AliShopsBlog.com - The Twin Cities Shopping Blog

Clever baby gift

It's tough to come up with a clever baby gift, especially when No. 2 is the same gender as No. 1. I always think it's nice to send something personalized for the younger child, who is destined to a childhood of hand-me-downs. I've given (and received) personalized children's books from the Minneapolis-based Iseeme.com and monogrammed jean jackets from Redenvelope.com (last I checked, they were discontinued - sorry). But I recently received one of the coolest personalized baby gifts I've seen: a set of three baby bodysuits decorated to look like vintage soap box labels, branded with my son's name. They'd be cool looking even without his name, but the personalization makes it an extra thoughtful gift - and one that you can bet I'll be passing on to other friends. You'll find these onesies, and other vintage style designs, at Retrofitbaby.com. Smart move by the small Berkeley-based company: they included with the gift a handwritten congratulations card, along with a coupon for $5 off a purchase.

Just like Suri

My little guy is not about to go cold. Blankets are definitely a favorite baby gift. They're all cozy and appreciated, but one that really stands out comes from Little Giraffe (sold at Bananas in Wayzata). It just might be the softest, silkiest material I've ever felt. Apparently, we're in good company. I just read in People magazine that Ms. Suri Cruise is a fan of Little Giraffe.
We're keeping the blanket anyway.

Stroller solution

After prolonged deliberation (about nine months), I concluded there is no one stroller to fill absolutely every need. It's a conspiracy to ensure that every parent ends up with two, three, maybe more four wheel contraptions taking up space in the garage. For me, suddenly the mother of a newborn and a 3-year-old who still appreciates the occasional lift, it came down to a double stroller that would work well for walks around the lakes, like the Phil and Teds, or one that would be lighter weight and more compact for the malls. I went with the malls. But the three of us have already taken our new Joovy Ultralight Caboose on a spin to the park and so far, I must say it has exceeded expectations. It's not much bigger than a single stroller, maneuvers well and folds easily. My toddler can sit or stand, and seems to enjoy both. He can buckle himself in, but has yet to master unbuckling - which is perfect. The infant seat fits right on the front. Our only complaint thus far: with the infant seat in place, the bigger kid gets a bit squished. Guess he better get used to that.

New destination for moms - er, kids

I was a little disappointed by the merchandising of Kiddywampus at its new location in St. Louis Park. Despite the larger, higher-profile space, it seemed like they actually had less to sell. Mainly, there was more typical arts and crafts supplies than the high-design play and home objects that used to be the focus. But I'll give them a chance to settle in, and the owner did assure me that not all shipments made it in time for the opening, a common problem in retail.
Besides, any deficiencies on the retail front, Kiddywampus more than makes up for with its improved focus on activity. The art studio has expanded to a cool, lofted space with windows. In addition to classes, there are open studio times so you can drop in without a reservation when your little Picasso is feeling inspired, or you're about to lose your mind. Plus, they've added a play room that can be reserved for groups or play dates with friends - the kids get to explore new toys on neutral turf, and best of all, you don't have to clean up. Get all the details at Kiddywampus.com.

Opening Friday...

For those who like to stay on top of the shopping news, Uber Baby - formerly located at 60th and Lyndale - opens at the Galleria this Friday, March 28. It will share a space with the newly remodeled Expecting Uber Baby. (The owners had been planning separate stores across the corridor from each other, but changed their minds when customers said they'd prefer to shop for maternity clothes, diaper bags, dad gear and baby goods in one spot). The new Uber Baby will have a tighter focus on gifts, decor and children's shoes - nearly two dozen hip lines. If only we could stop their little feet from growing so fast!

Janie and Jack

I was underwhelmed by Janie and Jack, Gymboree's higher end boutique, which opened at Mall of America today (first floor, south side - just down the hall from Gymboree). The clothes look like Gymboree, but more subdued and more expensive. If I wanted to spend $40 on a pair of toddler boy pants or a little sun dress, I'd rather shop an independent children's boutique with more unique brands. I'm more anxious for Gymboree to open its other new concept here: Crazy 8, which is supposed to compete with Old Navy, selling baby and children's clothes that are both style and price conscious. Enough with the giraffe prints and $30 onesies.

Kiddywampus on the move

Kiddywampus, the Edina toy store that has vowed to donate all profits to children's charities, is moving from its obscure spot behind the Convention Grill to a larger space on Excelsior Boulevard in St. Louis Park, about a block east of Trader Joe's. Key dates: moving sale, March 3 to 8; first day open in St. Louis Park, March 11; grand opening party, March 15. Watch for more details on the sale and the new store at AliShops.com. You can also check out Kiddywampus online at www.kiddywampus.com.

Galleria news

The former Fitigues space at Galleria won't remain dark much longer. Uber Baby has signed a lease to take over the spot, just down the hall from its new Expecting Uber Baby maternity store. For those who haven't been to the original Uber Baby store on Lyndale in Minneapolis, it's a hipster baby boutique that shuns traditional pink and blue fare in favor of clothes, accessories and gear with some attitude. Not cheap, but definitely more in the realm of reality than, say, Oh Baby!, which no longer has the corner on upscale baby clothes at Galleria.

Gwen Stefani shops at Old Navy!

Recognized those plaid shorts with the palm tree imprint on Gwen Stefani's little guy Kingston in some recent mag shots - my toddler has the same ones, purchased for $10 at Old Navy! Good to know that even though she designs boutique line Harajuku Lovers for Baby, sold locally at Pacifier, our gal Gwen recognizes good style at a great price. (Trying to picture Stefani at Old Navy...does she bring the bodyguards? Does she change a diaper in the family restroom? Maybe she orders online.)
Now, about those Ugg booties Kingston wore with his cool shorts. Seems just a bit affected, don't you think, Gwen? The poor kid's feet must have been drenched. Not to mention stinky. Next time, take a cue from my little man of style and go with Tevas. I cringed when he first pointed to the pair with orange trim in the store, but I've got to give him credit: they've got edge.

Kids' shoes discovery

Well what do you know, there still are a few surprises for me at Mall of America. Today I discovered Journeys Kidz -- third floor, north side, just down the corridor from Nordstrom. I knew Journeys was a teen-type shoe store, but had no idea about Journeys Kidz, which carries infant and toddler sizes and a decent selection of sneakers and sandals from major brands including Converse, which is what I was looking for. My 2-year-old is a ring bearer in his aunt's wedding next week and I refuse to spend $45 on dress shoes he'll wear once. Black Converse high tops for $24, I can justify. Plus, they'll make him the coolest guy to walk down the aisle (assuming he makes it down the aisle). Nordstom was out of his size and sent me to Jorneys Kidz where we got what we needed. (I'd suggest having your child's feet measured first at Nordstrom -- didn't get the impression the young girls working at Journeys knew much about fitting a youngster.)

Never pay full price at Gap

Stopped by BabyGap yesterday hoping to find a handsome sweater for my little guy to wear for his holiday concert next week (the kid's got to look good on stage, right?). There were a couple of decent options, but both were full price -- around $30, which isn't crazy, by any means, but it seems a silly amount to pay since I'll probably only be able to wrangle the garment over his head twice before he grows out of it. I left the sweaters and bought a cute long sleeve t-shirt instead -- not for the concert, but just because it was marked down to $6.99. At the register, I asked the salesperson if she thought the sweaters might go on sale anytime soon. "Tomorrow," she said. And that's why you never pay full price at the Gap.