San Francisco,United States: Top 5 Boutiques for Children

San Francisco is certainly a city that is proud of its tree-hugging roots, its international influences and its particular brand of "urban grunge". The result: SF kids are environmentally conscious, chemical-free and undeniably trendy.
Here are Momaboard's pics for the Top 5 boutiques for kids at SF's cutting edge best, in alphabetical order:

1. Aldea Ninos:  I am in love with this store. The children's location opened only 2 month ago, separating itself from Aldea Home just up the street, and thank goodness for all that space and attention. Aldea means "small village" and you could pack one with all the quirky, creative and useful goodies at this store. Johanna the proprietor travels around the world to find the best of the best and you can tell. We love the Organic/Bamboo clothing and the urban, great-for-compact spaces and undeniably ergonomic collection of furniture: high chairs, strollers, gliders and kid's seating options. Oh, and bub can hang out in the little play area while you shop.**Heart Heart Heart**

2. Kids Only:  For those of you who think the Haight is still for hippy revolutionaries, think again. It is now one of San Francisco's most mainstream neighborhoods and of course, a popular tourist destination. Therefore it's supremely convenient that Kids Only, a mecca for all things urban kid, is right on main Haight street. The owners, Bruce and Marie stock the store with uniquely SF and interesting things. We loved the book collection and the Che Guevara onesies, in addition to the wide range of toys, puzzles, organic baby stuff, and accessories (shoes!). Definitely a worthwhile stop, if at least for a SF tie-dye souvenir tee.

3. Lili Merveille: In keeping with Hayes Valley's reputation as one of SF's chicest fashion districts, enter Lili Merveille, where the best of Paris resides in San Francisco. If you kid has taste, he/she will be like Carrie Broadshaw at a Manolo sample sale at this store. Clothes, jewelry and accents all emanate a romanticism that will drive even non-parent francophiles to the tills.



 Mention you saw them on Momaboard.com and take 15% off your purchase at Lili Merveille!




4. 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!





5. Sprout: Located on chic shopping Union Street, Sprout is an all-organic and natural baby products store. The store was founded because Suzanne the owner was learning a lot about the organic industry and started to become concerned about all the products we use every day that people didn't know the problems with. She was especially concerned  because she was thinking of starting a family and didn't know where to find all the organic products she was looking for.  After a lot of research, Sprout opened in April 2009 and Suzanne was pregnant with her little daughter 2 weeks later!

We love the yoga clothes, the unique collection of gifts, and the kiddies play area at the back, which they rent out as well as host classes in.

There you have it - I will probably never step into a Babies-R-Us again, with these fabulous options at my doorstep.

Other posts in the San Francisco series:

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

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

Play and try at Aldea Ninos

Crazy selection at Aldea Ninos

In the heart of the Haight

SF grunge at Kids Only

Get your french on at Lili Merveille

All chicness at Lili Merveille

Wardrobe change? Small Frys

Right on Union Street

All your bottling needs at Small Frys!

Come hang out at Sprout

Where the Globe-Trotter Rests

In keeping with Karam's wandering lifestyle, we created a mural in his room to represent all his travels. Thanks Tom of Pied Piper Designs for making it happen!

The artist at work

Sydney, San Francisco and NYC

Delhi and Mumbai

Africa (he hasn't been yet but we were being proactive)

Barcelona and Dubrovnik

The friendly skies

The full effect

Other posts in the Miscellaneous  series:

Top 10 Holiday Gift Ideas for the Traveling Parent

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!

California, United States: General Travel Tips

The Golden State, replete with tree huggers, technologists, beach bums and film stars offers some of the best sightseeing in the country. Here's all you need to know as a first-time Californian:

• California is largely a commuter state which means that you can't get very far (very efficiently) without a car. Distances are long (1 hour commute each way to work is pretty common), public transportation is lacking, and taxis are expensive.  

• There is virtually nothing in the center of the state, as you will see if you drive down the 1-5, the freeway that connects San Francisco and Los Angeles. By sharp contrast, Highway 1, which winds along the coast offers some spectacular vistas but also adds hours to your commute. Popular towns along highway 1 are Big Sur, Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

• It's not all Baywatch weather in California: San Francisco is usually cool, especially in the summer months (June-August) and you can usually spot the tourists as the ones wearing shorts and overpriced souvenir sweatshirts they bought at Fisherman's Wharf. 

• Similarly, the beaches in Northern California are too cold to be swim-friendly.

• Major supermarkets in California are Safeway where you can find a whole range of food and baby products, Traders Joe's (organic, non-mainstream), and Whole Foods (gourmet foods, expensive organic products for baby and adults). Walgreens is the largest pharmacy chain where you can buy baby products and medicines. 

• In-N-Out Burger is a California specialty and a must-try, animal style. 

• Car seats are mandatory in private cars (including rentals - your agency will be able to provide you with one) but only recommended in taxis.

• You will be overwhelmed (and perhaps a little intimidated) by all the organic options for children's foods. They are still considered a nice to have so enjoy the luxury while you have them, but don't feel like you are poisoning your children without. Restaurants will offer organic juices and food options as well.  In general, food is healthy and plentiful and many varied cuisines are available in the cities. Asian and Mexican are particularly popular.

• California is a very outdoorsy culture and the Californian landscape offers the kinds of diversity that some countries are unable to: mountains, beaches, national parks, vineyards. People like to be out and about on their bikes or hiking. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em - the California lifestyle will only do you good!