guides

Shop Unique Gift Ideas in New Orleans

By Betsy Winters December 1, 2015

Welcome to Macaroni Kid New Orleans' 2018 Holiday Gift Guide! Because of this guide, I have successfully found something for all the unique people in my family, including cousins, for the holidays! From a Saints fan book to baby gear and sugar scrub, we have something for everyone! Also, check out each business for exclusive discounts just for you - our loyal readers. We love supporting local businesses and if you would like to be part of our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide, please email BetsyWinters@MacaroniKid.com. Happy Shopping!


Every time someone asks me "Where did you get this amazing toy?" or "That outfit is so adorable and soft! Where did you get it?" my reply is almost always ZukaBaby! I love shopping there for my babies. Voted #1 Baby Store in Greater New Orleans, ZukaBaby is a local mom-owned modern baby boutique specializing in the latest strollers, car seats, local gifts and natural baby products. They know first-hand that preparing for a new baby can be exciting yet overwhelming. That's why the staff of expert moms is always on hand to help families make the best choices for their growing families. They hand-pick all of their products for innovation, quality, value, safety and sustainability. I can guarantee you will find something special at ZukaBaby for the baby or expectant mom on your list! 

Click here for photos. 
Mention MACARONI at check out and get $10 off your next purchase of $30 or more through 12/24/2018. Excludes gift certificates.


Dat Suga Scrub is my go-to gift this season! Handmade by local mom Mandy Garcia, Dat Suga Scrub is a small batch skin moisturizing exfoliant for full body use. As an all natural product, the gentle exfoliation can be used on all skin types. Coconut oil and cane sugar are combined by hand and infused with nurturing essential oils like lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, orange and grapefruit. The essential oils are blended to cater to individual skin care routines. Scrubs are available for purchase online here, in Zele on Magazine Street, at local art markets (locations and dates are posted on Instagram and Facebook). 

Click here for photos! 
If purchasing online, enter the code LOCAL for free shipping or pick up!


If there is one thing I've learned from living in Louisiana, it's that true football fans are Saints fans! FANtastic Saints is the ideal gift for all proud members of The Who Dat nation this holiday season. 

After spending 10 years working as a sideline photographer at New Orleans Saints games, Ron Calamia decided to create FANtastic Saints, a beautifully photographed coffee table book that pays tribute to the Saints' 50 most colorfully costumed, most recognizable super fans. His simple goal: to celebrate their spirit and devotion to the team, and to share their compelling individual stories with sports fans locally and around the world. 

FANtastic Saints can be purchased via the FANtastic Saints website (mention MACARONI KID to get a $5 discount), or at the following local retailers: Fleurty Girl, NOLA Shirt Club, Barnes and Noble - Metairie, New Orleans Cajun Store, Who Dat Shoppe of Slidell and Garden District Book Shop. 

Click here for photos.
Mention MACARONI KID to receive a $5 discount when ordering on the FANTastic Saints website.

 

Laura's Color Street Nails are the perfect gift for the beauty products lover or anyone (like me) who hates painting their nails! Color Street's 100% nail polish strips are applied dry with no tools and mess, so they're perfect for girls of all ages! Plus, they are made right here in the U.S.A. They can be applied in 5 - 10 minutes and last for up to two weeks, then they come off effortlessly with nail polish remover. When you're looking for something fun and festive to get you through the holidays or simply want to step up your nail game, there are options for everyone! These make the perfect affordable gift for moms, daughters, teachers, babysitters, hair stylists, secret santas and more! 

Click here to see more options for color and holiday themed nails, booking a nail party and more!

Artist Tina Johnsonof tina j studiocreates beautiful custom paper products and original art. You can find photo holiday cards, birthday invitations, personalized stationery, custom stickers, business card or anything else created on paper at tina j studio. Tina designs modern, unique pieces in her New Orleans studio. She says, "I love clean, restrained, colorful shapes and lines." You will also love her original art and beautiful hanging totems. I like giving personalized stationery to my nieces and nephews and am the proud owner of several of her paintings.

Click here for photos.


Need a gift for expectant, new parents? A gift certificate to The Parenting Center for a year long membership would be a wonderful present for them or current members who want to renew their membership. The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital is located in New Orleans AND Metairie and is my favorite place to go with my baby and toddler! I get the chance to let my child learn and play while I relax and talk to other adults. Especially, during the hot days where it's air conditioned and Friday (during the summer) is water play day. The Parenting Center at Children's Hospital provides a large indoor and outdoor play area with educational toys, play kitchen, building blocks and more! Parents and grandparents are welcome to drop-in anytime during operating hours. The Parenting Center and their staff are a wonderful resource to develop competence and confidence in raising children. I highly recommend a membership because I use it all the time, receive much needed parenting advice and have made life long friends. A gift certificate to The Parenting Center means giving your loved ones access to parenting support and guidance, classes, social time and the opportunity to make new friends! 

To purchase a gift certificate, call The Parenting Center at 504-896-9591or email parenting@chnola.org

Mention "MAC KID" when purchasing a membership and receive a 20% discount!

Click here for photos.



Why should adults have all the fun!?! Introduce your kid to the luxurious world of relaxation and beauty at Spoil Me Too Kids Spa! A spa designed just for them at the ONLY upscale kids spa in the Greater New Orleans area. They love spoiling your kids as much as you love making them happy. Services include mini manis, mini pedis, mini facials, soothing neck massages, and make-up applications. You can also book special spa treatments that include goodies like a sugar scrub or bath bomb added to a pedicure. This is a perfect spot for birthday parties too! The spa looks just like the one us parents would go to, but for kids! A gift certificate to Spoil Me Too would make the perfect holiday present for your fantastic kids that like to be pampered and luxuriate. 

Treat the apple of your eye to an enchanting spa experience at Spoil Me Too

Pink Friday Sale (Black Friday) 

Purchase a gift certificate of $50.00 or more and get a coupon for a free Manicure and Pedicure


One of my son's favorite toys is a spinning top from Magic Box Toys! He loves pulling the string and watching it spin on our wood floors. From scooters to digital drum sets and intricate wooden clocks, Magic Box toys on Magazine Street has many unique toys that will entertain children of all ages. They do their best to get toys that you won't find at big-box stores. Magic Box Toys also provides complimentary gift wrap and delivery in New Orleans. They also offer curbside service, Santa's closet and after hours holiday shopping for parents and grandparents. 

Santa will be visiting the store on November 24th, December 8th and December 15th!

Click here for photos!


Get a FREE kid-friendly event calendar for New Orleans full of festivals, fairs, activities, events and more! Sign up by clicking HERE!

For New Orleans holiday events, visit our calendar here!

TRENDING ARTICLES