Most people buy things for their kids online these days. It’s fast and cheap, and you don’t even have to put on pants. But if you’re anything like me, there are certain things you’d like to see before you buy.
Baby clothes, children’s books, and car seats (really anything to do with baby safety), to name a few. Luckily, the internet hasn’t killed off brick-and-mortar stores just yet. Here are some of the best boutique baby stores and bookstores to visit to get a read on clothing sizes for your baby, get your hands on that new stroller, and get that wonderful smell of books in your nose. Check out this Denver guide to baby stores and children’s bookstores!
Clothing Stores for Babies and Kids in Denver
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Osh Kosh B’gosh
Okay, maybe you’ve heard of this one. What you may not know is where to find one, because we don’t have many here in Denver. Osh Kosh B’gosh has been in business making kids clothes since 1895. They know what they’re doing, and they make great stuff. Their stores can be found in the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, in the Park Meadows Mall in Lone Tree, and near The Grove shopping center in Thornton.2
Real Baby
This store has much more than just clothes on hand. They offer furniture, toys, books, and lots more in their inventory. This store is located on 43rd and Tennyson, right in the middle of a up-and-coming neighborhood.3
Janie and Jack
Conveniently located in the Cherry Creek Mall, this store certainly fits a niche. Designer style clothing for kids from newborn to 12 years old. Your kids will surely never look more fashionable after leaving here.4
Babysitter’s Nightmare
This is another niche baby clothes store, but on the exact opposite side. Babysitter’s Nightmare is a part of the FashioNation storefront, and that should tell you what you need to know. While both stores used to be on 13th and Washington across from Wax Trax, now they can be found on Broadway and Iowa Ave. If you want your baby to reflect your love of punk music, this is the place to go.5
The children’s Place
With locations all over the metro area, in most malls and outdoor shopping areas, The Children’s Place is definitely an option no matter where you live. They are not a niche clothing store like the previous two, either. They have something for everyone, with clothing ranging from newborn to 16 years old. They even have school uniforms. A great option of the Denver guide to baby stores and bookstores!6
Hi Little One
Hi Little One is on Colfax and Teller, and specializes in personalized baby and kid’s clothes. Onesies, shirts, sweatshirts, hats, you name it, all sized for babies and kids, and all with exactly what you want on them. Each item is professionally edited with your personalization to make sure everything that leaves their shop looks fantastic.7
Carter’s
With locations in Lakewood, Thornton, and Highlands Ranch, this easily accessible children’s store has clothing ranging from preemie to 14 years old. Carter’s is a company dedicated to kids clothes, founded in 1865, and also sells its products through Osh Kosh B’gosh.8
buybuy Baby
buybuy Baby has only two locations in Denver. One stand-alone location in Arapahoe Crossings, and one set inside the Bed Bath and Beyond in Westminster. They do sell clothes, but their main focus is on furniture and baby supplies. They have a full array of strollers and carseats on the floor that you can test out, cribs and bassinets, dressers, changing tables, bottle sanitizers, you name it.9
Baby Depot
These are much like buybuy Baby, only they are set in some Burlington Coat Factories. Again, like buybuyBaby, these sell clothes, furniture, and supplies. Get your hands on all of the safety equipment before you buy it.10
Little Britches Kids Resale
Little Britches Kids Resale is a great place to go to get the best brands at low prices. They have one storefront on 112th and Sheridan in Westminster. Kids grow fast, and it can be hard to justify spending a lot of money on their clothes. This is a great alternative to the thrift store to get great deals on used clothes.11
Kid to Kid
This is another resale company, this time with multiple locations around Denver: Thornton, Wheat Ridge, Littleton, and Aurora. Think Plato’s Closet for kids. This upscale kids resale store lets you sell the gently used clothes your kids out grew, and then turn around and do your back-to-school shopping, all in one trip.12
Little Wolf Boutique
This locally owned baby boutique specializes in unique items. Located in the Stanley Marketplace, its central location means it isn’t terribly far from anyone. Make sure to stop by for some great, unique, and stylish options for your baby, and don’t forget to ask about their on site monogramming service. A great option of the Denver guide to baby stores and bookstores!13
Hollyhocks “Baby Boutique” and Fine Children’s Apparel
Hollyhocks is located in the shops just North of the Cherry Creek Mall. They have a great selection of children’s clothes, specializing in formal wear. If you need great looking clothes for a fashionable family arrival at a wedding, holiday party, or even an outfit for their first communion, this is the place to go. No matter the dress code, your kids will look fabulous.14
Once Upon a Child
From the same family of companies as Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, and Music Go Round, this store has history backing it. They know that kids are expensive, and keeping up with their growth and ever changing hobbies is quite difficult, and they are in the business of keeping costs low. All of my sports equipment growing up was from Play It Again Sports, and I was kind of surprised when it came time for my daughter to start being active, that they were still there. Operating for over thirty years, Once Upon a Child does for clothes what Play It Again Sports does for sports equipment.15
Talulah Jones
Talulah Jones is a boutique located in uptown Denver. Over half of the boutique is dedicated to children’s clothing, shoes, toys, and books. You can also find things for yourself or for the house as it offers a wide variety of home decor and clothing for mom! You will find many options for wooden and cloth toys. The coziness of the boutique makes it a great option to visit with kids. You can find Talulah Jones at 1122 East 17th Avenue in Denver!16
Wish Gifts
Wish Gifts offers a wide variety of gift options for all ages. It features a kids section in which you’ll find shirts, pajamas, hats, and toys. It has a kid-welcoming atmosphere with two locations in Denver: 750 S. University Blvd. and 5014 E. Hampden Ave. You will also find gifts for expecting parents and newborns!17
Skipper & Scout
Your kid will be the most stylish in school by shopping at Skipper & Scout! Modern kids will love getting their clothes from this chib boutique that has clothing items and accessories for all ages. You will find local designers’ items as well as high-end brands, the perfect combination of traditional and fun kids’ fashions! Find Skipper & Scout at 242 E. Meadow Drive, Suite 106 Vail, Colorado.18
Patterns & Pops
Patterns & Pops is owned by two Colorado moms who know what they’re doing. You will not only find women’s apparel and accessories, but also a dedicated baby section with a wide variety of items: from onesies to leggings, blankets, board books, and more in-between! Patterns & Pops is located at 1620 Platte St., Denver.19
Mountain Cub
Mountain Cub is the ultimate children’s shop in Colorado. Children ages 0 to 6 years old will find awesome options of clothing for adventuring in the mountains or exploring the city! Your little ones will look modern and stylish anywhere they go in Denver.Book Stores
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Timbuk Toys
Timbuk Toys is definitely a name in the toy world, but they also sell books. With locations in Lowry, Bel Mar, University Hills Plaza, and Highlands Ranch, Timbuk Toys has you covered for all kinds of things, not just toys.2
Tattered Cover Books
Growing up, some of my favorite times were when my mom would take me to the Tattered Cover. With that great book smell and the old feeling doors, the Tattered Cover just feels like such a great place to cozy up with a book. The Tattered Cover is one of the biggest independent bookstores in the nation. A Denver company through and through, you get all of the consistency of a bigger chain, with the knowledge that your money is staying in Colorado. They have a great selection for all ages, so you won’t have to stop bringing your kids as they progress in reading.3
Second Star to the Right
Second Star to the RIght is named after the famous line from Peter Pan, and is located just SouthWest of Washington Park. As its name suggests, it is an independent bookstore focused on stories written for children and young adults. Second Star believes that independent bookstores are the backbone of literature, and they take that seriously. They love books and it shows. In addition to their stacks, they also host a series of storytimes.4
Park Hill Community Bookstore
Taking the idea of an independent bookstore a step farther, the Park Hill Community Bookstore is staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Because of its reliance on donations and volunteers, the selection in this non-profit bookstore changes often. They don’t recommend going in with a specific book in mind, but instead to go there to explore. This is a great place with a true bookstore atmosphere, and is a great experience for kids of all ages. Be sure to stop by and buy a book to support this remarkable part of the Park Hill Community.5
BookBar
BookBar is a small bookstore with a cafe and wine bar, and they frequently host events for various groups, including multiple kids story times every month. Located on Tennyson near 44th, this independent shop has a great selection of books, and is a perfect place to stop in and enjoy a drink and a story with your kids.6
Printed Page Bookshop
This small independent bookstore is truly a hidden gem in Denver. They specialize in old and used books, they even have classes on book collecting. Again, the selection of used bookstores can vary, but this would be a very cool place for older kids to experience. They would appreciate you keeping you younger ones close, however, as some of the books are quite old. A great option of the Denver guide to baby stores and bookstores!7
Capitol Hill Bookstore
Located on Colfax between the Capitol building and the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, this small used bookstore is a Denver staple. Featuring a great selection of kids books, and an ever-changing inventory, this bookstore is a great place to stop in regularly, so you can check out what’s new. They also feature their inventory on their website, but I recommend just going in, as it is just a great place to be. This is a great option for Denver baby stores bookstores!8
Your Local Library
This one may seem obvious, but people often forget about them. Public libraries are super cool, and bring so much to the table. Even setting the books aside, they are full of great resources and things to do. Yes, you can check out books, but you can also get movies, video games, and sometimes tablets, headphones, cameras, really all sorts of things. Many libraries also have emerging technologies like 3D printers, and they will print things for super cheap. Your local library will also host events, like story times, and as your kids get older, they can help them with any research they may have to do for school. Manhy librarians will have a degree in library science, or some kind of research, so they are a great resource to get going on any kind of project. So head on in, and support your local libraries, because they’re awesome.9
The Bookies
This bookstore specializes in children’s books, so you and your little one can spend hours exploring the aisles in the search for a new adventure! This local bookstore has super helpful staff who really know what they’re talking about. Make sure to visit this must-see bookstore if you haven’t yet!10
HearthFire Books and Treats
Kids will love this bookstore in which not only they can find their favorite books, but also enjoy frozen yogurt with choose-your-own toppings! HearthFire also hosts fun events, and they also serve coffee and tea for the grown-ups.11
Broadway Book Mall
Broadway Book Mall is an independent and locally owned book store located in Denver. Kids will find plenty of amazing book options and genres such as science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and so much more. You can find both gently used books as well as brand new ones.12
Boulder Bookstore
You have to go a little further than Denver for this one, but it’s totally worth it! Boulder Bookstore is an independent bookstore with a huge children’s department. Kids of all reading abilities will find several options to enjoy, and there are also great events such as storytimes and workshops for all ages.13
