NYC’s Best Halloween Costume Shops for Kids

by Mimi O'ConnorSeptember 30, 2022

These pop-up shops and “spirited” year-round storefronts are our top picks for where to buy your child’s Halloween costume this year

It might seem early, but smart NYC parents know it’s time to start thinking about, and acquiring, your kid’s Halloween costume. Not only are there dozens of local Halloween events positively begging for attendees to arrive in disguise all month long, but things sell out fast in this city. Wondering where you can get a cool getup without spending a fortune? Need a highly specific, hard-to-find item to take your kiddo’s ensemble to the next level when it comes time to trick or treat? We can help. From spots to get gently-used, discounted costumes to huge stores that specialize in Halloween to empty storefronts now infiltrated with Spirit Halloween pop-ups, you’ll have no trouble finding an Elsa cape, a Minecraft mask, or a Bluey costume before the aisles start to get picked over.

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Spirit Halloween
Invading empty storefronts throughout the five boroughs (seriously, every single one) Spirit Halloween is a convenient place to hit up for Halloween costumes for both kids and adults. The seasonal chain stocks full costumes, accessories, masks, makeup and more—and has more than a dozen locations throughout the city, although most are located in Manhattan.

Multiple NYC locations
Online: spirithalloween.com

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Abracadabra NYC
Abracadabra NYC is another Halloween costume store that’s open year round (and, hence the name, also specializes in magician supplies). Whether you need a single item like the perfect hat, wand, or pair or fake teeth, or a full-on, out-of-this-world head-to-toe getup for your child, this bi-level Flatiron District superstore has got you. Our advice: go early in the season, because it gets very crowded here as Halloween grows near.

19 W. 21st St.
Flatiron District
Online: abracadabranyc.com

Beyond Costumes
Be prepared for your mind to be blown. For a next-level spot that also serves Broadway, television, and movie productions, head north to Beyond Costumes. They recently moved, and at their new location, you can opt to either rent from the store’s extensive costume selection or shop its retail collection. Customize your look with Beyond Costumes’ offering of accessories including wigs, hats, props, masks, make-up, recreational prosthetics, and jewelry. Need more intel? The store has an excellent FAQ section on its site.

145 Saw Mill Road, Suite 31
Yonkers
Online: beyondcostumes.com

Related: The Best Pumpkin Patches Near NYC

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Village Party Store
To support a local NYC small business (and stock up on all the party supplies you could need), head to the Village Party Store. Originally located at the corner of Greenwich Avenue and 10th Street, the Village Party Store moved to its current Eighth Street spot after a tragic fire in 2010. There, it continues to serve both the party decor and Halloween costume needs of New York City families and beyond. Make a note for you next big bash: this spot is a great place for balloons and balloon arrangements of all kinds.

13 E. 8th St.
Greenwich Village
Online: villagepartystore.com

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Frank Bee Costume
One of the titans of the Halloween costume retail business is also a hometown hero. The Frank Bee Costume Center brick-and-mortar HQ is located in the Bronx, and it’s got all the hottest licensed characters, including Star Wars costumes and loads of Thomas the Tank Engine costumes, for sale. In fact, they claim to have the largest selection of costumes in the . . . universe! Don’t worry if you can’t make it to the Bronx: the store offers most products online as well.

3435 E. Tremont Ave.
Bronx
Online: frankbeecostume.com

Your Neighbors
Sure, this isn’t a shop, but we can reasonably guarantee that there are lots of costumes in your vicinity right now just itching to get back on the street for a night of fun. (Hint: they’re in your neighbors’ closets.)

Check out your local parenting Facebook group this time of year, and you’ll likely find multiple costumes either for sale for cheap or just plain free. (We’ve already seen quite a few listed in our neck of the woods.) Not sure where to look first? These are few of the most popular parenting online groups to try: Hudson River Park Mamas Group, Park Slope Parents, West Village Parents, Lower East Side and East Village Parents, or Bronx and Westchester Moms.

—additional reporting by Wai Sze Zara

Why Is June Pride Month in the US?

By Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 24, 2022

find out why June is Pride Month — Tristan B. via Unsplash

What is pride? It’s a feeling of being happy, content, and proud of who you are or what you’ve accomplished. Have you ever felt this before? Here at Xyza, we feel a sense of pride when we see governments and communities working together to accomplish something big, and when people treat each other with love, respect, and acceptance. That’s why we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ community.

Countries around the world celebrate the LGBTQ community at different times of the year. In the United Kingdom, for example, Pride Month is celebrated in February, whereas in Brazil the largest Pride parade in the world usually takes place in March. In the United States, June is Pride month.

Why is June Pride month? In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, a series of riots that erupted throughout New York City in June and July of 1969. These riots were a response to the police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, a popular gathering place for the young LGBT community during the early hours of June 28th, 1969. The police arrested employees for selling liquor without a license and roughed up the many patrons inside the inn. As police dragged patrons out of the bar and into police vans, people outside the bar watched and grew increasingly enraged. A riot soon ensued and continued for the next five days. Historians mark the Stonewall riots as a turning point in the gay rights movement.

This year marks the 53rd anniversary of what historians consider the start of annual Pride traditions. Why? On June 28th, 1970, a year after the Stonewall riots, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people marched down the streets of New York City to protest the abuse and discrimination that the LGBTQ community had suffered for hundreds of years. Today, millions of people around the country celebrate Pride Month with parades, festivals, workshops, and remembrance ceremonies to acknowledge the LGBTQ community and its impact on the world.

How is your city celebrating pride this year? Share with us by emailing editor@xyzanews.com.

This post originally appeared on Xyza: News for Kids.

Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation?

Serenity Now: Babymoon Ideas for NYC Parents-to-Be

by Lambeth HochwaldOctober 10, 2021

Expecting? Congrats! Also: you might want to think about one last trip as a couple before the bundle of joy arrives, AKA, a “babymoon.” We’ve scouted the best babymoon destinations near NYC, many of which offer babymoon packages and are a short car or train ride away! Here’s where you can get away from it all and rest up for the big day (and nights).

For Art Deco Details in Greenwich Village

Book a room with a deep soaking tub and balcony to retreat from every single thing on your to-do list. Best of all, the Walker Greenwich Village is just a quick subway ride away. Tucked on 13th Street, this art deco-inspired boutique hotel exudes peace, calm and tranquility. Plan to dine at the hotel’s Society Café and be sure to ask for a banquette table near the skylights and relish in an oh-so-peaceful meal.

Room rates start at $295/night

52 W. 13th St.
Greenwich Village
212-375-1300
Online: walkerhotels.com

For a Waterside Retreat in Connecticut

In less than an hour on Metro North, you can be whisked away to the Delamar Hotel in Greenwich, Connecticut, tucked right on the picturesque Greenwich Harbor and a quick walk from the train. The deluxe property offers full spa services and a gorgeous marina to stroll. While you’re in town, don’t miss shopping along Greenwich Avenue or a fascinating visit to the nearby Bruce Museum, both of which are within walking distance from the front desk.

Room rates start at $239/night

500 Steamboat Rd.
Greenwich, CT
203-661-9800
Online: delamar.com

For a Deluxe Spot in DUMBO

The minute you inhale 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge’s delish pumped-in scent in this greenery-filled lobby, you’ll immediately exhale the stresses you’ve been under lately. Be sure take a long stroll around the waterfront and save room for pizza (Juliana’s, Grimaldi’s and L&B Spumoni Gardens is opening soon) and ice cream (Ample Hills and Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory) as every one of these epic local faves are located within a few blocks of the front desk. And, sure, the rooftop pool is full of micro bikini-wearing singles but, if you head up to the roof early for a dip—since let’s face it you probably can’t reset your mom clock just because you’re not sleeping in your own bed—you may just end up having the infinity pool and breathtaking views of the downtown skyline—pretty much all to yourself.

Room rates start at $399/night

60 Furman St.
347-696-2500
DUMBO
Online: 1hotels.com

For Vintage Chic in Hudson

Hop aboard Amtrak for a gorgeous two-hour trip along the mighty Hudson before pulling into Hudson, the ultra-chic river town boasting eight blocks of antiquing, boutique-ing, and excellent coffee along Warren Street. At the Hudson Whaler, you’re steps from the funkiest shops around (just be sure to visit later in the week as many shops are closed mid-week). Once you check in, you’ll feel right at home—and you might never want to leave—thanks to original details from local artists, a super-luxe spa tub and a bed you will sink right into.

Tip: While you’re in town, be sure to stop in for books (or an ale) at Spotty Dog and have dinner at Wunder Bar Bistro, just a few blocks away from the hotel’s front door.

Room rates start at $169/night weekdays, $349/night on weekends

542 Warren St.
Hudson, NY
518-217-4334
Online: hudsonwhaler.com

For the Busy Babymoon

Not everyone wants to lounge the days away, even during the last "solo" trip. The William Vale is another hyper-local option, and there is always something going on here, from fun rooftop programming to art installations and more. (The neighborhood is also, obviously, a place where it's hard to run out of things to do and see.) When you are ready to chill, take advantage of the heavenly-scented Le Labo amenities, your private balcony with prime city views and breakfast from the hotel's Leuca — which, of course, you can enjoy in bed if you like!

Room rates start at $320/night

111 N. 12th St.
Williamsburg
718-631-8400
Online: thewilliamvale.com

To Scope Out Montclair in Style

Some people will tell you you're going to end up here eventually, so why not hop aboard New Jersey Transit and check in 45 minutes later at the MC Hotel in Montclair, located right in the heart of this buzzing village. The hotel boasts an impressive on-site art collection and is home to the town’s only rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Don’t forget to pop into Allegory, the hotel’s ground-level restaurant, for "clean, healthy cooking" featuring locally sourced ingredients from the Montclair Farmers’ Market.

Room rates start at $149/night

690 Bloomfield Ave.
Montclair, NJ
973-329-5500
Online: marriott.com

For a Classic Option Upstate

Hop a train or car ride to the Hudson Valley for rest and relaxation at this NYC-area favorite getaway. In under two hours, you could be relaxing and taking in breathtaking views from the Mohonk Mountain House. (The resort offers specials during the fall for people making the most of the incredible foliage displays.) This Victorian castle surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest is the place to recharge in nature, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine and get a treatment or two at the award-winning spa.

Room rates start at $700

1000 Mountain Rest Rd.
New Paltz, NY
845-765-3286
Online: www.mohonk.com

For a Historic Mansion on Long Island's Gold Coast

Nestled between New York City and the Hamptons, you will find Oheka Castle. This historic property is a romantic venue that is popular for weddings, but it's also a deluxe spot for a getaway. Oheka is a quick train or car ride from NYC, but feels like a world away! (Or at least a French chateau.) Inquire about their “Last Night of Sleep” package ($975) which features a three-course dinner, an in-room massage, tour of the castle and more.

Room rates start at $250 for a weekday rate

135 West Gate Dr.
Huntington, NY
631-659-1400
Online: www.oheka.com

For a Quick & Convenient Country Visit

If you feel like you need some fresh air, a speedy LIRR train ride to the Garden City Hotel, located across the street from the Garden City LIRR station, doesn’t disappoint. After an afternoon spent reading a book on an Adirondack chair on the property’s seven-acre lawn, a stroll through the quaint village, dinner at David Burke’s Red Salt Room and a night of deep sleep in a luxurious room, you’ll feel restored for whatever your new babe may bring.

Room rates start at $359/night

45 Seventh St.
Garden City, NY
516-747-3000
Online: gardencityhotel.com

— Lambeth Hochwald

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5 Ways to Talk about Pride Month with Kids

By Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 14, 2021

Photo: Via Xyza: News for Kids

1. Talk about the History of Pride
Why is June Pride Month? In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to remember the Stonewall riots, a series of riots that erupted throughout New York City in June and July of 1969. These riots were a response to the police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, a popular gathering place for the young LGBT community during the early hours of June 28th, 1969. The police arrested employees for selling liquor without a license and roughed up the many patrons inside the inn. As police dragged patrons out of the bar and into police vans, people outside the bar watched and grew increasingly enraged. A riot soon ensued and continued for the next five days. Historians mark the Stonewall riots as a turning point in the gay rights movement.

2. Test Your Pride Trivia: Learning = Winning
How many countries have legalized same-sex marriage? Why is the rainbow flag a symbol of LGBTQ pride? What do the colors in the Pride flag mean? Which country hosts the largest Pride parade in the world? Which U.S. Presidents have acknowledged Pride month in the past? Answer trivia questions and learn a little more about Pride Month here.

3. Learn about How LGBTQ Rights Have Shifted around the World
In 2019, Ecuador became the fifth South American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Taiwan the first in Asia, and Northern Ireland the last of the countries of the United Kingdom to do the same. In 2020, Nepal announced that residents will have the option of declaring themselves female, male, or other gender in the next census. This was a big step towards acknowledging the fact that the LGBTQ community exists and that resources should be allocated to this minority population. These are just a few stories about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ equality happening around the world. For more news about LGBTQ rights, click here.

4. Get to Know People of Pride
Denise Ho is the first mainstream female singer from Hong Kong to declare herself lesbian, almost twenty years after she gained popularity. Kasha Nabagesera is a gay rights activist who continues to lead the fight for LGBTQ rights in Uganda. Did you know that New Zealand’s parliament is the queerest in the world, with twelve out of 120 members identifying as LGBTQ? Read about the people of Pride here.

5. Stay Informed: Changing Laws, Change Lives
What does the law have to do with the LGBTQ community? A lot! With one signature, the governor of Florida brought a new law into effect that barred transgender females (or those assigned male at birth who later transition to being female) from playing on girls’ teams in public schools. Read more here.

When President Biden took office, one of the first things that he did was to overturn a ban that would no longer allow transgender Americans to serve in the military. Read about why he overturned the ban here.

In February, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act. This act would make it illegal for businesses to discriminate against people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Now, it’s up to the Senate to review and vote on the act. Read more here.

This post originally appeared on Xyza: News for Kids.

Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

NYC’s Best Independent Bookstores for Kids

by Yuliya GeikhmanDecember 7, 2020

Schools back in session and it’s time to hit the books! Do it right at one of our favorite kid-friendly independent bookstores in NYC where the littles ones (and their parents!) can stock up, hang out, or spend a cozy rainy afternoon. Whether it’s for the awesome selection in the stacks or the popping children’s events, these NYC bookstores are the place to be for budding bibliophiles! Find the NYC kids bookstore for your family below!

Bank Street Bookstore

Are you looking for that one children's book from your own childhood that you sort of know the color of the cover for but not much else? This bookstore can help you find it. The staff here are touted by visitors as being extremely knowledgeable and helpful for finding any children's book you need.

Bank Street Bookstore is specifically intended for kids. On the shelves, you'll find many classics and popular books of today, but you may also snag a locally written or indie gem you might not find elsewhere. On most Saturdays, you can come in and listen to a children's author read their own books for storytime, and lead the young audience in a themed activity.

2780 Broadway
Manhattan Valley
212-678-1654
Online: bankstreetbooks.com

Books Are Magic

This quaint independent bookshop in Cobble Hill is a sanctuary for book lovers young and old. Along with a vast selection of children's books, the shop has a little nook for relaxing with a book as well as many chances to hear your favorite authors reading their books at storytime. Books are carefully selected and displayed in a way that encourages kids to pick up a tome they might not otherwise even see (like a cookbook). Its calm and quiet vibes make this a, well, magical place to stop by and find your new favorite book. Plus, the store is open every day!

225 Smith St.
Cobble Hill
718-246-0200
Online: booksaremagic.net

Book Culture

Book Culture has four stores in New York City—three on the Upper West Side, and one in Long Island city, Queens. (The Queens location's entire bottom floor is dedicated to kids books, games and toys.) The bookstore offers a robust schedule of programming at its shops; examples include musical storytimes, Mozart for Munchkins, TocToc Spanish Class, music with Hopalong Andrew, and storytimes in English, German and Spanish. The store is also a great place to pick up fun and funky gift items. Book Culture is raising money to get them over a financial hump and keep its doors open, with the goal of profitability in 2020. They deserve your support!

26-09 Jackson Ave.
718-440-3120
Long Island City
Online: bookculture.com

536 W. 112th St.
Upper West Side
212-865-1588

2915 Broadway
Upper West Side
646-403-3000

450 Columbus Ave.
212-595-1962

Books of Wonder

Books of Wonder proudly declares itself to be NYC's largest independent bookstore and the city's "leading specialist in children's literature," and the stacks are, well, stacked with tons of children's literature. Besides having a large and well-kept children's books section, this bookstore is a hotspot for family-friendly events, author readings, launch parties, and more. Especially worth noting are the regularly held panels, for various ages and covering many different topics, which feature groups of authors talking about their work and taking questions from the audience — a potentially excellent inspiration for kids who are showing an interest in writing or illustrating their own works of art.

217 West 84th St.
Upper West Side
212-989-1804

18 West 18th St.
Flatiron District
212-989-3270

Online: booksofwonder.com

La Librairie des Enfants

This little Upper East Side French bookstore for kids just oozes charm. (Customers report feeling transported to Paris when they step inside.) Head here for classics and new titles for kids in French, as well as games. The store hosts Petites Histoires, a thematic reading program in which kids learn French through stories, songs, crafts and play. Additionally French marionette shows will be coming to the store soon. (Adults can learn French here, too!) You can read our full feature from when they opened, here!

163 E. 92nd St.
646-590-2797
Upper East Side
Online: lalibrairiedesenfants.nyc

Greenlight Bookstore

The Greenlight Bookstore has everything you'd expect from a great bookstore: Excellent selection (though listed at jacket prices — no savings to be found here), regularly scheduled staff and author storytimes, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. In addition to all that, though, Greenlight has a few special offerings to make it stand out among the rest.

Children ages 9-12 are welcome to join the Greenlight Young Readers Book Group with or without their parents, which meets once a month to discuss the book of the month (which is always on sale at 15% off), eat pizza, and make literary friends. Additionally, Greenlight is a partner of BAM, which means that in addition to 15% off for BAM members, you can also snag some BAM merch through Greenlight's kiosks on-site at the Academy. It also means that the bookstore often hosts events in collaboration with BAM, like author talks and music-infused book readings, on stage. Keep an eye on the events page for kid-friendly BAM performances!

686 Fulton St.
Ft. Greene
718-246-0200
Online: greenlightbookstore.com

and

632 Flatbush Ave.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Powerhouse on 8th

From the same minds behind the home to book happenings in DUMBO, The Powerhouse Arena, Powerhouse on 8th is a cozy store that curates not only an excellent collection on titles for kids and young readers, but an event calendar as well. Storytimes and author appearances are common; you can check out what's coming up here.

1118 8th Ave.
South Slope
718-801-8375
Online: powerhouseon8th.com

Strand Bookstore

You might already love this bookstore — now you can give your children a reason to love it, too. The large bookstore stocks an eclectic selection of books, many of which can be purchased at a discounted price. Visit the space for Family Hour, which includes storytime and readings for kids on Saturdays and some Sundays. You can also find plenty of old and new children's books here, as well as perfect gifts for book lovers like plushies and quirky toys themed around reading and learning.

828 Broadway at 12th St.
Greenwich Village
212-473-1452
Online: strandbooks.com

Astoria Bookshop

This charming bookstore in the heart of Astoria is a welcoming place for families to browse and relax together. It hosts Thursday storytimes (you can even volunteer to read for storytime, if you want!), as well as unique events like chess lessons for 3-year-olds and a young adult reading book club (which offers 10% off on the month's book).

Many of its other events not specifically created for children are still welcoming to the whole family. Get the whole family in on the 2019 reading BINGO challenge!

31-29 31st St.
Astoria
718-278-2665
Online: astoriabookshop.com

Every Thing Goes Book Cafe and Neighborhood Stage

Used books, events, and whimsy abound in this Staten Island location. This bookstore also sells coffee, chocolate, as well as records and DVDs, and hosts art and performances in its indoor and outdoor patio space. The space is small and selection is limited but the whole family can enjoy a trip to sip a hot beverage and browse the used books as live music plays.

208 Bay St.
Staten Island
718-447-8256
Online: etgstores.com

—Yuliya Geikhman

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Just Opened: Sweets By Chloe

by Lambeth HochwaldSeptember 28, 2016

If the idea of vegan desserts — sweets made with no animal or dairy products — makes you a bit suspicious (i.e., can they really be that tasty?), there’s a new vegan bakery that would love you to swing by. Sweets by Chloe, which debuted in the West Village last week, is serving up cakes, cookies and more that rival the non-vegan competition. (Plus: it’s all certified Kosher, too!) We stopped by to taste the goods!

photo: Mikey Pozarik

How Sweet It Is
A modern space with a touch of retro charm, this Greenwich Village shop is a brand expansion from Chloe Coscarelli, an award-winning vegan chef and bestselling cookbook author, who opened the first by Chloe vegan restaurant right next door. (She made her first big splash as the winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and is the first vegan chef to win a culinary competition on national television.)

The vegan mini empire is dedicated to sharing “delicious, wholesome, plant-based food that fuels and energizes without compromising flavor, taste or satisfaction.” (Making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and preserve the water supply are also key tenets of the business.)

photo: Mikey Pozarik

Inside Sweets By Chloe
Done up in pink-and-white-striped decor, the bright space exudes cheer with sparkly cases filled with tempting sweet treats, from the inimitable Matcha Chocolate Babka ($3.50/slice) to the signature Cinnamon Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookie, a massive crispy cookie that’s big enough to share ($2.50).

Your little one will go nuts over the super-moist frosted cupcakes (naturally) so why not pair them with a selection from the Almond Mylk Bar (the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry milks ($4.95/bottle) are made from scratch every morning). Voila: One of the yummiest snack duos in tow, whether you stop in before school or for an after school treat.

The bakery is also a one-stop birthday party stop. Three-layer birthday cakes are ready to go, and you can also visit the website to place an order. Additional celebratory supplies include mini-balloon packages ($12) , confetti bombs ($10), cards by Chloe ($4.95) and, right by the register, mini number sparklers ($4.95). New Yorkers: Let’s start eating some vegan, plant-based, Kosher cake!

Sweets by Chloe
185 Bleecker St.
Greenwich Village
http://www.bychefCHLOE.com

What’s your favorite new sweet shop in the city? Tell us in the comments below!

— Lambeth Hochwald

10 Best NYC Shoe Stores for Kids

by Rachel SokolSeptember 3, 2014

Whether your kids attend public or private school, their back-to-class ensembles won’t be complete without some great kicks on their little feet. Check out some of the best shoe stores for kids in Manhattan and the boroughs so your kids can go back to school in style, from head to toe! This list of favorites includes a shop where you can get a haircut at the same time and ones with sizes for the whole family from newborn to adult. (Don’t feel too guilty if you pick up some new shoes for yourself in the process – it’s hard to resist temptation!)

The New York Tradition: Harry’s Shoes for Kids. A real New York gem, Harry’s Shoes has been selling footwear to adults in the city since the 1930’s, and their amazing, stand alone children’s store (located half a block north of the main store) carries shoes for kids of all ages and foot sizes. Popular brands for the little ones include Biomechanics, Sperry, Hush Puppies and Primigi. (2315 Broadway, Upper West Side)

The “we don’t wanna leave!” shop: Ibiza Kidz. A well-known and well-stocked shoe, toy and clothing store, Ibiza Kidz isn’t just a great place to find a great pair of back-to-school sneakers or boots. It’s the kind of store that caterers to kids and aims to keep them busy while you work on outfitting them. They’ll love playing in the carpeted sections – that is, when they’re not shouting, “Mommy, can I pleeease have this?!” Popular shoes in stock this season include brands Geox, Primigi, Saucony and more. (830 Broadway, Greenwich Village)

Image courtesy of Yelp

The fashion-forward store: Tip Top Kids. The owner of this kids’ shoe store says this season, both short boots and tall boots are walking out the door, riding boots – both flat and with wedges – are popular, brown leathers are coming on strong especially with the ‘worn look,’ and kids are gravitating towards silver rubber Hunter boots and styles from Steve Madden, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfinger and more. Always popular, Skechers with lights, are also in-demand. Be forewarned that this store can get busy, so you may want to go in off hours if you can. Need shoes for yourself? Visit the adult outpost next door. (149 W 72nd St., Upper West Side)

The ‘Who Knew?’ shoe store: Shoe Parlor. When walking past Shoe Parlor, both locals and pedestrians may not immediately realize this large store also carries a variety of children’s shoes at great prices. They even sell baby shoes. Kids and parents are on the hunt for Converse, New Balance, Doc Maartens, and Sketchers this season. (851 Seventh Ave., Midtown West)

The trusty chain: Stride Rite. When it comes to chain stores, Stride Ride is aces; they’ve been fitting tiny toes for generations. This well-known shop carries its own line of colorful sneakers and shoes for boys and girls, but you’ll also find other brands such as Merrell, Hush Puppies and Crocs. Their niche theme shoes include Sesame Street, Disney and Star Wars for those kids that just gotta have their characters. (151 W 34th St., Midtown West)

The place for exclusive styles: Little Eric Shoes. This family-run shop carries its own exclusive line for children. (Celebs stop in to get kicks for their kids.) All high-quality leather shoes under the Little Eric label are manufactured in Italy and best-sellers include cowboy boots in vibrant colors, traditional Mary Janes, basic loafers and ballerina flats in various styles. Kids can also take a ride on the store’s mechanical train and horse. (1118 Madison Ave., Upper East Side)

–Rachel Sokol

NYC’s Top 10 Ice Cream Sandwiches

by Ashly GrzybAugust 18, 2014

Nothing makes a sweet tooth happier than cold creamy ice cream stuck between two gooey chewy cookies. From traditional vanilla and chocolate chip to a mountainous donut sandwich, these unique and delicious ice cream sandwiches will have your kiddos begging for more. Be a cool mom and let the kids indulge in one (or more) of these ten crave-able, shareable, ice cream sandwiches.

Photo courtesy of Larissa R. via Yelp

1. Sweet and Salty

During the summer months, you’ll find delicious, yet not-too-sweet ice cream sandwiches with a pinch of salt from The Good Batch at Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg. Nutella lovers will obsess over their Vanilla Nutella sandwich made with chocolate butter cookies with Nutella buttercream, toasted hazelnuts and vanilla ice cream from Blue Marble. Also known for their Dutch Classic Stroopwafel, The Good Batch is opening their first retail store in Clinton Hill this fall (936 Fulton Street).

Coolest Combo: Goodwich - oat chocolate chunk cookie with vanilla ice cream and drizzled in fudge

Indulge: The Good Batch, Smorgasburg Williamsburg (Sat.); Smorgasburg Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5, Brooklyn Heights (Sun.); Umami Burger, 432 Avenue of the Americas, Greenwich Village

Where do you get your ice cream sandwich fix? Share in the comments below.

– Ashly Grzyb

More S’mores Please: 3 Make-Your-Own S’mores Spots

by sarah choiJanuary 11, 2013

You’ve used hot chocolate as a bribe one too many times this winter and the charm is starting to fade. It’s time for the big guns. What else can satisfy a sweet tooth and provide a much needed indoor activity when it’s cold outside? Making s’mores, of course. While s’mores cupcakes are all the rage these days, you can still find a few places to make your own s’mores with a real (tabletop) fire and all. Here’s the go-to list of where to go when a camp fire is out of reach but you’re looking for a warming culinary adventure.

Visit the Downtown Chocolate Factory
Just steps from Union Square sits Max Brenner, the famous chocolate emporium that makes Willy Wonka look like a lightweight. Gourmands will love the pure melted chocolate and banana toffee that accompanies the Urban S’mores here. A miniature grill is also brought tableside to toast the marshmallows and make your s’mores experience authentic. Afterwards, visit Union Square Park Playground to get that sugar energy out so the commute home is a quiet one.

Max Brenner
841 Broadway
(Greenwich Village)
New York, Ny
Online: maxbrenner.com

A Cozy Experience at Così
We love a place that has a specially designed tray just for making s’mores! Così is known for delicious flatbread sandwiches, but did you know they have some killer desserts too? The s’mores platter comes with bamboo skewers and a tiny hibachi for grilling your marshmallows. Portions are generous so your gang won’t need to fight over who gets what. The best news yet – you can order the entire s’mores kit with hibachi grill, wooden tray and fixings online to replicate the cozy experience home.

Così, 27 locations throughout NYC Metropolitan Area
NY: 12 Manhattan locations, Laguardia Airport, Rye, Mount Kisco, Larchmont, and New Rochelle
NJ: 2 Jersey City locations, Morristown, Livingston, Hackensack, and Secaucus
CT: 2 Stamford locations, Greenwich, and Avon
Online: getcosi.com

S’mores Delivered to Your Door
If leaving your pad in the middle of winter and trekking to the perfect s’mores experience feels like too much work, bring the party home with S’more Bakery. Local s’more aficionado Sarah Warren will deliver handmade gourmet s’mores from Brooklyn right to your door. Try the S’morgasm – when a bourbon-Madagascar vanilla bean marshmallow meets cinnamon sugar and clover honey graham crackers and is spread with a layer of Callebaut semisweet chocolate ganache.

If you’re feeling fiery, turn your gas stove on or light a Sterno and roast an earl grey marshmallow to place on top of a cocoa sugar graham cracker spread with chocolate espresso ganache. Warren’s ingredients are sold separately so you can try your hand at the perfect s’mores combination at home.

S’more Bakery
Look out for S’more Bakery at Smorgasburg (April 2013)
Online: smorebakery.com

Where do you take your kiddo when he or she want smores?

— Sarah Choi

Photo credit:
BK Bakery – S’more Bakery blog
Cosi – Cosi web site
Max Brenner – Emma H
Kid eating s’more – Oakley Originals

ML Interest Tag: greenwich-village

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