Holy crap. Is Christmas only a week away? Okay well, don’t panic.  You need not battle the throngs of parents in Kmart in search of the last Princess Unicorn doll in town (my horn can pierce the sky!) because I, Keri, have come to your rescue with a complete list of wicked original, local artists and vendors just dying to make this years Christmas presents the best ones yet. Best of all, most of these are available online and ALL are located in Des Moines, so you can probably even get them in time.

(Hint: save on time and shipping by contacting online and etsy vendors directly to pick up your purchase!)

Okay. ready? Go.

Music for… okay lets start with you. (we have to ease into this “giving” thing)

Maxilla Blue | Central Standard Records

Central Standard Records is not only the Des Moines based label of such RI favorites Tyborn Jig, but their online store is the place to find the new album from Des Moines based Maxilla Blue featuring Aeon Grey,  Asphate Woodhavet Dj TouchNice.  Great opportunity to make your favorite music junky happy as well as support the dsm scene (which makes everyone happy, really, right?).  Maxilla Blue is available for only $10, and hell, for that price you should probably buy two.

(oh hey, and just so you know… you can watch more Maxilla Blue videos here and here.  ALso  Rock Iowa got to catch up again with these guys on Crossroads… stay tuned for another video coming soon….)

Wasted Love Songs | She Swings, She Sways

I first had the immense pleasure of hearing She Swings, She Sways at Crossroads conference a few weeks ago, and I’ll admit it… I went home to download the album and I’ve been listening obsessively ever since. and I maaay have a little crush on all of them.

She Swings She Sways heralds (get it) from Ottumwa, Iowa and their album is available on Authentic Records.  Wasted Love Songs, has climbed to the #14 most downloaded album on emusic this week.  So forget the giving and download this for yourself.  You deserve it.

Artsy Things for everyone

Awesome paintings |  Please Obey.com

Art created and sold by our very own Cat Rocketship. I’m not very confident in my skills in writing about art, but needless to say, she’s great.  She sells at pleaseobey.com and on her etsy site.

Apparel /Tshirts/Hoodies  for your brother, boyfriend, scenester younger sister

Scenester Clothing | Nightmare City Apparel

John and his crew currently have five different t shirt and hoodie designs ranging from $20-$40.  The Bleach Hoodie pictured above is my personal favorite, so if anyone’s .. you know… trying to think of something to get me…

Inspired Tshirts | Theophilus Apparel

Nathan Roberts is a really cool guy and south side native who has a passion for art and faith.  He designs t shirts, hoodies, and bags all based on the Theophilus vision.  Theophilus shirts and designs are only available online, so order soon.

Overstock 8035 Tshirts| DMMC &  Smash

Support the DMMC by purchasing a leftover 8035 t shirt.  Makes great loungewear  $20 available at the Smash or at thesmashsite.com

Apparel/Vintage/Local Designer for your fashion conscious friends

Vintage Vitae is a RI favorite that opened this year on the corner of 17th and Grand.   Owned and run by five different local designers Acanthus, Pink Revolver, Magpie, Barbarella, and rok:her:roots.

And while you’re there, you should probably stop by and check out Dorethea’s Closet, a complete vintage store full to bursting of one of a kind retro dresses, hats, coats, shoes and bags for.  . . well. . . me, if you happen to be looking for a present for me.  thank you! you’re too kind.  (Don’t be fooled by the pricey dresses they have listed online, there are plenty of good deals in the store!)

Kids and Babies for your friends with kids and babies

If you’re in your 20s… or 30s… you probably either have kids or have friends with kids or have family with kids… either way… kids abound.   And good news.  There’s some really cute stuff out there for those who think JCrews’ new line of kidwear is well, pretty disgusting.

Ugly Dolls | Eden

love ugly dolls.  I would probably even have a baby JUST so I could get an ugly doll.  No just kidding.  But really, how awesome are these things?  Not designed or made locally, exactly, but Ugly dolls ARE available at Eden, in the East Village.  Just THINK of the look on your sister – in-law’s face when our niece or nephew opens this present. mwaha.

Hipster Baby Stuff | Onesies Twosies

A great Iowa Etsy store from Hey Jen Renee! filled with ridiculously cute and hip baby and little kiddo clothing and even the amazing mobile pictured above.

and last but not least….

Food and drinks for mom, dad, mother in law, father in law… hell… everyone else

Coffee or Gift Card | Mars Cafe

I know, I know, we probably pimp Mars Cafe a little too often on our  site, but well… we love it.  We love it because (face it) they have the best espresso in town, we love it because of Scented Vinyl every Monday, and most of all we love it because EVERYBODY loves it.  Every year Mars puts together gift boxes with coffee beans, tea, t shirts, and gift cards.  Plus its just another excuse to stop by to get yourself  something…

Tea, tea and more tea | Gong Fu

Gong Fu Tea Shop in the East Village was the first place to sell quality loose teas in Des Moines.  I was raised by a hard core New Englander mother who raised me on loose leaf tea (two cups a day, thank you) so this is where I usually shop for her.  They have a bajillion varieties of tea, as well as teapots and gift sets.  Good stuff.

So there you go.  Good ideas, all of them, if I do say so myself.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

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