IOWA CITY, IA

Are you tired of buying the people on your list the same old toys and non-personal gifts? Let’s talk about ideas of experiences and unique holiday presents for anyone and everyone on your list this year. Oh yeah, and as much as possible while KEEPING IT LOCAL (Iowa City/the greater “corridor”). Photo gifts make especially unique and custom presents for most everyone on your list. Here are some of my favorite holiday gifts in Iowa City for your whole family.

This comes just in time for “Small Business Saturday” downtown Iowa City on November 25th. Check out Think Iowa City’s article on shopping local as well: https://thinkiowacity.com/shop-local-in-iowa-city/

Experiences for the Family:

• Treehouse Escape, Becky’s Mindful Kitchen: ziplining, archery range, ninja course, fairytale treehouse, campfire, trails, stage, wood fire pizza oven etc. Book a family adventure, starting at $350 for the entire family and 2 guests.
• Pottery Wheel Class, Renee’s Ceramic Cafe: can pay for each child individually $25; she has various other art opportunities including rock painting, ceramic to-go kits
• Splatter Room Painting, Brush & Barrel: throw paint and have fun, create your own canvas to take home $26/person
• Bouldering or Rock Climbing, Campus Wellness and Rec Center: private 1:1 lessons or reserve for a group
• Mother/Daughter Guided Outdoor Adventure Trip, Wander Women (2024 trips have not been released, but you can purchase a gift card in the meantime!)

These are absolute favorites as they are all about quality time together and enjoying each other’s companies. Experiences lend themselves to making memories with your littles! We have special cloth bags that include an experience each year for Christmas.

For the Small Children:

• Boutique clothing, like this Evergreen Tree Pullover, Nooches
• Baby Photo Board Book, Artifact Uprising
• Wooden toys, like this Rocket Construction Set, 223 Baby Co.

For Older Kids/Tweens:

• Experience: “Clay + Connection” class-Avery McCoy Collection: workshops at local shops to create your own clay polymer earrings
• Everlasting jewelry + Magical Hair extensions at Cielo Goods
• Tons of good books at Sidekick Coffee + Books like “Land of Broken Promises”

For Him:

• Faherty Sunwashed Slub Hoodie
• Find a record at Record Collector
• Desk calendar (perfect for work/office), JS Photo online store

For Her:

• Vegan Leather Shoulder Bag, the Shop Iowa City
• Experience: Knitting/sewing classes at Home Ec like “Knitting Cozy Iowa Winter Socks”
• Beautiful bar soaps, Locust Grove Farm including seasonal scents: sugared almond, winter woods, frosted pine
• Floral arrangement class at Willow & Stock
• Facial Exfoliating Clay, Pure Lux Apothecary
• Float Frame, JS Photo

Tell me below what ideas did you love on my list? ORRR what should I add to this Iowa City local shopping guide?! Do you have other favorite holiday gifts you have purchase in Iowa City?

If you are interested in a photography session next year in 2024, feel free to reach out. I can send over physical or digital gift cards.