New grandparents, godparents and your friends without kids are unlikely to be in the know when it comes to the latest baby and toddler gifts. Even if you’re an experienced parent, childcare provider or gift-buying great aunt, you should peek inside some of Edina’s distinctive baby-centered boutiques for the best baby shower or birthday gift ideas. Edina is home to several shops that stock an abundance of fun, snuggly, educational, unique and age-appropriate toys. Here are a few of our favorites.
Dress up
Little boys and girls love to play dress up and use their endless imaginations to act out scenes from their favorite storybooks or create new adventures all their own. Provide your pint-sized performers a muse with some beautifully inspired costume accessories. Furry masks can bring out the beastie in your playful sweetie. Or choose Max’s fur-rimmed crown adapted from the treasured story Where the Wild Things Are. High quality and unbreakable princess crowns, fairy wands and felt swords can complete your kiddo’s costume wardrobe. Or choose a colorful superhero mask for additional hours of imaginative and interactive entertainment. Furry masks are $49.95 each. Max’s Crown is $49.95. Other crowns are $29.95 each. Wands are $35.95. The felt sword with belt is $59.95 and super hero masks are $19.95.
Other inspired items from Oh Baby include charming fabric crib mobiles, whimsical nursery artwork and beautifully designed children’s clothes for boys and girls up through size 12.
Trucks!
Toddlers and preschoolers are often obsessed with transportation. Enchant your little dump truck driver with an eco-friendly push toy made in the United States entirely from recycled milk jugs. These chunky trucks contain no BPA, phathalates or PVC and are easy to clean and dishwasher safe. So there will be no worries about getting this truck muddy! $27.95.
Get your preschooler off that digital device and take them on in a game of Frankie’s Food Truck Fiasco. This foodie-inspired educational game helps youngsters learn about shapes, strategic thinking and social skills. Oh, and it’s fun, too. $12.40.
Or give kiddos a path where they can drive a washable marker along a dry-erase dinner mat from Pacifier. These mats with mazes to solve and pictures to color make great gifts for preschoolers or take-home party favors for your petite birthday party guests. Packable and washable, these themed place mats are perfect for taking along to restaurants or dinner at a friend’s house. $19.
Combo Gifts
The Maiya Mouse and Alvin Elephant board book for toddlers tells a great story about being best friends. It also has snuggly and hand-painted companion toys made from sustainable and recycled materials. Combine two or more themed items to create a perfect baby shower gift. $12-$24 each.
Jellycat board books come complete with plush ears and tails and tell imaginative stories, each beginning with the premise, “If I were…” Soft and cuddly stuffed animals can be purchased to accompany each storybook so your little sweetheart can explore titles like If I Were a Giraffe while actually cuddling their very own giraffe. Books are $12.50 each, stuffed animals are $22.50 each.
Other terrific toy ideas from Creative Kidstuff include blocks, sensory balls and the colorful Symphony Music player by Battat or wooden threading beads that come in various shapes and themes; perfect for keeping busy hands occupied while traveling since each set comes in its own case. Battat toys range from $14.99-$59.99. Threading bead sets are $19.99 each.
Illustrations By Heather Homa; models are Abby & Matthew.
