Finding Holiday Gifts for Children in Historic Wickford Village

Wickford Village is famous for exposing Rhode Islander’s and tourists to an old-fashioned Christmas shopping adventure. The historic town is frozen in time with many homes and businesses dating to the 1700’s. The streets are glowing with tiny lights and the village shops are bursting with seasonal items.

While known for excellent boutique shopping, it may not be considered as a first stop for those with infants, toddlers and children on their holiday shopping lists. The obvious choices are Teddy Bearskins and Wickford Toy & Stationery. Don’t overlook other shops, like Different Drummer, Beauty and the Bath and The World Store as they also offer a unique selection for little ones.

Teddy Bearskins – This upscale children’s clothing store can also be found in Mystic, CT and Barrington, RI. Offering everything from special occasion to sleepwear, the store is packed with clothing and stacked to the ceiling with gifts. Don’t’ let the abundance overwhelm you. The friendly staff will point you to the right size or area of the store. This is the place to go for the perfect holiday portrait outfit. All clothing is high quality and many are heirloom quality with hand smocking and fine fabrics. From darling knit hats to the trendy new Robeez âÂ?¢ booties, Teddy Bearskins has a little bit of luxury for every budget. Custom initial sweaters and hats are adorable as gifts this holiday, but order in advance as they take time to be made.

17 Brown Street
Wickford, RI 02852
(401) 295-0282
www.teddybearksins.com

Wickford Toy & Stationery – Even adults can not get enough of this old -fashioned toy store with the emphasis on European styled children’s toys. Wickford Toy & Stationery is also part of Wayland Toy & Book Shop located in Providence since 1947. Brands like HabaâÂ?¢ and KalooâÂ?¢ delight babies while the Melissa & Doug âÂ?¢ line entertains toddlers. Play tents, ride on toys and puzzles would all be welcome under the tree this year. Beyond the children’s presents, be sure to browse the fine selection of stationery for holiday parties and also as gifts. The Kate SpadeâÂ?¢ mini-photo album filled with personal photos of the children would make an excellent stocking stuffer.

68 Brown Street
Wickford, RI 02852
(401) 295 ~ 9001
www.wickwaytoys.com

Different Drummer – Self described as “Whimsical to Sophisticated” the Different Drummer is like a museum of artful, crafty and unique gifts in all price ranges. The bins on the wall are filled with wonderfully irreverent and humorous items to fill a stocking. The jewelry is spectacular with many one-of-a-kind pieces. Do not overlook the left hand corner dedicated to babies and children. With everything from funny infant t-shirts (“Not a Girl”) to perfectly crafted leather booties by BobouxâÂ?¢, there is something to delight a child, or their parents. Many items are unique and there is always something new in the corner.

7 West Main Street
Wickford, RI 02852
( 401) 294 ~ 4867

Beauty and the Bath – A staple stopover for any shopping trip to Wickford, this bath store is filled with every self-pampering lotion, crÃ?¨me, fizz, dÃ?©cor or pajama imaginable. Even so, there is one display area dedicated to the bath time pampering of babies and children. This includes soaps and lotions formulated especially for sensitive skin, little rubber duckies, slippers and even a darling travel kit shaped like a baby “onsie.” You will even find special stretch-mark and back rub oils for new mommies.

11 West Main Street
Wickford, RI 02852
(401) 294 ~ 3576
www.beautyandthebath.com

The World Store – This store is tucked out of the way, up the stairs from Updike Park across from Nautical Impressions. Filled with items of nature and science, there is a fantastic selection of educational toys and puppets. Be sure to take a peek at the bird-viewing window installed in the shop. The owners are friendly and knowledgeable, happy to suggest items based on interest or age of the child.

16 West Main Street
Wickford, RI 02852
(401) 295 ~ 0081

All of the Wickford Village shops offer a chance to experience the Christmas season in an old-fashioned setting without the maddening crowds of the malls Most of the tiny stores maximize their space by stacking upwards and some even suspend merchandise from the ceilings. Take your time and look around. Other stores not mentioned may have nooks or displays with ideal gifts for children or bring out a special section just for the holidays.