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As Mum to a six month old baby girl and a self-confessed shopaholic, I have found myself exploring a whole new type of store in recent months! In what now seems like a previous life I was once renowned for my encyclopaedic knowledge of where to buy almost anything in Perth (thanks to my lunchtime jaunt round the shops) as well as the full lowdown on all the latest eateries.
However, with my eye now retrained to focus on all things baby related, it’s a whole new endless stream of gorgeous things! Kitting out a nursery, playroom or wardrobe for a new one can be expensive, not to mention the little spot purchases you suddenly need to make when they hit another milestone (hello teething/weaning!).
This month I’ve been checking out the great range of shops for babies and kids in Perthshire, and I discovered that we’re lucky enough to be well-supplied by an amazing selection of fantastic local Indies (obvs! #PerthLoveFest) as well as the usual brand name chains!
This a a great selection of what’s on offer, featuring a combination of my own finds and some of those suggested by your good selves.
A beautiful shop just opposite the North Inch in Perth, perfect for a pit stop after a buggy walk! I love this shop, full of hidden gems for grown-ups and kids, with a focus on good old fashioned wooden toys and games for children of all ages.
The recently expanded toy room downstairs would have been heaven for me as a kid - wooden playsets that fold up into a matching carry box, books and plenty of smaller wooden toys perfect as stocking stuffers. The main shop also has kits for older kids to make-and-do, with just about anything from casting animal tracks to making jewellery. It’s a great place to look for Christmas gifts.
Okay, so not strictly Perth based as its online but run and owned by two Perth girls! I’m lucky enough to be one of a few Thoroughly Modern Baby ‘ambassadors’, which means I have the advantage of knowing how dedicated these two are at sourcing the best products. Usually before I make a purchase I trawl through reviews and look for the best deals, whereas all the hard work has been done for you here- they personally select everything they sell and have complete confidence in everything on the site.
I get a lot of admiring comments on the quality of things I’ve bought from here for my baby - everything from a Poddle Pod (look it up; a-maz-ing) to bamboo lined sleeping bags and the best high chair on the market. You can also make a wish list to send to others for things like birthdays and Christmas which saves everyone wondering what to buy!
This shop was set up in order to fill a gap in the local market by providing affordable everyday wear for children and babies. With a layout designed specifically to accommodate buggies- both single and twin (hallelujah!), and a play table to keep little ones happy, this friendly shop is a joy to visit.
As well as the traditional baby pink & blue sections, their play clothes are often unique in colour and style as many are sourced from a Spanish supplier. I couldn’t help but wonder why the name ‘Puddles & Sun’- turns out it’s because they cater for all weathers. Everything from rainwear and wellies to dresses, sunhats & fleeces are available all year round.
A few of our readers suggested this one. A great family run ‘one stop shop’ on the Old High Street that does what it says on the tin- every kind of toy or game can be found here from good old fashioned yoyo’s and blowing bubbles to Disney characters and Lego.
They believe in the importance of learning through play, encouraging children to discover and explore their surroundings safely. They also operate a loyalty card scheme and have a great Facebook page with regular (and VERY amusing) updates!
A newcomer to Perth, having only opened its doors in summer 2015. Jojo Maman Bebe is a small chain of specialist stores in the UK and I could hardly contain my excitement when I heard the news they were opening in Perth- I used to travel all the way to Edinburgh for their maternity range when I was pregnant!
As well as beautiful clothes for babies, kids and expectant mums they have a great selection of toys and clever gadgets to solve all your problems from teething to weaning and bathing.
I particularly love their full bibs with long sleeves for weaning which wash & dry super quickly. There’s no pressure to spend lots of money-the staff are all very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It’s an extra bonus that they always manage to make my baby giggle every time we visit! They also have a full catalogue and website with lots more products and offer free delivery or store pick up on everything.
My parents in law have been making pit stops in Auchterarder on their way North from Glasgow to shop at this baby boutique since their first grandchild was born 14 years ago. Since then they have visited to pick up beautiful gifts for any new arrivals, with our own daughter being the latest lucky recipient many times in her first 6 months.
This is a business which takes the time to remember their customers and their loyalty, even giving courtesy calls when new season stock arrives in store. I popped in recently and purchased a few wee pieces to decorate the nursery from their homeware selection as well as what turned out to be the holy grail of perfect baby tights!
I really enjoy shopping here - care and attention is taken in the layout of the shop making sure that things are easily visible and accessible. Having recently popped in to purchase a baby swimming wetsuit I was pleased to find that they also have a range of brand name prams in store (which would have saved us travelling further afield) which can be ordered in for you. They also stock microfiber ‘Wonder Bibs’ with a waterproof backing which are so good I threw out all my cotton ones and went back to buy 3 more!
COFFEE STOPS & LUNCH OUT!The next #RhonaRecommends will be all about getting out for lunch or coffee in the Baby and Toddler friendly cafes and restaurants of Perthshire.
If you have any ideas for this, please comment here and tell us why they're so great! Things to consider include:
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SCBP21st September 2015
Perthshire's only online magazine