Small businesses in WNY could use your support more than ever this holiday season! Throughout COVID, many local business owners have figured out how to pivot and bring their products and services online. COVID has even forced some local businesses to get creative and offer things that aren’t even part of their regular everyday operation.
If your kids are like mine, there are definitely things on their wish list that you can’t buy at smaller stores but despite that, I’ll still be making an effort to include a gift or two from a local business. I took to my Facebook page to find out what local WNY businesses had to offer that might be fun 4 kids and here’s what I found.
(In alphabetical order.)
Baby’s Sweet Beginnings
Located in Lancaster, Baby’s Sweet Beginnings has gifts for babies and new moms! They have stuffed animals, pacifiers, Wubbanubs, teething rings, jewelry and more.
For more information, visit their website.
Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe
Located in Lancaster, Bloomsbury Lane Toys carries unique toys and gifts that inspire a child’s creativity.
Their store is currently open! For updates, info and hours, visit their website.
Clayton’s Toys
Located in Williamsville, Clayton’s has gifts, toys, games, novelties, and nostalgia for children of all ages! You can shop online or in the store. They also offer curbside pickup and complimentary gift wrapping.
To shop online or learn more, visit their website.
Jack & Gray Kids
Located in Orchard Park, Jack & Gray Kids has a large selection of high quality toys, crafts and books! You can shop online, in store or via Face Time. They also offer gift wrapping and shipping.
To shop online or with questions, visit their website.
Little Buffalo
Located on Hertel Ave., in North Buffalo, Little Buffalo is the perfect example of a small business that has been forced to pivot their operation during COVID. Opened with the intent of being a boutique place for kids that offers classes, parties and open play, they’ve had to shift gears to offering take home activity kits. They have sensory toy boxes, craft kits, themed boxes and more.
You can order online and pick up at their location. Visit their Facebook page for information.
Little Lamb Crochet
Located in Newfane, Little Lamb Crochet makes unique crotched hats for kids. Visit her Facebook page for information.
Loaded Lumber Buffalo
Located in Buffalo, Loaded Lumber Buffalo has DIY craft kits for kids. There are custom name puzzles that kids can paint, DIY fairy door kits, and many other unique craft kits.
You can shop online and either have it the item shipped to you or pick it up at their location. Visit their website to see what’s available.
Rolly Pollies of WNY
With three locations across WNY, Rolly Pollies offers classes and camps. With some restrictions on their normal business operations, they have also pivoted to offering a Fun at Home line of products that includes Play Packs and Fit Kits. Included is a “Grown-Up Guide” to help adults facility the activities. They are also offering gift certificates for camps and classes.
You can purchase kits online or in one of their three locations.
SPCA
Located in West Seneca, the SPCA is a non-profit organization that cares for animals and helps pet parents in the area, but they also typically offer classes and camps for kids. They are offering To-Go Backpacks that include a minimum of five activities kids can do at home. They are also offering Kind Kids Membership Club subscriptions and Take for Two Reading to the Animals passes. These are great gift ideas for the animal lover in your life.
