HALL OF FAME: FAMILY SHOPPING: SouthFlorida.com

BEST OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S SHOES

NORDSTROM
Multiple stores throughout South Florida
www.nordstrom.com
If you've been avoiding Nordstrom because of its luxury prices, you may want to reconsider when it comes time to purchase a pair of high-quality children's shoes. Nordstrom's selection ranges from sandals to sneakers to boots, from baby to toddler to teen. The store carries all the most popular brand names, including Robeez, Nike, Stride Rite, Adidas, Ralph Lauren, Vans, Reefs, Timberland, Tevas and even Ugg "booties." Of course, it doesn't hurt that its bathrooms and diaper-changing areas can actually be described as sumptuous and clean, and the children's shoe area includes a play area and an aquarium in several stores. The quality service, upscale atmosphere and variety of first-rate children's shoes guarantee that you will get your money's worth in more ways than one.

PAYLESS SHOE SOURCE
Multiple stores throughout South Florida
www.payless.com
Most moms know that Payless is a particularly great place to shop for kids' shoes when it seems they outgrow or wear out a pair every other week. Boys can choose from Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean, Power Rangers and Airwalk, and girls can select Dora, Bratz, Barbie and Strawberry Shortcake. Don't miss out on its sporting kicks such as cleats from Spalding, as well as its dressy styles for holidays.

STRIDE RITE
Multiple stores throughout South Florida
www.striderite.com
An American institution, Stride Rite has been outfitting little piggies since 1919. Many a first pair of white booties has been purchased at these sunny stores, which offer consistently high-quality products and pleasant, attentive service. Parents and children alike love Stride Rite's wide range of long-lasting styles from sandals and water shoes to dressier Mary Janes and loafers. Check out the online "E-Fit" system, which takes users through a four-step process, complete with a printable sizing chart that makes buying shoes online a possible, pleasurable task.

STEP BY STEP CHILDREN'S SHOES AND ACCESSORIES
4762 SW 72nd Ave., Miami
305-665-8040
Itty bitty fashionistas know that Step by Step is the place to find the latest in trendy footwear and groovy accessories. The knowledgeable sales associates are experts in finding just the right style and fit for each hip little customer. From size 0 to women's size 9 (for those girls growing so fast) Step by Step carries looks from Toke, Pasitos, Kid Express, Mia, Playhouse and Stride Rite.

WEE FEET
2204 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines
954-450-0150
It's tough to say whether it's the fantastic service or the great selection of the latest in kids' footwear that keeps families coming back to Wee Feet for the last 15 years. Attentive sales staff will outfit your child with new walkers from Stride Rite, casual, cool favorites from Diesel and Sketchers, and super-fast Nike shoes in just the right size. Wee Feet also offers a women's collection so mom can find a new pair of shoes to help her keep up with the tykes.

BEST OF THE BEST FURNITURE

ROOMS TO GO KIDS
West Palm Beach, Palmetto/Miami
Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines
www.roomstogokids.com
If you're looking for a Lightening McQueen bed to zoom your little boy off to dream world or a princess dresser in which to store your little girl's royal wardrobe, Rooms To Go Kid's partnership with Disney makes shopping for children's furniture less of a chore. There's also a sweetly sophisticated line designed by model-turned-mom Cindy Crawford, various sports-themed rooms and a hip, functional collection for teens. As always, Rooms To Go offers value and options, including discounts on a whole room full of furniture.

BABY LOVE
8100 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise
954-741-2227
www.babylove.com
It's hard to imagine any item a parent might need that can't be found at Baby Love. Established in 1973 by the Komroff family, this 52,000-square-foot megamart is where South Florida parents discover baby's perfect crib, car seat and stroller, as well as big-kid beds, dressers and nightstands. While you're there, you can pick up sheets for the crib, a sun-shade for the stroller, clothes to fill the dresser and books and toys. Baby Love stocks more than 60,000 baby and early childhood items. A willing and well-trained staff makes for a satisfying one-stop shopping experience.

BELLINI BABY AND TEEN FURNITURE
5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton, 561-392-7444
4833 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 106, West Palm Beach, 561-712-1267
2782 NE 187th St., Aventura, 305-931-1515
50 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, 305-460-9898
www.bellini.com
The beauty of Bellini's furniture line is its transitional value, which is something often overlooked in the search to outfit a child's room. Each item is made to last through all the stages of a child's life. Cribs that convert to toddler beds and changing tables reconfigured to classic dressers create rich-looking hardwood family heirlooms. Parents appreciate Bellini's dedication to quality craftsmanship and exacting standards of safety, and children love the durability and kid-friendly design. Check out Bellini's web site for design ideas, and find assistance with its product line, including safety tips and product assembly instructions.

POTTERY BARN KIDS
Village of Merrick Park, 350 Avenue San Lorenzo, Coral Gables, 305-446-6511
The Gardens, 3101 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-694-1026
www.potterybarnkids.com
It all looks so very organized, and what parent doesn't love that? Pottery Barn Kids, the much-loved home of cubbies with coordinating baskets and liners, personalized miniature chairs and retro-styled wooden toys fulfills a parent's need for children's furniture that is aesthetically pleasing and functional. Its baby and children's furniture lines are inspired by its adult counterparts with gorgeous sleigh beds, lovely armoires, clever desk systems, and sweet bedding and window treatment collections.

CITY FURNITURE
Multiple stores throughout South Florida
www.cityfurniture.com
Always a favorite in terms of value and selection, City Furniture now offers a youth line. Here you'll find traditional options in handsome, dark hardwoods, modern edgier suites perfect for teens and lovely white-washed sets. While shopping for the kids, parents may want to wander off and check out the store's full line, including entertainment centers and dining sets, as well as bedroom and living-room collections. The showroom aims to please families, offering coffee for moms and dads and freshly baked cookies and video games to keep kids happy while parents browse. Convenience is key with same-day delivery on most items seven days a week.

BEST OF THE BEST SPECIALTY CLOTHING

WIDENSKY'S
4659 N. University Drive, Coral Springs
954-341-2813
www.widenskysclothing.com
In business for more than 80 years, Widensky's is the store where grandmothers shopped for their own children in Brooklyn, N.Y., and are still happily finding just the right gift for their grandchildren here in South Florida. Excellent customer service and a fine selection of products are this establishment's secrets to ongoing customer loyalty. Widensky's features children's clothing for infants to size 7 in boys and from infant through adult sizes in girls. It's definitely the place to visit should you be attending a wedding or other special function with their gorgeous selection of dressy styles. Widensky's also carries a full line of camp items, toys, photo albums, picture frames, towels and other gifts. They wrap gifts, too.

TEEN ANGEL
10921 Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-721-9966
5671 Coral Ridge Drive, Parkland, 954-510-7474
4900 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach, 561-496-3161
11850 W. State Road 84, Plantation, 954-667-1638
www.shopteenangel.com
This South Florida favorite of tweens and teens (and their moms) features the name brands they are looking for such as Seven Jeans, Juicy Couture, True Religion and Steve Madden. Girls can also find the prom attire of their dreams here, including accessories and shoes. With four stores from Palm Beach Gardens to Plantation and a comprehensive web site, shopping Teen Angel is divinely easy.

CHUCKLE PATCH
7011 N. State Road 7, Parkland
954-757-5437
Hip parents know the place to find all the super-cool kid gear, and that's Chuckle Patch. Clothing from Milk and Honey, Lettuce Truck Baby and Skip Hop, accessories from Pretty Please and Pea Soup, and the latest in diaper bag designs from My Royal Heinie and Dr. Moz (that Papa Pack is sure to win applause from dads at the next baby shower) are just a few of the lines you'll find at this favorite kids' shop.

BEST OF THE BEST TOY STORES

TOYS "R" US
Multiple stores throughout South Florida
www.toysrus.com
It's big, it's bright, it's mind-boggling, it's Toys "R" Us (or as one reader's son calls it: "Toys For Us"). Aisle after aisle of Barbies, Brio, Legos, K'nex, computer games, coloring books and crafts, it's pure kid bliss. Gift-givers consistently turn to the toy store giant to find the latest "I want that" item, as well as the newest educational toys. Some of the stores have combined with sister company Babies "R" Us for easy, one-stop shopping for children of all ages. As a fun bonus perk, parents can register children ages 2 to 10 for Geoffrey's Birthday Club, which will send kids personalized birthday cards and surprise gifts from the store's giraffe mascot.

LEARNING EXPRESS
3013 Yamato Road, Boca Raton
561-995-0055
Garden Square Shoppes, 10941 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, 561-799-2869
2210 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, 954-443-3900
www.learningexpress.com
Learning Express gleans a loyal clientele from providing cheerful service and a comprehensive selection of unique and educational toys, including wooden puzzles by Melissa and Doug, construction play by Rokenbok, games by Cranium and dolls by Corolle. Junior can wiggle his way down the aisles on a Plasma car to the Thomas the Tank Engine train set and indulge in imaginative play in this kid-friendly environment. Founded in 1987, each Learning Express store is individually owned and operated. Most offer free gift wrap, birthday registries, free personalization and a frequent-buyer VIP program.

BEST OF THE BEST HAIRCUTS

CARTOON CUTS
Kendall, 305-270-2325
Hialeah Gardens, 305-231-9006
Miami, 305-278-1211
Pembroke Pines, 954-435-7166
Coral Springs, 954-341-4221
Wellington, 561-383-6500
www.cartoon-cuts.com
What child doesn't want a big green elephant trunk to wash his or her hair? For sheer kid pleasure, Cartoon Cuts is the place parents take reluctant tots for a painless haircutting experience. While waiting for that pachyderm shampooing, kids can play video games or play with toys. Television monitors adorn cutting stations, offering kids a chance to zone out with Dora or Scooby-Do while stylists cut hair on a wiggle-free head. When the cut is finished, a lollipop awaits. Cartoon Cuts also offer in-shop birthday party packages for "little princesses" that can include party invitations, temporary tattoos, goody bags, hairstyling, manicures, makeup and styling tips.

SNIPPETY-DO-DAH
1930 NW Boca Raton Blvd., Boca Raton
561-347-1326
Just try dragging your child away after his or her turn in the stylist's seat is complete. This popular spot offers so much for kids to do that the haircut almost becomes secondary. There are video games, televisions, a clubhouse, slide, toy Jeep -- oh, and highly trained stylists willing and able to turn your tot's mop into whatever neat "do" you request. You'll walk away feeling like family.

SUPERCUTS
Multiple salons throughout South Florida
www.supercuts.com
This chain of salons doesn't necessarily cater to children, but with its many convenient locations, casual atmosphere and reasonable prices, Supercuts is ideal for the value-conscious and time-pressed family.

KIDS KUTS STYLE
9656 SW 72nd St., Miami, 305-274-4445
You won't find tons of toys and video games, but if you are looking for a great cut, a friendly, comfortable atmosphere and loads of personal attention, this is the place to be. The experienced staff here welcomes giggling, squirming clientele and prides itself on its ability to listen carefully to the instruction of customers and achieve high-quality cuts. At Kids Kuts Style, it's not the cartoons but the consistency of the service that keeps loyal customers coming back year after year.

BEST OF THE BEST CONSIGNMENT STORES

CHILDREN'S EXCHANGE
1415 Sunset Drive, Miami
305-666-6235
Every mom loves a good deal, and at Children's Exchange you're almost certain to leave satisfied. The owner accepts only name-brand items that are gently worn, freshly laundered and in season. While cruising the racks, you'll find kid's clothes from favorite shops such as Gap, Gymboree, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren in sizes from newborn to 12. In addition to clothes and shoes, Children's Exchange also carries toys, puzzles, high chairs, playpens, strollers and cribs. Be sure to visit close to Halloween to check out the great costume selection.

KIDZ EXCHANGE
12171 Taft St., Pembroke Pines
954-435-5305
For 23 years, Kids Exchange has been the place to shop for high-quality consigned goods. From tiny, barely worn newborn layettes to super-cute Juicy Couture for preteens, this store accepts only the best. You'll also find shoes, books and toys with all their parts, instructions and working batteries installed. Kidz Exchange also carries small furniture items such as cribs, high chairs, bassinets and rocking chairs.

CONSIGN-A-KIDS
660 Linton Blvd., Suite 101B, Delray Beach
561-276-9798
The owner of Consign-A-Kids doesn't accept any item for consignment that she wouldn't purchase for her own grandchildren, assuring that only the best merchandise can be found here. This upscale shop sells children's furniture, from dressers and lamps to cribs and bookcases from fine retailers such as Bellini. There are bikes and trikes, toys and books, some sporting equipment such as golf clubs and ski suits, strollers and rockers. Check out the wall of photos featuring snaps of the families who've frequented the store for 15 years.

RED BALLOON
1800 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach
561-966-7956
At Red Balloon, there's always a treasure to be found for the kids -- and for mom. This large, brightly lit and well-organized store sells a full range of items from tiny Gap togs for size 0 all the way through a St. John knitwear suits for women. The place is full of name-brand items in very good condition, as well as small furniture items for the nursery, shoes, toys and games. Stop in at back-to-school time because Red Balloon also carries a full range of new public-school uniforms.

BEST OF THE BEST EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES

ACE EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES
5670 W. Sample Road, Margate, 954-978-6991
5595 S. University Drive, Davie, 954-680-8172
www.ace-educational.com
A Kid's Crown Award winner for 11 consecutive years, ACE's experience shows in the range of items stocked in both locations. At ACE (Arts, Crafts, Education) you'll find well-organized aisles lined with everything needed for a successful school year from FCAT preparation to science-fair provisions to fine-art supplies. "We are your one-stop shop for every school need," said owner Rick Ludwig. The proficient and educated staff is available to help shoppers navigate through one of the largest educational-supply showrooms in the country. If for some reason ACE doesn't have what you're looking for in store, its online store and catalogues are sure to fill in the gap.

GET SMART
8507 Pines Blvd., Pembroke Pines, 954-431-5052
8700 SW 137th Court, Miami, 305-387-0834
11751 S. Dixie Highway, Miami, 305-387-0834
4366 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, 561-691-0091
www.getsmart.biz
Everything an educator or parent could need to jump-start learning is here: classroom decorations, student awards and craft materials lined up alongside books, toys and puzzles. There's a Brio train table to keep the little ones busy while you shop. Check with your child's teacher to see if he or she has registered a wish list. It's a great way for teachers to get what they need without having to dig into their own pockets.

STOP, LOOK & LEARN
6806 Forest Hill Blvd., Greenacres
561-641-7867
One could spend hours roaming up and down the aisles at warm and inviting Stop, Look & Learn, not that teachers or parents have that kind of time! So the ultra-efficient staff will point you in the direction of what you need whether it's a plastic sleeve for that 11th-hour book report, an activity book for your kindergartener or an unusual gift. If you do have an extra minute or two, take a bit to browse around. The atmosphere is relaxed and amiable but very well organized with handmade displays on walls and shelves that are stocked with a fascinating array of learning materials and fun stuff, too.

BEST OF THE BEST PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

GERLINDE
6576 Stirling Road, Hollywood
954-961-4450
With services ranging from school portraits to special events, this business has won the Kid's Crown award for best children's photography again and again. "We really care about our clients," said customer service representative Sue Schildknecht. "Many people look at Gerlinde as a friend, not just a local business." The photographers guarantee their work and having been in the area for 30 years can be counted on for quality and reliability. They also offer the "ultimate school fundraisers" in the form of school portraits with various themes (holiday, personality, etc.). They specialize in portrait taking, which you can have done in their studio or at a location of your choosing.

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