Big box stores can be convenient for ticking off several needs at once. This can be especially true during the holiday season as hordes of busy shoppers have lists for food, gifts, and more. At other times, though, specialty shops are exactly what you need to find the perfect gift; a “cherry on top” prize for the receiver.

You’re likely to have lots of specialty shops in your area even if you’ve never visited them all. If you’re looking for ideas for a special gift for your family members this holiday season then you’re in the right place. Here at this top motherhood blog, we’ve compiled a helpful list of examples by age group to aid you with your holiday shopping list.

Small Tykes

My five-year-old son went through a phase recently where he was obsessed with his favorite video game characters. He had to have a racetrack featuring these characters—he needed it! We bought it…and you can guess how it ended up; pushed aside and rarely used.

Instead of buying the same generic toys as thousands of others this year, you might consider searching out a specialty shop. Berwyn’s Toys & Trains or Geppetto’s Toy Box, both in Chicago, are perfect examples of unique specialty shops for buying more than the average toy. Gifts from these types of shops are typically top quality, spark creativity, and can often be passed down from generation to generation.

Other types of specialty shops you might consider are local bookstores, music shops, and other toy boutiques.

Preteen Receivers

Shopping for preteens is way harder than I would have thought a few years ago. These kids aren’t little ones anymore, but they do still want a toy here or there. Do you buy them electronics? Make up? Jewelry? What if they lose their expensive items?

Despite the angst shopping for my own preteen dredges up, there are ways to please these creatures. They don’t even have to be expensive ways!

Consider something out of the ordinary when you’re shopping for your preteens. A unique, one-of-a-kind gift can spur gratefulness in even the toughest cases.

Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square, Chicago, is a great example. This specialty soap and bath shop has been in business since 1875 and has hundreds of soaps and scents to choose from. They have scents and products to please just about anyone, and believe it or not, they most likely have something to please even your picky preteen.

Another option is music. Music is always a big hit with the preteen crowd, so if this is something that would strike a chord with your young adolescent, consider a specialty music shop. You can find vintage, contemporary, and everything in between at these stores. Consider the uniqueness of a retro record player or lay your hands on the latest electronics. Your preteen will thank you.

The Teenager

While your teenager may love specialty soaps or music offerings, there are even more options for these nearly-adults. Does your teen drive? Car accessories are great for these kids. Are they working an after-school job? What kinds of gifts could you give them related to this?

You might also think about specialty art shops for your teens. These stores have top quality products—everything from adult coloring books and gel pens to paints, brushes, and canvases. They might even sell easels, aprons, and drop cloths if you want to be sure your teen keeps things tidy. Teens love stretching their wings and testing out their creativity, and using one’s artistic side is also proven to lower stress and evoke happiness.

If you aren’t familiar with any shops specializing in these types of gifts in your area, the internet is your friend. It can help you find all types of stores near you. You can also rely on smart time saving tools like the KidFriendlyVenue app to help you scout out fantastic options in your area. Search out shops which have been starred by other busy (and loving) moms like you.

Plug in your area to the search feature and you’ll be able to narrow down the choices to those nearest you. This tool can make finding those unique, unforgettable gifts much easier. While filler gifts have their place, we all want to make our children’s holidays extra special—something they’ll remember over the long months to come. It’s something none of us moms want to fudge up!

If this sounds like you, keep this top mom blog post handy. It’ll help to keep these ideas fresh in your mind as you search out your holiday shopping deals. I’ll be searching out a few specialty shops in my own area. Wish me luck, as I wish it to you all in your holiday shopping endeavors!

Katie C