Six Shopping Days Until Christmas 2012: Shops at West Glen Town Center Cater to Exclusive Tastes

When your holiday shopping takes you to retail giant Target to pick up wrapping paper, bows and other holiday incidentals, don’t forget the small, independent shops lining the interior streets of West Glen Town Center.

Some things you can check off your list:

Your New Year’s Eve duds: Schaffer’s Impromptu has both ball dresses and off-the-rack selections that you won’t find elsewhere in Des Moines. If it’s a less formal party but you still want to stand out, Bella Boutique and Mint LA Boutique have great solutions.

Designer bargains are across the street at WORN, where you might be able to score some of the shoes and workout gear Shawn Johnson wore on "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars." She just dropped off several designer purses as well.

More great resale values are available at Plato’s Closet.

Popping the question? Josephs Jewelers has been supplying the diamond rings in the Des Moines metro area for four generations in the family-owned jewelry store It’s also a great place for other gifts, whether jewelry for men, women and children of all ages, or distinctive object d’arte.

Distinctive designs and quirky gifts are also found at Sticks West Glen Gallery. Des Moines artist  and Sticks creator Sarah Grant specializes in small art items and unique, decorative household items such as candlesticks, cabinets, desks, chairs and lighting. Many of Sticks' items are hand-carved out of quality wood; many if its home furnishing items are customizable.

Artis Home Gallerie, a locally owned, three-generation fine home furnishings store, replaces the original Artis Fine Furnishings of Des Moines, which was in operation from 1928 - 2009. The new store specializes in designer furnishings and home decor, is an authorized Stickley dealer, offers special events services and is equipped to do touch-ups and reupholstery on most home furnishing items.

Another great destination is Autumn Leaf Gifts, a locally owned home decor store known for its artistic home accents and unique gift items. Autumn Leaf specializes in handcrafted items made by Midwestern artisans. It sells unique candle holders, decorations, stationery, gifts, and bath and body products. It also carries some speciality food items such as tea, honey, jams and gourmet chocolates.

Flowers work, too. Whether you want to send flowers or put the design team to work on your holiday centerpiece, stop by Magnolia 105 by Divine Flowers.

Satisfy the tastes of the wine lover on your list at WineStyles. The shop, one of 100 in a nationwide chain, is stocked with a variety of red, white and sparkling wines along with descriptions to simplify product selection. It also sells craft beer, artisan cheese, gifts, tea and accessories. Weekly tastings, custom gift baskets and gourmet food items are also offered. It offers wine by the glass as well as beer and small bites of cheese.

Don’t forget your best friend, the family dog. Three Dog Bakery. Biscuits and other treats are baked fresh daily.

Some other ideas:

• Buy a gift certificate for a massage or other spa service at The Spa at West Glen.
• Buy a gift certificate for dinner for two at Gino’s Restaurant & Lounge West Glen or Bonefish Grill.
• Buy a weekend hotel package at Drury Inn & Suites.
• Buy tickets to a comedy show at Funny Bone Comedy Club.