Has this ever happened to you? It’s Friday afternoon, and you’re thinking, “Ah, almost to the finish line, and what do we have going on this weekend? Hopefully nothing much.” Then something shiny catches your eye – the invite to little Joey’s birthday party on Saturday morning! You forgot, and you have no gift. Your kid is definitely not giving up any of their extra toys and a gift card or cash can make a child cry, or quickly get tossed to the side (and lost). I used to rush out the night before, the morning of, or Google “gifts for insert age.” Not anymore.

When Pippin Toy Co. opened at 1310 King Street right after Thanksgiving, I was incredibly grateful. As the mom of a three-year-old who attends a very social preschool (we also live in a very social neighborhood), there are a ton of parties. Families around here celebrate everything. Even when the parents say, “no gifts please,” my mother taught me to never attend anything empty-handed, and I never do.

When you need a unique, quality gift – that’s within driving distance (and bonus: locally-owned by a female entrepreneur), Pippin Toy Co. checks all the boxes. Here are some quick pickups for that birthday party, or your own kid’s “special achievement”:

FOR THE CURIOUS KID (LOCALLY INSPIRED):

The nation’s capital is in our backyard…and so are a ton of cherry blossom trees about to bloom. Learning about local culture is fun – and it always makes for a unique present.

FOR THE KID WHO LIKES TO MAKE THINGS:

Whether it’s building with magnets, making slime or making bath bombs (make me one, please – the bath bomb, not the slime), these will keep them busy for a while. And sure, parents can go online and figure out how to make slime or a bath bomb with baking soda, food dye or whatever, but this is called a “gift” for a reason. Make it easier for everyone.

FOR THE KID WHO LIKES TO DRESS UP:

Everyone has Paw Patrol costumes and Elsa’s sparkling blue gown with crown. Gift a costume or accessories that no one has!

FOR THE GIRLY GIRL:

Grab some sparkly nail polish that’s pretty and peels off in the bathtub (so happy when I discovered this after my daughters fingers were covered). Throw in some sticker earrings and bracelets and you have a cool gift bag.

FOR THE KID’S PARENTS WHO WANT TO BRING BACK THE 80s:

Big League Chew and Fun Dip— need I say more? And these are probably more of a gift to the parents – but so fun…bringing back the good old days.

If you haven’t stopped into Pippin Toy Co. yet you don’t know what you’re missing. The magical door is worth a visit alone!

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