What do you do when the shipping deadlines have come and gone and you still need another gift? For Christmas 2025, the "guaranteed by Christmas" shipping deadline has already passed for most online retailers. Luckily, there are wonderful are options right here in town, no delivery needed. So don't despair! Here are some of the amazing local stores, restaurants, and attractions offering Christmas gifts for everyone on your list that you can get right here in Sioux City:
Local stores with unique toys, books, and other gifts
- Thinker Toys
- Across the street from Sertoma Park, Thinker Toys is commonly known as "the toy castle". The insides are as delightful as the outside, with a huge variety of toys from great brands. A few of my favorites are Corolle dolls, Calico Critters, the train room and Lego room in the corners, and the puppets. You'll also find Playmobil, Melissa & Doug, Alex toys, and lots of other unique brands you'll love.
- For store hours and more info, check out the Thinker Toys Facebook page
- Book People
- Between Hy-Vee and Shopko on Hamilton Boulevard, Book People is full of delightful books for all ages (including mine, 100 Things to Do in Sioux City & Siouxland Before You Die!), along with a selection of toys and games including the super soft (and cute!) Jellycat brand of plush. Many of the plush animals and toys go with books, making for an easy and natural gift pairing!
- For more info, visit the Book People Facebook page
- ACME Comics
- Wide variety of comic books for all ages and interests, plus tons of geekery for the fandoms your friends and family love, like books, shirts, posters, toys, and more!
- For more info check out the ACME Comics Facebook page
- Sioux City Gifts
- For the best source of gifts from local makers, brands, and writers, you're in the right place! Notably, they have a great selection of books about Siouxland, including my Sioux City area travel guide, 100 Things to Do in Sioux City & Siouxland Before You Die which includes several photos from Sioux City Gifts owner George Lindblade, as well as tons of funny Sioux City themed T-shirts
- For store hours, to order online, or to peruse their selection of great gifts, visit the Sioux City Gifts website.
- Trinity Heights
- This Siouxland park is best known for its 30+ foot tall statues of Mary and Jesus but also has a gift shop with a lovely selection of religious themed gifts. While Trinity Heights and its gift shop are Catholic, all are welcome to walk the grounds and shop in the store.
- For store hours and other information, visit the Trinity Heights website.
- Drilling Pharmacy
- Don't let the name fool you-this Siouxland store chain is full of delightful gifts, including home decor, purses, and much more! Also watch for "Drilling Deals" for the most bang for your gifting buck!
- For store hours and more information, visit the Drilling Pharmacy website
- Odyssey Gift Shop in LaunchPad Children's Museum
- Toys, educational games, and more available, with a focus on toys and games that support STEM learning!
- Wilmes Hardware
- Wide variety of gift items, from tools to home & garden decor, plus adorable toys from Nebraska-based toy company FatBrain Toys!
Local food to make your mouth water
- Jolly Time Koated Kernels
- Find a variety of delicious flavored popcorns and gift baskets at this boutique store that uses fresh popcorn from the Jolly Time factory and takes it to the next level! I have never had a flavor there I wouldn't be happy to get a whole bag of, but I would especially recommend the Sioux City 50-50 mix if you're not sure what to get!
- For more info, visit the Koated Kernels website (but I recommend shopping in person, because free samples!)
- Palmer's Old Time Candy Shoppe
- Find bulk bins of a wide variety of candies and nuts, plus many pre-packaged options. Most of the candy here is fresh from the Palmer's factory! Some of my family's favorites are the cherry sours, reindeer corn, and chocolate covered pretzels.
- For store hours and other info, check out the Palmer's store website
Passes, Tickets, and Memberships to Siouxland Attractions
- Launchpad Children's Museum
- Both one-day passes and annual memberships which cover admission and most of their programming other than holiday parties would be great gifts!
- Visit the Launchpad website for more info
- Sioux City Musketeers Hockey
- Cheer on Sioux City's professional hockey team at their home games at the Tyson! Tickets are available for single games or the whole season!
- Sioux City Symphony
- Enjoy classical music at the Sioux City Orpheum theater. Tickets available for single performances or for the whole season!
For even more gift ideas like passes and tickets to sporting events and musical performances, check out my post on Experience Gifts for Siouxland Families.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

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