Shop for Children: More

Note: For Children and Teen's activities, please consult our Parenting and Grandparenting pages, One and Two

Shopping for Fashionable, Different and Inexpensive Items at Kimono Kool

We're always looking for inexpensive but attractive accessories for our young granddaughters and daughters, as well as ourselves. We bought a pair of Kimono Kool shoelaces from Dandelion in San Francisco and thought we'd pass their brand along to our readers. Decades ago, we bought similar items made from Japanese kimono material that were used at that point as very narrow ties; we used them as belts and passed one along to a granddaughter recently to wear on a Cacharel dress we had saved from one of our daughters. This site still has Kimono belts; the great advantage is that they usually fit into any size belt loops.

Hair accessories, jewelry, bracelets and bangles are part of the product range for this company, as well as bags and pouches, belts and sashes, straps and holders, caps and shoelaces. Additional specialty items include such products as ipod cases and coffee cup sleeves. Even though one would supposed that the material would be fragile it seems just the opposite of that, as we can testify to.

Shopping for Children: Mahar Drygoods

On Mahar Drygoods' site, there's a quote from the Phantom Tollbooth which might sum shopping for children that's inexpensive but charming:

"So many things are possible,

just as long as you don't know they're impossible."

- Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Toys at Mahar include a Spooky House Decorating Kit that comes with over 70 felt decorations that stick to a gingerbread-style spooky house. Operating on the same principles as vintage flannelgraphs the wool felt decorations of glowing windows, grinning jack-o-lanterns, a murder of crows, creeping vines and rickety tilting tombstones and tied with a smart baker’s box tied with red and white baker's twine. For an infant, there's a set of Jurassic Teething Blocks and for the older more theatrical child, a doorway puppet theater.

The site has a downloadable knitting pattern for a Mummy Bunny. (I haven't knitted a bunny but I have knitted an original sweater pattern for my oldest granddaughter's stuffed bear.)

"We're so pleased to offer the downloadable knitting patterns of HandMadeAwards, a family design venture featuring the amazing toy designs of Monica Rodriguez Fuertes. All of the patterns have been perfected by Monica's mother and expert knitter Loly, and translated into easy to understand PDF documents by her sister Cristina. From their home base in Spain, this family affair has created some of the most brilliantly detailed and thoughtfully designed knit toys we've ever seen."

Rompstore.com caught our eye because of crayon rocks: easier to hold for small and uncoordinated hands. Wall puddles by tord boontje are a quick and attractive way to decorate a room as well as wallpaper silhouettes and artist made items. We also caught sight of Crispina's creatures and blank puzzles that allow the making of your child's own puzzling masterpiece. Finger puppets and a theatre made in Germany are in the $25 and under category. Books are well selected (The First 1000 Days)and the clothing appealing. The site reflects a different sensibility in their categories and selections exemplified by a cozy wood fireplace set for dollhouses or use on its own; it includes logs & holder, fireplace bin with tools for the hearth. Consult the decorating section for fresh approaches to an original look to a child's room.

Specializing in the Small

Taking care of three grandchildren weekly has indulged our love for toys. We say that the purchases are for their playroom in our home. In fact, since I was a 'depression baby', there were few in our home and I find no need to make excuses for our stocking the room.

However, upon looking around for a Noggin Bop toy for our grandchildren, we happened upon TinToyArcade.com, the perfect site to find additional acquisitions. Noggin Bops abound, as well as a Music Box Kit, A Christmas Red Robot Racer, the Whirl-O-Atomic, and tea party and silly circus.

We also support Endless Landscapes. Castle in the Air carries the two we have: Beach Endless Landscape and the original Rustic Endless Landscape.

The Norton Museum of Art has a number of smaller jigsaw puzzles numbering 54 pieces neatly packaged in a small tube with artist image and information: Childe Hassam, Gloucester Harbour; Willem van Haecht II, Interior of the Salon of the Archduchess Isabella of Austria; Jane Peterson, Lane in Palm Beach; and Claude Monet, Gardens at Bordighera.

Needless to say, these games and toys take up little room, are not expensive and entertain.

Links

Alex & Me - Although this catalog carries clothing for all ages, it features babies' clothing that protects against the sun's harmful rays - a good age to start protection: hats, shorts, shirts, outfits, footwear etc. with a link to a dermatology site.
Baby Catalog of America:- First quality products are at a guaranteed lowest price. Baby Bargains guide recommends it as a great one-stop source for first time parents (and grandparents!). If you're near their New Haven, CT. store you can, in most instances, pick up the purchases.
Baby Heirlooms - Classic, familiar toys, bedding, and products centering on familiar characters such as Paddington, Madeline, Pooh, Curious George and Babar. A full line of well made (though occasionally pricey) wooden toys, such as Kouvalis: sorter boxes, color cone, lacing beads, pull toys, Noah's ark, rattles, plush toys etc. Mustela Baby care products.
BabyStyle - The quality of the items, including maternity outfits, baby clothes, beautiful toys, furnishings, and equipment is high. They've increased the number of items for sale, so there's quite a lot to choose from now.
Books of Wonder - Based in NYC, this online shop sells the "latest in children's books, classics from the past, the joys of the world of Oz, or great children's book art." Examine those children's books you've been saving or picking up at used-book-sales as many have increased in value, most especially if they still have book jackets in one piece, or book jackets at all. Shop for popular illustrator original editions or, more realistically, at the poster shop.
ConstructivePlaythings - We've ordered a couple of birthday presents for our grandson from this 50 year old company. There's also a School Division section of the site as well as Magic and Novelty sections. The selection is wide and inclusive of both genders although we subscribe to the idea that gender doesn't determine interest or skill.
FlyingPig - These gifts arrived quickly from the UK and they're an inexpensive ways to entertain and engage children. Here's the concept: Animated models for you to make. A unique range of animated models for you to cut out and make. From Skiing Sheep to Ruminating Cows and of course the Flying Pig; all the models come complete with clear, fully illustrated instructions, just cut out and glue together! We ordered Bewitched, Flying Pig, Cat Walk, Exercising Fool and others from this company for a few pounds/dollars apiece and they're not just for children. Enjoy.
ForSmallHands is a catalog presented by Montessori services and contains a thoughtful selection of toys and activities for children.
FreshAsPaint - A New Jersey firm we found at a craft fair with lovely children's clothes in a very soft cotton material, dyed and painted with motifs suitable to these young ages. Dresses, bloomers, shorts, shirts, hats in vivid colors.
Galison - Years ago I ordered a number of museum puzzles from Galison. The line is still going strong with the addition of Mudpuppy, their children's line of puzzles, journals, seal and send stationery, miniprints, dominoes, children's books and plush toys. Imaginative and well made products.
Hanna Andersson - A consistently reliable, high quality clothing line from birth on with some clothing for Mom.
InsectLore.com - Most of our toy buying tends to be that of constructed materials and we so often forget that children are intrigued by nature and its wonders. This site stocks live butterflies, ladybugs, worms, silkworms and other insect kits for education and home use. Aquatic and pond creatures (hermit and fiddler crabs, fish hatchery), projects such as an Undersea Encounter, delightful 'accessories' such as ladybug and butterfly wings, a Fishy Fish set (three soft and squishable nesting fish) are available. Many other low-cost items are learning-designed for children who receive toys that often remove any sense of adventure or exploration.
Kaplan Early Learning Center - We found this company's site while searching for a sturdy combination water and sand play table as well as science oriented playthings. Many are school oriented in size and scope but you'll find interesting possibilities for family gifts, too. It takes a while to navigate the various sections of the site (such as Primary Learning and Dramatic Play and Social Skill) but persevere. Shipping costs are a consideration.
Land of Nod - This catalog online (the printed catalog carries many more items and should be ordered for the full range) carries items well made and imaginative. The text is sophisticated, although we disagree with the gender assignment (blocks are designated for a young Howard Roark, a nod to Ayn Rand's Fountainhead hero), the subject of one of our sightings. There are decorative objects not generally seen at other children's sites/catalogs such as the reproductions of French perfume labels, a desk that holds a keyboard drawer, good looking furniture hardware and vintage advertising signs. The Wheeling, IL based business is now in partnership with Crate and Barrel, planning to open some bricks and mortar stores in the future. The printed and online catalog smartly includes an activities section for children, brain teasers called Nod-o-Grams.
Lauren Celeste - InStyle Magazine included this firm in their magazine and the products, somewhat limited in number, appear to be well made. Cardigans (including a cardigan layette set), jackets, tops, pants, hats, overalls and dresses all in 100% organic cotton. The site also includes a shop finder.
Little Moon Jumpers - Ah, publicity. InStyle featured this company and they're a solid hit. Eight different designs of personalized, colorful fleece blankets 26" (plus trim) square.
Maukilo - Once we moved on from the Haba food supplies for a kitchen and a ball-tilting block set, we were taken with the Style section (we're graduating from having a crib and youth bedroom combination to a trundle setup for grandchildren). Maukilo is a Vista, CA based site that features HABA toys as a primary supplier. We've bought a number of Haba block sets from other suppliers but hadn't seen the considerable stock in that particular brand on other sites.
LucyBingoGames.com - We picked up our first bingo game (Ocean) at The Exploratorium, I believe, and recently ordered a raft of new ones for another grandchild and to be given away as gifts. Children of three can play and it's a simple, though gentle, means of competition. There's dinosaur, US states, wildflower, birds, Lewis and Clark and other themes used in an age-old form of bingo.

Mimi Maternity - This is a thoughtful site in that it includes those things you really need... like sweaters. Trying to get those coats and sweaters from 'your former life' around that tummy at the end of the pregnancy is difficult. They also include some clothes that could be used for nursing, another choice many sites overlook. Attractive, simple and flattering.
MimiTheSardine - A farmer's market in California's Marin County is where we spotted these bibs, splash mats, aprons and tote bags, all perfect for our grandchildren. They also have place mats, tablecloths, cloth by the yard, aprons for adults, all made from Swedish cotton prints that have been treated with an "environmentally sound' coating to make them permanently water and soil proof.
MindWare includes "brainy toys for kids of all age," and many activities that our grandchildren enjoy. One our grandson will enjoy is the 148 piece kit creating a mythical celestial dragon. There's a motorized mobile with a light-up sun, puzzles and a Forensic Science Detective's Toolkit.
Mini Boden - A London-based firm now with an outpost in Boca Raton, Florida. Breezy, colorful clothing for children beginning at a 12 month size up to teenage years ... the kind that usually cost more by known designers but with flair and style. When you arrive at the site you'll realize that there are sections for grownups, too. Lots of trimming and details for both the boys and girls outfits. The copy is entertaining as well as informative, complete with cleaning instructions. We've been using this retailer for our grandchildren consistently and have been very satisfied.
MomsNightOut - This firm concentrates on dressy evening wear ... always difficult to find under the most unpregnant of circumstances, much less when you are. The bridal collection goes a step farther in the 'what do I wear when I'm pregnant' category and provides flattering silhouettes for the pregnant woman...smart marketing and realistic today.
Museum Tour - We've been pouring over this catalog in order to choose some holiday gifts and the selection from museums around the country as well as the company's own picks are intelligent, useful and imaginative.
Naissance Maternity - There might be a pregnancy in the family (or it's you!) and the field is widening on the web for good-looking maternity clothes. The styles are good looking, fun, a bit funky, practical and well-priced. This L.A. shop carries newborn fashions and also sports a fitness studio on the premises but shop on the web for the clothes, taking advantage of the sales area.
Natural Baby Catalog - We've used this catalog company, which has gone online, even before our grandchild was born. Not only known for the purity of the clothing products, but also for it's nursing bras and wooden toys, books, baby furniture, health remedies, shoes, 'padders' and bedding.
NonchalantMom.com - A stand alone store that has a website mainly stocked with adorable clothing for little girls, boys and their moms. There's Danish clothing as well as items from LuckyWang, a Rhode Island firm that manages a New York City store. Kice Kice carries outfits for girls made by twin sisters, lesley nishigawara and karen kice. Another firm, Lucky Fish, is known for their T-shirts for kids, teens and adults. Designers are on display such as Antik Batik, Tuss and nonchalantmom's own house label.
Oliebollen.com - A great site for grandchildren (or children of friends, nephews, nieces and your own child): well designed, making it easy to navigate and purchase. Baby to young teen selection of clothes, toys, room decor, stuffed animals, party sets, nightlites, furnishings and a choice of wonderful books.
OliveJuiceKids.com - We found these clothes to be classic, familiar styles from our own youth and that of our children's. Fair Isle and Matilde collared sweaters, schoolgirl and sailor pants, suspender skirts, double breasted sweater jackets are appealing and easy to mix and match, a concept long overlooked in the children's wear field. The catalog states that these clothes are 'sophisticated but meant to be played in,' the perfect combination of style and durability. Select boys styles go up to size 8. There's also a "Manners to Go" kit to teach children etiquette basics.
One Step Ahead - This is a catalog we've ordered from a number of times for our granddaughters. Toys and activities selected with a focus on learning with high quality construction and appropriate choices to children's ages. They also include childproofing items such as breast pumps, booster seats, gates and clothing.
Rattle & Roll - A selection of some unique furnishings for children as well as familiar brands. Wallpaper, rugs, dish sets, a bassinet on wheels and CDs are welcome additions to the expected stock for a site of this kind, but trusted companies such as Manhattan Toy, Belly Basics, Baby Bjorn are also in evidence.
RightStart - From babies to children aged 12 , this site pretty much covers the block in products — from strollers to books to apparel. Shop by price category, brand name search and age appropriate sorting. There are articles helpful to parenting as well as sections such as ask the doctor and the librarian as well as a product watch. There are a number of bricks and mortar stores you can visit if you live nearby their locations.
Sensational Beginnings - The site is divided into toys for educational purposes, holiday items, outdoor activities, 'characters,' furniture, travel, safety and child care. It's a thorough selection from a wide ranging array of companies and items to choose from for infant stage through preteen years.

Young Explorers - From a lamp in the shape of Mother Goose to the book series, Everyone Poops, this is a winning site. The company concentrates on learning games and toys with hard-to-find items that are usually drowned out by the dominance of 'action' toys on other sites. The value of the games are shown up in the detailed paragraphs explaining the intent and operation of each item.