Harvard Square"> clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
Image via <a href="http://www.harvardsquare.com/Home/Shops/Curious-George-Books-and-Toys.aspx">Harvard Square</a>
Image via Harvard Square

13 Stores to Buy Clothes, Books, and Toys for Your Favorite Kids

View as Map
Image via Harvard Square

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

Expecting and experienced parents are all too familiar with the baby shopping routine, but what about those toddler-adverse friends and family who need to pick up a gift for their soon-to-be mini buddies? Wherever you lie on the spectrum of children's fluency, these thirteen shops will equip you with the necessary accoutrements for navigating the newborn to tween set. And most importantly, they serve up a shopping experience akin to that superb one you are accustomed to while browsing Boston's most stylish boutiques.

Any unique boutiques we missed for folks avoiding Babies R Us? Tell us in the comments (in adult speak though, no "goo-goos" or "ga-gas" even if that is your kid's recommendation).


Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Magic Beans Cambridge

Copy Link
Experts in strollers and learning toys, Magic Beans has multiple Boston-area locations and stocks over 200 brands. The award winning chain has a slew of themed gift baskets for on-the-go shoppers.

World's Only Curious George Store

Copy Link
This renowned temple to everyone's favorite monkey Curious George has had a storied past in Harvard Square. Open for fifteen years at the request of Margret Rey, co-creator of the character, the store was closed in 2011 and resuscitated in 2012. We especially like their party decor and favors.

Stellabella Toys

Copy Link
This local chain is chock full of unusual toys for kids of all ages, including dollhouses, construction vehicles, and artistic sets for those future RISD and MassArt students. A variety of science kits are a welcome activity to pull 'em away from the TV.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Copy Link
This mall stalwart is so popular with the kiddie crew that it has to get a shoutout. The teddy bear sporting a Red Sox t-shirt is even great for any superfan man-children you may know. The shop also hosts parties for kids to design and stuff their dream bears.

The Red Wagon

Copy Link
This two-story Beacon Hill boutique has been around for years, supplying the ritzy neighborhood with European and American clothing brands as well as Italian, French, and American shoes. Toys and books round off the shop making it an excellent destination for gifts.
Nestled between Hermes and Sonia Rykiel, Jacadi lives one on of Boston's priciest blocks. Of course the sophisticated French brand plays the part with uber stylish clothing and a ladylike collection for tween girls (ages 10-14).

Lester Harry's

Copy Link
Now this is a dainty shop. Founder Jane Selfert sought to show baby attire in a gallery setting, and this elegant boutique does the trick. Blankets, skincare, playtime toys, and dreamlike clothing sit aside Chronicle Books and quirky stuffed animals.

Mulberry Road

Copy Link
Come here for a hodgepodge of stylish infant- and toddler-focused clothing. Peruvian-made letter sweaters are a sweet custom gift, and funky accessories like lunch boxes enhance the store's inventory.

Petit Bateau

Copy Link
For over a century, this French outfitter has put out classic staples for kids and babies, including plenty of identifiable sailor stripes. Plus this is a shop where mom and dad can match the kids.

Mila Lilu

Copy Link
Mila Lilu has luxury on lock. The owners take great care to curate their product mix ranging from bath products to rocking horses and everything in between—even Moncler outerwear.

Isis Parenting

Copy Link
The ultimate destination for new and expecting parents, Isis is all about wee little babes and all the equipment you need to handle one—the glamorous and not-so glamorous. Education and a roster full of classes backs the retail operation, and this store has "stroller parking."

Tadpole

Copy Link
Here's an adorable South End shop for toys and furniture, offering everything from sippy cups to bouncy chairs and finger puppets. Most buys veer toward the ten and under set, with plenty of infant and toddler specific merch. A registry offers an easy gift giving experience.

Coco Baby

Copy Link
Coco Baby swags out South End babies in the most precious toddler gear ever. Gym, language, and music classes also ensure they are the most well rounded kids in town.

Magic Beans Cambridge

Experts in strollers and learning toys, Magic Beans has multiple Boston-area locations and stocks over 200 brands. The award winning chain has a slew of themed gift baskets for on-the-go shoppers.

World's Only Curious George Store

This renowned temple to everyone's favorite monkey Curious George has had a storied past in Harvard Square. Open for fifteen years at the request of Margret Rey, co-creator of the character, the store was closed in 2011 and resuscitated in 2012. We especially like their party decor and favors.

Stellabella Toys

This local chain is chock full of unusual toys for kids of all ages, including dollhouses, construction vehicles, and artistic sets for those future RISD and MassArt students. A variety of science kits are a welcome activity to pull 'em away from the TV.

Build-A-Bear Workshop

This mall stalwart is so popular with the kiddie crew that it has to get a shoutout. The teddy bear sporting a Red Sox t-shirt is even great for any superfan man-children you may know. The shop also hosts parties for kids to design and stuff their dream bears.

The Red Wagon

This two-story Beacon Hill boutique has been around for years, supplying the ritzy neighborhood with European and American clothing brands as well as Italian, French, and American shoes. Toys and books round off the shop making it an excellent destination for gifts.

Jacadi

Nestled between Hermes and Sonia Rykiel, Jacadi lives one on of Boston's priciest blocks. Of course the sophisticated French brand plays the part with uber stylish clothing and a ladylike collection for tween girls (ages 10-14).

Lester Harry's

Now this is a dainty shop. Founder Jane Selfert sought to show baby attire in a gallery setting, and this elegant boutique does the trick. Blankets, skincare, playtime toys, and dreamlike clothing sit aside Chronicle Books and quirky stuffed animals.

Mulberry Road

Come here for a hodgepodge of stylish infant- and toddler-focused clothing. Peruvian-made letter sweaters are a sweet custom gift, and funky accessories like lunch boxes enhance the store's inventory.

Petit Bateau

For over a century, this French outfitter has put out classic staples for kids and babies, including plenty of identifiable sailor stripes. Plus this is a shop where mom and dad can match the kids.

Mila Lilu

Mila Lilu has luxury on lock. The owners take great care to curate their product mix ranging from bath products to rocking horses and everything in between—even Moncler outerwear.

Isis Parenting

The ultimate destination for new and expecting parents, Isis is all about wee little babes and all the equipment you need to handle one—the glamorous and not-so glamorous. Education and a roster full of classes backs the retail operation, and this store has "stroller parking."

Tadpole

Here's an adorable South End shop for toys and furniture, offering everything from sippy cups to bouncy chairs and finger puppets. Most buys veer toward the ten and under set, with plenty of infant and toddler specific merch. A registry offers an easy gift giving experience.

Coco Baby

Coco Baby swags out South End babies in the most precious toddler gear ever. Gym, language, and music classes also ensure they are the most well rounded kids in town.