Between Black Friday and Jan. 1, the den of iniquity that is a children’s toy store goes from simply annoying to the seventh circle of hell. Avoid the lines, the screaming kids, and the tiny plastic toys that will inevitably end up in your vacuum cleaner by picking up any one of these locally made trinkets that are just for kids.
So Nifty Thrifty
My First Pal by Amy Moore
Socktopus
Amy Moore is just a regular lady who loves making funny creatures out of crazy socks. She’s got a regular day job, so she stitches and sews a menagerie of one-of-a-kind, colorful creatures while watching TV. You won’t find her wares online, but she’s a regular at local street fairs and craft shows. You can also reach her by emailing my.first.pal@outlook.com. Each pal is $20 and you’ll never find two that are exactly alike.
Wooly Mammoth
Fresh fruits
Some people might look at a stuffed fruit and wonder whether such a thing needs to exist, but anyone who’s stepped on seemingly innumerable plastic vegetables will really get the point of crafting toys out of soft materials. Pick out a selection of Wooly Mammoth’s stuffed fruits and vegetables for an adorable (and pain free) farmers market feel. You can purchase goods from Wooly Mammoth on Etsy or at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair.
Enamor
Friendly fawn
There is truly nothing more darling than when a tiny tot attaches itself to a soft, stuffed creature. But, to the horror of many parents, it’s often some horrendous Mickey Mouse doll that will leave you reeling from the the commercialization of their offspring’s childhood. Pick up this dreamy dear at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair. Your friends, and their progeny, with thank you.
Mended
Vintage baby sweater
Dude, forget about Carters. #Everyone will be wearing that plaid hoodie at the playground. Set the kiddo in your life up for success with their first-ever vintage sweater. These adorable little jumpers are made from reclaimed materials and will go great with a lovely little pair of leggings. The one-of-a-kind sweaters are $34 and can be purchased on Etsy or at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair.
We welcome readers to submit letters regarding articles and content in Detroit Metro Times. Letters should be a minimum of 150 words, refer to content that has appeared on Detroit Metro Times, and must include the writer's full name, address, and phone number for verification purposes. No attachments will be considered. Writers of letters selected for publication will be notified via email. Letters may be edited and shortened for space.
Email us at letters@metrotimes.com.
Detroit Metro Times works for you, and your support is essential.
Our small but mighty local team works tirelessly to bring you high-quality, uncensored news and cultural coverage of Detroit and beyond.
Unlike many newspapers, ours is free – and we'd like to keep it that way, because we believe, now more than ever, everyone deserves access to accurate, independent coverage of their community.
Whether it's a one-time acknowledgement of this article or an ongoing pledge, your support helps keep Detroit's true free press free.