The bonus is that her shirts are OH SO COMFORTABLE!!!
Shop Online Here
I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for the littles in your life, but just remember being present is the best present. Cheesy, I know – but, with all that’s going on, I am learning that is truly what matters. Also, keep in mind that there are many other ways to support our local makers that don’t cost anything. Engaging on social media does wonders (like, comment, share their posts, tag friends, etc.). Leaving reviews on google, their websites, and all the other places you can do that at. Sending an email or a quick DM to the owner to let them know they rock. All of those things really brighten small business owners’ day!
