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Kids go green
From organic duds to “low-tech” toys, Pebble Baby & Children’s Store (2675 Arbutus Street), has almost everything environmentally conscious parents could want. Owner Jordan Proulx offers sustainable goodies for shorties without gouging parents. She’s also big on kids using their imaginations, not their joysticks. She carries wooden train sets ($78 to $140), hand-knit dolls ($35 to $40), and nonelectric instruments ($4 to $47.50), so your kids can say, “Look mom, no batteries.”
> Sarah Rowland
One-stop style
There’s no doubt that Marc Brunet knows makeup. After all, he’s the man behind Yaletown’s BeautyMark—high altar to such high-style lines as Stila, Fresh, and Cargo. But now the glamour guru has added baby-gear merchandising to his résumé. He’s just opened EIO! (3404 Cambie Street), a one-stop children’s shop (for infants to six-year-olds). Just like at his cosmetics boutique, you’ll find a mixed bag of cool accessories, gifts, and footwear—most notably the glittered Converse high-tops ($25 to $30). And what newborn can resist a pair of brand new shimmering Chuckies?
> Sarah Rowland
Mini outdoor adventures
They might not be able to walk yet, let alone ’board; they might prefer a Radio Flyer three-wheeler to a Norco two-wheeler. But if you just know there’s free riding in this kid’s future, there’s a funky new line to dress them for the part. Illustrations of mountain bikers, snowboarders, and skiers catch air across Milkshaxs’s hoodies, long-sleeved Ts, and onesies. Small wonder these tiny tributes to cool mountain pastimes hail from Whistler, which designer Jo Thomas calls home. Made in Canada, most pieces are made of soft raw cotton or cotton/bamboo. Prices are about $28 for onesies to about $42 for hooded sleepers. Buy them at www.milkshaxs.com or at stores including Hip Baby (2110 West 4th Avenue), Bean-sprouts (4305 Main Street), and Barefoot Contessa (1928 Commercial Drive location).
> Janet Smith
Hyper active
With built-in features that protect little ones from UV rays, bacteria, and thermal discomfort, Agoo clothing is made for active kids (infants to nine years). But it’s not all about function. Stylistically, there’s something futuristic and fun about this children’s athletic line—especially the boys’ long-sleeved Side Rail Tee ($36). Add matching Trinity Pants ($34) to this Spock-indebted top and your future Trekkie will be ready to play in the great outdoors and”¦beyond. Available at Pinky Blue (176–8120 No. 2 Road, Richmond) and Scallywags (1496 Cartwright Street).
> Sarah Rowland
