Sadly, the shop is closed and the building gone for years now, the garden and building replaced…read morewith a parking lot. The shop was here for decades, with the most beautiful selection of the finest European children's and infants' clothing, shoes, accessories, stuffed toys, and classic children's books. I shopped here as a child and throughout my children's baby and teen years. The proprietor, Linda Keunkler Ward, sadly, passed away in 2018, it was a very special, tasteful, and lovely shop. My children and I have memories of the shop's pet gerbil, Christmas photo cards pinned to the wall, and a little dish of gum drops at the checkout counter.

If you've ever been one to fawn over insanely beautiful children's clothes, this would be a…read moredestination, y'all. I gotta say I've hunted far and wide for the odd baby gift, took great pride in trying to be the cool aunt to my nieces by finding unique clothes, and ive even worked in a shop or two in my day. But I tell you this with great confidence - you'll never find a shop with such an exquisite array of children's clothing. Im not kidding. The owner has impeccable taste, and Ive yet to poke through these racks and find something that wasnt classic and of the utmost quality. If you ever find yourself in Essex, Ct.: 1. consider yourself lucky. 2. visit the red balloon. Love, Sara

I try to visit this business every couple of months and I always find unique gifts at great prices…read more A wide selection of gifts including blankets, clothing, note cards, jewelry, kitchen goods, and prints. There is also a baby section upstairs where I found the cutest outfits for a friend's newborn. Highly recommend!

A staff that is professional and friendly. A gift selection that fits every need, anniversary,…read morebirthday, Christmas. Or just because. They offer personal shopper service that gets you a great gift and gets you in and out Quickly. This is a place for guys.

I have been to Once Upon A Child in Meriden a few times and it's an awesome place to pick up…read morechildren and baby clothes. It's also nice to help save the planet too. Everything has decent prices and the store does great sales often. All the clothing is nicely organized from baby, girls, and boys. The selection can be overwhelming that there is so much. Most items are gently used, excellent condition, and some still have prices tags. My recent trip I went in with a plan and found a few pieces that I currently can't find at other stores new because they were out of season. While most of the store is very organized, the toy section is a mess that I don't bother picking through. A lot of the larger toys can be found above the clothing. The staff were really friendly and I signed up for their rewards program. Overall, Once Upon A Child is great, but I'd like to note that whatever cleaner they use is very strong that I have minor allergic reactions (feeling itchy, scratchy throat, etc,). I can only shop for so long and symptoms disappear after I leave the store. I've wondered if anyone else has experienced this.

My experience is solely as a buyer as I have never sold any clothes here. I go here pretty…read moreregularly and they generally will have a sale going on. I appreciate that this store is clean, and the toys are usually freshly put away when they first open. The staff was kind and opened a new register when the line got backed up and the prices are very reasonable. They usually have a good stock of clothes for younger kids but the older you go 14-18 the pickings are slimmer.

This was such a cute little shop! They have both hand-made items and name-brands available, but…read morereally have something for everyone! There's even a "just for guys section" for those tricky men in your life. DON'T MISS the back of the store-- they have SIX rooms so even though it looks little and cozy there's a lot to see all over and you don't want to miss out! Highly recommend!

We popped in here quickly to look for masks and we were very pleased with the selection! There were…read more50+ prints and patterns, adults and kids sizes alike. The masks are affordable, well made, breathable, and adjustable around the ears. The rest of the store offers cute gifts as well - clothing, knickknacks, homeware, jewelry. We'll be sure to stop in again.

The Silly Sprout is so cute! It's a high end children's store, mostly toys but there are some…read moreclothes as well. The inventory ranges from the softest toys and clothes for newborns to larger outdoor toys to the 10+ crowd. There is a wall of books as well, which includes some very cute board books about New England. The prices are a little high, but the items are obviously high end and good quality. They will last through playtime. The proprietor was running the register herself, with a little Lego doppelganger at her side. She was very friendly, and open to providing information and suggestions to help you find what you may be looking for.

This store is a Litchfield gem packed with treasures. It has everything you need for a baby shower,…read morea birth, a birthday, or any special occasion. The toy and book selection is excellent, and the clothing is high quality. The new owners have continued the quality and fun that has been The Silly Sprout since it opened in 2015.

After arriving in the very cute and little town of Chester, the first business on Water Street is…read moreLark. Lark is a woman's boutique, they sell quality sweaters, purses and other cashmere and wool accessories. There are so many other little accessories, like unique fair trade earrings, and hair accessories. They also have a whole assortment of decor for your home or your Christmas tree. These are my favorite. From little knit bears to a not so little wooden deer. The little knickknacks are truly so unique and equally as adorable. What else is adorable? They have a baby section at Lark. From the tiny holiday dresses, to the softest plushies, and so many toys and books. The one reason I can't give five stars to Lark is the cost, everything is a pretty penny here. If you're looking for cashmere gloves, or some moon and star earrings, this is your place.

Super nice gift shop on water street that has some unique gift options for people. The children's…read moresection has super adorable, out of the box gifts I've never seen before. I also ended up purchasing myself a cute new hat for while I'm walking around town. Their bags are so nice, not sure what I'll do with it, but it's very durable.

Such a cute little boutique in Avon Village! They carry many high-quality brands and pieces for…read morebabies, toddlers, preteens, teens, and more. It was refreshing to shop at a small, locally owned business where I could touch and feel the clothing before purchasing. Many of the brands they carry are high-quality American or European brands, brands that you won't find at big box clothing stores. Susan, the owner, was very helpful and kind from the moment we walked in. She took a genuine interest in helping us find the right pieces and explained the materials the clothing was made of. I highly recommend this place!

This children's boutique is an absolute Gem!! I have been going there for presents for my grand…read morechildren....from birth to now 6 years later!! Sally the owner always tries to please in such a personable and pleasant manner!! I have ALWAYS found just what I wanted when I went there. We are very fortunate to have Lemon Llama so conveniently located in the Old Avon Village in Avon!! Try It ....You Will Like It!!

The Blue Horse is a beautiful, independently owned children's boutique. They sell the loveliest…read morelittle embroidered dresses and sweaters. Their sizes range from newborns to older kids. They have special occasion dresses for a baptism or first communion. Their casual dresses and outfits are adorable, however the cost is a bit high considering these are for the growing child. Personally, I think a $75 casual summer dress for a five year old, isn't the most consumer friendly purchase. Maybe your child's special birthday dress, could come from The Blue Horse. Additionally they also sell children's books and licensed stuffed animals. The Blue Horse is located in Downtown Mystic.

A wonderful shop filled with unique items, many of them handmade. The items are a little pricier…read morethan what you would find at a chain retail store. But then again, if you want a high-quality dress, sweater, outfit, etc., you get what you pay for. We bought a lovely dress that we can use for a family photo session, and maybe a celebratory dinner or event. They also have christening items, stuffed animals, and items like umbrellas and books. Definitely stop in for personal service and unique children's items.