Make Valentine’s Day extra sweet for your littles by ditching the standard box of chocolates from the local grocery store and picking up something unique from a locally-owned business. From LEGO trade-in opportunities to cool toys and books and even Sprinkles cupcakes, here are our top picks for spots in DFW to snag a totally creative gift for Valentine’s Day.
Dallas Farmer’s Market
This year-round market has produce and food items for sale in the outdoor pavilion, but it also boasts an impressive indoor marketplace filled with locally-owned shops and businesses. Opt for a fun slogan shirt from Bullzerk, cookies from Chelles Macarons or bath fizzies from Abundantly Aromatic. Many of these shops are doing online ordering and curbside pickup.
920 S. Harwood
Dallas, TX
Online: dallasfarmersmarket.org
Kinokuniya Bookstore
A unique bookstore, Kinokuniya has an amazing array of books as well as Sanrio toys, Japanese pens and stationery and tons of anime merchandise! You might need to set aside an hour or so to explore this place.
Carrollton Town Center
2540 Old Denton Road, Suite 114
Carrollton, TX
Griff's Gift Shop
Whatever your kids are into, it’s a good chance Griff’s has the perfect gift for them. From Harry Potter wands to Pokeman, new and retired LEGO sets, locally-made goods and even candy, it’ll be hard to leave this family-owned shop empty-handed.
101 Town Center Ln., Ste. A109
Keller, TX 76248
Online: griffsgiftshop.com
Sprinkles
Sprinkles, in our opinion, makes the very best cupcakes out there. Do a mixed box of special Valentine’s Day red velvet cupcakes, the Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cupcake, the dark chocolate or any of the other 14 flavors. Pick up at one of the two DFW locations or order online for delivery.
7500 Windrose Avenue
Plano, TX
4020 Villanova Drive
Dallas, TX
CAMP | Dallas
This fun toy store has a wonderful selection of popular books, treats and unique toys you can’t find everywhere. If you feel comfortable, you can take your kiddos and make an afternoon of it by heading over to Hat Creek Burger to pick up some tots and shakes afterward.
The Hill
9830 North Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75231
Online: camp.com/locations/dallas
Bricks & Minifigs
This buy-and-trade LEGO store in Plano is ideal for trading in a set your master builder might have outgrown and snagging something new. Believe me, with 3500 square feet of space for bricks, this shop will have what you need.
7224 Independence Pkwy, Suite 332
Plano, TX
Online: bricksandminifigs.com
Dude, Sweet Chocolate
Okay, okay, it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate. That’s why if you’re going to do a sweet gift, make it one from Dude, Sweet Chocolate. There’s the LIttle Dude Gift Bag, which has four decadent chocolate treats, the popular drinking chocolate, and even cocoa puff marshmallows
408 W. 8th St.
Dallas, TX
Online: dudesweetchocolate.net
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJrBmaoHxfq/?hidecaption=true
Rockin’ AB
This woman-owned toy store located right on McKinney Square has everything from silly collectibles to classic toys and board games. They have baby toys on up through things your tween will love. Plus, they have clothes, shoes, baby gear and even general gift items. We’re pretty sure you’ll be able to find something for your little Valentine’s here.
113 N Kentucky St Suite 102
McKinney, TX
Online: rockinab.com
More Fun Comics & Games
This fun shop has, you guessed it, comics! You can also find Funko Pop! figures, keyrings, board games, anime graphic novels and other collectibles.
103 W. Hickory St.
Denton, TX 76201
Online: morefuncomicsandgames.com
—Gabby Cullen
Featured image: Daria via Pexels
RELATED STORIES:
13 Black-Owned Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses to Support Now
Shop Here: 6 Independent Toy Stores That Dallas Parents Love
Stock Your Bookshelves with These Kids Books about Dallas
