Shopping + Services
From baby’s first car ride home from the hospital to that first big-kid haircut and those teeny-tiny ballet slippers for fledgling dancers, even minimalist parents find themselves on the hunt for the best baby and kid gear. We’ve gathered your votes for the best stores and services that support your families. Read on for the places that offer the quality customer service and selection that parents want, all picked by you, our savvy readers!
2016 Shopping + Services — Winners + Finalists
Kids’ Clothing + Consignment Shop
2016 Golden Teddy Awards — Other categories:
Kids’ Clothing + Consignment Shop
Winner: Jack & Jill Consignment
There’s no disputing the consensus among readers that the thrice-yearly Jack & Jill Consignment sale is “the best sale of its kind” in the area. The sales, held at the Lynnwood Convention Center, feature stylish baby and kids’ clothing, gear, furnishings and more. “If you go to only one consignment sale, make it this one!”
Finalists
To paraphrase Macklemore: “This is freaking awesome!” Savvy shoppers need not stray too far from home to find a Goodwill store; there are 24 retail thrift stores in the region. Sales help support the organization’s mission to provide free job training and education to those in need.
Just Between Friends sales offer gently used, affordable children’s and maternity items for green-minded parents. Locally owned and operated events are held two or three times a year. “You know you are not just saving money, you’re passing on your dollar to help another family,” says one reviewer.
Located in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood, Childish Things sells previously owned high-end kids’ clothes from preemie to size 8 along with maternity clothes and baby gear. “It’s so well-organized, and there’s even a play area to entertain my son while I shop. Win-win!”
Gap Kids + Baby Gap are noted for their affordable styles. “Honestly, it's often hard to tell the items come from the Gap versus a specialty boutique.”
Small Threads for Kids thrift shop for children's clothing, toys and baby gear is touted for its bargains. “you can find some really nice, high-end clothes and other quality items there for kids without spending a fortune.”
Shopping for Baby
Winner: Amazon
Parents know that even simple things, like a trip to the store, can take twice as long and require twice the prep with a baby in tow. Readers rave about the convenience of Amazon. From subscription discounts to baby registries, the famous online marketplace makes it easy to keep a well-stocked supply of all the essentials.
Finalists
With its trendy yet affordable clothing, gear and furnishing options and a well-stocked baby aisle, Target just might save your back from multiple rounds of car-seat schlepping.
If you haven’t attended a Just Between Friends sale yet, put it on your calendar! Save on lightly used baby and maternity items and feel good that you’re reducing your carbon footprint.
Babies“R”Us, with its many locations, broad selection and simple registry options, also earned high marks. You praised the top-notch customer service. “I love shopping here and always leave satisfied.”
Snapdoodle Toys earns praise for the thoughtfully curated toys for babies and kids available at their Bothell, Kenmore and Redmond locations.
Gap Baby and Kids is touted by readers for its "high quality and stylish" baby clothing options.
Bootyland, a Wallingford-based store, was the first shop in Seattle to carry organic and hemp baby clothing. They carry environmentally conscious clothing for women, infants and kids "They have a great selection of items," raves on reviewer.
Baby Diaper Service offers a green option for parents who use cloth diapers. "Fair prices, consistent deliver and /pick-up, and responsive customer service," writed one pleased reviewer.
KidsQuest Children's Museum's ExploreStore offers interactive toys, games and kits that focus on art, science and technology.
buybuy Baby offers a wide assortment of baby gear, furniture, clothes and toys. Happy shoppers praise their top-notch customer service. "Always super helpful! Great staff."
Outdoor Travel + Gear
Winner: REI
The Pacific Northwest may be the land of casual dress codes and software engineers, but there’s one area where our taste gets a bit snooty: outdoor gear. REI, whose flagship store is located in Seattle, won by a landslide for its excellent selection and quality products. “This is the place you want to go to find whatever it is you need, think you need or didn’t realize you needed,” says one reviewer.
Finalists
Baby-wearing parents laud Ergobaby for its ergonomic designs and quality baby carriers, an essential for those outdoor walks with baby.
Kelty garners praise for its kids’ gear, which has as many bells and whistles as the adult version. “No flimsy cartoon-themed crap — just quality, kid-sized gear,” writes one happy camper.
Toy Store
Winner: Top Ten Toys
A longtime favorite and multiyear Golden Teddy winner, Top Ten Toys features a broad selection of thoughtfully curated toys that promote learning and creativity. This local establishment also offers a play area and a friendly staff, with a mission to “keep healthy play alive.”
Finalists
With locations in Bothell, Kenmore and Redmond, Snapdoodle Toys allows families around the Sound a chance to explore educational and imaginative toys. “Warning: It’s so easy to lose track of time in this place,” says one parent. And don’t worry about becoming parched while exploring; Snapdoodle offers a complimentary latte or cup of tea to shoppers, along with free gift wrapping. Now that’s service!
Rent the ToyChest’s tagline asks an intriguing question of any parent sick of sorting through a child’s forgotten toys: “Why buy when you can rent?” Try it for yourself by browsing online and requesting a selection of toys for a given time, which is the perfect way to mix up those “I’m bored” days.
Featuring a variety of unique toys for all ages, White Horse Toys, in Issaquah, is touted for its quirky charm and knowledgeable staff. “The space is really well-organized, which I think is important because toy stores can be really overwhelming,” says one reviewer.
Our region’s Just Between Friends sales give parents and kids the opportunity to buy and sell used toys and books, along with other household items and clothes. Help your kiddo gather up all the pieces of that Lego set she has built a dozen times, sell it at a sale and invest the earnings into a new-to-her toy or book. Everybody wins!
KidsQuest Children's Museum's ExploreStore offers interactive toys, games and kits that focus on art, science and technology.
Kids' Hair Salon
Winner: The Salon at Kids Club
Haircuts and wiggly children — what could possibly go wrong? Parents may find themselves pleasantly surprised by the experience at The Salon at Kids Club in Seattle’s University Village. “The staff is friendly and patient!” says one reviewer. “They also offer toys and treats to the kids — and a balloon when we’re done!”
Finalists
A salon inside a toy store? It’s almost as if Disney conceived Crossroads Kids Salon, situated inside Crossroads Toys in Bellevue. “A great place for kids’ haircuts, from the cute cars they sit in to the toys they can play with,” says a happy customer.
Located in the heart of Wallingford, Li’l Klippers caters to kids with handcrafted wood salon chairs shaped like animals and vehicles, along with toys to keep tots entertained. “This place is perfect for kids!” raves one happy parent.
Sharkey's Cuts for Kids with locations in both Bellevue and Seattle, provides kids with more than just a haircut, but a happy experience. "Great service, good prices and we will definitely be return customers!"
Bella and Max, located in Bothell's Country Village, is noted for their chic cuts and happy clients. "My son loves getting his hair cut here."
The Redmond-based Brat Pack Salon & Lice Clinic provides a happy experience for pint-sized clients. Children can watch a favorite video, play with toys or read a book during their cut — and are sent off with a lollipop, sticker and chic new do.
"Dina and the crew [at Columbia City Cuts] understand kids; they're patient, and have lots of toys to keep your kids entertained. And if your kid has ever wanted to get his hair cut while sitting in a tractor, this is your place!"
Of the Epic Barber Shop, one reviewer says: "They create a fun atmosphere in their salon and clearly value their customers."
2016 Golden Teddy Awards — Other categories:
