Lake Tahoe is a child's paradise. With so many fun and entertaining activities to enjoy, it's no wonder that this area is a utopia for the youth of today. But there's another way that the Tahoe area acts on behalf of the youngsters out there.
Lake Tahoe is filled with enjoyable and well-stocked boutique shops that were created with a child in mind. Continue reading to learn seven fantastic places around the lake to shop for the young ones in your life (stay tuned next week to learn about Truckee's plethora of children's shops).
Photo: Children enjoying the softer side of life thanks to Will & Ivey.
Will & Ivey
Stateline
Inspired by the simple and soft fashions of Scandinavia, Will & Ivey is a children's clothing company built on the foundation of purpose. Owner and designer Sandra Nea first creates an incredible line of youth wear that is made of a comfortable, soft, sustainable fabric and is a step above the rest in craftsmanship. She then takes it even further by using profits to help children in foster care. This beautiful combination of dual positivity makes it a simple choice for finding clothing for babies and children. Will & Ivey offers sizes fitting newborns to 6T as well as fun accessories and gift items.
A baby and her beanie. Photo credit Will & Ivey
Toy Maniacs
South Lake Tahoe
Not only for children, but also for the kid at heart, family-owned Toy Maniacs is the best place to go for radio-controlled fun and hobbies in the basin. Known for their incredible selection of radio-controlled cars, planes, rock crawlers, boats and drones, they also offer novelties for all ages that you aren't going to find elsewhere, like mesmerizing toys that are educational and science-based playthings. Their hobby model and supply selection is impressive as well, with everything from plastic to wood cars, trains and planes as well as all the specialized tools and paint needed for your model. They also offer hard-to-find collectible toys.
Ruffles & Ruffnecks
Tahoe City
Ruffles & Ruffnecks is a longstanding leader in supplying the tykes of Tahoe with the best in fashion. With 40 years under their belt, Ruffles & Ruffnecks is a trustworthy destination for finding beautifully made children's clothing, incredible toys and fun items for any kid's bedroom or play space. Their store is completely dedicated to the ages of newborn to 14, and they try to sell toxic-free, organic clothing, toys and accessories only. You can't get any better than that.
South Lake Tahoe
There is one absolute certainty with children ... they are going to grow out of their clothes. And sometimes it is faster than you think. Thanks to Tahoe Kids Trading Co. you don't have to worry. Filled to the brim with gently used items. Tahoe Kids Trading Co. is built on the time-honored tradition of passing on your hand-me-downs (and getting a little cash for doing so) and/or appreciating others' no-longer-wanted gear into your life (and for a fraction of the price). Selling clothing, toys, gear and outdoor apparel, Tahoe Kids Trading Co. is the perfect place to visit when you suddenly realize that last year's snowsuit isn't going to work this year.
Tahoe Tot Spot
South Lake Tahoe
When you think of Lake Tahoe, you most likely aren't thinking about what a two year old is going to be doing with his or her time. But that is exactly what Tahoe Tot Spot is thinking about all day long. A place created just for kiddos ages four and younger, Tahoe Tot Spot is a magical kingdom for playing and exploring. Outfitted with a ball pit, train table, costume treasure chest and lots of other ways for children to allow their imagination to run wild, the space is also perfect for kids to release pent up energy as well. For the youngest of the little ones, there is a special Baby Spot for babies 12 months and younger. Tahoe Tot Spot takes things one step further, though, by offering their Mama Fit program that has workouts for moms as well as a boutique offering free coffee, tea or cocoa. Ask for details on their toddler birthday party.
Village Toys
Incline Village & South Lake Tahoe
With two locations, Village Toys makes finding that perfect toy a breeze. Stocked full of any type of toy you could ever think of, they have a huge selection of games, puzzles, art supplies, stuffed animals, science projects, magic tricks, entertaining books, baby and preschool toys as well as outdoor toys. They even have classics like the Rubik's Cube, Legos and Etch-A-Sketch. They also have some unique Lake Tahoe souvenirs. To make things even more fun, Village Toys offers free gift wrapping.
A small sample of the fun to be had at Tahoe Toys & Treasures.
Tahoe Toys & Treasures
South Lake Tahoe
If you are looking for that one-of-a-kind, hard-to-find toy treasure, then Tahoe Toys & Treasures is your best bet. Filled with an eclectic selection of toys and games that aren't found in big department stores, Tahoe Toys & Treasures is a gold mine for all forms of fun. From educational, science-based games to toys that are purely made for the fun of things, this is one of my favorite places to go just to peruse the aisles. In addition to toys and treasures, this little boutique also has a nice selection of books, children's clothing as well as arts and crafts supplies.