Top 5 Affordable, Fashionable, and Non-Franchised Shops for Kids in Jacksonville

I read an article a few years ago about the importance of supporting local. It included the obvious; maintaining local character and prosperity, community well-being, environmental sustainability, etc…

But the most shocking statistic was that “local business generates 70 percent more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail” and almost 45% of what you spend is “re-invested locally.” Holy Molies!! Just imagine what that would mean for Jacksonville if more people shopped local. Mind Blown…poof!

So, over the past few years I have made it a point to patron local businesses, or at least search for an item locally before I rely on the franchises. I know my personal favorite places, but now with a child, shopping locally has become a chore for two reasons.

First, it’s never just me anymore. I hang my head with fashionista shame that I even put “shopping” and “chore” in the same sentence; but it’s true! I have a mini shadow, that goes everywhere with me, including the bathroom. So I’ll be the first to admit that it’s sometimes easier to order something online.

And don’t get me started on the idea of grabbing lunch, going to Happy Hour, or eating a whole meal of food while sitting down at a restaurant with friends – HA! When we go out, I plan my outfits around what will make me cry less if it gets boogers, dirt, and/or half eaten strawberries on it, and I have to preemptively visualize an escape route pending a nuclear meltdown. It’s a pain!

How can you patronize local businesses and find exactly what you’re looking for without making 100 stops? Our time is precious! The one and only thing a place like Buy Buy Baby has going for it is that it’s a one-stop shop. But honestly the road rage I feel while driving on Southside combined with the warehouse of terror that is Buy Buy Baby, makes me want to gouge my eyeballs out with a Munchkin spork sometimes!

So I took a yoga class to center myself and then began to do research on local stores that can accommodate the majority of a mom’s needs. And now…I got 99 problems, but where to shop ain’t one!

Here are my top 5 favorite, fancy, functional, and “non-franchised” places to patron in Jacksonville!

Favorite Children’s Consignment Store: Diane’s

Located in Mandarin across from Target, I was beyond impressed with this store. Diane herself works there full time and is more than willing to help in any way possible. I wasn’t in that store a minute before she was right in front of me, which I thoroughly enjoyed; to be catered to in a shopping environment is a dying art in the retail world. Not to mention the fact she was juggling a conversation with me while running after another customer with a pair of boots she had just located. You can tell she is passionate about her store AND is a true proprietor.

Diane’s has anything you could want or need for your child AND even if it is used, it is guaranteed to be in very good condition. Diane is very particular about the items she accepts/sells and takes pride in providing the best for your child. I saw immaculate Polo dresses for $10, a brand new City Jogger for $160, a Master’s Collared shirt for $16, nike tennis shoes, etc… Diane’s also has an entire Gymboree department with an inventory of over 4000 pieces for boys & girls. All Gymboree is NEW WITH TAGS…yes you read that correct…NEW WITH TAGS and “marked 50% to 60% off everyday. This means Gymboree quality for Target prices. Includes hundreds of shoes and hair accessories. I couldn’t believe it! An outfit that I saw at Gymboree in January for $32 is at Diane’s brand new, never been worn, with tags still on it for $16! Why wouldn’t I support a store like this when it supports my bank account!?

Be sure to check out her website for more information (including an upcoming Matilda Jane trunk show & consignment information) as well as a list of all the brands she carries. I promise…you do not want to miss out on this hidden gem.

Dian'e's Consignment

 

Favorite Children’s Toy Store: The Green Alligator

Located in The Shoppes of Avondale, The Green Alligator is a speciality toy store dedicated to childhood play and the joy of learning. They have “carefully selected well-made, safe products that capture imagination, encourage growth, teach important concepts, and most of all, offer endless hours of fun!” Many of their product lines feature award-winning items. Every time I go in there I find something new and exciting for my son to learn from.

The thing I love the most is that they actually really do research on toys and brands that are not only safely made but will genuinely help your child learn and grow. Plus, every person who works there is incredibly well versed on the toys; I went in to buy a puzzle for my niece one time and walked out knowing the names of the puzzle creators’ children. Not really, but it’s obvious that the people who work at The Green Alligator believe in what they’re selling. AND…this is so weird…but I greatly appreciate how bright and clean the store is. Hands-on toy stores can be filled with dirt and germs, and this one always looks (and smells) so fresh and so clean, clean.

Green Alligator

 

Favorite Kid Friendly Restaurant: Mellow Mushroom Avondale

Now I know what you’re going to say…this isn’t “local.” And you’re right…this is technically a franchise and I most likely added it to my “list” after a few Oberon drafts (which they have). However, it is locally owned, (the same gentleman owns the Mellow at the beach and by Tinsletown and lives in our community) and it’s unlike ANY other Mellow Mushroom you may have visited before. It does not feel like a franchise.

First, the restaurant is somewhat separate from the bar which is a relief for most parents. Second, they have the best hi-chairs. I know this is completely random, but they are new, plastic (easy to clean and prohibits any slipping/scrambling out), and they are on wheels which makes for easy maneuvering around the table. (Or if you’re like us, use it as a stroller around the restaurant to prevent a meltdown). Third, the decor is unique and special to the Avondale area in that it resembles a Gas Station, just like the old Shell Station that used to be in it’s same location. Fourth, it has a unique and different menu from other Mellow Mushrooms.

And lastly… The piece de resistance is that they have an actual antique firetruck in the restaurant that you can eat AND play in. It’s so awesome that when I ran in there to snap some photos for this post, my son started crying when we had to leave. Go Figure! But It really is a fantastic place; we enjoy it for both family night and date night.

Mellow Mushromm

 

Favorite Children’s Clothing Store: Apple and the Tree

Located in San Marco (neatly tucked into an adorable old building across from La Nopalera) is Apple and the Tree, a clothing store offering apparel and accessories for children aged 3 months to 8 years. They “cater to the modern, conscientious parent who wants to dress their kids in stylish, quality clothes that match their creativity… Because the apple doesn’t fall far form the tree!”

I love this store not only because their clothes are the cutest, but because I am happy to support another local mom who is trying to make a difference. Alison, the owner, struggled to find “baby” clothes for her son. On one hand her personal taste did not include onesies with “Daddy’s Super Slamming Son” appliquéd across the front, (which I wholly agree with and understand) but on the other hand she wanted her son to be able to play and get dirty without ruining a $70 smocked short-all. Thus began her adorable store.

Apple and The Tree has clothes, swimwear, shoes, and accessories that range in taste and budget. And be sure to check out her sale rack…she does a great job of constantly bringing in new items, so you can usually get “last seasons” looks for a steal.

Apple and the Tree

 

Favorite Organic/Natural Children’s Store: Wee Sprout Naturally

Wee Sprout Naturally is the only organic store in Jacksonville (that I know of) that is completely dedicated to children. They are currently located in Mandarin, off of San Jose behind the Bono’s. However, they will be moving to a larger locale just down the road in mid to late June (new address will be 9891-4 San Jose Blvd. 32257).

Wee Sprout Naturally provides everything from cloth diapers to Amber teething necklaces to handmade laundry detergents to organically made baby carriers; everything in the store is green and/or naturally made. Kristin, the owner, prides herself on helping other moms learn how to live a more naturally sustainable and eco-friendly life. With that being said, Wee Sprout Naturally also has a learning studio in their store where they offer Mommy yoga, Baby & Me yoga, Story time Yoga, Hypnobirthing, Cloth Diapering 101, and drumroll…belly dancing! My words don’t do this store justice! You really need to check it out for yourself!

Wee Sprout

Okay Lovies…now get out there and support your city!!

 

About the Author

Morgan

Morgan Teichert

Wife to Joe; it was love at first sight. Mother to a 1 year old boy. By trade I am a High School English teacher but “retired” to stay at home and raise my son. This is what lead me to writing Pampers & Pearls; a Life + Style blog. It became my outlet for the things I missed; writing, fashion, relevance. I LOVE coffee, laughing out loud, The Today Show, Margaritas, Yoga, Bravo TV, Tory Burch, Mani/Pedis, summers in Michigan, and savvy shopping. DEALTHY AFRAID of Clowns, Dark Water, Cancer, and banana flavored runts. Check out my blog, Pampers and Pearls!

2 COMMENTS

  1. There is a fantastic new children’s clothing and toy store in San Marco on the Square. It is called Hey Day, owned by a local woman and mother that lives in the same neighborhood. Cutest clothes and unique gifts, not crazy expensive, either! It is a couple doors down from the Peterbrooke and The Loop. Check it out : )

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