Shops for kids

Hollywood Farmers Market

On Sunday mornings until about 1 pm, this narrow street one block off of Hollywood Boulevard is closed to traffic and taken over by the Hollywood Farmers Market. In addition to being a fun place to wander and shop (for everything from fresh fruit to jewelry to brunch from one of the many delicious vendors), it's also a surprisingly good place for star spotting, with icons from Drew Barrymore to Bono having made appearances at one time or another.

Olvera Street

Located in the oldest part of the City of Angels (dating from 1781), this area of 27 historic Spanish-style buildings encompasses the El Pueblo Historic Monument. Kids will be enchanted by the narrow pedestrian thoroughfare, which is lined with craft shops, restaurants and taco stands. Try to come on a weekend, when entertainers from Mariachi bands to magicians fill the courtyard.

Warwick’s

For toys and books, take a trip to long-time Lo Jolla fave Warwick’s. Half the store carries eclectic stationery, gifts and jewelry. The other half is one of San Diego’s best independent bookstores—with a great selection of books and toys for kids.

Gepettos

If you prefer boutique toy shops with a great selection to the big mega-stores, Gepetto’s is the place for you. Located throughout San Diego, Gepettos is a fun store that carries a huge selection of stuffed animals, games, and delightful old-fashioned wooden toys.

The Red Balloon

A favorite of families in the surrounding Bucktown neighborhood and beyond, the Red Balloon stocks clothing, toys, books and more for infants through pre-teens. Kids will be delighted by the array of timeless toys, such as adorable pull toys, jack-in-the-boxes and decorate-your-own playhouses.

Galt Toys + Galt Baby

Located within The 900 Shops on Michigan Avenue, Galt Toys + Galt Baby specializes in educational toys and other products from such innovative companies as Boon and Baby Bjorn, and even has its own in-house line. The merchandise on offer ranges from infant to pre-teen.

American Girl Place

As important a Chicago landmark as any (to your daughter at least), American Girl Place will have her entranced for hours. Visit the Doll Hair Salon, the Photo Studio and a cute café, plus see all of the new American Girl merchandise set up in pretty little boutiques within the store.

Lego the Store

You'll be a hero for the rest of the trip if you add the Lego Imagination Center to your itinerary. Little minds light up at all the possibilities in this place, which features a Chicago skyline display and a Harry Potter mural, both built with help from local kids. The Lego "Pick a Brick" wall offers Lego products in mind-boggling bulk.

Horton Plaza

In some ways, Horton Plaza is the pinnacle of convenience: it’s centrally located downtown and home a slew of popular chains, including Banana Republic, Nordstrom and Victoria's Secret. Its design, however, is the pits. With stairs and escalators seemingly randomly placed, you’ll likely spot your favorite store and then spend half an hour trying to get there.

The Acorn Store

The Acorn Store has amazing handmade natural toys made from lead-free and wood products, along with organic toys, dollhouses, puzzles, extensive dress-up clothes, and games. They carry many European products, with an especially good selection from Germany.