Secret Santa got you down? Delaware shops to hit when you don’t know where to start

Molly McVety, Delaware News Journal
Updated ·4 min read

The holiday season is here, and if you are still stuck on what to get that hyper-specific person in your life, there’s no need to panic.

Maybe they have eclectic taste or they have a singular interest different from your own. If you don't know where to start, Delaware has plenty of small and big-box stores available, including some you may not have heard of.

Here is where to shop in Delaware for people in your life with niche interests:

The athletic type

The Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, a non-profit community bike shop, helps visitors maintain and repair their bicycles.
The Urban Bike Project of Wilmington, a non-profit community bike shop, helps visitors maintain and repair their bicycles.

Has marathon season inspired anyone near you to start training? Or maybe someone you know just wants to work from home in style. Here are some places to shop for your favorite athlete or gym rat.

Children and new parents

A buybuy BABY is shown closed at 8801 Southside Blvd. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 in Timberlin Village, Baymeadows, Jacksonville, Fla.
A buybuy BABY is shown closed at 8801 Southside Blvd. Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 in Timberlin Village, Baymeadows, Jacksonville, Fla.

If you’re in the market for children’s clothes or toys and are not sure where to start, the holidays become especially overwhelming.

Luckily, this year saw the reopening of major children’s store retailer buybuy Baby, and other big-box stores and smaller boutiques remain open for soon-to-arrive babies or those already in your life!

  • Children’s Place: locations in the Concord Mall and the Christiana Mall

  • BNXT Kids: 375 Delaware River Drive, Clayton

  • buybuy Baby: 501 W. Main St., Christiana

  • Hansel & Gretel: 228 Niagra Falls Drive, Greenville. Call to make an appointment at 302-478-0383

  • Kids’ Ketch: 132 Second St., Lewes

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Gamers, toy masters, comic lovers and more

Kate Sullivan, 5, of North East, MD is caught reading some comics in her Darth Vader outfit as she hangs out on Magic Friday night at Comicmania in Wilmington.
Kate Sullivan, 5, of North East, MD is caught reading some comics in her Darth Vader outfit as she hangs out on Magic Friday night at Comicmania in Wilmington.

Embrace the inner nerd at some of these small businesses. For anyone in your life with a love of comics, magic or games, Delaware has plenty of options for catering to anyone’s favorite fixation.

For the bookworms

Owner Dawn Fair opened Dawn's Books and Stuff in September 2023 at 2296 Forrest Ave. in Dover. The store is likely the first full-service bookstore in Kent County since the closure of Smyrna and Dover's Acorn Books in 2019.
Owner Dawn Fair opened Dawn's Books and Stuff in September 2023 at 2296 Forrest Ave. in Dover. The store is likely the first full-service bookstore in Kent County since the closure of Smyrna and Dover's Acorn Books in 2019.

In a time of near-constant distraction from screens, encouraging good, old-fashioned book reading can’t hurt. As reported earlier this year, independent bookstores are making a comeback in Delaware and around the country.

Beauty lovers and fashionistas

Merchandise on the shelfs of Peter Kate boutique in Wilmington Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.
Merchandise on the shelfs of Peter Kate boutique in Wilmington Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020.

For the appearance-conscious and self-care savvy, here are some options for all things beauty, fashion and décor.

First, let us offer this Delaware's thrift store guide for you to scout out a unique and sustainable gift.

Here are some other stores to consider:

Music lovers

Albums for sale at Squeeze Box Records, a vintage vinyl record store in Wilmington.
Albums for sale at Squeeze Box Records, a vintage vinyl record store in Wilmington.

Listening to music the “old-fashioned” way is back in a big way. Find your person’s favorite record, music -related merchandise or new favorite instrument here.

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This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware shops offer holiday gifts for loved ones with niche interests