Many have experienced the familiar panic that sets in a day or two before a friend’s baby shower or child’s birthday party.
Our best intentions were to source a thoughtful present weeks in advance, but thanks to summer obligations stacking up on the calendar, here we are: a few days before the celebration with nothing to show for it.
The question of many facing this plight: What are the tried-and-true local shops that can be relied on when we’re short on time but still want a baby or children’s gift that feels special and unique?
Busy summer readers, look no further.
Little Spruce
4446 Main St., Snyder
Frequently updated seasonal toys displays are a mainstay at Little Spruce.
Great for: Kids old enough to look forward to a present but young enough to be let down by pajamas or a new book.
People are also reading…
Little Spruce’s seasonal rotation helps make sure you’ll surprise and delight the guest of honor with a gift that promises immediate satisfaction.
For warm weather, we like summery options such as a backyard explorer kit or kid-sized garden tools. There’s also travel versions of pick-up sticks and 3D play sets that are great for kids who often tag along at their older siblings’ events.
Buffalo Seamery
299 Parkside Ave., Buffalo
Out-of-the-box Buffalo prints adorn baby clothes of all kinds at Buffalo Seamery.
Great for: Buffalo transplants or families especially passionate about WNY culture.
At this Parkside shop, you’ll find original fabrics and hand-sewn apparel courtesy of Liz, the owner and head artisan. We’re fans of the custom butter lamb and pierogi prints adorning comfy favorites like baby onesies, kid’s pajamas and knot caps.
As a plus, they also carry a sustainable line of stuffed animals, great add-ons for any gift or “a little something” for older siblings.
Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe
1 W Main St., Lancaster
Vidler’s 5 & 10
676 - 694 Main St., East Aurora
Cool finds around every corner in Bloomsbury Lane Toy Shoppe.
Great for: Those looking to reduce screen time or for one-of-a-kind finds.
Have a few minutes to browse? These village staples (located in Lancaster and East Aurora, respectively) are true variety stores with cool finds around every corner, an ideal shopping solution for kids who seemingly have everything.
We especially love the selection of interactive toys at both stores, including shelves of musical instruments, vintage board games and sensory options—a great chance to stock up on the bouncing balls, sticky slime and kinetic sand that are simply too good for most little hands to pass up.
Alice, Ever After Books
295 Parkside Ave., Buffalo
Diverse titles abound at Alice, Ever After Books.
Great for: Readers of all ages.
The worry that you’ll gift a title the reader already owns is nonexistent at this shop, thanks to its expansive collection of children’s books. (There’s particularly great options for read-to-me ages and brand-new readers.)
A noteworthy mention is the store’s commitment to diversity, with a rotating display of books that reflect different heritages and cultures around the world. We all love “Goodnight, Moon,” but titles like “Kimchi, Kimchi, Every Day” and “The ABCs of Persian Food” are just begging for their turn as the favorite on your little reader’s shelf.
