2017 Readers' Favorites: Shopping + Services
Children’s Boutique: Fancy Pants
Whether your are looking for designer outfits or just day-to-day play sets, Fancy Pants is your go-to place for children’s clothing. Choose from American and European designers, including an extensive collection of items for boys. 1025 Providence Road, Charlotte. fancypantschildren.com.
Children’s Consignment Shop: Once Upon a Child
If there’s something you’re looking for and you don’t need it new, chances are you can find it at Once Upon a Child. Shop for gently used clothing and shoes, toys and gear at this consignment store, or bring in your own items to sell and receive payment instantly. Locations in Charlotte, Gastonia, Concord and Mooresville. onceuponachild.com.
Family Photographer: AJ West Photography
Specializing in heirloom photos for maternity, baby, families and weddings, AJ West gets rave reviews for her eye to detail, and personable manner with children. ajwestphotography.com.
Local Toy Store: Toys and Co.
The 9,000-square foot store in Cotswold Village carries specialty books, games and toys like LEGOS, Thomas and Friends and Melissa and Doug products and has enough space to host special events. They also wrap birthday gifts on the spot. 242 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. toysandco.com.
Place to Buy Shoes for Kids: Stride Rite
The outlet store in Concord Mills is a good place to find the “walking 101” soft-soled shoes for early walkers, along with sneakers and sandals and those featuring your child’s favorite characters. Concord Mills, 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. striderite.com.
Place to Get a Child’s Haircut: Pigtails and Crew Cuts
Kids won’t even realize they’re getting a haircut in this salon with luxuries for kids, including chairs that looks like cars and plans, and favorite children’s videos playing throughout the day. While waiting, kids can play at the wooden train table, and each customer gets to choose a prize from the treasure box after his or her haircut. 9935 Rea Road, and 310 S. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte. pigtailsandcrewcuts.com.
Place to Pamper Mom: The Spa at Ballantyne
The go-to place for pampering a la massages, body treatments, facials, a salon, fitness room and spa dining. Located in The Ballantyne Hotel. 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. theballantynehotel.com.
NEW PARENT RESOURCES
Baby Boutique: Shower Me with Love
Shop for children’s room décor, clothing, toys, baby gear and gifts at this specialty boutique. You can even create a baby registry for your wish list of baby essentials. 4845 Ashley Park Lane. showermewithlove.com.
Best Mommy and Baby Class: Baby and Co.
Meet other new moms and babies in an intimate setting. Classes are open to all – stay-at-home, working, breast- or bottle-feeding — moms. babyandcompany.com
Best Place to Have a Baby: Novant Health Presbyterian Hospital
Spacious maternity suites, personalized breast-feeding services, postpartum education and an advanced neonatal intensive care unit make this an optimal place for expectant mothers to welcome their children into the world. 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte. Other locations in Huntersville and Matthews. novanthealth.org
Babysitting/Nanny Service: Charlotte’s Best Nanny Agency
Families seeking child care and help with household management alike swear by top-notch customer service, quick response time and thoughtful placement choices from this agency. 1244 E. Blvd., Charlotte. charlottesbestnanny.com.
PET SERVICES
Pet Groomer: PetSmart
Take your dog or cat for a grooming treatment from a safety-certified stylist, and then shop for some treats and pet gear on the way out. Multiple locations. petsmart.com.
Pet Boarding: Bow Wow Meow
This in-home pet boarding service and doggie daycare in Waxhaw conveniently provides pick-up and drop-off for pets. facebook.com/bowwowmeowpetsitting.
Veterinarian: Banfield – PetSmart
The Banfield Pet Hospital is located in-house at PetSmart stores and can help create a wellness plan for your pet, as well as flea and tick prevention, emergency care and surgical services. Multiple locations. banfield.com.
See other Readers' Favorites winners here.
