With Babies R Us closed, many of us were looking to shop locally for baby items. I love supporting local businesses, and I love that these places have more options than your typical Walmart and Target selection. I was able to talk to several business owners about what makes their stores special, and each one has something that makes it unique.
White Rabbit-The White Rabbit has been around for 32 years in Norfolk. It's both a consignment and retail store, with a focus on things being sustainable, long lasting, and engaging for kids. As a mom of three little ones, the owner understands that moms are looking for things that are unique and cool both for their own kids and as gifts. Free gift wrapping is available. I love that they have a variety of in store events such as hand made silhouettes that friends of mine are obsessed with and mini photo sessions. They carry lots of locally made nursery artwork, jewelry, and bows. Look for another silhouette session around Mother's Day.
334 w. 21st street, Norfolk VA
Rockabye Baby OBX-Started in the Outer Banks 40 years ago; it was brought to Hampton Roads 5 years ago. They started out as all new items, but have moved to more consignment items. They sell both clothing and gear. half and half. Open Tues-Sat and always closed on Sunday except summertime. They carry brands that other local places don't have, like Mayoral, Feltmen brothers for classic look. They also try to keep everything as reasonably priced as possible, which sets them apart. Their goal is to keep everyday wear under $40.00,
1201 Laskin Rd #200, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Kidtique- Located across from Lynnhaven Mall, Kidtique just celebrated their one year mark, and it is 100% consignment with sizes premie to 18 in teens as well as gear, equipment, and toys. They even have maternity wear. Parents can bring items in and starting at the end of the month will be able to get cash for them rather than sell only on consignment. Their specialty is affordable prices for their clients.
2720 N Mall Dr # 140, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Little Shoppes on High- We did a post on Little Shops on High a few summers ago while spending the day in Olde Town Portsmouth. They are four shops in one building including one for babies and children. Little Shops sells lots of Melissa and Doug style toys and we always end up getting the reusable coloring place mats and crayons from them.
Little Peas Boutique- Little Pears just opened in Chesapeake. The mama who runs is has a degree in fashion design and worked for Guess Jeans in LA, Nordstrom, and believes in clean and organized aesthetics. She tries to find items that are not mass produced. They have a physical store but also an online site that offers two day shipping or store pickup.
The rest of the stores I wasn't able to talk to, but I did some digging on their sites.
Velveteen Rabbit - The Velveteen Rabbit is a true boutique offering high end, quality pieces for babies and children. From furniture to gear, clothing, and toys, the Velveteen Rabbit's slogan is "only the best for your baby." Look to them for specialty items such as Christening and Baptism needs.
7386 Harbour Towne Pkwy. #19, Suffolk, VA 23435
Sprout -Sprout was born from a mama who was tired of spending tons on her son's clothes which he quickly outgrew. The consignment shop offers high end and quality clothing at a lower price.
1556 Laskin Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Carousel- Located in Historic Williamsburg, The Carousel offers traditional and comtemporary pieces for infants, children, and tweens.
420 W Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg VA
Le Bebe Chic Boutique- With a focus on chemical free, organic options, Le Bebe Chic offers everything from clothes to gear to a line of baby Babiators (adorable!). They do offer a resell program, accepting "organic, sustainable, ethical, and even practical." This is a store that tries to stay away from mass production and high chemical toys and clothes.
237 E. Hanbury Rd. 315, Chesapeake Virginia 23322
An honorable mention, although not a baby store is
Mary Barnett's. They have been around for over 50 years and actually began as a hardware store. Now a gift and decor store, their baby and kids section continues to grow and you'll find unique items there. They have standard books, bibs and clothing, but also special things like tooth fairy jars or special frames. All kids items can be wrapped for you there on the spot. The owner of this store is lovely and I felt like I was talking to a friend!
