Creative Kidstuff050

Since its start in 1982 as a small neighborhood shop in Minneapolis, parents, teachers, daycare providers - and kids, of course - have been enchanted by this bright, welcoming award-winning store. Now, Des Moines gets to enjoy it, too.

Creative Kidstuff is full of appealing, innovative playthings, and is staffed by nicer-than-all-getout parents, teachers, and people who genuinely like kids. Playmobil, craft kits and art supplies, games and puzzles, wooden trains, infant toys and dress-up clothes, CDs and books - all get a lot of shelf space. Seasonal offerings change frequently, and summer can't come fast enough to try out the large selection of outdoor toys.

The staff is always ready with gift ideas for every age; the website offers the same, as well as easy ordering and sale items not available in stores.