Posted on July 27, 2023
As parents to three young boys, living in The Cotswolds we thought a round-up of our favourite local children's clothing, toy and book stores would be great to share. While we highly recommend popping these shops into your itinerary for any day out in The Cotswolds, most can be found online if you’re not based in the local area but want to support some fabulous Cotswolds-based independent brands.
Kids Arcade
Kids Arcade does a range of seasonal pop-ups around The Cotswolds - from Woodstock to Burford, curating a beautiful edit of independent and European childrenswear brands that you just don't see on the high-street. The good news is that they have a permanent online store so we can get a regular fix of well-made, good quality children's clothes.
Chickadee
Chickadee at the entrance to the The Woolmarket, Cirencester stock a great range of kidswear brands including Frugi, Kite and Lilly & Sid - ranging from newborn up to 10. Perfect for 'new baby' gifts, there are blankets, toys and games too. Owned by Funky Monkey, you can shop online via their website too, great if you are looking to send presents by post.
Octavia's Bookshop
We have featured Octavia's Bookshop before and it is one of our personal favourites - a real hub for little book worms, there are regular events with children's authors (perfect for inspiring small minds) and book groups for all ages too where they can get together and chat about their favourite reads. If you're looking for some inspiration for age-appropriate books for your children, Octavia shares a regular list on the website of the latest releases to discover.
The Toy Shop in Moreton in Marsh
A word to the wise - a trip to The Toy Shop in Moreton in Marsh with an under 10 in tow is likely to leave you seriously out of pocket. There are 7 rooms, full to the brim with toys, games, puzzles, craft materials... a proper Aladdin's Cave of joy for children. The Jeffrey family, who have nurtured and cared for The Toy Shop for over 50 years are brilliant, with a wealth of knowledge if you are present shopping for a tricky gift. A great local, family run business to support.
Oscar & Me
Oscar & Me is your destination for fashionable children's clothing and accessories in the gorgeous Stow-on-the-Wold, overlooking the green on Digbeth Street. Oscar & Me focus on high-quality clothing and the ability to have a local, tangible shopping experience at an affordable price and we love this concept. A real little haven, if you have fashion-loving little ones, definitely pop in and explore and discover the perfect ensemble together.
Cotswold Baby Co
Cotswold Baby Co is a haven for fellow grown-ups seeking special and fun clothes and gifts for their little ones. Inspired by the British countryside and its famous farm and countryside creatures, their main character is Bertie the Fox Cub and the collections expand on Bertie’s world with new friends to spark imaginations and encourage outdoor adventures.
With a strong connection to nature, Katy and Graham ensure that all their clothes, gifts, toys, and books celebrate the great outdoors while using eco-friendly materials to protect the planet for future generations to cherish.
Tickittyboo
Established in 2013, Tickittyboo Children's Boutique has become a cherished spot in the charming Cotswolds town of Chipping Norton for its unique and sustainable children’s clothes and toys.
Everything is carefully curated, from the colourful wooden toys to the gorgeous clothing and gifts from brands like Jellycat, Little Dutch, Vignette, Turtledove London, Lilly & Sid, Billie Blush, and more. A real treasure trove of beautiful and unique treats for children aged 0 to 12, it’s worth popping into on a day trip to Chipping Norton with your little ones.
Cotswold Bambinos
Fay, a Cotswolds mom of two, founded Cotswold Bambinos to simplify shopping for kids' essentials. Seeking sustainability and quality from smaller independent suppliers, Cotswolds Bambinos is a great place to discover trusted brands that use 100% organic materials and fair labour practices.
Fay's curated collections cater to all budgets and needs, and each product is tested on her own children. We love that it’s so easy to shop consciously and browse lots of choice at Cotswold Bambinos.
Mini & Humble
Mini & Humble offers sweet and playful baby clothes, inspired by the magical moments of childhood. Founder Lauren's daily walks with her daughter formed the heart and fabric design of the brand's first collection, "Our Neighbourhood," celebrating the people, places and stories that shape and support family life. Made with love and care, using organic cotton for delicate skin, the gender-neutral, quality designs ensure versatility and longevity for passing onto siblings and friends and your little ones grow.