It has been heartwarming to see so many parents inquiring about and making the effort to shop local for the holidays this year. 2020 has been a tough year for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Let’s support them with our holiday purchases.
I created this list as a resource for all of the parents living in Lil’ Rhody. Enjoy!
Memberships
These are gifts that keep on giving and don’t take up space in your house! They are a WONDERFUL gift that both you and the organization benefit from.
Memberships typically include class discounts, many are now offering free or discounted virtual classes for members, shop discounts, free admission, member-only opportunities, and are tax-deductible. Memberships are very affordable and more memberships lead to more funding from large donors.
Pair an art material and sketchbook or an art kit with an art center or museum membership!
- Jamestown Art Center
- RISD Museum
- Newport Art Museum
- RIMOSA (Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art) – this is a gem of a place for any age kids!
Pair a sea creature stuffed animal or ocean themed book with an ocean studies center membership!
Art supplies & Creative Play
These are children’s gift ideas that you can purchase locally in Rhode Island.
- Island Art Spot art kits like the Fairy & Gnome Home kit, Play Dough Pie Play, DIY Dollhouse
- Bellani Maternity art supplies like Do a Dot markers, Kid Made Modern art kits, play doughs, kinetic sand, or these amazing floor tiles (these would be great grandparent gift)
- Make a Mess sensory play kits & mess making supplies like the Dino Play Kit, awesome children’s aprons, water beads, and kids magnifying glasses.
- Pow Science has SO many awesome toys, art/maker kits, blocks, science fun things like stamp sets, sensory play doughs/putties, temporary tattoo + water wow book stocking stuffers
- The World Store in Wickford does not have online shopping but is a gem to go visit for quick in-person shopping. Great educational but fun science and social studies based toys, games, and Rhode Island themed goodies. It’s a good stop for stocking stuffers too, they have a wall of under $10 items for kids.
Book Recommendations
Support your local Rhode Island bookstores!
Barrington Books (in store, curbside pick up, or shipping are all available)
Ages 0-4 :
Clive and His Art (or any of the Clive books!)
Ages 3-6 :
Not local but benefits a GREAT, important cause:
Coloring Without Borders – bi-lingual activity book benefiting Families Belong Together (ideal age 5-9)
More local bookstores :
The Collective has a great list of children’s books available for curbside pick up.
Wakefield Books is open in person. Their online shopping site is very user friendly and lots of games and gifts as well as an extensive book catalog.
Made with Love Gifts
Are you looking to gift something to a family member from your child that is handmade but still useful?
- Clayground in East Greenwich has SO many options and could really use all of our support right now. Check the Facebook page for updates or call.
- Same for Create Color Studio in Narragansett.
In-studio and take-home options are available for both businesses.
- Does your child have an Artsonia account from school? Purchase items from it! The items are of high quality, their customer service is great if you have questions, and a percentage of your purchase goes back to that art department for supplies.
Mom gifts!
All you have to do is pass on this post to your significant other… just sayin’
These are not Rhody made but are all made/owned by artist friends of mine.
- Squirrels Nest Jewelry ear climbers– These are my favorite earrings! I get asked about them every time I wear them. I have three different pairs. They are the only earrings that babies + grabby kids can’t rip out, are super affordable, and are my go-to mom or busy mom gift.
- Kelbourne Woolens knit Hat Kit (with the most amazing yarn)
- Betsy Olmsted Hand Care Kit (an artist-designed tea towel and balm)
- Stevie Howell’s reach mask (the best mask + supports an important cause, the Loveland Foundation)
- For the not-so-old-school quilter or for the minimalist/modern/bohemian mom, dad, or auntie who likes cool, clean, pops of color in their life check out Skyclad Quilts.
- Literally anything from Ladyfingers Letterpress like the stationery kits or this cool mask or set of prints.
ETC.
Don’t forget that you can now purchase gift cards for classes and workshops at the new Harbor Creative Arts studio in Wickford!!
One last idea: Take all of those big old drawings, doodles, paintings your kids have cranked out but you felt bad discarding them and use them for wrapping paper or cut them down to make gift tags.
