Boston-Area Boutiques

Wild Child (*)

Originally opened in 2005, current owner Lauren Gogolak and her husband Steve have big plans for the new year, like adding pre-teen sizes to increase clientele. The 1,000-square-foot store boasts bright colors, windows and plenty of natural light. “It’s a fun and inviting space for families, and it allows the kids to play while parents shop,” Gogolak said. The store offers personalized shopping assistance and Wild Child information pamphlets for stroller shoppers. “It’s always important for customers to walk away with information that will bring them back.”

Twinkle Star (~)

Twinkle Star keeps on shining. The two-level children’s store opened in 2008 before moving to Porter Square just last year. This unique clothing store also offers an assortment of pre-birthing classes, music classes, story times and photography sessions. Owners and family enthusiasts Kerri and Lucas Friedlaender have planned a busy schedule for 2011, including increasing their web presence while adding more merchandise to the store. Inspired by her shoe shopping frustrations, Kerri ensures that her staff offers precise shoe fitting and customer service. With their popular “Frequent Shopper” program, devoted shoppers get $15 off a purchase every time they spend $200.

Tadpole (#)

Expanding during a recession is uncommon, but one of Boston’s only boutique toy stores took a chance. Tadpole—now located in the hip and historic South End—moved into a larger location that’s filled with apparel, gear, furniture and footwear. “We’re proud that we expanded during a tough economic time, but we owe it all to our customers,” owner David Hauck said. The store already boasts an admired gift registry and in-store event calendar, and this year, David and his wife Storey are focused on bringing in new lines of strollers, rocking chairs and apparel. “We always like to keep things fresh.”

Infants/Toddlers

* Tea Collection: deep purple dresses, mix-and-match pieces like leggings and tops
* Petit Bateau: velour footies with star designs in vibrant blues and purples
* Mulberribush: casual long- and short-sleeve organic cotton T-shirts with galaxy and solar system screenprints
~ Babysoy: off-white one-pieces with eggplant trim
~ Smafolk: organic wrap dresses in orange with printed cat designs
~ Gumballs: handmade cotton and wool hooded sweaters (with mittens) with multicolor polka dots
# 7 A.M. Enfant: metallic blue and green fleece stroller blankets
# Pink Chicken: cotton boho-style dresses and tops; long-sleeve floral dresses
# Hatley: raincoats in butterfly and farm themes
# Rabbit Moon: blue, footed coveralls with guitar motifs

Girls 4 to 6X

* Deux Par Deux: purple dresses and tops, neutral multi-colored sweater vests
* Pink Chicken: simple striped cotton dresses
* Glug: colorful cotton tees with gorilla screenprints
~ Smafolk: orange wrap dresses
~ Plastisock: pea green and mustard yellow tees with circus motifs
~ Ferd: floral cowl neck dresses
~ Toobydoo: button-down corduroy shirtdresses with striped belts
# Isabel Garreton: whimsical, special occasion party dresses
# Glug: screenprinted and striped dresses, long-sleeve tees with multicolored elephant screenprints
# Pink Chicken: long-sleeve cotton dresses with Indian prints

Boys 4 to 7

* Wes and Willy: gray and black athletic pants with jersey knit lining
* Tea Collection: cotton orange tees with lion or wolf graphics
* Mulberribush: elastic-waist corduroy pants in classic navy and khaki
~ City Threads: charcoal and army corduroys with faux zippers and elastic waists
~ Right Bank Babies: gray plaid blazers
~ Jane: purple A-line dresses with leaf patterns
~ Smafolk: funky yellow, blue and black T-shirts with ferry boat screenprints
# Alpha Industries: versatile bubble jackets/vests in navy and black; military jackets; navy pea coats; two-fer tees under plaid button-ups

Girls 7 to 14

# Alpha Industries: fuzzy pink hooded jackets
# Glug: screenprinted tees in hot air balloon themes

Accessories/Gifts

* Livie & Luca: London boots in navy and red
* Country Kids: bright socks, patterned cotton tights, embellished fuzzy polka dot tights
* Wee Ones: multi-color hair bows, pink feathered headbands
* Bla Bla: multi-color knit dolls featuring mermaids and fairies
~ B.ella: argyle and gray wool and cashmere blend socks and tights, fuchsia and orange tights for newborns
~ Stonz: nylon booties in brown with a daisy print and yellow with a dinosaur print
~ Right Bank Babies: mustard yellow button-on scarves with lace overlay; gray Sherpa fleece boot liners
# See Kai Run: pink ruffled Mary Janes, sunburst themed Mary Janes, boys strappy sneaker-shoes
# Stonzwear: brown and blue pull-on booties
# 3 Sprouts: organic animal-themed hooded towels, organic toy bins, moose wall organizers
# Skip Hop: Tree Top Friends collection activity gyms, owl character toys

—Melissa D’Agnese