San Francisco,United States: Noe Valley's 24th Street Gems

Noe Valley in SF ain't called "Stroller Valley" for nothing! It is an extremely popular neighborhood for young couples with kids with its relatively flat streets, good weather and small community-like feel. And with all that child love comes great child retail!

24th Street between Dolores and Castro is the main Noe Valley corridor lined with boutiques, cafes, bakeries and restaurants. Here are some of Momaboard's favorite gems for kids:

• Ladybug Ladybug: Filled with local gift ideas and treasures such as greeting cards, toys, bags, and of course clothing, Ladybug Ladybug will delight you and your little one equally! My particular favorite is the Amy Wilson Sanger collection of global cuisine board books available here: Yum Yum Dim Sum, Chaat and Sweets, and Hola! Jalapeno!

Take 10% off your entire order at Ladybug Ladybug when you mention Momaboard.com

 

• Just for Fun/Scribbledoodles: For the artist, prankster or budding calligrapher, this is your store. In addition to art supplies and toys, you can also find a beautiful spread of adult stationery, calendars and knick-knacks. We love going in here and always find something new (plus, they have a dog!)

Take 10% off your entire order at Just for Fun when you mention Momaboard.com

• The Urban Nest: For baby and household shopping with an elegant French feel, The Urban Nest is the place to go. Wind your way around this charming store and find plush towels, robes and jackets for the little ones, and perhaps a Mango Tangerine Soy candle for yourself. Guaranteed you will find something for the folks back home here. 

Take 10% off your entire order at The Urban Nest when you mention Momaboard.com!

• Small Frys: This one-stop-shop on Noe has everything from your essentials (Baby bjorns) to your luxury items (another blanket, anyone?), but without the overwhelming factor of Babies-R-Us. They also carry bottles and feeding equipment, so if you've lost a pacifier or bottle, Small Frys can come to your rescue. I'll bet the friendly staff here can get you through the entire list of items you will need for your first baby without any fuss or fear because that's how varied their inventory is. We love Small Frys!

Take 10% off your entire order when you mention Momaboard.com at Small Frys!




The Noe Valley Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday between Vicksburg and Sanchez on 24th and is worth a gander. But beware: parking is tough on weekdays and a complete nightmare on weekends. If you are staying downtown, take the J Church right up to 24th and Church and save yourself the hassle.

When you are done shopping, stop in at neighborhood favorite Savor for great lunch fare and try to get a table in their sunny covered deck. They have a kids' menu as well as and high chairs. 

Other posts in the San Francisco series:

San Francisco,United States: 5 Reasons Hayes Valley is the Best Kid's Neighborhood

Specialty gifts at LadyBug Ladybug!

Wardrobe change? Small Frys

All your bottling needs at Small Frys!

Bombay (Mumbai), India - Public Parks

It may come as a surprise to you in the West that India is not the most conducive place when it comes to outdoor activities for kids. Most places are filthy and particularly in Bombay with 30 degree Celsius temperature and 90% relative humidity, an afternoon in the park is tantamount to ten minutes in the sauna. Nevertheless, kids must run, and we must follow.

Amarsons Park in Breach Candy is dotted with cute animal pictures and random fantastical elements (see mermaids below), keeping kids entertained for hours. The park charges Rs. 10 as an entrance fee and therefore keeps out stragglers and pervs, and is by the sea which is always a pleasant site in Bombay.

Band Stand in Churchgate had a massive overhaul about 10 years ago and is a very sizable park with many jungle gyms, swings, and climbing options. The highlight is the horse and pony rides offered at the very entrance of the park. This being a very public park, it is critical that you keep your child in your sight at all times and never let  him/her talk to strangers.

Other posts in the Mumbai series:

India - General Travel Tips

Mumbai, India: All-Day Entertainment at High-Street Phoenix

Bombay (Mumbai), India - Most Baby-Friendly Club