Independent kids stores in Vancouver
Big-box retailers might be convenient, but there’s something special about supporting Vancouver’s one-of-a-kind independent shops. Find unique toys, books, clothes and gifts for your favourite little ones at these locally owned kids boutiques recommended by parenting blogger and yoyomama.ca founder Annemarie Tempelman-Kluit.
Kaboodles Toys Store
3404 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W8Kaboodles is kind of the granddaddy of independent kids shops in Vancouver; in fact, I used to go there when I was a little girl. Today there are three locations in the city (Point Grey, Granville Island and Cambie Street) and all of them stock a fantastic selection of toys and birthday gifts. The have stuff for little kids up to about elementary school age. You’ll find lots of products from LEGO, Playmobile and Brio, plus a variety of arts and craft kits for creative little ones.
Pebble Baby Store Inc
You won’t find a lot of battery-operated things at this Kitsilano kids shop. Owner Jordan Proulx stocks a great selection of locally made clothes, nostalgic toys, bedding, bath products and baby essentials for kids from about zero to six years old. The shop also offers complimentary gift-wrapping, which makes it a great spot to get baby shower presents.
Kidsbooks
2557 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9This independent kids bookshop on Broadway has been around for a long time. The shop carries everything from baby books to young adult novels, as well as a selection of parenting books for new moms and dads. They host regular readings and fun literary events; when the Harry Potter books came out, they threw huge launch parties at midnight. Vancouver Kidsbooks also has a really knowledgeable staff; if you tell them you’re looking for a gift for an eight-year-old boy who likes robots, the team here will help you find the perfect book!
Hip Baby
2110 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N6This Kitsilano shop has been around for quite a while and it’s easy to see why. Hip Baby owner Jen MacCormack has a great eye when it comes to sourcing fun and educational toys you can’t find anywhere else. The shelves are stocked with sustainable wooden toys, dress-up costumes, nursery decor, diaper bags and many more essentials for little ones. New parents will appreciate the gift registry.
Dilly Dally Kids
1161 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3This indie shop on Commercial Drive is a great spot to visit for goody-bag items and birthday gifts. Many kids stores seem to carry variations on the same thing but the items at Dillydally are always original. Owners Tyler Quantz and Claire Hutchings test out all the playthings before they decide to bring them into the store. The shop offers a curated selection of toys focused on open-ended play. Imaginative kids will love the costumes, colouring books, and wooden toys from Germany. Parents will get a kick out of the retro collection of marbles, bouncing balls and other classic toys.
The Granville Island Toy Company
1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5Not just on Granville Island, the Granville Island Toy Company offers two additional outposts in Vancouver – one in Marpole and one in Mount Pleasant. The well-regarded shop specializes in toys that encourage more open-ended and imaginative play. You’ll find dolls, games and plenty of playthings for babies, toddlers and right on up to tweens. If you’re putting together loot bags for a birthday party, check out the well-stocked pick-and-mix area with lots of fun little knicknacks. And if you’re looking for Playmobile, they have a very large selection at their Main Street store.
Dandelion Kids
1206 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4In business for more than 10 years, Dandylion Kids is a neighbourhood staple on The Drive. The popular indie kids boutique has a great assortment of clothes, shoes and toys. Bestsellers include globally inspired kids clothes from Tea Collection, mini skate shoes from Vans and a unique selection of European toys. Hape Toys from Germany makes lovely sustainable wooden toys while French art supply company DJECO specializes in stickers, felt pens and crafting kits that cover everything from bracelets to glitter art.
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