A remote control car here, a stuffed animal there. Birthday gifts can be a dime a dozen. Don’t let that gift receipt be put to use. Wow your kiddo — and his or her friends — with presents they don’t see every day. We dug around for unexpected shops in Andersonville, Frankfort and beyond that sell everything from locally made puzzles to kitschy superhero tees to cool PJs. Click through our album and get excited.

For Artistic Kids: MCA Store

Plan a trip to see your favorite Warhol and pick up a few gifts while you’re there. The Museum of Contemporary Art Store is stocked with mod, kid-savvy brands like Janod, Vilac and Plan Toys. Blossoming musicians will love the confetti music table or guitar by French-brand Janod, while adventurists will scoot around for days on the Japanese Yomoto bike (great for 18 months and up). For smaller, less expensive gifts try a Julian Meagher racing car (collectible and sleek), a set of Keith Haring’s stacking blocks done in Mid-century modern motifs, or the wildly fun and educational OgoBild Nexus Construction Kit.

220 E. Chicago Ave., Downtown
Hours: Mon. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m., Tues. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Phone: 312-280-2660
Online: mcachicagostore.org

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Where is your favorite spot to buy b-day presents? Let us know in the Comments!

— Taryn Bickley