LOCAL GIFT IDEAS: Just For Kids

The holiday shopping season has begun. If you’re looking to stay within the city limits, we have a few suggestions of where you might want to start your hunt for Christmas presents.

This week, it’s all about kids.

Thinking about a swing set or play set for the yard when the weather is nice and the kids are playing outside? Over at Backyard Adventures of New England, you can find various models of cedar wood sets, and other outdoor play equipment, such as trampolines.

• 274 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960
• 978-536-2044

Shopping for a youngster that loves a challenge of wits when he’s having fun? Marbles: The Brain Store, which recently opened its doors at the Northshore Mall, has all sorts of smart toys, games and activities, sure to delight the brainier crowd.

Marbles: The Brain Store

• 210 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960
• 978-531-1776

Hunting for that new Harry Potter collectible, the X-Men’s Wolverine or a music CD as a gift? Check out Newbury Comics on Route 114 for everything from Adele to U2, DVDs and all sorts of pop culture goods and collectibles.

• 240 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960
• 978-531-9713

If you have a young train enthusiast at home, you may want to stop down to Peabody Square and check out North East Trains. In addition to any sort of train model you might imagine, the shop also stocks many other models and kits from fighter planes to quaint-looking homes.

• 18 Main St, Peabody, MA 01960
• 978-532-1615 

Does your kid love sports and collect all sorts of memorabilia? Sports Collectibles is right in Peabody Square as well and offers apparel, memorabilia, trading cards and more.

• 14 Peabody Sq, Peabody, MA 01960
• 978-532-4686