(s)Hop To It!

It’s hot. You’re tired. The kids are whiny. Do you really want to go shopping?

Heck, yes. We’re not talking about the groceries! There are some unique new Vancouver boutiques that we think are well worth the effort.

We popped into Pebble—a Kitsilano baby and toddler shop that’s celebrating its official grand opening this Saturday—and found lots to like. While it’s not far from the baby/maternity shopping hub that is Fourth and Arbutus, the six blocks difference means parking isn’t such a nightmare.

Inside the bright, uncluttered interior you’ll find products that are funky and functional at the same time, along with a range of baby basics such as safe rubber pacifiers and the ultra-soft, absorbable Bamboobino offerings like washcloths and other nursery essentials. We couldn’t resist the bugalug headbands that are especially designed to stay in place on a little girl’s (or mom’s) head, and loved the Pippalily toy straps that are a colourful way to keep playthings and soothers attached to a stroller or car seat so they don’t wind up on the sidewalk. Owner Jordan Proulx promotes locally designed and produced goods where she can, a prime example being the Cici Art Factory paintings that adorn the walls. Created by Vancouver artist Liz Clay, the bold, bright works come in a range of themes and are guaranteed to lift the spirits of grown-ups and kids alike.

Also recently opened is Nima’ma Maternity Boutique on West Fourth near Bayswater, a celebration of the maternal body beautiful. If this hot weather is making you feel twice your true size (whether you are pre-, post- or even very post-natal), you will be sure to find a comfortable and stylish pick-me-up amongst the local and international clothes and jewellery collections. It’s also the only Vancouver retailer for certified organic makeup by the Aussie company NVEY ECO, so worth a visit if you’re trying to green your scene.

And for those North Shore parents looking to escape a hot kitchen, here’s a thought: take the family down to Red Robin or Swiss Chalet on Marine Drive, and while Dad’s with the kids, slip next door to the newly opened ‘nood’ (that stands for ‘new objects of desire’). The large, skylit space is home to unique, reasonably priced designer housewares, furniture and office supplies. It’s like a high-end IKEA, but without the drive to Richmond or Coquitlam. We loved the quo pencil set, each of which bears an inspiring quote to get any SavvyMom through her day, and the azimuth fruit bowl that keeps your antioxidant fruit and veggies attractively on display so they make for easy pickin’s.

We know, you’re exhausted from all that shopping. Now to put your feet up and enjoy a nice cool drink on the deck.

Pebble
www.pebblebaby.com
(604) 568-6923
2675 Arbutus
(Grand opening Saturday, July 19)

Nima’ma Maternity Boutique
www.nimama.ca
(604) 734-8800
2938 West 4th

nood
www.nood.ca
(604) 929-7757
Corner of Fell and Marine

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