Best Place to Buy Something for Your Daughter and Indulge Your Girly-Girl Side
Cinnamon Girl
Editors' Pick
If you're looking for cute mommy-and-me matching outfits, this is where you'll find what you're looking for and much, much more. You can spend hours picking through sweet fragrances, unique jewelry, bags, belts and more. Four island-wide locations, cinnamongirl.com.
Best Discount Book Retailer (Used)
Friends of the Library of Hawaii Editors' Pick
Stock up on used children's books, some for as little as 25 cents, at Bill's Bookmobile, run by nonprofit group Friends of the Library of Hawaii. You'll find it parked on Pohukaina street, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Throughout the year, the organization also holds book sales at various library locations, in addition to its massive annual book sale at McKinley High School. 536-4174, friendsofthelibraryofhawaii.org.
Best Discount Book Retailer (New)
T.J. Maxx
Editors' Pick
Web Exclusive
While other national discount chains have been cutting back, readers will find a good supply of new books at T.J. Maxx for amazon.com prices. In addition to the usual Dr. Seuss reads, we found two sets of shelves carrying everything from board books for babies to LEGO and Diary of a Wimpy Kid books for older kids. Don't miss one more area: a rack of books near the cash register carries a nice collection of Sandra Boynton and Eric Carle. Three locations, 484-0930, tjmaxx.com.
Best Place to Buy Kids' Furniture
Kids Emporium/Baby Emporium
Editors' Pick
Though much smaller than the mega-stores, Kids Emporium's selection is well-edited. Owner Tom Kim selects only the highest quality brands, such as Maxtrix modular furniture that “grows with your child” (meaning you customize it as their needs change, making it a smart 15 plus-year investment). It's made of Birch wood, which won't warp in our humid climate. In most cases, items are already in stock, so there's no waiting on shipping. They also offer delivery and assembly. 614 Cooke St., Kakaako, 596-4868, babyemporiumhi.com.
Best Way to Brand Your Baby's Belongings
It's Mine Baby
Editors' Pick
Adorable prints, super-soft fabrics and personalized monograms are a winning combination for this chic, local line. Kwan Lynne Mooney got her start dressing up the burp cloths of her third child, and soon was hand-sewing names on everything from onesies and tank tops to her popular minky-soft blankets. Mooney now has more than 30 designer prints to choose from and recently expanded to a line of modern, printed nursing covers. Itsminebaby.com.
Best Place to Find Second-Hand Treasures
Caterkids
Editors' Pick
Scoop up great deals at this children's resale store, where you'll find baby and kids' clothing, strollers, swings, play yards, furniture at up to 50 percent off retail prices. Plus, you can sell your own new or gently used kids' items for quick cash (without waiting for consignment). Save money and make a little, too. 845-5575, caterkids.com.
Best Vehicle for the Discriminating Parent (Budget-Friendly)
Kia Sorento LX
Editors' Pick
Outstanding fuel economy, pricing, good looks and a seven-person seating capacity make this our pick for best affordable mid-size SUV. MSRP $24,950. 2841 N. Nimitz Highway, airport, 664-0708, alohakiaairport.com.
Best One-Stop Shop for Decorating a Family Home
SoHa Living
Editors' Pick
Although it's known for beachy, elegant home décor, SoHa Living stashes much more on its well-stocked shelves. Near the front of the store, find a colorful mix of unique baby and toddler accessories; in the middle, gourmet, locally made food items for the kitchen are showcased; and, near the cash register, an entire wall full of quirky toys, games and finds are guaranteed to entertain even your pickiest preteen.
Kahala Mall, 591-9777, sohaliving.com.
Best Place to Find Matching Father-and-Son Shirts
Reyn Spooner Editors' Pick
Granted, the selection is somewhat slim, but thanks to signature soft, washed prints, including a few designed by the late artist Alfred Shaheen, Reyn Spooner's boys' aloha shirts are smaller, equally stylish versions of their adult counterparts. We love that toddler sizes sport wider, relaxed lapels while older boys' shirts channel Dad's own button-down collars and slim-fitting cuts. Our only wish is to see more!
Five locations, reynspooner.com.
Best Shopping Center for Families
Kahala Mall
Readers' Pick
There's nothing like a clean, indoor, contained, carpeted space with plenty of room in which kids can roam safely a few steps away from you for an hour or two. Grab a smoothie, a healthy wrap and head to the bookstore, play some games, watch a movie or just shop. 4211 Waialae Ave., Kahala, 732-7736, kahalamallcenter.com.
Best Vehicle for the Discriminating Parent (Luxury)
Audi Hawaii
Editors' Pick
Driving in style with a luxury mid-size SUV with state-of-the-art features is the icing on the cake to what this comfortable cruiser has to offer busy, hard-working, active families. The Q7 will seat seven comfortably, along with soccer, basketball, baseball equipment and more. MSRP $46,800.
2770 Waiwai Loop, Honolulu, 377-4654, audihawaii.com.
Best Gift Card for Teacher Gifts
Price Busters
Editors' Pick
Let's face it, your kids' teachers probably don't need any more scented candles or coffee mugs. A gift card to Price Busters lets them buy what they actually need for their classrooms, including art supplies, decorations, holiday items or various other goodies. Plus, with Price Buster's S.H.A.R.E. Program, teachers, schools and nonprofit organizations can take advantage of special discounts. Eight island-wide locations, pricebustershawaii.com.
Best Place to Buy a Baby Shower Gift
Baby Emporium Readers' Pick 614 Cooke St., Kakaako, 596-4868,babyemporiumhi.com.
Best Kids Apparel
Gymboree Readers' Pick Three locations, gymboree.com.
