KIDS CROWN AWARDS: FAMILY SHOPPING


The best places to shop in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties, as selected by our fabulous team of reader-judges.


BEST PLACE TO SHOP AND DROP (OFF THE KIDS)
IKEA
151 NW 136th Ave., Sunrise
954-838-9292
www.ikea-usa.com
Envision a store of almost 300,000 square feet (that's bigger than five football fields). Inside there's every kind of household good imaginable, a restaurant and -- hallelujah -- a place to drop off your kids! The long-awaited Ikea has finally opened, and it is filled with inexpensive, well-designed goodies for every room in your home. You can leave your kids for an hour or so in the clean and colorful kids' room and make a day of it by including a meal at the Swedish-themed eatery. Meatballs, anyone?


BEST MALL KIDS CLUB
AVENTURA MALL
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura
305-935-1110
www.aventuramall.com
The Aventura Mall Kids' Club is a free membership that gives kids first notice of upcoming events through a bimonthly newsletter. Club members also get priority seating at events, discounts at certain stores within the mall, private sale notices and access to the Rainbow Valley Playground. Birthdays are celebrated for Kids' Club members with special birthday card discounts and a listing of member's special days on the mall's Web site. (Click on Kids' Club.)


BEST MALL WITH ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS THROUGHOUT
SAWGRASS MILLS
12801 W. Sunrise Blvd., Sunrise,BR> 954-846-2350
www.sawgrassmills.com
Where else can you enjoy a little retail therapy without having to worry about your kids being bored? With the Rainforest Cafe, Wannado City, a 20-screen movie theater, a playground, Gameworks and several ice cream and candy shops all within the confines of this enormous outlet mall, the kids will beg you to take them with. Eat, shop, play and bond!


BEST DESIGNER CLOTHES FOR KIDS
JANIE & JACK
Coral Gables, 305-447-0810; Aventura, 305-466-1253; Boca Raton, 561-338-7732; Palm Beach Gardens, 561-625-8476
www.janieandjack.com
From head to toe, Janie & Jack's covers kids in designer duds from diverse collections with names such as "Time for Tea" for girls and "Turtle Cove." The collections offer myriad items that can mixed and matched to create an entire designer wardrobe in sizes from preemie to eight. Embroidered, personalized gifts are available through the Web site, and a special-occasion collection is available at the Aventura location. With four locations throughout South Florida, the store aims to supply a designer experience for even the littlest of shoppers.


BEST PLACE FOR UNIQUE CHILDREN'S CLOTHES
ALPHABET SOUP
701 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 157, West Palm Beach
561-653-9305
From Christenings to First Communions to a day at the beach, Alphabet Soup is the place for the most unique, Florida-style clothes for your kids. Most of the clothes utilize a technique called smocking, a traditional style of embroidery that gives the fabric more give and stretch. Ditching trends and going with a more traditional look, babies, toddlers, boys and girls alike find comfort in the basic clothing and accessories found at Alphabet Soup.


BEST PLACE FOR PERSONALIZED KIDS CLOTHES
THE MONOGRAM CLOSET
164 NE Second Ave., Delray Beach
561-921-0236
www.monogramcloset.com
The Monogram Closet takes the tradition of personalizing special items to a new level by personalizing everything it carries. Monogramming is included in the price of every item sold at the store, from diaper bags and backpacks to stationary and growth charts. A baby registry is available where parents can choose their monogram and receive gifts all with the same monogram. With a turn around of three to four days, gifts are ready within a week.


BEST RETAIL STORE TO BUY KIDS' CLOTHING AT BARGAIN PRICES
THE CHILDREN'S PLACE
www.childrensplace.com,BR> Newborns, babies and kids up to age 10 can all find what they need at this retail giant. Found in most malls across the country, The Children's Place offers a variety of mix-and-match outfits with an easy-on-the-pocketbook price tag. Simple, everyday children's clothes are what you'll find here, in fun prints and coordinating solids, made to create a wardrobe of coordinating outfits. Popular seasonal trends of kid-friendly fashion are represented both in the store and on the Web site, and the store's flexible return policy allows shopping to be relatively stress-free for the pickiest kids and most frazzled moms. Don't miss the sale racks and tables, where prices are deeply discounted on clothes that are just moving out of season.


BEST SELECTION IN ALMOST EVERYTHING THAT KIDS WEAR
IDEAL BABY AND KIDS
Pembroke Pines 954-620-2229; Hialeah 305-826-2021; Miami 305-716-1140 and 305-548-3296
www.idealbaby.com
With a great selection of everyday to special-day clothes, this store has it all. Uniforms, shoes, dance clothes and baptism outfits line the aisles from floor to ceiling. The store is a veritable wonderland all of the necessary (and not-so-necessary) accessories from A to Z. What sets Ideal Baby and Kids apart is that it includes a mix of both designer and affordable items, allowing parents of various income levels to find just the right clothes to fit their needs. Many handmade and hand-embellished items are readily available, and upon request they will hand-paint dresses for birthday parties (Dora, Cinderella or whatever is in style). This is a great place to find basic school uniform items, and with the enormous selection of children's shoes, you'll never go away empty-handed.


BEST CONSIGNMENT SHOP
KIDZ KORNER STORE
809 NE 125th St., North Miami
305-891-5437
www.kidzkornerstore.com
Formerly Camille's Lollipops and Rainbows, this store has been in business for more than 20 years. Most consignment stores don't carry cribs and changing tables, but this one does. The most popular items include uniforms, book bags, suits, jogging strollers, ballet clothing, party dresses and dollhouses. Kidz Korner accepts gently worn clothes for consignment and will pay you half of what the item sells for, which is a great service when you consider the rate at which children grow.


BEST CONSIGNMENT FOR TEENS AND MOMS
CASH MY CLOTHES
Pembroke Pines 954-441-2366; Hialeah 305-888-8981
www.cashmyclothes.com
This family-run consignment store buys and sells gently worn clothing for the entire family. It sets itself apart by buying brand names only, in good condition, and it excludes the brands from stores such as Wal-Mart or Kmart. If you want to bring in your teen's (or your) outgrown or cast-off clothes, be sure to go to the Cash My Clothes Web site for specifications on how to prepare the clothes for trade. The store will carefully inspect the items before purchasing them, but it pays cash on the spot for any items it takes.


BEST THRIFT STORE, NORTH
WORLD THRIFT
2425 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
561-585-4050
www.redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com/lake-worth-store.html
Walk into World Thrift and hear angels singing to you. This super thrift store has everything imaginable, including kids clothes, toys, even waffle makers. Going skiing or on a trip up north to Grandma's in the winter? Why buy new coats for everyone when you can probably find an awesome one that's been lightly worn at World Thrift? Everything is color-coded and clean and sales are ongoing. Save the planet, buy used!


BEST THRIFT STORE, SOUTH
RED, WHITE AND BLUE
12640 NE Sixth Ave., North Miami
305-893-1104
www.redwhiteandbluethriftstore.com/n-m-store.html
Considered a destination all by itself, Red, White and Blue is a bargain shoppers' paradise. Touted as "Miami's Best Kept Secret" by none less than the New York Times and Frommers, this mammoth of discounts will become a favorite drive by for you to check out new inventory, which is constantly being added. Appliances, clothing and more can be found in abundance.


BEST PLACE TO BUY PARTY SUPPLIES
ORIENTAL TRADING COMPANY
800-875-8480
www.orientaltrading.com
This extremely affordable online store has everything you need for a party. Use the Web site or catalog for themes and ideas, and then pick up inexpensive decorations and party favors for your theme. You can buy theme packs for less than $20 that come with invitations, streamers, napkins, balloons, cups and more. It's also a one-stop site for easy kids' crafts. Whether you're throwing a party for your kids or helping plan classroom or scout activities, Oriental Trading is the place to get the job done.


BEST PLACE TO GET ITEMS YOU WON'T FIND IN STORES
ONE STEP AHEAD
www.onestepahead.com
Popsicle-drip catchers, tub bumpers, baby knee pads, portable air cribs, self-charging smoke alarms and tinkle targets are just a few of the latest parenting gadgets that you will find within this cutting-edge Web store. The site also features unusual hot-weather gear such as family-sized beach cabanas, amphibious shoes, rubber frame sunglasses and sun-safe clothing from Sun Smarties. Items include cover ups, swimsuits, washable swim diapers and "flap hats," all of which include UPF 50+ protection.


BEST PLACE TO BUY SKATES AND SURF STUFF
FRITZ'S SKATE, BIKE AND SURF
730 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-532-1954
A full-service bike shop, plus skates, skateboard and surfing accessories, Fritz's will keep your bike in working condition, keep the wheels under your feet and keep both you and your surfboard ready for the waves. The store carries everything an active child (or parent) needs for skating, biking and surfing. A family-friendly shop on trendy Lincoln Road, the store offers even babies the opportunity to participate in the action carrying a collection of shoes, clothing, helmets and baby bike seats.


BEST MATERNITY CLOTHES ON A BUDGET
MOTHERHOOD
Multiple stores throughout south Florida
www.motherhood.com
Why spend big bucks on your bump when you can look fabulous picking up shapely new clothes at Motherhood? This retail chain will become your best friend as your belly emerges. Whether you're looking for casual wear or office suits, Motherhood can outfit you perfectly -- right down to the undies. Look cute, be comfortable and be sure to check out sales, which are serious and frequent.


BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR A CREATIVE VARIETY OF BABY STUFF
BABY LOVE
8100 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise
877-550-2229, 954-741-2227
www.babylove.com
A high level of standards, a large assortment of baby goods and top-notch customer service are the things that Baby Love owner Peter Komroff prides himself on. Concern for his customers, employees and product line is evident when he professes his love for the business "even after all these years." What sets this store apart from many of the others is its wide selection of toys, accessories, clothes and furniture, including many items that are simply not available at the other big name children's stores.


BEST INFANT CLOTHES
BABYCOTTONS
Aventura Mall, 305-936-0707; Town Center at Boca Raton, 561-368-8018; Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, 305-443-3824
www.babycottons.com
With delicate colors -- mostly whites and pastels -- classic design and all clothes made from 100% prima cotton, you can't go wrong in this high-quality clothing store. The price tags can be a bit on the high side, but the payoff is that you will own (or give) some first-class baby clothes. These will be treasured even after they're outgrown.


MOST UNIQUE CHILDREN'S GIFTS
GENIUS JONES
South Beach 305-571-2000; Miami 305- 571-2000; Boca Raton opening soon
www.geniusjones.com
This is not the place to go if you are looking for a Dora nightlight or a battery-operated Batmobile. But if you want a unique gift, wooden toys or a designer diaper bag, you won't be disappointed. The toys, clothes, furniture and overall store concept are modernistic and artistically inspired. And for those who don't often make it to Miami-Dade County, the good news is that a third location is slated to open in Mizner Park this fall.


BEST EDUCATIONAL TOYS
THE GIFTED CHILD
1721 Main St., Weston
954-389-2775
This educationally based, family-run toy store in the charming Weston Town Center shopping area is truly a gem. The owner, Meir Aluma, says: "We believe strongly in early-childhood education, and our objective is to provide the children with toys and books that set them on the right track." The store has several train tables, a play kitchen and a reading area to keep kids entertained while you shop. The care that the owners put into choosing the right toys is evident in their quality selection.


BEST STORE FOR HOME-SCHOOLING PARENTS
ACE EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES
Davie 954-680-8172; Margate 954-978-6991
www.aceeducational.com
ACE offers an array of items from preschool to high school, including text books, study guides, art supplies and more than 5,000 workbooks. The merchandise at the huge Davie store makes home-schooling doable. Everything the home-school parent could ever want or need is here in one location. Just to give you an idea of the enormity and variety of the store, one entire room is devoted solely to early-childhood education (puppets, puzzles, instruments, costumes and more.) The cherry on top is a small play area to entertain the kids while you shop. ACE is a home-schooling parent's dream.


BEST BARGAINS FOR KIDS' BOOKS
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIRS WAREHOUSE SALES
www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/events/warehouse
At the end of each season, Scholastic's book warehouses open their doors nationwide for these mega sales. Be prepared to spend hours and hours shopping, as these sales offer true bargains on books, software, teaching resources and more. The sales are open to home-schoolers, school employees and school volunteers. This is just a little perk you get for helping out at your child's school's book fair. It's best to register online where you will receive a "fast cart pass," but you can also register in the warehouse's on-site offices. Visit their Web site to find out more information about dates and locations for warehouse sales events.


BEST PLACE TO SHOP FOR KIDS' CAMP NEEDS
ARMY/NAVY SURPLUS STORES
An Army or Navy surplus store is any store, usually retail, that sells military surplus -- general equipment that was intended for the military but is unable to be used. These stores are a great resource if you are shopping for camping equipment such as tents, canteens, jackets, flashlights, compasses, bags or first-aid kits. Other more obscure camping items can also be found, including water-purification tablets, solar showers, foldable shovels and portable toilets. With more than a dozen such stores in the South Florida, give one a try next time you intend to hit the open road. To locate an Army Navy Surplus store nearest you, check your local Yellow Pages (under "Army Navy Goods" or "Army Navy Surplus"), or try using the same keywords online.


BEST PLACE TO CREATE YOUR OWN MIXED CD
STARBUCKS HEAR MUSIC COFFEEHOUSE
601 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
305-534-4613
www.hearmusic.com
This is a place where Mom and Dad can go in and enjoy a specialty coffee while the kids stay busy creating their own customized CDs. "With performances on the weekend, it is the lobby area that attracts a lot of families, becoming sort of an impromptu playground," said store manager Lisa Henry. "If you want to make your own CD, the nice thing is that you can come in and listen to the music first, burning only the songs that you want. It's really a very easy process." The coffeehouse atmosphere makes this a cool outing for music-loving kids.

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