Shopping (and Supporting) All Things Babies & Kids in RVA
We wanted to share some locally made items, apparel, shops, gifts, and resources for our little Richmonders. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend, wanting to pick up some local goodies for your own family, or just curious about ways to support the children in our area, then this guide is for you!
— by RVAx Team
Image Source: @teethingaround
LOCALLY MADE
Ayla James Co
We love this shop for their creative sensory and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) kits for kids! We’ve seen really cute ideas like mermaid tye-die kits, superheroes sets, baker kits, and a rainbow sensory set. Ayla James Co also creates custom embroidered clothing as well as accessories and outfits.
Shop Ayla James Co online
Baby Change N Go
This portable changing station was gifted to us directly from the company and we can’t think of a more genius item to have on hand when doody calls. Designed locally, you can use this item in any public bathroom stall to provide a safe, private and clean space to change diapers.
Shop Baby Change N Go online
Beego Handmade
We are all about sustainability which is why we love Beego’s reusable snack bags, cutlery pouches, wet bags, straw pouches, lunch bags, and more! This brand goes beyond use for kids as we’ve been carrying Beego items with us for past few years (the same few bags, actually). Totally worth the price, easy to clean, and holds up over time. With the insane number of toss-away items related to kids, this is just one less thing contributing to the pile. Win, win, win!
Shop Beego Handmade online
Latched Mama
Moms, expecting Moms, and friends and family of Moms can all shop Latched Mama for stylish nursing wear for every season. Shop shirts, dresses, loungewear, and hoodies all designed with breastfeeding mama’s in mind.
Shop Latched Mama online
Play at Whim
This local company is full of wonderful surprises! They’ve operated as a pop-up playhouse hosting events around the city, as a temporary standalone playhouse hosting birthday parties and a place for families to come together to play, and most recently as an online shop for at-home learning and play. RVA’s original sensory kit company, keep an eye on their social media for new kits and you never know what else you may find!
Shop Play at Whim online
Storkshire
Every new parent could use a swaddle and this one is made locally using 100% organic muslin cotton! Plus, for every swaddle purchased, Storkshire donates one to The Richmond Doula Project, a non-profit organization made up of doulas supporting reproductive health with an emphasis on access for people of color, LGBTQI+, and our underserved communities throughout Richmond.
Shop Storkshire online
Teething Around
We stumbled across this local business at the South of the James Farmers Market and grabbed a handmade teether in the shape of a fish (so cute)! They also make matching clips, bibs, and toys.
SHOP LOCAL
From swaddles to blankets, this sweet shop in the River Road II Shopping Center has everything you need to wrap a little one (and his or her family) in love. As the owner puts it, “by sharing LOVE through our actions, our products, and our partnerships, we strive to build healthier families, safer relationships, and stronger communities.” Just about everything in the store is covered with the signature “LOVE” print. The shop even partners with every local hospital in Richmond to provide new parents with a LOVE swaddle after delivery — literally wrapping newborns in love from the start.
Location: 5007 Huguenot Rd, Tuckahoe
Little Nomad
Located on Broad Street in Jackson Ward, our friend Anthony runs Little Nomad Shop and we pop in here every chance we get. This is where we get our RVA All Day shirts which you’ve probably seen us wearing around Richmond (like in this photo where Sean is riding an electric scooter for the first time). In addition to relevant adult tees, Little Nomad is known for their modern kids apparel, home decor, accessories, books, and community events. It’s a great spot to grab a gift or to shop for your family. Little Nomad is Black owned and heavily involved in the community, don’t miss shopping here!
Location: 104 W Broad St, Jackson Ward
Shop Little Nomad online
Clover
Clover offers pre-owned children's and maternity clothes for a steal. Let’s face it, kids go through clothes faster than you can wash them and maternity clothes are temporary so why not check out quality second-hand pieces and support sustainable shopping practices!? In addition to clothes, you can find new toys and gifts, swimwear and an assortment of organic baby goods
Image Source: @littlehandsva
DONATE
Little Hands Virginia
Little Hands makes sure babies in Central Virginia have the essentials to thrive from Day 1. From their website, “One in three children are economically disadvantaged in the Richmond region, according to Voices for Virginia’s Children, and almost 40 percent of children in the city of Richmond live below poverty thresholds based on data from the United Way. With such a need throughout the region, we are actively engaging with communities across Central Virginia.
Working with our network of local agencies, shelters, hospitals and other nonprofits, we identify the needs of families in the cities of Richmond, Hopewell and Petersburg, and counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, and New Kent. Our model relies on the donation of new and ‘nearly new’ items through grassroots community drives and donations. We sort and bundle items, and deliver them to parents and children through our network of partners.”
Learn more and make a donation here
Celebrate RVA
Celebrate RVA was founded on the simple yet vital need to provide children, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, the chance to celebrate their birthday. From their website, “We believe in love and joy and how that can impact the heart of a child. We believe that joy from something as simple as a birthday party can transform a child and impact their lives in countless ways. All children deserve to experience joy and be given the opportunity to celebrate their special day, no matter their circumstances. We host birthday parties for underserved children in Richmond who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to have a party for their special day.”
Did we miss a local shop or maker you love? Let us know here so we can get them on the list. Happy shopping!