Children’s Gifts
As children grow, staying current with everything they need can be a full-time endeavor. Fortunately, these children’s shops in the Bay Area are very savvy and know what kids (and their parents) must have — even before they know themselves!
Rockridge Kids has been a fixture in Oakland for 12 years. This one-stop shop offers furniture, car seats, strollers, books, clothing, toys, feeding accessories and more. “We have the best customer service,” says owner Nishan Shepard.
The Children’s Shoppe, a Menlo Park institution since 1985, serves children from infancy through the preteen years. The shop offers high-quality children’s clothes, shoes from all over the world and a collection of stuffed animals and puzzles. But the biggest draw for kids may be the train yard with Brio trains they can play with while their parents stand by.
In its 17th year of operation, A Child’s Delight is a toy store for the senses. The products emphasize creativity and imagination, with such gems as fish castanets, butterfly binoculars, colorful jump ropes and kick sacks. A Child’s Delight has three locations, in San Rafael, Corte Madera and San Francisco. Customers can see the extensive inventory online.
East Bay
Rockridge Kids
Oakland
(510) 601-5437
www.rockridgekidsstore.com
Peninsula/South Bay
The Children’s Shoppe
Menlo Park
(650) 854-8854
www.thechildrensshoppe.com
North Bay
A Child’s Delight
San Rafael
(415) 499-0736
www.achildsdelight.com
Judaica & Books
Judaica stores offer a special kind of shopping experience. Going online is nothing like stepping into one of these beautiful stores and being able to browse and touch before buying.
Dayenu has operated inside the JCC of San Francisco for seven years. The location provides easy access to everything needed for festivals, holidays and special occasions. Artwork and crafts are for sale, along with menorahs, seder plates and other essentials. “We wanted to combine our Jewish life with our business life,” says Eva-Lynne Leibman, co-owner with Hiroko Nogami-Rosen. “It’s a beautiful store with beautiful items.”
Looking for a feminist seder plate? Check out Afikomen Judaica in Berkeley, where this unique plate comes with seven trays, including one for an orange to represent women’s contributions in history. Afikomen, in its 20th year, is an integral part of the community, says owner Rabbi Chaim Mahgel-Friedman. “Our customers see us as a community institution.”
A love for Judaica and Judaism prompted Nurit Sabadosh to open Alef Bet Judaica in Los Gatos with her husband, Yuri. “I love Judaica and I know my stuff, and maybe I can teach the world,” she says with a laugh. The store showcases American and Israeli artists and handmade items, from jewelry to menorahs to candlesticks. Sabadosh credits her success to the fact that “I have such good customers.”
The Women of Rodef Sholom/Sisterhood Gift Shop is conveniently located inside the Marin JCC. Customers will find dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers on hand to help them find what they need. The store has a rich inventory, with products ranging from Judaica made in Israel to fair trade art pieces. One of the store’s most popular items is the collection of mezuzahs. “We have them from all over the world,” says manager Sharon Gordon.
San Francisco
Dayenu
JCC of San Francisco
(415) 563-6563
www.dayenu.com
East Bay
Afikomen Judaica
Berkeley
(510) 655-1977
www.afikomen.com
Peninsula/South Bay
Alef Bet Judaica
Los Gatos
(408) 370-1818
www.alefbetjudaica.com
North Bay
Women of Rodef Sholom/Sisterhood Gift Shop
San Rafael
(415) 444-8098
www.marinjcc.org