kiddywampus553

kiddywampus - a "modern design store for kids" - has moved to a new location...so it's now easier to find, but still well-worth seeking out anyway! (The store also has a presence in the College Nannies & Tutors storefront in Edina.)

Great merchandise lines the walls, but plenty of space is left open for kids to play, and to accommodate playgroups, parties, and classes. While parents shop, kids can also try out samples of the store's wares. There are two bathrooms on-site, one with a changing table.

kiddywampus eschews battery-operated toys, focusing instead on imagination-driven items such as unique building and art sets, ride-ons, and fanciful decor items. The selection isn't huge, but it is unique and wonderful, featuring products that are as much fun to look at as they are to play with - and with lower prices than one might expect in such a chic boutique. Well-known designers such as Miroslav Sasek, Keith Haring, and Eero Aarnio are represented, with many options in the $10-$20 range. For gifts, try the colorful journals and pencils, sets of cards that interlock for building, unusual books, or whimsical purses.

Classes: The store offers a wide variety of classes for kids, from yoga and etiquette to art and science. Check the website for current offerings. Parents and kids can also drop in for open studio sessions.

Parties: kiddywampus offers several options for parties, from do-it-yourself shindigs to full-service hosted affairs.

Camps: See the website for current offerings.