Holiday season, pumpkin spice season, baseball season … is there such a thing as baby season? Because y’all, I have bought more baby gifts in the past few months than my previous 30 years of life combined. (Maybe that number 30 is a clue as to why I’m in this predicament!) And if you’ve read my blogs for any length of time, you know that I HATE giving run-of-the-mill gifts. So while I’ll happily fulfill some items from a mama-to-be’s registry, I can’t help but throw in a few unique finds of my own. Thus, I have accidentally become an expert on the best local places to find baby gifts, despite having no children and no interest in babies. 🙂 Today, I thought I’d share my four favorite places to buy baby presents (and no, Buy-Buy Baby isn’t on the list)!
Professor Toy
Professor Toy is SUCH A GEM, you guys! And not just for baby gifts – really for kids of all ages. Keep this in mind for upcoming Christmas shopping! Located in the Villagio Shopping Center next to Kirkland’s, it is a totally local toy store with so much fun and charm. Their goal is “to sell quality educational related toys and teacher aids, bringing back the old ‘mom and pop’ style store.”
They have many of the big names for kids, like Legos, Curious George, Frozen and Sesame Street. And if you want children’s books, they’ve got a great selection of those, too, so no need to hit up Barnes & Noble a few stores down! Their dedicated infant/toddler room in the back has tons of great finds from companies you probably won’t find anywhere else. My personal favorite are these natural rattle/teething toys, of which I’ve bought two, as well as the tiny board books that double as greeting cards.
A bonus at Professor Toy? They offer free gift wrap! Really cute gift wrap! I could never hope to recreate this on my own. Normally it’s the Target gift bag aisle for me, and I end up showing up at the shower with the same wrapping as three other people. (Which kills me, of course!)
Top Drawer
If you’re looking for a really decadent or classy baby shower gift, then Top Drawer is the place for you. Many people don’t know that Top Drawer (which I have written a lot about on FresYes) has a little nook in both stores dedicated to baby items. It’s to the right of the register at Fig Garden and in the room behind the register at River Park.
My favorites in this store include the ultra-soft baby blankets and super chic little shoes for infants. Currently, I am dying over the Peter Rabbit dish set and also the most amazing dinosaur lamp.
P.S. Top Drawer is the exclusive retailer for Vera Bradley in Fresno, and Vera Bradley makes great baby bags, as well as regular bags that would make quite fashionable baby bags! P.P.S. You can also get your “Congrats On Your Pregnancy/Happy Baby Shower/Yay The Baby Is Here” cards at this store.
The Foundry
What’s a post about great gift-giving without mentioning The Foundry Collective, am I right? No surprise here: My favorite store in Old Town Clovis has adorable baby and children’s items. From baby bows to teething rings, books of letters for your unborn child to their ever-popular swaddlers, The Foundry carries it all.
Don’t forget to check out their selection of onesies. Past favorites of mine include one with a U.S. map that had a heart printed on the Central Valley, and one that says “I’m a Big Deal in Clovis.”
Currently, I am obsessed with these counting board books based off of classic literature. Perfect for the English nerds in your life!
P.S. The Foundry’s semi-annual Old Town Flea Market is coming up on November 5th and 6th. Another place to find some gems for all ages. You can get your tickets at the store now!
Frost Oak Creek Creations
Confession time: When I visited Frost Oak Creek Creations in Old Town Clovis to take some photos for the blog, I found out they were closed this week (hence the photos from the shop window, haha). But for good reason! It appears according to their Facebook that they are actually at a Kids Expo, no doubt picking up more great things.
I HAVE actually been to this store before. I’ve always been struck by how unique their selection is. Perhaps this is because owner Betty Frost sews or crochets many of the blankets, burp clothes, dresses and more. The store also boasts many items from other baby lines. I especially love their sports-themed gifts. It was actually through a visit to Frost Oak Creek Creations that I discovered the wonder of NFL board books (which then led to MLB board books, because duh baseball). Don’t want the dads feeling left out in all the baby love!
OK, phew, that’s enough baby madness for now! I am literally off to wrap a gift for another expectant mother. Have more tips on where to shop for us hapless, childless 30-year-olds? Leave them in the comments!
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