HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: 2021

November 12, 2021

Taylor Bowler,

From electric scooters and fidgets to cookie kits and activity boxes, we’ve got a round-up of the season’s best toys, treats, and games—and where to find them in Charlotte. We caught up with Dan Weiss, owner of Harper & Skyler’s Toys & Sweets, to find out which items have been flying off his shelves this season. Our list also includes unique finds from some of our favorite local vendors, plus a few familiar brands you can find around Charlotte. Remember to shop now and place your orders early, because toymakers are predicting supply shortages and shipping delays this year. Happy hunting!

FEATURED STORE

Harper & Skyler’s Toys & Sweets

4317 Park Rd., Ste. B

Since opening in Park Road Shopping Center in October, this independent toy store has been Charlotte’s new go-to treats, candy boards, toys, and accessories for newborns up to teens. You won’t find big brands like Mattel and Hasbro, but you will find a curated mix of trendy and unique toys from lesser known manufacturers and local vendors. Below, owner Dan Weiss shares his top five picks for the 2021 holiday season. (styles and sizes subject to availability)

Want more gift inspiration? Check out Charlotte Parent’s top picks for 2021.

Baby Huggums Madame Alexander Doll ($60.45)

For 97 years, the Madame Alexander Doll Company has designed these collectible dolls, and now the traditional Huggums line comes in a range of skin tones with a new lavender outfit. Fancy Pants, 1025 Providence Rd., fancypantschildren.com

Speks ($24.99 and up)

These magnetic balls are moldable, mashable stress relief for little hands. Toy Mania Cotswold, 242 S. Sharon Amity Rd., toymaniausa.com

Liv Kids’ Adore C/B 16 Bike ($280)

This lightweight bike makes the ride on your first two-wheeler super fun with easy balance tires, training wheels, and a low stand-over height for safe maneuvering. Charlotte Cycles, 337 Baldwin Ave., charlottecycles.com

The OG ABC Puzzle ($30)

Teach your little homie all about the hip-hop greats piece by piece with this 500-piece puzzle. It’s guaranteed to challenge any hip-hop head in the house. Betty, 1219 Thomas Ave., bettybymoxie.com

LEGO® Marvel The Avengers Advent Calendar ($29.99)

Kick off the season for your little superhero with this advent calendar that’s filled with 24 surprises. Each day they’ll find a different Marvel Avenger they can add to their collection—and play with all year long. The LEGO® Store SouthPark, 4400 Sharon Rd., Ste. M05, legostore.com

Kira Bailey, American Girl Doll of the Year ($110 doll and book)

Meet Kira Bailey, a “nurturing and inquisitive” 10-year-old from Michigan visiting her great aunts at their wildlife sanctuary and vet clinic in Queensland, Australia. American Girl Store Charlotte, 4400 Sharon Rd., americangirl.com

Elf on the Shelf Kits ($8-$50)

Your family’s favorite elf can bring a cookie pizza, baking set, hot cocoa kit, and other miniature treats to surprise the kids in the days leading up to Christmas morning. All orders will be ready for pickup or go out for shipping starting November 21; the final day items ship is December 20. Sweet Spot Studio, 4418 Monroe Rd., sweetspotstudioclt.com

Playviators ($19.99)

This toy airplane encourages fine motor skills, cause-effect learning, imaginative play. The weight causes the propeller to spin when little hands tilt it forward or back, and the transparent compartment lets kids see the mechanical movement in action. Shower Me With Love, 4845 Ashley Park Ln., showermewithlove.com

Winter Joy Activity Box ($25-$32)

Geared for ages 2 to 6, these activity boxes make a great interactive gift, a surprise brought by the “elf,” or holiday entertainment for long trips. Boxes ship by the last week of November. Pro Tip: If you need something for the kids to do right now, visit the website and download activity sheets starting at $2 a download. theboxfull.com