Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in baltimore, MD

Dress Me: Five of Our Favorite Children's Clothing Shops

August 11, 2009

It's almost back-to-school time, you know, and your little ones, having grown approximately 400 inches since this time last year, are probably in need of some new clothing.  Yes?  So, where to go?  Following is a list of five of our favorite purveyors of children's clothing, all local and all locally owned.  Here, you'll find new, nearly new, casual, fancy, eclectic and printed with squids.  In other words, there's something for everyone.  Enjoy!

The Corduroy Button - 1621 Thames Street #1, Baltimore, 410-276-5437
Not cheap, no, but chock full of fantastic, unusual clothing for kids.  Whether you're looking for something edgy, like a pop culture-inspired graphiconesie, or something more traditional, like a pair of ducky rainboots, The Corduroy Button has you -- or more accurately, your kid -- covered. 

Tried But True - 10744 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-666-9265
Well stocked and a little less crowded than some of the area's other consignment shops, Tried But True carries a wide array of gently used kids' stuff, often from some of the most popular and best-known name brands.  Pick up a Lilly Pulitzer, or any of Tried ButTrue's previously big-ticketed items, for a fraction of what you'd pay for it new.  There are less expensive consignment shops in town, it's true, but if you're looking for designer labels at substantial savings, this is the place for you. 

Pied Piper Children's Wear - 32 Village Square, Village of Cross Keys, Baltimore, 410-435-2676
And speaking of big-ticket, designer labels, Pied Piper's got all of the major players, full-price.  Searching for a REALLY SPECIAL holiday outfit?  Need a dress or a suit for a wedding or an inauguration or a dinner with the queen?  Then look no farther than Pied Piper, where you'll find fancy-schmancy, heirloom-quality children's clothes.

Squidfire
Baltimore-born and totally awesome, Squidfire has been cranking out the shirts, bibs, onesies and hoodies for the last several years.  You can't physically go to a Squidfire store -- they're Web- and artist market-based -- but you can buy their stuff (including -- Squee! -- the aforementioned squid-printed T-shirt) at their online shop, and in several stores (like The Coruroy Button) around the area.

The Circle Shop - 6124 Belair Road, Baltimore, 410-254-6066
Organized, affordable and full of great stuff, The Circle Shop is a cut above many area consignment shops.  They've been at it since 1975, so you know they're dong something right!  Stop by for great savings on everything your child needs for back-to-school.

Where do you go to outfit your children?  We'd love to hear your recommendations!   Read more...

Must-See Event: The Kinetic Sculpture Race

April 27, 2009

The Kinetic Sculpture Race, one of my favorite annual events (now in its 11th year!), is coming up this Saturday, May 2.  And though I will try to describe the race with the rich, evocative detail it deserves, I will fail, because words cannot possibly do justice to what unfolds, come rain or shine, every first Saturday of May in Baltimore.

If you've ever wondered about the mobility of a massive, pink, fluffy poodle, or about the buoyancy of a "boat" constructed of otters, then this, my friend, is the event for you.  Sponsored by the American Visionary Art Museum, the Kinetic Sculpture Race is a showcase of some of the best-looking--and most durable--human-powered sculptures on the East Coast . . . or anywhere.  It's also an open-air people-watching extravaganza, complete with costumed spectators and copious cheering.  If your kid digs costumes, now's the time to break out the capes, boas, masks and cowboy hats, as costume-wearing is highly encouraged and very much part of the overall scene.  Rubber chickens also figure prominently, as do paper smiles-on-sticks.  Silliness and oversized animals abound.
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Weekend Highlights, 4/17 - 4/19

April 16, 2009

It's weekend time again; following are some of the many fun things to do around town these next few days.   

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Five More Savvy Gift Suggestions

by Laura Stallard Petza

December 09, 2008

As much as it terrifies me to remind you, Christmas and Hanukkah are now just about two weeks away. And though you probably don't really need reminding--and may, truth be told, even be resenting me for mentioning the imminence of the holidays--you may still be in need of a few more gift ideas. Following are five great gifts, representing a variety of price points, that are likely to please  Read more...

Princess for a Day (And, If You're Lucky, Not for an Eternity)

by Laura Stallard Petza

October 19, 2008

So your daughter has decided that she is a princess. And you have decided--hold on to your pink and pointy hats--that you're going to indulge this royalty business today. So, then, what to do? Following, if I may say so, are five royal suggestions for how to make any girl feel like a princess for a day. Buy her the pinkest, shimmeriest princess costume You'll be surprised by  Read more...