L.A. Parent’s Best of 2008

ACTIVITIES, SERVICE & SHOPPING

CHILDREN’S BOOKSTORES

Children’s Book World – Ask owner, Susan Hearn, what accounts for her store’s popularity and she will unhesitatingly answer, “The wonderful staff and our expansive selection.” When stocking books, Hearn and her employees pay close attention to what customers want and even take special orders, in the process often discovering a new title they’d like to carry. Working closely with her reps and with small publishing houses, Susan spends a lot of her time scouring publishers’ catalogues to be certain she’s found the most worthwhile books for her clientele. Handpicked new releases, as well as all the classics for toddlers to teenagers are here. Kids will love the variety of reading material on offer, and parents will appreciate the depth of range (of note is the variety of nonfiction titles, including what Hearn refers to as the “growing pains” wall of books). And everyone will enjoy the same personalized service, expertise and choice their loyal book-lovers have come to expect these last 22 years. Check their Web site for info about their recycled book program, story times and upcoming author events.
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat 10580-1/2 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles; 310•559•BOOK (2665); www.childrensbookworld.com 

Flintridge Bookstore & Coffee House – A newcomer on the bookstore scene, but destined for great things, is Flintridge Bookstore & Coffee House. If you prefer local and intimate rather than the commercial feel of mega bookshops, this one's a treat. In the kids’ section, find everything from padded books for tots, through wonderful picture books and on to first reading and children’s fiction, both contemporary and traditional. There is also a super tweens, teens/young adult section (noteworthy is the shop’s teen’s advisory board). They run reading groups and a writer’s workshop and frequently host book fairs, storytelling sessions and author visits. Just across the street from the new Town Center, the store’s convenient location on lovely La Cañada’s Foothill Boulevard affords ample opportunity to browse and stroll while enjoying your iced coffee.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sun. 964 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada; 818•790•0717; www.Flintridgebooks.com 

Honorable Mention: Storyopolis – A user-friendly fixture on the boulevard, it’s an art gallery cum children’s bookstore and vice versa! Drop by any Saturday to see kids scattered on the floor, and parents holding their littlest ones on their laps listening to a performance together.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tues. – Fri. and Sun., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat., closed Mon. 12348 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; 818•509•5600; www.storyopolis.com

CHILDREN’S FURNITURE

Pottery Barn Kids – Quality, simple and timeless is why Pottery Barn Kids furniture is a readers’ favorite. Kids don’t outgrow its designs, making it a great value for families with high-end taste. Its colors are mix-and-match to give choice and adventure to coordinating, and they won’t discontinue: espresso will be the same espresso years from now when you want to add a desk or other piece. Imaginative and clever accessories are a PB trademark that make any room pop!
• HOT TIP: Ask to be in your store’s clientele binder to be alerted to specials and sales, such as the floor model sale where pieces are 30% off!
South Lake, 511 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626•405•1743; Grove at Farmers Market, 189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, 323•549•9344; Manhattan Village, 3200 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 310•939•7703

Thea Segal Designs – Thea Segal Designs furnishings look wonderfully artistic, yet are made to “last as long as you love them.” We value the solid wood quality combined with unique old-era finishes, and adore the personalized art done by an artist on the pieces. The variety is endless. Segal designs all types of furniture but says, “Children are my passion.” This truly is expressed in the beauty of her art.
• HOT TIP: Thea Segal Designs offers design services for nurseries, play rooms and any room in the house. Clients receive a full presentation of floor plan, color and furniture suggestions without obligation to purchase their furniture, although they hope you will. The service costs far less than hiring an interior designer.
Beds: $1,000-$3,500
11740 San Vicente Blvd., Suite 115, Los Angeles; 310•207•2577; www.theasegaldesigns.com  

CHILDREN’S THEATER

Falcon Theatre – Garry Marshall, the man who created such classic TV programs as The Odd Couple, Happy Days and Mork & Mindy, founded the Falcon Theatre, so it’s not surprising that they know something about comedy. This year’s family productions included the Cinderella-meets-the-’70s musical comedy Cindy and the Disco Ball. Their family-friendly shows will run at least through the end of this year with the holiday-time production of the Troubadour Theater’s It’s a Stevie Wonderful Life.
4252 Riverside Dr., Burbank; 818•955•8101; www.falcontheatre.com

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum – Nestled in bucolic Topanga Canyon, the Theatricum Botanicum has been putting on family shows since 1993. Annually, beginning in June and lasting through autumn, they host either musical acts or theatrical performances on Sunday (and occasionally Saturday) mornings. Creative Playground stages fun versions of classic fables, while Peter Alsop brings in top family-friendly musicians like Justin Roberts and Buck Howdy. The Botanicum also is home to acting programs for teens and kids.
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga; 310•455•3723; www.theatricum.com

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

Totz Only – Walk into Totz Only in Burbank, and you walk out of the mainstream. This children’s boutique has the whimsy of a child’s bedroom, arranged by bright colors and inspiring imagination. Quirky tees with Wheaties or Girl Power Superheroes spark memories, while ladybug raincoats and boots take us to simpler times. More than just a store, Totz offers free events, from story time to crafts, and hosts Outside the Box and soon, Habla Blah Blah.
• HOT TIP: Each Friday something fun and unexpected (like everything with yellow on it) is 20% off and there are two big Courtyard sales per year when everything is 50%-75% off. Clothing: $15-$75
3009 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank; 818•845•TOTZ; www.totzonly.com (under construction)

Tough Cookie Children’s Boutique – Do your kids rock? Tough Cookies in Sherman Oaks has clothing to reflect that edgy vibe. Vintage style rock tees, a sundress made from an actual concert tee and rockabilly outfits will awaken the nostalgia in adult shoppers who often ask owner Shannon Komsky, “Can I get this in my size?” Local designers and mom-based businesses rule here, too. Beyond the duds, Tough Cookies holds fundraisers and charity events – a genuine community builder.
• HOT TIP: Shannon pulls all baby registry items and arranges them in a large tin, so choosing is a no-brainer for shoppers. Also, she discounts 10% off all items left for a month after baby is born!
• HOT TIP 2: Tough Cookies fills a cool zebra tin with hip and unique baby gear. This is a great custom gift that can be shipped anywhere. Starts at $100, which includes metal zebra tin.
T-shirts: $22-$48
Jeans and dresses: $48 and up
13638 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 818•990•0922; www.shoptoughcookies.com

Visionary Boutique – If you and your kids lean green, get eco-chic at Visionary Boutique on Melrose. You’ll find a style that reflects your choice to “dress and live for the planet you want.” Owner Magda Rod’s children’s line, Wildchild Wear, is a rock-inspired girls’ line with thought-provoking, inspiring messages. Visionary gives a hip and edgy flair to an eco-friendly lifestyle. And with each item sold, a tree is planted!
• HOT TIP:  Bring the kids in to write their “Wish for the World” and hang it from the tree in the middle of the store! Read other wishes to start the conversation about what you will do to make the world a better place. While there, you can purchase a wish necklace for $5 that has a blank scroll inside a charm to keep your Wish for the World close to your heart.
Clothing: $40-$115
8568-1/2 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 310•659•1177; www.visionaryboutique.com

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

Kids Gym USA – Kids Gym USA offers classes and parties for children six months to 10 years old. They have been operating for 36 years and their instructors have extensive training. Owner and director Holly Houska has a master's degree in education from USC. Her instructors have degrees from Cal State Northridge and Pierce College. Kids Gym USA offers party packages for birthdays and celebrations after 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and on weekends.
$185 for 10 weeks.
5520 Crebs Ave., Tarzana; 818•343•1120; www.kidsgymtarzana.com

Kids on Stage – Kids On Stage is a theater, video and performing arts program for kids and teenagers ages 10 months to 18 years. Kids On Stage offers classes, camps and parties. The classes help students develop creativity, self-expression and social consciousness through acting, singing, dancing, art and filmmaking. There is a Winter Play Festival scheduled in December, when children in the programs display their talents. There is also a Spring Play Festival in June. Kids On Stage offers vacation camps during school breaks in winter, spring and summer, which includes a number of festivals throughout Los Angeles. In their new vocal workshop, kids sing with a professional vocal teacher who works on improving healthy vocal techniques, proper breathing, vocal strength, range, group dynamics, performance skills and joyful expression.
$170-$420 for classes, $300-$1,480 for summer camps
Locations in Santa Monica, Mar Vista and Culver City; 310•314•0035; www.kidsonstage.com 

Kindermusik – Kindermusik offers music and movement classes for children ages two weeks to 7 years. Director Sarah Orfe says she doesn’t charge for classes for children between two weeks and four months old, because kids can be unpredictable at that age, and as a mom, she thinks it’s unfair to charge parents for a class their kids might sleep or eat through. Classes integrate music with social, cognitive, fine motor and problem solving skills. The 5 to 7 year olds learn to play basic instruments: dulcimer (a three-string instrument), recorder (wind instrument) and glockenspiel (metal xylophone). The younger students are introduced to instruments, but the instruction in them is limited. There are also sign and singing classes that combine music and sign language, and family time classes where siblings and family members of all ages participate. Kindermusik is opening a West Valley location in September.
$95 to $275 for 5-week to 16-week series
12518 Riverside Dr., Studio City; 818•345•5345; www.kindermusik.com

HONORABLE MENTION: Surfers Healing – Surfers Healing is a series of one-day surf camps for children with autism. The organization was founded by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz, who have a son with autism. The group offers camps throughout the country and has one every year at Surfrider Beach in Malibu. The camp is free, but space is limited to the first 150 families that sign up when registration becomes available online. There are camps in other parts of the country, including San Diego, Virginia, North Carolina, New York and New Jersey. A group of trained, professional surfers gives the campers surf lessons, takes them out in the ocean and gives them the opportunity to ride the waves. Surfers Healing provides lunches and backpacks filled with gifts for the campers, surf boards, life jackets, and pretty much everything else a child needs to learn how to surf. The water can be a little cold in Malibu, so it's a good idea to bring a light wet suit just in case.
866•647•HEAL; www.surfershealing.org

MATERNITY BOUTIQUES

Baby Style – Here’s the expecting moms’ go-to store. This one-stop shop has all things maternity and even more things baby and kids. After you’ve picked up a pair of jeans, a few work outfits to get through the trimester, indulged in yoga pants, sampled the belly oil and contemplated eveningwear, go ahead and drift through the baby section to dreamingly take in your future. Shop off your feet online, too!
• HOT TIP: Visit the online outlet for bargains beginning under $20! Also, join the Rewards program to get $10 in Baby Style Bucks for every $200 you spend, plus perks like free shipping, gift wrap and gifts.
Westfield Fashion Square, 14006 Riverside Dr. Space 112, Sherman Oaks; 818•986•1588; www.babystyle.com; Also in Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica and Newport Beach.

Maternal America – An expecting mom is more than a belly, and her clothing ought to reflect that. At Maternal America, moms can maintain their personal style. Unique and fashionable lines like American Spirit and Safari express individuality while flattering the beautiful lines of pregnancy, belly and all! Owner Zohra Ahmadi says her shop caters to everybody with clothing that is “very fun,” stands out and is comfortable. She’s definitely got the right idea.
8254 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; 323•653•8850; www.maternalamerica.com

PLACES TO PAMPER MOM AND DAD

Malibu Beach Inn – It’s easy to imagine living at the beach while staying at this intimate inn. It has a residential feel with its outdoor dining deck facing the ocean, fire pit, lobby/sitting area and quick accessibility to rooms upstairs. The casual ambiance invites guests to linger over lemon pancakes with blueberry compote while watching the morning sun shimmer on the ocean. While kids are certainly welcome, the inn provides a romantic hideaway for couples to rejuvenate. Beach attendants arrange lounge chairs, towels and umbrellas. After a day in the sun, stretch out in an ocean-view room equipped with a fireplace, mini bar and balcony.
Rooms: $325 - $1,650.
22878 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu; 310•456•6444; www.malibubeachinn.com. 

Skin Spa Encino – Readers recommend indulging at this centrally located day spa, where you’ll find the Fountain of Youth oxygen facial for $130. Double your pleasure with an Endless Courtship spa, two-and-a-half hours of bliss by candlelight, $425. Amenities such as an outside cabana spa deck, a Zen sleeping room, Niagara waterfall room and mud bar will keep you coming back for more tantalizing treatments.
By appointment only, 9 am – 7 pm Tues. – Sun.
17401 Ventura Blvd., Encino; 818•995•3888; www.skinspa.com 

Glen Ivy Day Spa – It’s worth the drive to Corona to play in the mud like a kid again – but this red clay is good for you, as Native Americans discovered years ago. So slather it on and dry off in the sun before brushing it off and showering with a lavender scented gel. Don’t miss the Grotto, an underground cavern misting with natural mineral water. Apply a sea kelp and aloe vera body mask to moisturize your skin. Plan to spend a day to explore this historic hot springs spa. Admission: $35 Mon.- Fri., $48 weekends, holidays. Additional fees for The Grotto and spa treatments. 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. daylight savings, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. standard time.
25000 Glen Ivy Road, Corona; 888•GLEN•IVY; www.glenivy.com

PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET

Wagville – With services such as aromatherapy, acupressure and massage, what pooch wouldn’t drool over this pad? Owner Julie Shine insists this isn’t about pampering – it’s embracing a healthy lifestyle. “We look at the pet holistically,” she says. Daycare, boarding, grooming services and pet adoption are available. First step: an extensive interview to learn a dog’s behavior and tailor its care. For dogs with separation anxiety, there’s a facility housing a living room and bedroom. Staff will even cuddle with your dog or rub her belly. Lucky pups even go on field trips to the beach or Runyon Canyon.
$6/hour, $25 half day, $35 all day.
7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sat. and Sun.
2400 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles; 323•222•4442; www.wagville.com

Bow Wow Bungalow – Running late to drop off Spot? No problem – call ahead and arrange for a free doggie valet service at this canine romper room. While in daycare or boarding, dogs socialize and exercise in the play area’s bridges and tunnels and drool pool. Small and big dogs have their own turf. Staff even takes pictures of dogs throughout the day to email to “mom and dad.” Grooming services include a bath, blow dry, nail trimming and ear cleaning in the pooch parlor ($25-$75).
Boarding, $60/day; daycare $40/day, $27.50 half day. Pick-up/drop service available for a fee.
2711 N. California St., Burbank; 818•565•3555; www.bowwowbungalow.net

RESALE SHOPS

Once Upon a Child – This resale shop is disguised as a boutique. Children’s items from crib and bed ensembles, bathing and safety products and clothing and accessories are beautifully staged. There is a definite wow factor in this easily navigated shop of both new and gently used items. Says owner, Roberta Caplin, “We buy the very, very best.” Her goal is to move items every two to seven days, keeping the selection fresh.
• HOT TIP: If you are searching for an item like a specific stroller, get on the wish list, and you’ll be notified when it comes in. Also, there is a monthly e-mailing with coupons and once-a-month clearance alert. Also, consider Once Upon a Child for kids’ theater costumes. Employees will help you pull them together!
2607 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, 818•248•5901; www.webuykidsstuff@yahoo.com

Wear it Once, Wear it Twice – At Wear It Once, Wear It Twice in Burbank, it’s not easy to tell what’s new and what’s been gently used. That’s because owner Aura Veliz runs her resale children’s clothing shop with the attention and care a mother gives the nursery. This “baby” is just 8 months old and is clean, bright and beautifully displays clothing, baby gear, toys, books and furniture. The kids’ corner with books and VCR entertains tots while mom shops.
• HOT TIP: Make an appointment to bring your gently used, high-quality and clean children’s items to sell for cash or choose to make 50% more by taking store credit!
1725 W. Verdugo Ave., Burbank; 818•558•4006; www.wearitoncewearittwice.com

TOY STORES

Three Cheeky Monkeys – Meet Wallace Harvey, the charismatic 29-year-old owner whose age, energy and enthusiasm are contributing factors in the fun feeling you’ll get at this terrific toy store. After six years in business and bursting at the seams with a cornucopia of creative playthings, this shop will please kids of all ages. Kids can play at the train table while you shop among an unusual selection of toys tied to charities such as the Spiral Foundation and some of Europe’s best brands up front and center. From Germany there are Bruder scale model trucks with all the requisite gears, knobs and levers. Wallace fixes them, too, although there’s a lifetime guarantee. Choose from whimsical Haba toys (the Dancing Eggs are his personal fave), anatomically correct potty training Corolle dolls from France not to mention the popular Schleich miniature animal figurines and Papo knights and soldiers. A slew of smaller American lines like Creativity for Kids, Poof (makers of the original Slinky) and San Francisco based Wild Planet with its innovative, interactive spy kits and pirate sets are stocked here, too. The store has a strong commitment to customer service along with friendly, knowledgeable staff. Call for story times, arts and crafts and face painting activities.
10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun.
Westside Pavilion, 10800 W. Pico Blvd. Suite 264, Los Angeles; 310•470•7060

Totz Only – When a toy store has a children’s gate at its entrance, the message is a resounding, “Bring your kids and stay awhile!” which is exactly what you will want to do when you visit Totz Only. Open for seven months and already making its mark on the up-and-coming Magnolia Park neighborhood of Burbank, this store has all the ingredients for success. The unique location has two buildings and a quaint grassy courtyard in the middle, which, according to owner Blaire Dollinger, “affords us the unique opportunity to offer classes in one of our buildings while the other one serves as the retail store.” Perhaps you will be lured inside by its author events, Kindermusik, Outside the Box, Toddler Spanish Classes, weekly story times and craft classes; or maybe you just feel strongly that the toys you buy for your children must be green or at least toxin-free. Then, between the warm and welcoming staff and wide selection of cute, colorful clothing and gifts, you may never leave! After battling cancer and giving birth to her son, Jackson, owner Blaire decided that it was time to open the store. Now firmly settled in the old site of It’s A Zoo, “the property,” says Blaire, “offers a warm and safe atmosphere for us to gather, laugh and play with our children.” High quality, affordable and dependable brands like wooden toy manufacturer Melissa and Doug abound. Other products found here are: Brio, Pacific Playtents whose TeePees and Peek-a-Boo tunnels are very popular with customers; the Fisher Price Chatterphone, Teaching Clock and Giant Screen Music Box TV plus a great selection of other retro toys. Look out this fall for Battat, Plan Toys, Ravensberger and the exciting (no batteries required) Ecotronic line of toys. “We treat our customers the same as we would treat our friends,” says Blaire. “We would never sell them anything that was not quality, did not flatter them, or fit their needs just to make a sale. We would never raise the price just because we could. If we find a high quality product for less, we pass the savings on. We try to give back as much as we can, because we recognize that without our customers, we would not have a store or a job and we appreciate their patronage.”
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tues. – Sat.
3009 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank; 818•845•TOTZ (8689)

HONORABLE MENTION: Monkeyhouse Toys & Art – A funky, gem of a toy store with an eclectic collection of artwork on the walls, unique assortment of toys and library alcove assembled lovingly by dedicated owner Mayra Baligad. Recommended: Green Science series of toys and handmade plush Bitees, made from recycled sweaters.
Noon – 6 p.m. Tues. – Sat., noon – 5 p.m. Sun.
1618-1/2 Silver Lake Blvd., Los Angeles; 323•862•3437 www.monkeyhousetoys.com 

San Marino Toy & Book Shoppe – How many independent toy and bookstores can boast one continual owner since 1975? Housed in an old Bank of America Building, this San Marino fixture still has the vault where the back stock is kept. This store is all about quality books and veers away from mass market type toys. Check out the beautiful doll collection and pocket money section. Not to be missed: August and February sales.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun.
2424 Huntington Dr., San Marino; 626•309•0222; www.toysandbooks.com