CHILDREN’S ANNUAL SMALL MALL

The 2023 Small Mall will be Saturday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (320 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS 66048; 913-682-1331)

The Children’s Small Mall is an opportunity for children between 3 and 13 years old to do their own holiday shopping for family, teachers, and friends in a secure environment.

Children love this event, as it allows them to pick out something they think their loved ones will want without the presence of a parent, and the gift comes from the heart. Of course, the biggest challenge is keeping the selected gift item a secret.

For first-time shoppers and parents, it is important to know what to expect, so our “Head Elf” explains the process.

Prior to entering the shopping area, a gift list is completed by the parent with names, ages, and the dollar amount for each gift on the list. The gifts are $3, $5, or $7 prepaid. Our volunteer elves escort each little shopper with their gift list into the shopping area where the gifts are arranged according to category and price. For the shopper, it can be exciting and overwhelming trying to make a decision on that perfect gift.

We have a wide selection of items to choose from. For women, jewelry is popular, along with scarves, candles, serving dishes, and so much more. For dad, granddad, or uncle (the hardest to buy for), there are tools, flashlights, calendars, and desk accessories, just to name a few gifts. For the sweet tooth in the family, there are sweets and baking gift sets. We have teen gifts as well as children’s toys, books, and stuffed animals for the siblings.

When their shopping is completed, each child receives a bag of Magic Reindeer Food, a free ride on the 1913 carousel (photo op), movies, and access to the Kid’s Craft Corner to make some awesome ornaments.

While waiting for your little shoppers, parents can relax with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate and browse through the crafts, gifts, and baked goods available for purchase. Not to be missed are our three raffles, the Ladies’ Basket filled with items for mom, the sports theme with tons of sport items, and the kids’ raffle loaded with toys, books, and stuffed animals.

For additional information email or call the museum at (913) 682-1331.