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Best Kids Clothing Stores In The Bay Area

(credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Buying clothing and accessories for kids can be frustrating when looking for something individual or distinctive for a perfect gift. Again, the Bay Area comes through with excellent shops for the little ones all with selection and quality in mind.

Dottie Doolittle
3680 Sacramento St.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 563-3244
www.dottiedoolittle.com

Dottie Doolittle is a lovely shop dedicated to offering beautiful, well-made clothing and accessories for children. Here you can find classic designer yet functional clothing for children for just about every occasion. Just be aware that this is an expensive place where designer style and quality come with a high price tag. That said, longtime shoppers, and there are some second-generation customers here, love everything Dottie Doolittle offers. The shop carries just about everything for babies and children: baby layette, casual and special occasion wear, underwear, rainy day wear, and striking accessories such as shoes, jewelry, cashmere, backpacks, and personalized and custom-made items (allow 6 -8 weeks for custom made items). Dottie Doolittle is a great resource for "something special" baby shower gifts, too. To top is all off with a perk, the shop gives free shipping on all orders.

Valentine's Baby and Kids
3820 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 985-5437
www.valentinesbabyandkids.weebly.com

Valentine's Baby and Kids is a wonderful recent addition to the neighborhood, and well appreciated for its selection of uniquely cute kids' clothing and accessories for ages newborn to six years old. The shop offers many items from local Bay Area designers, for distinctive quality clothing and gifts. The store also carries a good selection of second-hand clothing, toys and gifts selected for their high quality that are clean and well priced. Every item is chosen carefully to ensure all styles and clothing quality is first rate and many brands are made in the USA from organic materials. This is an easy place to shop thanks to the kids play area, and moms know how important that is when shopping or just browsing a store with the kids.

Stripes Boutique
327 E. Campbell Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 813-2050
www.stripesboutique.com

What makes Stripes Boutique unique is the handmade quality products from more than a dozen local makers. This is especially nice when searching for adorable and inexpensive baby and toddler clothing and accessories. Although a small shop, the owner packs it full of the items you are looking for: pants, tops, tees, baby shoes, socks, leggings, bibs, sun hats, and headbands. Great prices and helpful service work to make Stripes Boutique an ideal destination stop for babies and toddlers clothing. The shop has a baby registry available, too, perfect for friends and family to pick out just what the new parents need. Stop by the Stripes Facebook Page for information on how to register for the service, and additional details.

Grove Street Kids
1385 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 843-kids (5437)
www.grovestreetkids.com

Grove Street Kids is a consignment store that showcases recycled children's clothing, shoes and accessories for newborn to size ten, plus maternity wear and baby clothing on consignment. Also in stock is a selection of new toys and gifts for the newest babies, parents-to-be and children. The store offers discounts and promotions on its Facebook page, so stop by to "like" it.

Ruby's Garden
5026 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 595-5325
www.rubysgarden.com

Ruby's Garden has a big fan following of anyone looking for a slew of kids wear and gift options. Ruby's Garden offers both new and gently-used clothing, shoes and accessories for babies to kids size 12, as well as gifts, toys and books for babies, kids and adults. The selections are geared to seasonal items, and very handy when you want something to wear right now. The shop also highlights items made by local crafters, particularly moms who have created businesses while continuing their jobs as mothers. This sense of community support is important to the Ruby's Garden mission and reinforced through a series of in-store events, like spring party and the new year clearance sale, often attended by the designers. Check the website for upcoming events.

Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art, culture and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.


 

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