Even children in Paris dress fashionably, so there are plenty of great shops to buy clothes for young ones in the city. Just the same, Parisian kids spend less time on screens than their American counterparts, opting instead to play with toys or games. Given that, there are also some excellent toy shops to visit. Below is a list of five of our favorite children’s boutiques, whether you're in search of clothes, toys or crafts.
Petit Bateau
The beloved children’s brand Petit Bateau has been a children’s clothing staple for over 60 years. They are known for their well-made pajamas and T-shirts in the finest cotton—all produced in France. Petit Bateau stocks a full range of clothing from size 0 for babies up to size 16, including sweaters, coats, dresses, pants, underwear and shirts. Tip: In recent years they’ve added women's sizes in some of the clothing.
Petit Bateau is located at 116 Avenue Des Champs Elysées. Visit www.petit-bateau.fr.
Mandorla Palace
A treasure trove of delightful toys awaits you at Mandorla Palace in the Marais, where there’s no screens, electronics or digital devices. The owner, Sandrine, carries a multitude of toys, games, puzzles, stuffed animals, dolls, backpacks, miniatures, illustrated books and old fashioned swirling tops. Another delight is the wall-mounted stuffed lion, monkey, dolphin, zebra and bear heads. If you're looking for a shop with old-school vibes, this is the place to go.
Mandorla Palace, located at 34 rue Francois, is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.
Petit Pan
Just a block away from Mandorla Palace at 78 rue Francois Miron, Petit Pan is a unique boutique. If sells a combination of crafts, fabric, home accessories and children’s clothing. Walls are lined with rolls of cotton and waxed fabrics in cheerful colors and prints that are sold by the meter. If you look up, you’ll discover rice paper mobiles of seahorses, tigers, giant butterflies, fish, rockets, reindeer, polar bears and (of course) the Eiffel Tower. The adorable baby clothes are in bold colors and incorporate Japanese motifs with quilted fabrics and side ties on the jackets. In the crafts section, glass jars are filled with fabric covered buttons and balls, plus beads, glitter and small bolts of fabric, all for children to create fun crafts.
Petit Pan is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit www.petitpan.com.
Bonton
A four-story wonderland, Bonton is a mini-department store catering to children. On the main floor, there’s a hair salon, photo booth, toys, games and books. On the lower level is furniture,and home accessories for kid’s bedrooms. The upper floors are devoted to girls and boys casual clothing and shoes produced mostly with natural fabrics. Sizes range from three months up to size 12. Good to know: Bonton also has concessions at the BHV and Galeries Lafayette department stores.
Bonton is located at 5 Bd des Filles du Calvaire and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Visit www.bonton.fr
Au Nain Blu
In 1836, Jacques-Edouard Chauvière and his wife Louise, opened a toy shop on Boulevard des Capucines and it was named after a popular card game in the 1800s, Au Nain Blu. After 189 years, Au Nain Blu still upholds its history of the finest toys, exclusively produced in Europe. Some specialties include wood toy sets like stoves, Noah’s Ark with animals, castles, and a kitchenette, big and small cuddly plush toys, rocking horses, and a mini theater with puppets, costumes and dolls.
Au Nain Blu, located at 14 rue Saint Roc, is open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A note for those shopping in Paris for kids: Children’s sizes run smaller in France than in the U.S.
Visit www.aunainbleu.com.
Related Stories
Eurobound Unveils New France Destination and Refreshed Website
Paris Insider: The City's Top Vintage and Resale Shops
Eurobound Launches Itineraries Inspired by “Emily in Paris”
On Site: A Tour of the Recently Reopened Hôtel Balzac, Paris