Upload pictures of you and your family into this amazing app and watch yours"elves" transform into hip dancing elves.
I cannot recommend this activity enough. It's become a tradition for me and my family. I remember crying from cracking up the first time me and my family did it.
Local Places to Shop for Holiday Gifts
An online service that provides a platform for people to shop local online and conveniently offers same day deliveries straight to your door.
This amazing startup company was inspired by the need to help local business owners during a pandemic that stripped them of everything.
-Follow them on Instagram for the latest updates
Musical instruments, lessons, and plenty of cool stocking stuffer-worthy items.
I recently bought a clown whistle, mini ocarina, and penny whistles for myself and even a kalimba for myself.
Renee, the owner is so nice and you'll feel like you're in Frontierland at Disneyland with the western decor and folk music playing in the background.
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| A really fun place to shop at Mountain Music Parlor |
-Follow their Facebook for the latest updates Their store is loaded with so many unique toys and gadgets, both educational and fun. Purchasing from our beloved museum helps support efforts in keeping it open for generations to come.
If you haven't already been to the museum, it's an amazing place for people of all ages to learn and grow. Check out their website and keep up to date with the latest events, camps, and workshops.
During the winter (and all throughout the year), they set up so many kinds of holiday-themed crafts that's included in admission.
One of my favorite places to get unique gifts from around the world. Instruments, music, bags, clothes, books, figurines, and other rad items for sale. You can access the gift shop without purchasing admission to their museum.
The Wilbur D. May Museum has so many amazing artifacts to look at from around the world and there are usually traveling exhibits throughout the year that are always fun and educational.
*Last year, they had a fun "12 days of Christmas" discounts event where they gave out different discounts each day for 12 days straight for certain items.
-Jewelry, antiques, accessories, table settings, holiday decorations, furniture, plates, drinkware, kid's decor, home accessories, realistic artificial flower arrangements, and so much more.
-Friendly service
The freckled frog is a local shop located in Summit Mall in South Reno.
It's without a doubt, the most whimsical shop I've seen in Reno to date.
They change up their scene with every holiday and have everything needed to make your house magical.
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| Picture from website |
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| Amazing dishes |
Location (Midtown)
739 South Center St.
Reno NV, 89501
(775)784-8100
This photo lab in midtown is amazing. I had ten photos printed out for an exhibit and was impressed with how beautiful my prints were. If you're looking to print some photos out for some DIY gifts, this is definitely the place to get them.
The owner, David & his son helped squeeze in my prints the same day I asked for them despite them being busy, just like all of the other local photo labs that couldn't accommodate me.
David heard the desperation in my voice and even offered to sell ten frames to me that he handpicked himself througout the years.
If you're a photographer, you'll probably recognize the red stripe on Canon lens (or better known as the "L Series"), which implies a higher quality of glass. David has the equivalent of, but in printer format. Yes, he has a red stripe on his printer. Yes, mind-blowing.
If you're looking to print out photos for albums or to hang on walls, this is definitely the place to go. They have top notch quality inks that will last for a long time.
Friendly service and the best quality prints. They restore photos and do large format prints. They don't crop photos like commercial print shops do like Walmart and Walgreens.
Our planetarium has a cool space exhibit and an awesome store that has so many space- themed items for sale (toys, gadgets, clothing, stuffed animals, astronaut food), including lots of stocking-worthy stuffers.
They show cool and educational documentaries in their dome on the daily.
(stadium garage parking in designated marked spaces)
-Winter hours (October-May)
-Every Saturday 9am-12pm
-Location: Mc Kinley Arts Center
Riverside Farmer's Market is the only year-round market in Reno and is filled with so many passionate and talented farmers and vendors that provide fresh food and unique items.
Get your holiday shopping done and enjoy some tasty local food.
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| Subject to change week to week. List from website. |
-Home Means Nevada
*Clothes and accessories with Nevada logos
*Bumblebee Blooms Flower Boutique (downtown Reno)
Online ordering and delivery available
-Flower arrangements, gift baskets, chocolates, seasonal decor, candles, personal care items, and other items from local vendors, balloons, wines, stuffed animals for every occasion.
-135 N. Sierra St. Ste. A2
Reno Nevada, 89501
-(775) 348-2799
*National Automobile Museum
We are so lucky to have this museum in our town as it is one of the best. It's filled with so much history, cool cars, and so much charm. I don't consider myself a car person, but I'm absolutely in love with it.
This museum has a sweet gift shop with out-of-print books, vintage toy cars, kid's toys, clothing for adults, dishes, and so much more.
*Nevada Museum of Art
-Holiday sale December 2-5
-Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm, Thursday: 10 am – 8 pm
-Shop online
-To contact the shop directly @ (775) 398-7207
We are so lucky to have the Nevada Museum of Art. This multi-level museum (with access to the roof) is beautiful and their exhibits are amazing (some change from time to time).
I remember buying my kid's first watch kit at their gift shop. It included a cute watch and an instructional booklet nicely packaged in a box. This is only one of many items you will find here.
Other handmade items include: jewelry, clothing, bags, puzzles, books, stationery, and more one-of-a-kind items.
Buy Nevada First @ The Reno Town Mall
-A shop 20,000 square feet supporting over 250+ local mechants.
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| This nice owner was so kind to teach my kids about air plants. She hunts down unique pieces to grow them in. Air plants are low maintenance and look beautiful. I'm so glad that the one we got from her last year is alive and thriving. |
I remember the days when Buy First Nevada was in a much smaller location. It's grown so much and is filled with so many treasures. I can honestly spend a whole day here looking at all of the items (both edible and non-edible) produced by many of our talented locals. If you're lucky, you can even run into some of them and ask them about their story.
I am happy to learn that they just opened a locally owned grocery store next door,
Sierra Foods. I can't wait to check it out.
Local Toy Shops
Learning Toys Express has a wide selection of fun and educational toys and is dedicated to serving the community, helping customers find the perfect gift for any occasion. Gift wrapping is included for those short on time and online ordering is available.
-gift cards
-They have plenty of hands-on toys and activities that stimulate growth and foster creativity.
-Toy Shop in the same shopping center as walmart in Reno
This toy shop is run by an incredibly helpful owner, who is also eager to help customers find the right gift for any occasion.
-Toys geared toward fostering creativity and learning.
-gift wrapping available upon request with purchase
-shop located next to Franz Bakery, Yogurt Beach, and Eclipse Pizza
Clutter-Free Gifts
There's so much Reno has to offer and tangible gifts aren't the only option. For those looking for more experience type gifts, I came across this rad list of alternatives. Below I will link up to local spots where you can get some of these types of gifts.
If you ask around on Nextdoor and Facebook Groups, I'm sure you can find someone with specific recommendations on where to find anything from the above list locally.
Some of my personal recommendations that come to mind:
Comsumables
-Bordeoux, roka, turtles, truffles, gift baskets, toffee, caramels, printed cookies, holiday- themed treats, chocolate-dipped rice krispies, marshmallows, peppermint barks, ice cream sauces, peanut butter cups, old fashioned peanut brittle, sugar-free, alcohol truffles, and custom orders.
-Made from scratch in house
-Next to Washoe Lake, 15 minutes from South Reno. They also have a stand at Meadowood Mall and a second location near Virginia City/Carson City.
-Offers brittles, a wide assortment of chocolates, fudge, taffy and hard candy, sugar-free, gift boxes, and so much more.
-Follow them on Instagram for behind-the-scenes concoctions and updates. They pride themselves on making quality chocolates made with the freshest ingredients.
-Reno
-fine quality chocolates and desserts
-Natalie's chocolates are works of art and the best thing is that they're also delicious.
-Reno
-fine quality chocolates
-new shop
-Reno
-Turkish delights and toffee tins perfect for special occasions
-high quality bags of coffees and loose leaf teas
*Coffeebar
-Reno
-fine bags of coffees & teas and merchandise
This is hands down my favorite pasta spot in Reno. They hand make their noodles daily and use organic ingredients.
Not only is their food simply delicious, this local business is run by passionate people, including Paolo, Alex, and their hardworking and kind team.
Follow them on Facebook for updates on their latest concoctions.
You can find them at the Riverside farmer's market at the McKinley Arts Center every Saturday 9am-12pm, or visit them at their restaurant @ The Shops at Bartley Ranch.
Fausta is the owner of this business and throughout the years I've been buying from her from all of our farmer's markets, she's been the sweetest and most giving lady.
She is one of the most talented bakers/cooks and can cook up storms of any and everything. Place an order to give as gifts (like her delicious cookies) or go big and get her to cater a special event.
She knows her spices and can cook African style food (she's from Ghana in Africa).
She also caters to different dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free).
You can find Fausta at the Riverside farmer's market at the McKinley Arts Center every Saturday 9am-12pm through May for the winter.
Lessons/Classes
-Guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, accordion, harmonica, bluegrass harmony, celtic flute & bodhran, folk harp, voice, folk dance, ukulele, songwriting, mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, & more.
I met the owner, Renee, of Mountain Music Parlor, who I learned poured her heart and soul into the creation of a place that would later become a pillar of the community used for gathering, learning, and sharing in the joy of everything to do with music.
I was so moved by the story of how the whole community came together many years ago to throw numerous fundraisers to raise money to fuel Rene's dream of giving the gift of music to the community.
She would use funds to build suitable rooms for music, a stage for performers to express their creativity, hire staff, and help make the place feel welcoming.
Up until the pandemic, Mountain Music Parlor was doing great. Sadly, it lost 90% of its students and 50% of its teachers. As Rene told me this, I could see and hear the pain being expressed.
I am determined to help Rene and will make every effort to help keep this precious gem open. If you're interested in joining me on this mission, please read on to find out how you can help.
How to Support & Help Keep our Amazing Local Music Shop Open:
*Purchase a lesson for yourself or as a gift for someone else
*Purchase an item from the store (instruments, gadgets, song books, and other fun things)
*Spread the word about the shop
*If you're a passionate music teacher, consider working for this shop. They're currently looking for teachers
*Organize a jam session to have in their amazing back room (pay a minimal fee)
*Pass by to say hi. A friendly face is always refreshing.
*If you're a creative person that loves planning events, you can brainstorm some ideas of how to get the business back on its feet.
*Talk to like-minded parents and gather a group of adults or kids for lessons
*Donate
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| Mountain Parlor Music |
*Music Lessons @ Jampro (My kids are currently enrolled and love it here)
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| Jampro in South Reno |
*Sewing lessons at Sierra Sewing, Quilting & Vacuums
*Sewing lessons at A-1 Vacuums & Sewing
Experiences
*Escape Rooms
Ceramic Painting
Memberships
Plants
Subscriptions
Local Bookstores
