Maybe it's because I had a baby three weeks into COVID lockdown, but I am extremely into charming…read moreshops that sell clothes and toys and other goodies I can buy in person for my tiny adorable son. We stopped by the Nurture Cottage when we were walking on Coast Village Road one morning last month and my husband wrangled the toddler while I browsed the store, ready to hand over our money. The place was super cute, a sweet little building with a barn door and enticing display windows. I asked the cashier, who I think was the owner, where I might find 24-month clothes for boys and she directed me to the right areas. I ended up getting Angel Dear bear print pajamas and a set of Sol Angeles sweatshirt and joggers. Check-out was easy and fast and the woman helping me was friendly. Both the pajamas and the sweats are in heavy rotation on the baby, and I liked the Sol Angeles set so much that I bought an identical one for myself (I wear it for days at a time). We look very cute in our matching outfits--he looks extremely cute and I look like a grown woman in sweats, but it averages out. I'll probably be back to Nurture Cottage next time I'm in Montecito, and I expect to find more nice clothes to dress my little model of a boy.

This store is phenomenal. I visited with a group of mamas from L.A. and we were blown away from how…read morenicely curated the selection was. Clothing, accessories, books, toys, and an incredible collection of dollhouse accessories. The team went above and beyond to show us everything they had (they have a second location in the back with more dollhouse stuff). Prices were very reasonable and it didn't feel like we were being gouged just because it was downtown Montecito. And then when we found out that the proceeds actually go towards a nonprofit foundation, we wanted to simply buy everything. God bless these wonderful ladies for everything they do!

I visited this very cute store on vacation. I ended up purchasing an outfit for my daughter…read more There was no price on it, and when the register person told me the price it was so high I was in shock. When I got home from my trip I realized this was way more that I could spend on an outfit for my 18month old daughter. When I tried to return it they said that since it was past their 7 day policy I could not return it. I even emailed the owner who said the same thing. This is ridiculous and shows a very big lack of customer concern and service. It was an unworn, untouched piece that I would pay to mail back to get a refund. They refused. I will not shop at a store that could care less about their customers.

Drove 45 miles to buy a present. Arrived at 1:15 on a Saturday to find the store locked. No note,…read morenothing. Two other people came by while we were there. Dear owners, if you're reading this, know that your employees just lock up and leave in the middle of the day on a busy Saturday, and the guy in the shop next door said that it happens all time.

Jake & Jones is a beautifully curated shop featuring independent designers with truly impeccable…read moretaste. Every visit feels intentional and inspiring. I've discovered so many brands here that I genuinely love and wear on repeat, including Shaina Mote, B Sides, Cawley, Flore Flore, Hai, &Daughter, and Ichi Antiquités. They also carry Living Libations, a line of organic, pure, renegade beauty products that aligns perfectly with the shop's thoughtful ethos. I'm especially obsessed with the Frankincense Best Skin Ever. Yes, it's an investment, but the pieces are exceptionally well made and designed to last. This is slow fashion and conscious consumption done right. I don't come here to splurge all the time. I'm intentional about whether I'll truly wear something, and when it makes sense, I go for it. Other times, I just browse and get inspired, so don't let sticker shock stop you from checking it out. The staff is always helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable without ever feeling pushy. They also offer a one-time store credit or exchange for eligible items within 10 days of purchase. All sale items are final. Pro tip: subscribe to their mailing list for some sweet deals here and there. A must-visit if you appreciate independent designers, timeless style, and quality over quantity.

The old adage, "If you have to ask, you cannot afford it" sums this store up. Creative unique…read moreproducts completely out of reach for most. Coast Village Road is where this store belongs. They have a great selection of shoes, all unpriced. You have to ask. Irritating and ridiculous!!

Great local baby store! Great Selection of baby items. Nicole provided excellent customer service -…read moreI hope to shop again at Little Baby Hippos - Nicole provided excellent customer service!! :) -- 5 Stars!!

I am pregnant with my first baby, and Happy Hippo has been my savior! I love stopping by and…read moretalking to the owners, and they let me ask a million questions. Especially with birth classes being online, this has been one of the only places I've been able to meet moms and ask questions face to face. Prices are fair, the clothing is always great quality, and they have EVERYTHING! Diaper genies, belly support bands, and of course plenty of toys and clothing. I'm so grateful for all these wonderful do.

Treasure trove of children's clothing, shoes, hats, books, and helpful items all at wonderfully low…read moreprices. And it's a joy to shop here. Make sure to look up and around, so much whimsy and delight. A little bit of time travel back to the sweet fun 1980's. And don't be afraid to go in if you don't have children or whatever, you might find a perfect gift and see something from your own childhood...and, it is a little bit of time travel back to the sweet fun 1980's too! You can bring in children's clothes,etc, in excellent condition for store credit. The owners keep track and are such pleasant people. Parking is a bit tricky. Some street parking- keep your eye out for. And it is okay to park in City Hall lot ( across the street) on Saturday.

Santa Barbara has a few gems, and this children's store is definitely one of them. With a plethora…read moreof items to choose from, you should be able to find whatever you need. Everything was so clean, organized and sweet, especially the prices, which I thought was a true expression of how classy and kind the owners really are, and how they understand that raising a family can be hard on our pocketbooks! I love POLAR BEAR!

I texted my brother when I was in Italy at the holidays and asked him if he wanted an Italian belt…read morefor Xmas, which he enthusiastically responded to. The only thing was... when he responded, it was hours later and I was no longer in an easy place to find a men's belt. I figured I'd pick one up later on the trip, but I completed forgot until I got back to Santa Barbara and started packing gifts I had bought on the trip to send to family and friends. I was horrified which I realized I forgot to get a belt for my brother, but remembered the belt maker at the Sunday craft show at the beach. He makes gorgeous belts that are easily of Italian quality, so I went there, but he wasn't there and one of his artist neighbors said he was on leave until the spring. I spent the next month of weekends trying to find a nice Italian belt in a local shop. One weekend, it was the leather shop in Solvang and Jedlicka's. They had nice belts, but they were all stamped Made in USA and most were Western style, so that would never fly. I hit up Coast Village Road... Whiskey & Leather, Civilanaire, K. Frank... and only saw one great Italian belt at Civilanaire, but it was 1 size too small and had been tried on for years. There wasn't even a price on it, it was so old and worn. I went downtown to State St. and found nothing. My last effort before I was going to have to head south towards LA was to hit up MC Swan and Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in the Village. MC Swan had 3-4 Italian belts, but they were too big or too small and also too traditional. I was looking for something more artisan/casual looking for my retired brother who lives in jeans. Last stop before giving up on finding it in SB was Pierre Lafond. Hadn't been there in years, but it is as filled with gorgeous, unique, expensive items as it ever was. It was super hard to find the belts. The cashier told us where they were, instead of showing us, and we looked all over the area and couldn't find them. So, we figured they didn't have any and by then, I was distracted by the awesome collection of reading glasses they sell. I got caught up trying on glasses and at some point, the cashier came over and showed us where the belts were. Totally unintuitive spot behind a wall!!! They did have a small collection of 3-4 unique, casual, super soft Italian belts, and none of which would fit my size 36 brother. However, I did identify that the brand name of my favorite Italian belt they carried was Orciani and I made a mental note of it. The whole trip wasn't a bust though. I managed to drop a bundle on some beautiful, unique note cards and my new go-to readers by Izipizi and Eyebobs. I also want to add that when got back to the car, I pulled up ebay and quickly found a new Orciani belt, similar in design, in my brother's size and ordered it before we left the parking lot. It arrived in no time and my brother said it is the best-looking belt he has ever owned. I owe that to Pierre Lafond, for introducing me to Orciani belts. How can I not come back? This place is the mecca of unique, high-quality gifts.

RUDE. We arrived in…read morean Uber from downtown Santa Barbara eager to visit a store I love and a well known store in Montecito. We arrived before 5:45. Before ordering the Uber I checked the closing time on apple map sand it said 7:00 pm. When we arrived we stepped over a vacuum cleaner cord stretched from one room to another. Two women were talking about someone they both knew they were worried about. They were talking loudly so that their voices would carry from one room to the next. A few minutes after arriving one of the women said, oh, hello. About five minutes later after trying to shop with the vacuum cleaner going, I said, looks like you are closing up. One woman said yes, we close at 6. I explained online it said 7. No attempt to find out where my information came from or no care to fix it, or that they cared at all; just "we close at 7 starting April 1st". I looked at my apple watch and it said 5:43. The patio appeared to be locked so we couldn't even investigate the wares there. Who the hell trains staff to vacuum BEFORE CLOSING WITH CUSTOMERS IN THE STORE? We left. Not because we didn't find anything charming, but because we were treated poorly. Shopping amidst employee gossip and a vacuum cleaner going is not fun or relaxing. My employees would have asked where the erroneous info was and offered to stay open as late as I needed to shop. My employees would have never pulled out a vacuum before closing. My employees would never have taken 5 minutes to acknowledge a customer. My employees would never have acted like their conversation was more important than the ambience and mood for visitors. Don't waste your time at this has-been store where they don't care.

An aunt who lives in SB introduced us to Mama Luma and their beautiful dresses for our one year…read moreold. The designs are always so pretty and the quality is amazing. On top of that, their level of customer service is BEYOND. I am so happy they have the retail space, but also sell all of their items online as well (since we aren't SB locals)! If you want unique (not run of the mill) dresses, tops, bottoms and accessories for your little one - definitely check out Mama Luma. She will be best dressed for sure!

The customer service is terrible. I returned two orders due to sizing. I have proof they were…read moredelivered. I have not received any documentation from Mama Luma. I called the number on their website and it is just a constant merry go round of recorded messages with no option to speak with a live representative.

Great experience! The staff was lovely and helpful during rush hour on a Friday afternoon. They…read moreTook the time to gift wrap while I browsed their beautiful selection! it's a great addition to our Santa Barbara area.

Was looking around for jellycat collection. They don't have a lot. The people is very nice and…read moregreeted us as we entered. They have a bunch of toys, stuff animal,educational toys, puzzles etc

An absolute hidden gem nestled in Ojai- woman owned ad operated - it's the perfect blend of…read moresustainable children's clothing and products- high quality, reasonable price points, and the cutest fashion. My favorite thing was that her clothing was purposefully selected to grow with children- not just one time wears for fast growing babes The bonus is this cute little shop dubs as a flower shop- and oh baby is it charming! It's a great place to pick up a bouquet for your loved ones or a just because opportunity. Congratulations to the young owner on her new store! Go show some love and pick up some treats.

From the owner: Pure Living Children believes in healthy living inside & out. We are constantly sourcing…read moresustainable goods from trusted makers. Putting you, your little ones, & the planet first.

Welcome to the powerhouse of Wendy Foster boutiques. She has multiple boutiques in Santa…read moreBarbara/Montecito, as well as one in the valley. They are beautiful curated. Each store has a little different focus. The one that I am reviewing happens to be the more Shi Shi of them with a higher price point and some eclectic flair. All beautiful quality. Fairly easy parking. You can go next-door to the Pierre LaFond deli and enjoy a little refreshment in between your shopping. It's worth visiting all of her three stores in this little mall. Plus the los olivos one which has some different items more geared for the "ranch" look. Aspen here I come! Yes you will spot the occasional celebrity, but just pretend you don't recognize them. Upon reading the review, just a few weeks earlier, with the challenge of a return, it makes me a little concerned but hope they will have an update. The staff seemed very attentive.

Shout out to Rebecca for being so helpful! I was waiting for a particular shipment and every time…read moreI went in she worked with me