Small- Fry Shopping Spots
Find great gifts for the kids in your life at these Sanibel boutiques
The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to find a special gift for all of the little people on your list. Instead of just heading to the usual big- box store, why not check out these independent kids’ shops on Sanibel Island? They carry all sorts of out- of- the- ordinary children’s toys, books and clothing, so your gift will really stand out underneath the tree.
ICKLE PICKLE
A lime green exterior and purple front door set a cheerful scene at this children’s boutique, which opened in November of 2013. Inside, soft yellow walls and white shelving showcase Ickle Pickle’s collection of European toys, thought- provoking picture books and children’s clothing from names like Stella Cove, Right Bank Babies and Jack Thomas.
“I don’t think there’s anything in my store that can be found at a mall store,” says owner Joelle Ziemian. “Some things are hard to find in the United States period.”
So don’t expect to see stacks of gimmicky T- shirts or other run- of- the- mill attire. Instead, shoppers find sweet bathing suits with sparkles and bows, timeless dresses done up in ticking stripes or a sailboat print, and preppy boys’ clothing. The store even carries apparel with a royal stamp of approval, stocking pieces from Rachel Riley and Les Petites Abeilles, whose clothing Prince George has been photographed wearing.
“The lines I carry are classic and traditional,” says Ziemian. “The classic U. S. and European look has been selling well. And the girls who come in— not just the mothers— are looking for dresses.”
When it comes to toys, Ziemian avoids anything plastic, noisy or made in China. “I like traditional toys that are meant to be played with for hours on end,” she says. A favorite item of hers: wooden puzzles handmade in Ukraine that are “each like a piece of art.”
Even the train station– themed dressing room helps stir the imagination, asking the store’s little visitors where they’d go if they could take a train back in time. Their answers hang on the changing area’s walls. “A store should be fun for the kids too,” says Ziemian.
I DON’T THINK THERE’S ANYTHING IN MY STORE THAT CAN BE FOUND AT A MALL STORE.”
— JOELLE ZIEMIAN, OWNER OF ICKLE PICKLE
TOYS AHOY
Whether the little guys and gals on your shopping list are into puppets, pirates or princesses, you can find something to appeal to almost any child’s interests at this popular shop tucked in Sanibel’s Periwinkle Place. The shelves at Toys Ahoy are packed with kiddie must- haves from names like Playmobil, Lego, Barbie and Melissa & Doug.
If you’re looking to inspire creativity, try one of the store’s craft, science or magic kits. Or take the concept of “gaming” back to simpler, non- digital times with classics like dominoes and tiddlywinks or newer board games like Diary of a Wimpy Kid– themed Scrabble. For children who like to spend time on the sand, pick up a cool kite or some fun beach toys.
Diane Cominotti, a Venice, Florida, resident whose family has owned a vacation condo on Sanibel since 1970, always winds up making a trip to Toys Ahoy during her time on the island. “I like that they have unique toys you usually only find in small momand- pop shops,” says the mother of two. “And the staff has always been warm and friendly. We usually end up there because we know they will always have something interesting and unique.”
Her 7- year- old son has his own reasons for his frequent visits to the store. “He loves the pirates, knights and cars,” laughs Cominotti. “Last year he bought a pirate sword and treasure box. This year he bought two cars, a 1957 Chevy Corvette ( Corvettes are his favorite) and a police car ( he wants to be a policeman when he grows up).”
FRIDAY’S CHILD
Driftwood- like flooring. Tranquil blue walls. Colorful fish hanging from the ceiling. Friday’s Child, also located at Periwinkle Place, uses its Sanibel Island location as inspiration for both its decor and merchandise.
In fact, its Sanibel- themed T- shirts, cover- ups, sweatshirts and other gear are some of the store’s bestsellers, in part because they’re better quality but not necessarily more expensive than what you might find in your typical tourist shop. Parents and kids can also take home a creature from owner Amy Dunavant’s own line of Sanimals, plush toys depicting some of the local wildlife.
The shop also carries clothing for babies through young teens. Dunavant, a mom of a 13- year- old daughter and 10and 11- year- old sons, is putting increased focus on the ’ tween
PEOPLE COME IN LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE BABY SHOWER OR BIRTHDAY GIFT SO THEY KNOW THE RECIPIENT WON’T BE RECEIVING 10 OF THE SAME THING.”
— AMY DUNAVANT, OWNER OF FRIDAY’S CHILD
age group, offering stylish separates and swimsuits from names like Roxy and Quiksilver. “Those lines are so wellknown by kids and are what they like and will wear,” she says.
For younger children, Dunavant stocks grandparent- approved baby clothing and affordable apparel for the under- 12 set from companies such as DownEast Girl and Tea Collection. “Tea Collection has become such a popular brand,” she says. “Everyone loves it. It’s so cute, and it’s reasonably priced.”
Puzzles, activity books, beach toys and other items from the popular Melissa & Doug line also prove to be a big draw. “People come in looking for a unique baby shower or birthday gift so they know the recipient won’t be receiving 10 of the same thing,” says Dunavant. “I pick out every single thing in the store. I really hope to have good variety, and I always try to be aware of price and quality. I have a great time running the store.”
Beth Luberecki, the mother of an 8- yearold, is a Venice, Florida– based freelance writer and frequent contributor to TOTI Media.