5 gift ideas from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids

By Vivienne Machi, Staff Writer

Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids
VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

Now that the Tikes Shoppe is open in downtown Dayton, you don't need to buy presents yourself and then sign your child's name on the card: let your little ones pick out their Christmas gifts themselves.

The Tikes Shoppe, run by kids for kids, opened Nov. 27 near the Mathile Theater in the Schuster Center for the Performing Arts, and is a tot-sized store filled with presents for every family member and friend, at a child's budget from 50 cents to $15.

Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids
Organizers, stakeholders and children celebrate at the Tike's Shoppe ribbon-cutting Nov.24. VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

Yes! For Youth operates the store, teaching kids the basics of inventory, customer service, working the cash register, and more, so when your child buys a gift in the store, they're also helping their fellow kids and teens learn valuable skills. Plus, there's a chance they'll get to sit down with Santa Claus and tell him what they want for Christmas!

Longtime store manager Christie Richards shared what some of the stores' most popular items are.

  • For Dad: coffee mugs and trophies

    Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids, item 1
    VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

    For the dads, you can't go wrong with either a coffee mug (he'll appreciate it every day!) or a trophy telling him how great he is.

  • Moms get the sparkles

    Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids, item 2
    VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

    "Kids really like sparkly things, for the moms or the grandmas," Richards said. Popular gifts for moms include "I Love Mom" pendants and sparkly jewelry.

  • For the grandparents: mugs filled with love

    Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids, item 3
    VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

    The coffee mugs are a main staple of the Tikes Shoppe stock since its very beginning in Rike's Department Store, and always a big winner for the grandparents.

    "I think I even own some coffee mugs from when my kids came through," Richards said.

  • Don't leave out the teachers!

    Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids, item 4
    VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

    Tike's really does have a present for everyone in your child's life. These pendants are great for a favorite teacher.

    "We're creating relationships with people here, it's a great thing to do during the holidays," Richards said.

  • Friends get tools, ear buds, and more!

    Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids, item 5
    VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

    The gifts can be cute, utilitarian, or all of the above.

    "The kids all pick the presents differently, some take forever shopping, or some kids walk right in and know exactly what they want. But they all have a reason behind it," Richards said. "They're really putting a lot of thought behind the presents, and they're excited when their parents and grandparents are excited to see what they got."

     

    Gifts from the Tikes Shoppe, the store run by kids, for kids
    Santa chats with the Tike's Shoppe's first customers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 24. VIVIENNE MACHI / STAFF

    The Tike's Shoppe, in the Schuster Center at 1 W. Second St., is open through Dec. 23. Visit during these hours:

    • Dec. 11 - noon-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
    • Dec. 12 - 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
    • Dec. 13 - noon-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)
    • Dec. 14-17 - CLOSED
    • Dec. 18-23 - 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Santa 2-5 p.m.)

      Get more info at downtowndayton.org.