Destination baby shower at the Mall of America? Yes, please!
Destination baby showers should be a thing. We already have destination weddings, birthdays, bachelorettes, so why not throw baby showers into the mix? Really, any excuse to travel with your friends seems like a pretty good idea, no? So when our friend and fellow travel writer Natalie DiScala (you can see her stylish travels on ohtravelissima.com) said she wanted to have her own destination baby shower (she is about six months pregnant), and she wanted to do it at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, we could not think of one reason to say no. Even Natalie’s husband Johnny Jet joined in on the girls’ weekend and had a blast shopping with us … or he at least pretended too ;). And while visiting a mall might not be your idea of a getaway, it’s probably because you haven’t been to the Mall of America yet. Here are five reasons to do a destination baby shower (or just a trip in general) at the Mall of America.
Try to not buy everything inside the adorable Janie & Jack store.
1. The Shopping
Clearly this has to be the first reason. The Mall of America is massive (with 520 stores, we guarantee you will find something, or many, many things) and when it comes to baby shower-friendly shopping, you also won’t be at a loss. Spend a day hopping from the Build-a-Bear Workshop, where everyone can help make the baby’s first teddy bear, to classic baby stores like Baby GAP and The Children’s Place, to places like Nordstrom Baby, Hanna Andersson and the adorable Janie & Jack for more unique finds. A few essential oils from Intelligent Nutrients will help the mom-to-be relax pre- and post-baby, while Destination Maternity offers stylish, baby bump-friendly clothing. Side note: There’s no sales tax on clothing or shoes in Minnesota, so that makes shopping for you or the little bundle of joy on the way even more enticing.
Cupcakes are a necessity to refuel!
2. The Food
With 50 restaurants plus coffee shops, cafes and even a cupcake boutique, you will have plenty of options to refuel. Pit stops at David’s Tea are essential for a mom-to-be with lots of caffeine-free choices (plus other cute gifts you can pick up as presents). For the non-pregnant who need a latte fix, local coffee shop Caribou Coffee is an energy booster (plus they have delish chocolate chip cookies). And when you need that afternoon sugar rush, aptly named Cupcake will save you (they have everything from classic mocha cupcakes to full-on vegan lemon blueberry cupcakes and everything in between).
A carousel in the theme park section of the mall is any girl’s dream, regardless of age.
3. The Fun
The thing about the Mall of America is this: It’s so fun. Your first impression of it may be that it’s just a really big mall with loads of shops. But there’s so much more. There’s the largest indoor theme park in America, Nickelodeon Universe, with rides, mascots, games and more (which will also be great for once that baby actually arrives and is old enough to go on the rides). And wandering through the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium will leave you in awe.
The plush beds in the JW Marriott rooms make resting in between shopping super comfy. Photo courtesy of the JW Marriott.
4. The Hotels (And The Spa)
When you’re done shopping, eating and being on your feet all day, you need a place to rest your head (and get ready for the next day). There are two hotel options at the Mall of America: The Radisson Blu Mall of America and the newly opened JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America (where we stayed). With 342 comfortable rooms, amazing restaurants (Cedar + Stone is a hot spot with elegant dishes for a stylish night out), a lovely pool in the gym area and direct access to the mall, the four-star JW Marriott is the ideal place to rest your weary feet. And a girls’ trip (and a baby shower) wouldn’t be complete without some extra pampering courtesy of a spa visit at the Radisson Blu. Mom-to-be can relax and feel comfortable with a pre-natal massage while others get manis, pedis, facials and more.
Let the inner kid in you come out at the largest indoor theme park in America.
5. The Flight
If you’re flying from Toronto it takes just under two hours to get to shopping heaven (Air Canada offers direct flights). That means it’s a great short-haul flight for the mom-to-be and can make for an easy weekend getaway if you’re tight on time. It also means that your next visit to the Mall of America is just two hours away (yes, we definitely plan to be back).
All photos by Jana Noonan unless otherwise stated.
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