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Rockridge Kids
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Shopping Department Stores Shopping Fashion Department Stores Shopping Fashion Children's Clothing Toy Stores, Department Stores, Children's Clothing [Edit]
5511 College Ave(between Forest St & Lawton Ave)
Oakland, CA 94618
Neighborhood: North Oakland
(510) 601-5437
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
49 reviews for Rockridge Kids
Review Highlights
"wide selection of toys, books, clothes and baby gear."
(in 5 reviews)
"They offer gift wrapping and take cards."
(in 4 reviews)
"Excellent customer service and always have what I'm looking..."
(in 3 reviews)
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Charlene L.
Berkeley, CA
8/23/2011
My family and I went to Rockridge Kids to purchase a car seat for my toddler. I had pre-chosen one based upon shoddy internet research, but then the wonderful manager came over and convinced me (based upon her personal experience) to purchase another model. Now, mind you, the model she recommended was quite a bit cheaper than the model I had originally wanted to buy.
And, because I was buying a floor model, she gave me 15% off even though it had only been on display for 3 weeks.
But the best part was that she had us bring our car up to the store and she both fitted the car seat for my son and then installed it into the car.
How's that for quality service?
This truly is a mom-and-pop type store with great service and a knowledgable staff. I also like how all the car seats are on the floor (not high up on a shelf like they are at Target) so I can actually sit my son in them to see which fits best. -
Review from Kate C.
Oakland, CA
2/3/2012
After visiting Rockridge Kids again today, I'm sorry to say that the third time does not seem to be a charm. We are expecting our first baby, and I would like to support a local shop instead of a chain store. Unfortunately, Rockridge Kids has lost our business. I have stopped in before and the customer service was hit or miss. One time I got a friendly greeting, and another time nothing. When I went in today, I was never acknowledged or approached by a staff member (there were several). They seemed very preoccupied with inventory. Keep in mind that this was a slow Thursday afternoon - it was just me and one other person in the store. After looking around at all the gear (which, by the way, is pretty overpriced and can be found cheaper elsewhere), I gave up and left. This follows a bad experience that my husband had a few months back. He went in to pick up a baby gift for me, and he was never greeted or acknowledged by the staff, despite spending a while browsing. When he took his purchase to the counter, they didn't ask if the sleeper was a gift (obviously!) or offer gift wrap. So much for customer service. It's too bad because we really wanted to like this place and patronize an Oakland business...
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Review from Sarah W.
Oakland, CA
4/3/2011
Tons of baby gear- from cribs and strollers to high chairs and feeding supplies. Very cute/stylish baby clothes, accessories &shoes.
Nice selection of books and toys. -
Review from A E.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 7/16/2010
I previously gave this review 3 stars for great selection and terrible customer service. I went back again today because a fellow mom friend really wanted to go. This time I thought it was much better and the staff friendlier. I bought a couple things but then when I got home, one of the items was damaged!
This means: I have to load the baby in the car,
drive all the way down there,
find parking,
pay for parking,
pull baby out of car and wheel in there,
and then do an exchange for an un-damaged product and probably open box to make sure it is okay,
wheel baby back to car,
load baby in car,
drive all the way home,
take baby out.
If you all don't have a baby, just replace that with squirmy sack-of-potatoes and this sack doesn't like the carseat, car rides and will loudly say so.
perhaps it's just been a long day, but god-bless it! Can't a business make sure their items are not damaged before they put it on the shelf?? THIS is why small businesses are losing profit to Amazon.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2009
I read all these reviews on another site about how the staff is super friendly and helpful, but that… Read more »
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Review from Danielle F.
Brooklyn, NY
12/5/2010
Mercedes is THE most helpful person ever!
I could not figure out my car seat and went in and she offered her assistance right away :)
This is why we must invest in small businesses versus the larger chain stores that seem to employ folks who just don't care... :) -
Review from Kenny L.
12/25/2008 1 Check-in Here
There comes a time in your life when you realize that while you are still young (in heart, at least), you are not as young as you used to be. For me, that time is now for the following reasons:
1. My 10 year high school reunion is fast approaching which means...
2. I've known my college friends for almost a decade now and...
3. Those friends are starting to be fruitful and they are most definitely multiplying.
One of my best friends just became a father right before Thanksgiving. I resolved to get his newborn daughter a present for Christmas, but what? I don't know a thing about babies. Well, I do know where they come from, so that means I know exactly one thing about babies.
Rockridge Kids to the rescue.
This place has toys for babies and kids and most of these toys have some kind of educational value. Educational or not, most of these toys are very cool. So cool that I am jealous of my friend's daughter, because nobody ever bought stuff for me at Rockridge Kids when I was a kid.
But, it is the season of giving.
I bought her a "Mozart Cube." Leave it to the guy who has a degree in music to gift a newborn baby a Mozart Cube.
All I'm saying is that if she grows up to be an intelligent woman who has an appreciation of Classical Music. They'll have me to thank.Listed in: The Land of Priuses and Baby…
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Review from Sara G.
CA
2/18/2008
What Buddy Man wants, Buddy Man GETS! And we go to Rockridge Kids to get it!
AHAHHAH... ok, thats a lie! But when Buddy Man's mom needs a great selection and a staff that can help her make the best decision possible, this is the place! Buddy man hasnt walked away with much from R.K. - partly because he isnt walking - but we were very pleased to snag a Sooper "high chair" thingamabob that clips onto the table. Add to that a cup holder for the stroller, and we're ready to go!
I havent been reviewing like I used to - because e'erybody, i am TIRED (new mom thing, im told)! But suffice to say, I love this place and if it werent for Mr. Buddy Man (Buddy Man's Dad) and his hold on the purse strings, I'd be back there tomorrow stocking up on all sorts of kid's stuff.
So to finish my review in the cliche'd manner in which I began...
RUN, dont walk, to Rockridge kids!
Love,
Sara -
Review from John G.
9/7/2008
Top of the line kids speciality store. Great place to look and shop. Very knowledgeable staff. Was very impressed with their customer service. Billy went out of his way to help, and walked me to the exact item I was looking for.
They have a nice table set up with a train set, blocks and other items for kids to play with. Lot's of new moms, older moms, dads, and grandparents walking around. Very friendly. You can get good advice on your child just from stopping and talking to a fellow customer.
Selection is great, and if you want something the don't have, they will order it for you out of their catalogues.
Way different from a Toys R Us type of place with plastic everything. The ones here are usually made of wood or a better material, very usable for long periods of time. Also, many are very educational.
A great stop for you and your child. -
Review from Roland L.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2010
Any time I need something like a stroller, car seat, I just go directly here because their selection is well-edited and I don't have to think. I just go, talk to one of the very informed staff, and buy whatever they recommend. I trust them.
They don't have a big selection of kids shoes and wardrobe though, so if you're looking for cute things, I would go elsewhere. I always see this place as a "kids hardware" place--the big stuff. -
Review from Mollie M.
Berkeley, CA
6/13/2008
This store has a bit of everything. Unfortunately that also means that it's hard to go in looking for something in particular. Youre better off going in with an open mind, and what they have is great! Seems the gear is more of focus here than toys. Great staff too.
Expensive, so I need to minus a star.Listed in: Baby, oh baby
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Review from Caitlin L.
Oakland, CA
6/12/2008
This is a great neighborhood kids store. Some things are a little more expensive than at Babies R Us and you'll still want to buy your diapers and wipes elsewhere, but it's nice to support a local small business and of course they also have a lot of items that the big chains don't carry.
I especially like their wall of BPA and Phthlate-free feeding items. It makes me feel safe and taken care of.
Their staff is friendly and helpful and never pushy. If you want stroller advice, this place is fantastic. I have to admit I ended up buying a stroller elsewhere, but mainly just because I ended up getting a Bugaboo and they choose not to carry the Bugaboo because the price point was understandably pissing off the customers.Listed in: I love Oakland!!, Urban Baby
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Review from Micki B.
Carlsbad, CA
2/24/2006
You (lost, desperate new mom): "My girlfriend told me about..."
YUP! We got it! Those are the magic words you want to hear from a friendly clerk who leads you to whatever the hell it is that you yearn for, or perhaps, more accurately...your baby screams for. I found the uber-sling, super slippers, bundlers, sippy cups, etc. And they are happy to see you and even happier to help you.
I went back for the false security of a bunch of ridiculous baby gear that I didn't need, but as a first-timer, I just felt better owning. It's the little things that get you through.
After the children get older, the necessities change a bit. And with two little ones and fifty percent of the store chock full of toys--it is just the place to drop a penny or two on "the basics". I mean, who doesn't need a radio flyer. It's the least you can do for yourself after 2.5 years of diapers in your future! -
Review from Noey P.
Union City, CA
11/13/2009
I heart this neighborhood store. I would bring my little brother and sister here whenever I picked them up from school at Chabot Elementary and let them choose one thing each. That was when my brother still played with Thomas and my sister loved Playmobil. They're a bit older now and have unfortunately "graduated" to video games and YouTube, but I just had a munchkin of my own so I'm a guaranteed customer for years to come.
Not only does Rockridge Kids have cool toys for kids, they have a huge selection of goods for babies and new parents. From cribs to breast pumps, diaper bags to BPA-free teethers, they have it all. Well, not ALL. They don't have all the cheap junk you'd find at your Babies R Us etc. and carry only safe, high quality merch.
I absolutely love coming into this store to peruse the aisles of all these things I "need." =P You better believe I'll be back to get that Cloud B Twilight Turtle once it becomes age-appropriate for my little peanut. Hahah -
Review from Jenn C.
2/16/2011
I will never have kids of my own so this review is speaking strictly from a non-critter having person's perspective. This was a really great place to find a baby shower gift - they have tremendously compelling toys & clothing and other baby accouterments My friend was delighted with the gift - and my shopping buddy was also equally thrilled with the store. Excellent customer service - can't speak to the prices since I don't usually go into these kinds of establishments, but I was able to find something reasonably cute and within my budget. .
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Review from Allison L.
Berkeley, CA
8/12/2007
Hey, I didn't see the plastic dim sum!
I did enjoy reliving my kid-past (hey, they have Slinkys and those plastic things that pop together, whatever they're called) and watching the expectant parents paddle in and listen to the very knowledgable owner compare strollers.
I don't have kids and probably never will, but my boyfriend had to do some shopping for his nephew and new niece. We walked out with $42 worth of merchandise and big smiles. -
Review from Emily C.
Oakland, CA
2/14/2011
I love their selection here. I've gotten teething toys, hats, feeding supplies, and other kid basics at this store. They are always super helpful and have someone on hand to explain products to customers. I love supporting the local store instead of Baby's R Us, although there have been reasons why the chain has gotten some of my service (a specific bag I wanted, use of a gift card, etc). I love their book section and how they have older kid toys too. They offer gift wrapping and take cards. There are strollers, baby carriers, breastfeeding supplies, some furniture/bedding, and lots of other small items.
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Review from Nancy W.
Emeryville, CA
6/15/2009
Fabulous local store that provides all the needs of the baby. I love this place because it is local and they have a very helpful staff that provide great information.
If we ever need any thing for our son we can always depend on this place. -
Review from D Q.
Emeryville, CA
8/24/2009
Now I dont have kids but I am Super Auntie!
So every time I need a present which is either books or shoes, this has been a great place to go. I usually go on See Kai Run web site and give them a call, to see if they have it.
Thank you Rockridge Kids for making me cooler than I really am. -
Review from Quyen T.
Berkeley, CA
1/4/2011
I didn't come here to buy toys, but stuff for nursing my babies and, boy! They do have a great selection of toys, clothing, nursing paraphernalia, diaper bags, car seats, etc. I was amazed at just how much merchandise this place carries. It's definitely worth coming here if you are looking for something for yourself and/or your babies and for gifts for others who are having babies. I will definitely return in the near future!
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Review from Bayarea K.
Berkeley, CA
3/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Very friendly service. Great selection and great prices.
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Review from Andrea K.
Oakland, CA
8/26/2009
very friendly and helpful staff. I used to get a lot here when my children were little- not so good once your children are over 5.
prices are moderate, but I can often get a lower price by trolling the internet. -
Review from jane l.
5/9/2011
wide selection of toys, books, clothes and baby gear. great customer service. awesome gift wrapping service. super cute card selection. and the place was crawling with adorable little ones.
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Review from Mary F.
Berkeley, CA
9/12/2007
Don't ask me why I needed a Thomas the Tank Engine metal lunch box... just go with me here. Rockridge kids has to be one of the best locally owned kid stores in Oakland. You can never leave without getting something for that little person (not midget, I'm pretty sure they would not find it funny) in your life. And any store with a decent selection of unicorn paraphernalia (finger and hand puppets, mini figurines, coin keepers) gets an A in my book. You can find old educational toys, train whistles, old school bike horns, and awesome piggy bank things here. There's also a decent selection of kids clothes and other necessities (booster seats, strollers, ect). The staff is insanely helpful to the point where you briefly think that the stores run by pedophiles, everyone loves kids.... then you realize they are just good people and want to shoot yourself in the face for what a cynically lewd ass you have become. Oh look! Unicorns! The world is candy sunshine again.
But if you don't have kids, never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever EVAR EVAH take your girl friend hear unless you want her to utter the sex life death call:
"Let's make a baby"Listed in: I will Mary Poppins your ass
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Review from Celeste C.
Oakland, CA
7/11/2008
I love this store. In particular because you can go in and ask a question about a product, and they take the time to actually inform you. The staff seems to have working knowledge of the products, at least, Christian does! And there is never any sort of pressure to buy anything. Its a pricey store, but most kid stores are. I feel better spending my money here because its small, friendly and I feel like my purchases are based on being well informed.
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Review from Tamara M.
Oakland, CA
12/7/2010
We enjoy going to Rockridge Kids and get most of our big items there ie: strollers, car seats, etc. They have always been very helpful, will hold items for me until I can get there, order special things which come in quickly, and help me find what I am looking for. They even installed my baby seat in my car for me to make sure it was safe. We are lucky to have such a well stocked small business in the area!
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Review from mandy f.
Oakland, CA
11/27/2005
I don't have children and don't plan on it anytime soon, but that doesn't mean I can't have an opinion of Rockridge Kids. Rockridge Kids is a toy store, baby furniture shop, and clothing store rolled into one--a parent's one stop shop. Appropriately located in family-oriented Rockridge, this shop has a nice selection of fun toys for kids of all ages. I'm partial to the plastic dim sum and the puppets. They also have a small, but good selection of storybooks.
Listed in: Rockridge--Is this really…
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Review from Ginger L.
Dublin, CA
9/15/2008
Decent prices and they didn't try to rip me off with my mattress purchase like Baby World on Telegraph. Good selection of toys for kids of all ages but I found their nursery items to be lacking. Not a lot of selection at all and shelves seem somewhat empty. Will pay them another visit if I am in the area.
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Review from seven s.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 7/2/2010
latest visit: my last errand of the day before heading to the hospital to visit my 6 year old nephew was to get a gift at rockridge kids. get to the door.....CLOSED....oh nooo! but wait, the door is still unlocked...peek in..."sorry we just closed...:/...but what do you need?" me: "doodle pad, and 2 books" cute girl at front counter: "ok come on in..." me: "THANK YOU THANK YOU!" she was nice enough to let me get the gifts, she didn't even know how desperate i was (well maybe she could tell by the look on my frantic face!)
Thank you Rockridge Kids and thank you cute girl at the counter! You saved me. This is why this store is Best of Oakland! Excellent customer service and always have what I'm looking for.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/14/2009
This is the go-to store when I need a baby/kid gift. Prices are a little higher, but for that you… Read more »
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Review from chris b.
Oakland, CA
8/8/2010
Baby boutiques are expensive, so dont think you can't find like items for less... That being said, this place is top notch. A great selection and variety of all products.
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Review from Aspasia s.
San Francisco, CA
6/6/2006
One stop shop for childrens' stuff - clothes, toys, books, some kiddie furnitures. Bought a few goodies for my one year old niece and found reasonably priced playware. The restroom is tiny yet cheerfully decorated; quite impractical given that parents usually need more space when changing diapers or relieving their toilet trainee kid.
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Review from Gr R.
Richmond, CA
12/26/2009
Oh WHATEVER on the wonderful reviews this place has, phhhw! I went there with my husband and 4 year old Daughter recently with the intention of buying a stroller that I had done extensive research on, and read multiple reviews about, so I was comfortable with my pre selected product. ALLL i needed from the staff which all but ignored us upon entering the store was for them to go to the back and get it for us. Well instead what I got was some girl that worked there that has no kids but nannies telling me what a horrible stroller it was, that I was better off with a single stroller and making my other kid walk...which is what she does to the kids she sits for, she lets one ride in the stroller, and makes the other one scooter HALF AN HOUR to the park?!?!?!? Anyway, she told me more about her nanny job than about what my real options were...
I was like, well I am specifically looking for a stroller that will accommodate my older kid when I take LONG trips to the mall or to Disneyland or whatever. Even when I told her this, she insisted that I was not purchasing a good product....GReAT sales tactics here! I was very annoyed because seriously, if a customer comes in with something in mind, why not just help them with their purchase instead of trying to talk me out of what I want, for something that is much less practical for me? I also wanted a sling, and with 10 minutes before closing, they shut the lights out, so after I finished speaking with the GENIUS sales girl, it was too late for me to go check out what they had in that area. I do not think that I will ever go back there, I feel like the people at Baby's R us are actually more helpful than the folks here, and for the organic/independent brand stuff I can always order on-line. I hate this area anyway so there is no need for me to go out of my way to come here. See kai runs? Nordstrom carries them, so problem solved. -
Review from Lisa B.
Oakland, CA
8/3/2006
I could not have survived my maternity leave without this store. Who has time to load up an infant and trek all the way to some hellacious mega-mart like babies-r-us? Instead you can casually shop in this comfortable environment and be assisted by clerks like Christian who seem to know everything about baby gear.
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Review from Dorene K.
Alameda, CA
7/24/2007
My top 5 reasons for loving Rockridge Kids:
1. Staff are great and can tell you the pros/cons of various products, and why some cost more than others (for what seem to be the same thing). They were really helpful when I needed to get a high chair and carseat.
2. They provide great gift recommendations and make you (the giver) look good. Nice (complimentary) gift wrapping too.
3. For East Bay dwellers, it's a bazillion times easier than getting to Lullaby Lane, and a lot less stressful than heading to Toys R Us in Hayward
4. Great products that you can't find at the big box stores
5. Train table to occupy my toddler so I can shop in (relative) peace
I took a star off because as an independent store, they can be a bit pricey on some items. Also, they get a bit chaotic on the weekends so service levels can vary if you're there at a really busy time.
Free parking in the residential area behind the store is usually pretty easy to find. -
Review from Sirena M.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2009
I don't know what i'd do without this store. We live walking distance and come here almost every day to just sit and play with the train table and read books.
I have also purchased my stroller, car seats, crib mattress and tons of gifts here. (awesome FREE giftwrapping)
The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable!
I LOVE THIS STORE!!!! -
Review from Hilary A.
Oakland, CA
7/26/2008
Rockridge Kids really is the best toy store we've ever been too. Yes - sometimes the prices are higher than other toy stores, but we have NEVER ever been hassled and my kids play there for HOURS. Many times we go there to play and don't buy a thing. I have seen parents apologize to the store manager (Christian) because their child broke something or opened a box and he is always gracious and forgiving [ie: "we'll just use it as a display item"]. It's also just a great place to meet other Moms, kids, and nannies in the neighborhood and they are the MOST knowledgeable staff - they will even tell you where to get products that they are out of or don't sell.
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Review from Betsy B.
El Cerrito, CA
3/7/2009
I visited Rockridge Kids for the first time today. I'd been wanting to check out their selection of slings, but have been too tired to drag my VERY pregnant self down there. The selection seems great, and I was pleased to see a few items that I'd previously only seen online (e.g. Arm's Reach Cosleeper sheets, Kangaroo Korner slings).
Unfortunately, I wasn't really able to fully check out the slings, as one of their employees was camped out in front of the sling display the entire time I was in the store (I think he was re-organizing the box of sample slings on the floor in front of the display). I lingered around the display for a while, then tried to look at a few items just above where he was working, but couldn't really find the size I wanted. Not once was I asked if I needed help, or even if I needed him to move so I could actually reach the display. I'm 40.5 weeks pregnant, and big as a house, so it's not like he didn't see me hovering over him either. I ended up just leaving the store, feeling like I had wasted my time.
I will probably be back at some point with my baby, to try out the slings. It does seem like a nice store, and hopefully I will have a better customer service experience next time. -
Review from Melanie a.
Oakland, CA
6/9/2009
OK, so I am 9 months pregnant with my second son. My first is 2 years old... time and money is tight and patience even tighter. I don't know why I didn't go into this store first when looking/ searching/ agonizing over a double stroller and additional car seat. But I went everywhere else first... had multiple items shipped to me, just to be disappointed and have to return (read wasted money on shipping) and well getting a little concerned as I am about to birth any day... and well that means time and patience will get even tighter!
Now I didn't go here first (even though it is minutes from my house) because I figured it was going to be more expensive than a bigger chain stores... because to be truthful some of their boutique toys are a little pricey... BUT I walk in and am greeted by the owner within seconds. They have an excellent array of carseats and strollers AND the owner is a wiz on all of them. How to work them, pros and cons and puts things together for me in seconds... and now get this... their prices were the best I have come across... the Graco Snugride was better than the Graco website! The Phil and Ted's same thing... better than the company... better than the internet and better than REI! OK, now we are cooking!
I bought the carseat and (ordered the stroller for delivery next week) got the colors I wanted (they had colors that I didn't know were available even), paid and my husband and son were still comfortably sitting in the loading zone outside (meaning it took me 10-15 minutes TOPS!). There was a sweet young man who carried and loaded my car seat out for me. Yippy, they really know how to make a preggie lady happy. I will go to this store first on all of my kid basics. Oh and PS, they install and check car seats installment for safety M-F... and have been for 17 years. Gotta love them. Thanks guys, you made my day! :-) -
Review from june b.
Piedmont, CA
4/8/2010
What a nice store in the heart of Rockridge. They have a good selection, and staff is friendly. Not the cheapest, but I much prefer supporting a local store than Babys R Us, for example. The quality is better, anyway, and it's a good shopping experience.
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Review from Albert F.
Oakland, CA
5/27/2008
Best store ever for new parents and parents with small kids (up to 5). There staff is an incredible resource in negotiating through the maze of baby gear. Christian and Nishan know this stuff so well that they can steer you in the right direction. You may pay a little more for each item, but, trust me, you will ultimately save because you will avoid buying all that useless crap that you might buy at Baby's R Us or another useless chain store.
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Review from C M.
Oakland, CA
1/27/2009
A long-time favorite of local families. Particularly good for kids in the newborn to 5 yr old range. The expanded store offers nice selection of clothing for newborns and toddlers. Prices are competitive, service is friendly and knowledgeable. And they do nice things like gift wrap for free, show you how to safely install a car seat, and maintain a gift list / registry for you. Only wish is that they offered more choices for older kids.
