It’s only natural to want the best for the little ones in our lives. Thankfully, more children’s products are being produced with our kids in mind, from clothing made of organic fibers to toys crafted from recycled materials. To help you make the switch to a more eco-friendly way of living, we shopped three local children’s boutiques to give you the inside scoop on what’s hot when you go green.
Enchanted Tree House, Wayzata
From toys and gifts to books and clothing, you’ll find it all at the Enchanted Tree House. Owners Tamara Hillstrom and Terry Lauer carry apparel up to size 14 in girls and up to size 7 in boys. They also have a large newborn layette selection.
Some of Hillstrom’s favorite lines are Deux Par Deux European-inspired attire, Little Giraffe baby blankets and towels, and Mimi & Maggie bohemian girls’ garb. And as you’re stocking up for back-to-school apparel, they’ve got you covered with the basics like socks, underwear, pajamas and shoes.
The Enchanted Tree House knows the importance of dressing kids in age-appropriate attire, says Hillstrom. Because of that, they carry clothing for tween girls that’s innocent looking yet still on-trend. And their boys’ section is stocked with a preppy-yet-funky vibe in mind. 1157 Wayzata Blvd.(in Colonial Square), Wayzata; 952.473.7551
Green spotlight: Don’t miss the layette collection from Kissy Kissy. These onesies, gowns, playsuits and more are crafted from super-soft organic pima cotton. The collection fits both girls and boys up to 9 months. $37–38. Also, Mulberribush produces a line of cute-as-a-button organic cotton graphic T-shirts, in both infant boy and toddler boy sizes. $24–26.
Classic Child, Excelsior
For a wide selection of name-brand clothing at 50–80 percent off retail prices, make sure your shopping list includes a trip to Classic Child in Excelsior.
The shop’s focus is on consignment, so expect new or gently used mid- and upper-tier brands—think Hanna Andersson, Ralph Lauren, Lilly Pulitzer and Tommy Hilfiger—in sizes from newborn up to a kids’ size 16.
Have some clothes you’d like to consign? Owner Marianne Stebbins welcomes new consignors and offers 40 percent of the sale price in cash or check, or if you choose to use it as store credit, she gives an additional 20 percent off your entire next purchase. This time of year, she’s looking for back-to-school and fall clothing, and winter outerwear (yes, already!).
“We carry lots of designers and have an assortment of boutique brands that come through, so you never know what you’ll find,” says Stebbins. 2419 Hwy. 7, Excelsior; 952.474.3360
Green spotlight: While Stebbins does see some organic cotton clothing come through on consignment, Classic Child stocks a number of new bamboo/organic cotton-blend onesies (both short- and long-sleeved) and hemp/bamboo-blend T-shirts for kids. $10.50–12.50 for onesies; $12–14 for T-shirts.
Baby Grand, Hopkins
Lucky for us lake dwellers, the ubiquitous Baby Grand in St. Paul recently opened a second shop in our neck of the woods. Expect all of the same brands and products at this location, including favorites like Baby K’tan, Pali Design, Kicky Pants, Coccoli and more. You’ll find everything you need to outfit your infant and child, from cribs and strollers to play mats to burp cloths.
Are you an expectant or new parent? You can bet you’ll find answer to all of your questions here. The family owned-and-operated business has been helping areas moms and dads for more than two decades. They can also help with gift wrapping, shipping, delivery and set-up of your latest purchase. 1010 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 952.912.1010
Green spotlight: Teach your little ones the fire art of outdoor grilling. The My 1st BBQ Set is an all-wood realistic grill with a hinged top, two wheels for easy transport and four knobs so kids can adjust the “flames.” Optional BBQ Fixins Kit includes condiments and food for a delicious flame-licked dinner. Set coated in non-toxic paint. $119; add $27.95 for the fixins kit. Also popular with eco-conscious parents is the bumGenius cloth diaper line. The one-size-fits-all cloth diapers come with a hook-loop or snap butterfly closure for a secure, comfortable fit. Available in nine colors. $17.95; 5 percent off 10 or more diapers.
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Looking for more green children’s products at a great price? Check out:
Once Upon a Child, 14200 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 763.540.0477
Oh Baby! Outlet (formerly Oh Baby! on the Lake), 743 Lake St. E., Wayzata; 952.404.0170; ohbabystyle.com
