Start shopping: Downtown retailers offer advice for early holiday gift-buying

This paid piece is sponsored by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

There’s a roll of holiday gift wrap behind the register at Child’s Play Toys in downtown Sioux Falls — and it’s getting used already.

“We’ve never, ever had Christmas out this early,” owner Nancy Savage said. “But on one recent Saturday, we had huge piles on the counter for customers, and at least two, maybe three, were being wrapped for Christmas.”

This month’s unseasonably nice weather has made downtown shopping even more enjoyable, and shoppers are showing their holiday spirit, many retailers said.

At Child’s Play Toys, you’ll find everything from holiday and winter kids’ clothes to matching pajamas for the family, plus holiday puzzles, LEGO sets and accessories.

And then, there’s Jellycat, the collectible plush line of toys that convinced Savage it was time to deck the store for holidays sooner than normal.

“Jellycat is so hot right now that we can’t have it in a box waiting to go on the floor, so we decided we would pull a little bit of everything, and it has been selling,” she said. “It is absolutely insane. Downtown, we sold a big Jellycat Christmas tree and wreath already.”

At Sticks and Steel at 8th & Railroad Center, you’ll already find Christmas cards and plenty of holiday decor like stockings and pillows.

A large Lauren Dunne-designed Nativity set already sold, and several angels have “flown out the door,” owner Terri Schuver said.

“Especially with some of our higher-end pieces, we don’t order in great depth, so the early-bird shoppers get the worm.”

Tech-related gifts already are selling, plus “beautifully designed clocks and lamps that make great conversation pieces as well as being extremely stylish and functional,” she added.

If you’re looking for custom gifts, now definitely is the time to dial in on your holiday shopping.

At Say Anything … Jewelry, “we see people start their Christmas shopping with us in early September typically,” owner Stephanie Wilde said.

“Many of the Christmas gifts that people are buying now are custom and personalized, so they want to be sure that they order it in advance so the holiday doesn’t creep up on them and they miss our deadlines for custom work.”

Her Pet Print keepsakes often are ordered in advance, and the store has increased its inventory of ready-to-wear items and supplies for custom work.

At the recent Art & Wine Walk event, “we had four orders placed for Christmas in a matter of hours,” Wilde said.

“People are definitely shopping early each year and enjoy getting items that are meaningful and custom. It eases the workload for us if people order in advance and helps to have that holiday income earlier as well so that we can increase our inventory throughout the entire fall quarter.”

Of course, plenty of retailers are still in holiday-hybrid mode, which is a bonus for the October shopper.

The scent of fall might still be in the air inside MatchBox Candle Co. on Phillips Avenue, but owner Jeremy Nosbush is seeing shoppers gravitate both to classic fall scents as well as winter favorites like Black Hills Spruce.

“We are developing our Christmas fragrances and have fun new kids books that are Christmas-themed,” he said. “And gnomes are a big thing, so we have a vendor making cutesy winter gnomes.”

Candle workshops also make a great gift card idea and encourage friends to get together during the holidays or after, he added.

“The full flip in the store is Nov. 1, but for sure they’re already shopping, and I love reminding people it’s less than 90 days until Christmas.”

Address any stress that might cause with a trip to iv&co at Cherapa Place in The Bancorp Building, where the team is encouraging shoppers to consider giving the gift of genetic health.

“Our genetic testing kits make a unique and thoughtful gift for those looking to optimize their health,” said Taylor Burt, creative director.

“They provide personalized insights that can guide fitness, nutrition and overall wellness — an ideal gift for anyone who values a deeper understanding of their body’s needs. This test is a lifelong value.”

The other gift: Recuperation for those looking for a boost in wellness.

“Our IV therapy gift cards are perfect for anyone in need of a boost — whether it’s for recovery after the holiday hustle, enhancing energy levels or simply staying hydrated,” Burt said. “It’s a great way to show you care by gifting relaxation and rejuvenation. We believe that starting holiday shopping early helps people avoid the rush and focus on choosing truly meaningful gifts for their loved ones.”

Plus, just outside downtown, you’ll find an early holiday market this coming weekend at Seasoned Style, 824 W. 10th St.

“I have unique Christmas decor, handmade poured candles, simmer pot kits and handsewn trees, mittens and candy canes,” owner Christi Petersen said. “I am also hosting some make-and-take events this year like cookie decorating and wax melts.”

The event runs Oct. 17-19. For details, click here.

There’s always a new reason to stop downtown in addition to your shopping needs. Let the kids collect candy while you shop during the annual trick-or-treating event from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at locations throughout downtown.

For a guide to downtown’s unique shops, click here.