My first grandchild, a healthy baby boy was born just a week ago, and of course I am beaming. “There’s nothing better than your baby having a baby,” a friend has told me countless times. How true!
I am eager to finally visit the many fantastic places around our coastal community to feed my passion for baby clothes, toys and more. Since I’m a newbie at this, I’ve asked a few seasoned grandparents to weigh in on their local favorites.
A neighbor with four little ones under age 3 introduced me to Fairy Godmother on 2nd Street in Lewes. The store is filled with gorgeous boutique-style clothing, plus a few heirloom-worthy items. (And…I learned they offer free gift wrapping and shipping on all orders – no minimum. What a bonus for those of us with large families far away!)
Footsteps down the street, there’s a delightful toy store reminiscent of the kind from my long ago childhood. Offering a delightful variety of puzzles, stuffed animals, and children’s clothing up to size 14, Kids’ Ketch is a Lewes mainstay since 1990. It’s definitely not just for babies; it’s also a favorite for older children. If you’re looking for educational toys, you are sure to find stimulating games and gadgets to entertain (and teach, because don’t we grandparents love that?).
Rehoboth Beach also has plenty to offer for practical and adorable gifts.
A neighbor with school age grandchildren enthuses about her top recommendation: Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue. “Well Read Since 1975” is their motto, and their selection of children’s books rivals big box stores. If your grandchild is an avid reader (or you want them to be), this store is a must-see!
If you are browsing for yourself too (why not?), there’s a popular women’s boutique that also features children’s clothing and footwear. Sole Boutique, also on Rehoboth Avenue is an affordable venue with a large selection of independent clothing lines perfect for baby and you!
A favorite tradition for many seasonal Rehoboth visitors is to check out the latest children’s fashions at The Lilypad. Its owner, Kim Carey prides herself in stocking her store with unique, high-end clothing and gifts from around the world. She also offers a friendly online store, if you’d prefer to shop from home.
Of course, there are plenty of additional locations in the Tanger Outlets on Coastal Highway that carry national brands of children’s specialties, such as Osh Kosh B’Gosh, Carters and Build a Bear Workshop. I suppose I’ll make my rounds there as well.
My preference is to first support local businesses. There’s something special about choosing a one of a kind gift while investing in our southern Delaware community. I think I’ll be doing a lot of that, since grandparents have the right to indulge those grandkids, don’t we?
Plus, I was recently informed that a second one from another child of ours is on the way. Hooray! More reasons to shop!
By Bridget Fitzpatrick
