Clover353

Clover, open since June 2004, sells a small but well-chosen selection of better toys, art supplies, costumes, baby items, and baby furniture. Look for Waldorf babies and beeswax crayon blocks; imported crayons, pencils, and watercolors and kid-sized paper tablets; beautiful, unusual (and pricey) wood toys from the small to the positively impressive; a great selection of imported Haba wooden fruits and vegetables; pink tutus and wizards' paraphernalia; and a sensible selection of Bionicles.

The store is precious and upscale: it's not a stock-up place, but perfect for finding unusual baby gifts, birthday presents, or gifts for other special kid occasions.

The shop's space has the high ceilings, exposed brick, and architectural charm that makes shopping in Old Ballard such a pleasure. There's no place for children to hang out while parents shop, but floors are uncluttered and kids can turn around without knocking over the merchandise.