Dressed as an elf and playing the role of Santa’s helper, a local woman has opened a room in her Monroe Street boutique, offering an opportunity for children to come and Christmas shop for their parents.

Angela Turner, the owner of Simone’s Boutique, has opened what she calls The Elf Shop. It’s a winter wonderland of twinkling lights, Christmas trees adorned with sparkling ornaments and gifts nestled in every corner, with kid-friendly prices.

Turner said she wants to help young buyers shop and select the perfect gift for their moms and dads.

She said the idea came to her after seeing the joy in her 4-year-old granddaughter’s face last Christmas while visiting her in Dallas.

“Even with all the Christmas gifts that were under the tree, she was more excited about giving her gifts to her parents,” said Turner.

Turner said her granddaughter visited a store in her hometown where young children were able to shop and select gifts with kid-friendly prices for their parents and siblings and decided to mimic the concept in Vicksburg.

Some of the gifts for sale at The Elf Shop include jeweled lipstick cases, wallets, key chains, coin purses and Christmas ornaments, all ranging from $1 to $5.

Turner said after a child has selected a gift, an adult helper will wrap the gift for the child so the parent will not be able to get a peek before Christmas.

Turner said when she was young and growing up her family did not have a lot of money.

“If I would have had this (a shop with kid-friendly price tags) growing up I would have felt like I could have really gotten my mom something for Christmas,” Turner said.

“I think it’s a fabulous idea,” said Marie Thompson, who had brought her grandsons to The Elf Shop. “It’s great. They get to participate in the giving spirit.

“This is very typical of Angela,” Thompson continued. “She thinks outside the box for the community and has a special attachment to children of all ages.”

Ruben Thompson-Trujillos, the 6-year-old grandson of Thompson, said he had fun shopping for gifts to give his mom and dad. His 8-year-old brother, Ismael, said their parents give them presents and now they can return the favor.

Ismael and Ruben are the sons of Anita Thompson and Ruben Trujillo.

Turner, who also serves as a Community Resource Officer for the City of Vicksburg, said opening The Elf Shop serves as a way for her to give back to the community.

Turner said she plans to donate some of the proceeds of her sales to children the City of Vicksburg adopts.

The Elf Shop is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22 at 1107 Monroe St.