Get messy
The worst part of making crafts with kids is the mess that follows. (The best part? Macaroni-and-glitter pictures on the fridge.) The solution for Vancouver-based mom Minna Simko was to create a line of easy-to-clean smocks ($20 to $25) suitable for children aged two to six. Made from colourful, waterproof fabric—oilcloth, laminated cotton, and even vinyl tablecloths—all a smock needs for cleanup is a quick rinse under the tap. Also featuring kid-friendly Velcro closures, these kimono-style tops double as aprons for your little chef in training. Check out Simko’s designs at messykid.ca/.

> Miranda Nelson

Hat tricks
Sand Cassel Kids, the spring 2009 hat line by Pittsburgh-based Goorin, brightens up spring with pink pinstripes, plaid twills, floral prints, and polka dots. The button-top cabbie hats have a cotton lining and an elastic-fit back to ensure comfort for kids of all shapes and sizes. The screen-printed baseball caps ($23) have adjustable back closures, and the dapper felt and plaid fedoras ($35) top off any ankle biter’s outfit with a little film-noir chic. At ModernKid (45 Water Street).

> Alicia-Rae Light

The freshest kids
Joe Fresh Style expands its kids’ collection this season—right down to the toes. Look for the cute pair of quilted sailor-esque flats, which come in white or navy with gold chain-link detail across the toes and navy-blue outline around the sole, or the metallic gold ballet flats with the buckle detail. The line also features a sweet pair of watermelon-themed rain boots to keep tiny toes dry on Vancouver’s inevitable rainy spring days ($12 to $16, at the Real Canadian Superstore [various locations]).

> Alicia-Rae Light

Later, skater
California-based DVS Shoe Company continues to branch out from the skateboard shoes that made it famous with a duo of infant-clothing designs for the skater-to-be. Designed for tots three to six months old, the three-piece sets ($35) include a tiny baby tuque adorned with the DVS logo and a pair of booties with printed seams and laces. The predictably pink girls’ set features a jumper with graphics of clouds, while the black-on-white boys’ jumper cheekily reads “My other stroller is a skateboard.” At Paul’s Boutique (2280 Guildford Town Centre, Surrey).

> Miranda Nelson