There was a variety of unique stores inside the Grand Canyon and its surrounding areas. Children will enjoy the various rocks, gems, dream catchers, Navajo dolls, arrowheads and sand art available in most stores around the Grand Canyon. Most come with little explanation of the Native American customs.
Yavaipa Observation Station– This small station with exceptional canyon views also had a little store selling souvenir items and books.
Hopi House – This historic building was right across from the El Tovar Hotel. It had a pretty good selection of Native American arts and crafts, Navajo rugs, jewelry and souvenir items. They had some really beautiful merchandise in here. There was also a second story that featured a gallery of Native American art. The kids also had an opportunity to see what an old Hopi Indian dwelling would have looked like.
National Geographic Center and IMAX Theater Gift Shop – The theater building housed a gift shop with many National geographic items. My son didn’t want to leave this place. There were plenty of educational objects and National Geographic merchandise to keep kids occupied. Address: 450 State Route 64, Grand Canyon, AZ (right before the South Rim entrance 0n the left)
The Market Plaza in Grand Canyon Village had everything you could need. There were plenty of souvenir items, an eatery, and a grocery store to replenish basic items or to purchase forgotten necessities.
Desert View Watchtower – The bottom floor of the building was a gift and souvenir shop with some pretty good deals such as 3 T-shirts for $25. There was also more Native American and Southwest artifacts and pottery. My kids roaming around the shop made me nervous around all that pottery. The circular room was not very spacious and could get pretty crowded. It had some dramatic canyon views from the large glass windows while shopping.
Souvenir Items
My kids went home with a Grand Canyon mule stuffed animal to add to their collection, dream catchers and a great book. The book, I See Something GRAND by Mitzi Chandler, was very educational and has wonderful illustrations. My kids learned some basic information about the Grand Canyon and a good one to share with grandparents. On our previous visits, we’ve purchased Kokopelli souvenir items that were widely found in many Grand Canyon gift shops.