2016 Family Favorites Services & Shopping
Youre way too busy to waste valuable time schlepping around town searching for the best shops and services for your family. With these parent-approved picks, we take the guesswork out of everything as small as haircuts and as critical as estate plan
5 Kid’s Apps Colorado Parents Love
1. ABCMouse.com Early Learning Academy
2. Endless Reader
3. PBSKids
4. Reading Rainbow
5. Starfall
Birthday Parties
Top Five
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Gymboree Play & Music
Royal Princess Parties of Colorado
Wands and Wishes
The Winner
Royal Princess Parties of Colorado
720-982-0045 | royalprincesspartiesofco.com
Royal Princess Parties of Colorado brings your child’s favorite characters to life with visits from performers dressed in theatrical quality attire. It’s not all princesses, by the way; in addition to Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and the Mermaid Princess, you”ll have dozens of superheroes and mascots to choose from. Visits start at $80, and include meet and greets, make-up or tattoo sessions, photos and a song.
Children’s New Clothing Store
Top Five
Crazy 8
Gymboree
Hanna Andersson
Nest Children’s Boutique
The Children’s Place
The Winner
Gymboree
Three metro locations
877-449-6932 | gymboree.com
From dressy duds to comfortable play clothes, swimwear, sleepwear and accessories, local moms go to Gymboree for variety, value and, of course, style. Hip, quality clothes are sold in sizes newborn through 12. If you’re looking for a steal, don’t miss the Gymboree outlet in the Colorado Mills shopping center.
Estate Planning & Wills
Top Five
Laura A. Mathews Law, P.C.
Law Office of David Urban, P.C.
Law Office of Lyndsey Richard
Paladin Law
Wills & Wellness Estate Planning
The Winner
Law Office of David Urban, P.C.
44 Cook St., Suite 100, Denver
303-780-7355 | davidurbanlaw.com
An estate plan is bigger than a will — it’s a seamless coordination of plans and documents detailing medical decisions, guardian appointments and more. It’s David Urban’s client-centered approach that attracts our readers to his law office, where the solo practitioner focuses on an array of interrelated practice areas that”ll help you and your family prepare for the future.
Family or Child Photographer
Top Five
Blue Pebble Studio
Crystal Spelic Photography
Mars Photography by Maria Sevostyanova
Sarah Renee Photography
Skipping Rocks Photography
The Winner
Sarah Renee Photography
303-619-8945 | sarahreneephoto.zenfolio.com
Photographer Sarah Renee is passionate about capturing the little moments that last a lifetime, and her formal training in photojournalism translates well to newborn, family and wedding photography. Sarah captures each client’s unique personality via fun and intimate photo shoots done on-location in the city, at clients” homes or in Sarah’s Denver studio.
Hair Salon for Kids
Top Five
Cool Cuts 4 Kids
Jack & Jill Children’s Salon
Little B’s Salon
Pigtails & Crewcuts
Sweet & Sassy Salon
The Winner
Cool Cuts 4 Kids
Six metro locations
800-345-7811 | coolcuts4kids.com
Cool Cuts 4 Kids makes the haircutting experience fun for kids and easy for parents. An expansive menu of services accommodates newbies and big kids alike; there’s even a special – and affordable – first haircut package. Trained stylists are prepared with a fully stocked arsenal of techniques for various temperaments as well as special needs, and movies and Xbox games are available when children need a distraction.
Home Furnishings
Top Five
American Furniture Warehouse
IKEA
Renew Upscale Resale & The Blue Chair
Restoration Hardware Baby & Child
Room & Board
The Winner
IKEA
9800 E. IKEA Way, Centennial
888-888-4532 | ikea.com
At IKEA, you aren’t just grabbing a Scandinavian-style end table for the living room; you’re embarking on an interactive shopping experience. From faux plants and affordable picture frames to couches, dining tables and bathroom sinks, this store stocks every home good imaginable. Children love romping around the kids section, where they can play with toys while you peruse bedroom and playroom displays.
Kid-Friendly Shopping Center
Top Five
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Colorado Mills
Flatiron Crossing
Park Meadows Mall
The Orchard Town Center
The Winner
Cherry Creek Shopping Center
3000 E. 1st Ave., Denver
303-388-3900 | shopcherrycreek.com
Let your kiddos run around at the dinosaur-theme indoor playground, grab a chocolate-covered strawberry at Bissinger’s and hit a few stores – Janie and Jack, Gymboree, Gap and Nordstrom, for starters – before catching a flick at the AMC Cherry Creek 8 cinema, located inside the shopping center. With an array of fast food and upscale dining options, you”ll hardly go hungry while exploring this reader-approved mall.
Local Toy Store
Top Five
Beyond the Blackboard
Brilliant Sky Toys & Books
Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe
JAKE’s Toy Box
Timbuk Toys
The Winner
Timbuk Toys
Four metro locations
customerservice@timbuktoys.com | timbuktoys.com
Originally founded as an old-style toy store on a quiet street in a historic neighborhood, this local mom-owned shop has retained its charm while growing its brand. Readers appreciate the friendly atmosphere, superior customer service and sense of community. Kids of all ages like the hand-selected and thought-provoking toys; many of which are on the floor to sample.
Mom Getaway
Top Five
Glenwood Springs
Massage Green Spa in Highlands Ranch
Motion Fitness and Massage
TallGrass Aveda Spa and Salon in Evergreen
The Broadmoor
The Winner
Motion Fitness and Massage
2570 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver and
5455 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge
info@motionfitnessdenver.com
Escape the daily grind with a killer workout at Motion Fitness and Massage; then after you sweat, unwind in one of two treatment rooms, where guests have access to a variety of acupuncture and massage services including a signature hot stone massage. Consider starting a nutritional challenge, too, by joining a private Facebook group centered around fitness and nutrition coaching.
Resale Clothing Shop or Event
Top Five*
Back on the Rack
Cotton Kids Consignment
Just Between Friends
Kid To Kid
Little Britches Kids Resale
Once Upon a Child
*Tie occurred in this category
The Winner
Just Between Friends Consignment Events
Four metro locations | jbfsale.com
Savvy moms aren’t shy about stocking up on gently used clothes. Just Between Friends consignment events offer bargain shoppers steeply discounted and gently used maternity and children’s clothes, toys, baby equipment and gear. Check online for details on event dates, times and locations.
