This "lifestyle and design boutique" takes a pacifier-in-cheek approach to appeal to modern moms and babes. Merchandise is divided into categories such as Eat, Splash, Go, Sleep, Party, and Gifts, and hails from European as well as local designers.

The whimsical selection of clothes, toys, furniture, and accessories reflects the retail/interior-design experience and flair of Bebe Babble owner Kendra Lewis, who opened the store with her husband in late 2005. Bebe Babble offers furniture from Oeuf, ducduc, and Notneutral, as well as clothing to size 8.

A specialty boutique offering apparel, accessories, toys, gifts, small furnishings, and other goodies for little ones. The selection leans toward higher-end brands and includes many handmade items, but less pricey clothes and trinkets are available, too. There's plenty for infants through age five, with some items available up to size 12. An interior designer can perform custom work.

Expect to find brands like Bobux, Lipstik, Hart Strings, Oink Baby, and Sweet Potatoes, as well as Little Me, Levis, Kushies, and Nike. The store hosts special family events, such as fashion shows, once a month, and baby showers by arrangement. Parents-to-be can sign up for its baby registry. Check out sale items on the website and in-store; many are discounted up to 50%.

Birthday Parties: Girly-girls can invite up to 14 friends to a birthday party at BrynnAlden during business hours. Parties include makeovers, goody bags, and mini-dance lessons. The birthday girl also gets a bracelet, purse, and group photo. Prices start at $20/guest, with a $35 save-the-date fee; craft projects are add-ons. Refreshments may be brought in. Book at least 72 hours in advance.

Happy Rooms' Babett Larimer paints custom murals for children's nurseries, playrooms, bedrooms, and more. She can work based on a customer's ideas or provide suggestions to create bold and cheerful rooms that aim to spark kids' imaginations and create unique environments.

Home Depot has all the supplies needed for any home improvement project in its cavernous big-box stores, and provides some design, construction, and installation services.

There's plenty to enhance children's sleep and play spaces, including a line of Disney decor items, paint that turns walls into chalkboards, whimsical wallpaper and window coverings, closet organizers, storage bins, rugs and lamps, and a plethora of child safety doodads. Its seasonal garden centers sell seeds, plants, tools, and outdoor furniture, including kid-sized chairs and tables.

With all the construction materials, chemicals, and small parts stacked high in the aisles or in open bins low down, unsupervised children are in real danger here, so parents should stay on alert. (And while those large shopping carts and rolling pallets just beg to be ridden, it's a no-no.)

Home Depot stores offer free drop-in Kid Workshops, the first Saturday of each month from 9am-12n, for children ages five to 12 accompanied by an adult. Participants build skills and learn about tool safety while making birdhouses, fire trucks, mail organizers, or other items from pre-fab kits; each child also receives a kid-sized Home Depot orange apron and pin.

It was hard not feel slighted that it took Sweden's favorite home furnishings store so long to open shop in historically-Scandinavian Minnesota. But judging by the number of cars in the parking lot on any given day, all is long since forgiven!

Even a few years after its opening, the place is still a zoo on weekends and holidays - with inexpensive contemporary children's furnishings and colorful playthings drawing families in, as well as family-friendly events and kids activities scheduled throughout the year.

There are well-equipped play areas along the shopping path, as well as the inviting "model rooms," which kids are welcome to explore. Toilet-trained kids more than 35 inches tall can also be checked in to Smaland, a free supervised play area near the entrance, where they can snuggle on comfy steps to watch a video or play in the ball pit while parents shop.

The in-store restaurant serves up inexpensive kid's meals and snacks - there's even a children's section in the dining area, with more toys and videos, as well as small tables and chairs. Child-friendly "half-portions" of most menu items can be requested if nothing appeals to kids from the set children's menu.

Besides furniture and toys, the store sells kitchenware and appliances; home office supplies; bath and bedding items; lighting fixtures; Swedish foods; live plants; and more.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

There's plenty to keep any crafty family occupied at Jo-Ann, where the supplies for just about any project - crafts, scrapbooking, calligraphy, framing, sewing, knitting, woodwork, and more - are shelved inside enormous, well-organized emporiums.

The basics are all here - pipe cleaners, artificial flowers, paints, markers, glue - but so are more specialized items like sewing machines, sticker-makers, and a full line of cake-decorating and candy-making supplies. Specialty books and magazines offer tips and ideas.

The selection here lends itself well to gift-making too, whether for grandparents, friends, or teachers. Kits and materials provide everything - except the time! - to make candles, soap, dolls, purses, photo albums, and other handmade treasures, or to embellish and personalize mass-produced items. Many projects can be simplified for younger kids, while teens and parents can get as elaborate as interest and budget allow.

Wander the aisles for inspiration for homemade Halloween costumes, or buy a manufactured one from the seasonal selection. Make invitations and birth announcements using the stamps, ribbon, tools, papers, and stickers on offer. The selection of room decor items, both ready-made and do-it-yourself, is also extensive, and includes pillows, lampshades, hook rugs, and wall art.

Jo-Ann Superstores offer free kid's craft projects in-store the third Saturday of the month, and single- and multi-session classes for kids, adults, and families throughout the year.

Birthday parties: A two-hour party, for ages five and up, includes an instructor-led craft activity in a private room. Parties can be scheduled any day; $12.50/child; six to 12 guests allowed. Refreshments must be brought in, and at least one adult must remain in the room during the party.

Justice sells its own line of girly-girl jeans, tops, skirts, dresses, swimwear, underwear, and outerwear in sizes six to 16, along with jewelry, footwear, purses, room decor, and Webkinz.

Parties: Just-for-fun makeovers are offered during themed in-store Justice parties (no food or beverages allowed!) that usually last about 90 minutes.

Justice sells its own line of girly-girl jeans, tops, skirts, dresses, swimwear, underwear, and outerwear in sizes six to 16, along with jewelry, footwear, purses, room decor, and Webkinz.

Parties: Just-for-fun makeovers are offered during themed in-store Justice parties (no food or beverages allowed!) that usually last about 90 minutes.

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! (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.

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: Through Abrakadoodle, the store offers a limited selection of art classes for kids ages 20 months to 12 years old. Check the website for current offerings. Parents and kids can also drop in on weekly open studio sessions.

Parties: Abrakadoodle offers parties at the store on Saturdays and Sundays for kids ages two to 12, starting at $299 for up to 11 children.

Camps: kiddywampus offers a variety of half-day camps for kids from age 3 1/2 through fifth grade. Cost: $119; 20% discount for siblings enrolled in the same camp. An add-on lunch option is also available.

Oh Baby! is a tony boutique filled to the rafters with precious and pricey clothes, gifts, furniture, and accessories for pampered babies, and young boys and girls. Many items are from small US manufacturers or fine European designers, and can be found up to size eight.

The store also sells its own line of Minnesota-made infant and children's clothing, bedding, and furniture, and offers custom design services for kid's rooms.

Oh Baby! is a tony boutique filled to the rafters with precious and pricey clothes, gifts, furniture, and accessories for pampered babies, and young boys and girls. Many items are from small US manufacturers or fine European designers, and can be found up to size eight.

The store also sells its own line of Minnesota-made infant and children's clothing, bedding, and furniture, and offers custom design services for kid's rooms.

This online novelty megastore sells party supplies, themed decor items, craft supplies and kits, costumes, toys and games, stuffed animals, and more. Much more. There's also a wide selection of holiday items covering everything from Chinese New Year to Thanksgiving, and lots of hats and bags suitable for customizing.

The prices are fantastic, but there's a catch: many items are offered only in bulk. It's still worth checking out! The customer service is responsive, and the shipping is fast.

A trip to Pottery Barn Kids is catalog shopping brought to life. The store offers discriminating parents candy-colored furniture, bedding, rugs, toys, and curtains, to get any child set up in style.

The store also offers Tuesday storytimes at 10am and periodic sing-alongs. Check the website for upcoming events.

A trip to Pottery Barn Kids is catalog shopping brought to life. The store offers discriminating parents candy-colored furniture, bedding, rugs, toys, and curtains, to get any child set up in style.

The store also offers Tuesday storytimes at 10am and periodic sing-alongs. Check the website for upcoming events.

Simply Jane, a new open artist's studio with a colorful garden theme, welcomes folks of all ages in to paint canvases, boxes, coat hooks, and custom furniture pieces, using outlines of artist Jane Elias's playful images as starting points. The hourly fee includes paints, brushes, workspace, and if desired, art instruction. No reservations are needed. A toddler area allows little ones to experiment with crayons and markers.

Parties: A $100 fee includes two hours of lessons, studio time, invitations, and souvenir placemats. The cost of the items guests paint is additional, with items starting at $3.

Simply Silhouettes offers an extensive collection of custom-designed silhouette products that offer a unique way to preserve the priceless moments of childhood. The recently-launched web-based business is one of the first to take this traditional art form and give it a modern edge. The child, family and pet silhouette portraits are created with classic styling, handcrafted warmth, and a touch of elegant whimsy. Products include prints, canvases, clothing, stationery sets, paperweights, gift items, jewelry, tote bags, and even wrapping paper.

Two moms - friends and neighbors - brainstormed a way for pint-sized adventurers to find a little space of their own without tearing up living rooms all over the country.

TeePeeforMe is the result - a line of 21 styles of teepees including indoor and outdoor styles and coordinating accessories: tote bags, play mats, pillows, and personalized signs. High quality fabrics come in fun patterns (like Monkey Business, Wild West Red, and Princess Paisley) and the poles are made from durable PVC. The teepees come fully assembled and store easily.

And since the open teepee stands 5.5 ft tall and is 5 feet wide on each side, there's room for parents to play, too!

Wall Words is an online resource for pre-pasted and pre-spaced transfer letters for painted walls, wallpaper, windows, mirrors, furniture, and metal. The words or phrases come in numerous fonts, sizes, and colors to match decor or mood, and you can choose from a variety of existing quotes or customize your own. The easy-to-apply format makes this a winning (and, frankly, genius) alternative to handpainting on the walls!

Kids Kuts are perfect for nurseries or playrooms, and the seven strong words packages help to create a space to underscore family values or set the right tone (think words like creative, dream, miracles, adventure, knowledge.)

For no-adults-allowed spaces or places, choose from 180 options to create a kids seven life words package for walls, stairs, lunchboxes, or wherever the kids hang out.

Even holiday words are available for December decorating!