As the holiday season ramps up, there’s something especially magical about stepping into one of Birmingham’s local toy and gift shops. Shopping local matters: The shelves feel more personal and the owners and employees know their inventory—and you. Check your list (twice!) and find a kid-approved present at one of the many businesses who give our community character.
Jellycat
Jellycat plush toys are known for their incredibly soft and cuddly exterior, perfect for snuggling up with. See what’s new for the season in Snoozy’s Kids Jellycat collection.
Snoozy’s Kids
Snoozy’s Kids in Crestline Village originally opened as a children’s bookstore, sprinkling in a few toys, in 1988. “We were already in the college bookstore business, and a children’s bookstore seemed like a natural move,” says owner George Jones. “We found that we were continually reordering toys and expanding our selection. We are now primarily known for our toys curated for our customers.” For George, that also includes the joy of witnessing multiple generations who come back to shop, as well as seeing customers bring their out-of-town friends in to pick the perfect present. You can count on Snoozy’s to have the latest and coolest for ages infant to teen, as well as grown-up gifts from the “george” section. Find George or any other staff member, tell them your child’s age, and they’ll have the hottest item in hand in minutes, and they’ll gift wrap it at no charge, too.
Brilliant
The Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and encourages interactive play with life-size bills and coins, builds fine motor skills, and makes a real “cha-ching” sound when the drawer opens.
Homewood Toy & Hobby
Tricia McCain’s grandparents started the store 75 years ago, and she now co-owns Homewood Toy & Hobby with Julie Marix, who says, “The best part of owning a store in Homewood is the support of the community. We are blessed to have so many families in Homewood who choose to support local businesses.” They sell items they would personally buy and also make sure employees really learn the merchandise so customer service remains top-notch. I recently experienced this when shopping for a Christmas gift for my 2-year-old niece and came away with this award-winning cash register that brings money math to life through imaginative play.
Hattie’s Toyland
Owner Kelsee Philpot recommends the Micro Scooter, a lightweight, three-wheel design with an adjustable T-bar that grows with your child and is sure to look great under the Christmas tree.
Hattie’s Toyland
Kelsee Philpot opened this Trussville toy store in August 2024, coming out of the “most challenging and meaningful season of my life,” she says. “My family and I poured everything into creating a space that felt hopeful and happy, not just for others, but for us, too.” Kelsee loves meeting the people of the community who come in to shop, like moms who bring their children for a just-because treat and the grandparents who are excited to find something their grandchild will love. “There’s something sacred about being woven into your community’s childhood memories—it’s not something I take lightly,” says Kelsee.
Darnell’s Fun Stuff
For hostess gifts this season, you can’t beat a beautiful hand towel, a top-seller at Darnell’s. They can personalize items for pickup the next day.
Darnell’s Fun Stuff
Located in Vestavia, Darnell’s Fun Stuff has been a staple of Rocky Ridge Plaza for 34 years. Owner Sherri Darnell credits their longevity to staying updated on all of the personalizing machines available, including monogramming and, engraving on wood, glass, and acrylics. “My favorite thing about owning a store is the relationships we have made with customers and being a small part of their celebrations year after year,” says Sherri.
Blue Willow
“We sell a variety of Beatriz Ball melamine,” says Lynda. If you’re looking for a stunning hostess gift or something for the recipient who has everything, a piece such as this one is multifunctional and ideally suited for indoor and outdoor entertainment.
The Blue Willow
Lynda Stout purchased The Blue Willow, located in Cahaba Heights since opening 26 years ago, in 2019. “It’s a neighborhood gift shop, and we get to see all of our sweet customers when they have gifting needs or just want a little pick-me-up. We keep our inventory fresh, and we always bring in new items so we have something for everyone.” she says. This includes a large selection of baby items, as well as home decor. The Blue Willow also offers gift wrapping and monogramming.
Alabama Goods
This towel details symbols of the state of Alabama, like the camellia (state flower), yellowhammer (state bird), longleaf pine, pecan, the monarch butterfly, and more and is a great choice for locals and visitors alike.
Alabama Goods
What started as a website in 2007 as a source for Alabama-made corporate gifts has grown into a multistore operation, with locations in Homewood, Hoover, and Huntsville. “Our concept of selling products made in Alabama has been well-received by our customers and corporate clients,” says Sherry Hartley. “They see the value in supporting local artists and crafters.” Alabama Goods, voted Alabama Retailer of the Year, Best Gift Store, and Best Customer Service, maintains around 250 vendors in their stores.
Wrapsody
Across their locations, E.Newton jewelry remains a top-selling gift item for Wrapsody, and a top-favorite gift item among recipients. The bracelets come in regular, extended, and kid sizes, so there truly is something for everyone.
Wrapsody
Christie Howell acquired Wrapsody in 2017, though the Hoover location has been open for 21 years. With additional stores in Auburn, Homewood, Madison, and Trussville, Wrapsody covers a lot of local ground. “I think the best part of owning a store in Birmingham are the communities where we have stores—we are able to get to know our customers on a first-name basis and help them find the perfect gift for whomever they are shopping for,” says Christie.
Whiskers and Wags
“Our Biothane no-stink collars from Pups-Up are perfect for dogs who spend time at the lake, sports dogs, or dogs who just like to roll in things!” says Kim, noting they won’t pick up any smells and clean easily with soap and water.
Whiskers & Wags Pet Boutique
Don’t forget to stuff your pets’ stockings this season! Whiskers & Wags started at the Mt. Laurel Farmers Market in July 2011 and opened their brick-and-mortar store in Chelsea in November 2017. “We still have some of our customers we met back in 2011!” says owner Kim McCulla. “Our customers are like family, and we love getting to know them and their pets. We have customers whose pups we’ve seen grow up, customers who have gotten married and had kids of their own, and customers who have gone through major life changes. We love being right there with them, helping where we can.”
Contri Brothers
President Mike Lorino says Contri Brothers is always striving to find new and exciting containers and products for their baskets, which are a huge hit with customers and recipients because you can gift a little bit of everything.
Contri Brothers Gift Baskets & Flowers
This longtime family-owned business has been creating expressive floral arrangements and gourmet fruit and snack baskets for more than 100 years, notes president Mike Lorino. “We’re proud to design each basket and floral arrangement by hand with heart,” he says. “Our goal is to exceed our customers’ expectations with quality, value, and unbeatable service. The Contri family is committed to going the extra mile to make your gift perfect!”
Brilliant
Stay active through cold, wind, rain, sleet and snow with this “smart cube” that includes active games to turn your living room into an arcade, gym, dojo, theme park and more——just in time for those dreary, indoor days of winter. Learn more at nexplayground.com
Editor’s Pick
In a world of screens, I’m always thrilled to discover an activity that will get my daughter (and her parents!) engaged and moving. In that spirit, she’ll be unwrapping a Nex Playground this Christmas. The gaming cube connects directly to the TV but doesn’t require any extras like controllers or headphones. Instead, everyone participates with simple moves that equal easy fun for the entire family. The system comes with five games and the option to subscribe for more, including experiences from Sesame Workshop, Hasbro, and Mattel.