Cute store! The shop employees were incredibly friendly when I visited. They had a display with some really cute Halloween items, and if I'd stopped in here earlier in the month I 100% would have picked up a onesie for my daughter. They pointed out a couple areas where they have "girl" baby clothes (I mean, clothing doesn't have a gender but we exist in the world where people like to do that). Most of their clothes are for children older than mine but they did have a few things. It's definitely expensive, though, so I don't know that I'd buy a lot here. I did buy some very cute barrettes for my baby (I've found it hard to find some that don't have pieces attached to them, and I don't want pieces that might pull off) and I'll probably purchase more at some point. I also will check out their holiday stuff and may look at the coats they have as well, as the weather cools down. I'll certainly keep an eye on their Instagram, too. read more

See all

This place is so cute! Stocked with adorable clothes! Staff members were so kind and helpful as well.

Love this store. One of my favorite places to shop for the kids. Such cute stuff. Everyone should go

Cute kids store with plenty of options for all babies and children. Went in looking for cute baby hats, and found plenty more. I liked their clothing selection, but wasn't wowed. They are pricier as others have mentioned, and normally I wouldn't mind this if the quality were there, but many pieces were made of synthetic fabrics (or blends). I bought several pairs of socks, hats, booties that match the hats, toys, teether toys, and books. The toys and books available were worth the visit. Most of the clothes were simple, while few others had cute prints. The hats I bought were pretty thin, and not the warmest, but they're decent for spring time, perhaps. I loved their neutral colors and style, mostly. Service was friendly and welcoming. Will return. read more

The Red Balloon - Toy Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

I finally have my own baby girl to dress up with clothes from Red Balloon. I thought I'd be a frequent customer once this day arrived, but lately I've been underwhelmed by their selection of clothing. They do carry an impressive selection of Daily Tea and I like their initial shirts, although I was bummed to see they didn't have a "D" in my D's favorite color (pink)*. Everything else in the store is overpriced or nothing to write home about. I did score some cute items for little D during their last warehouse sale. I"ll be sure to go to their next warehouse sale, but won't be visiting The Red Balloon quite as frequently as I would have thought. ---- Initial Tee: http://www.theredballoon.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=20_35&product_id=128 read more

Such a beautiful store! The selection is great, the staff is warm and welcoming and it's a delight to shop at The Red Balloon. Highly recommend checking it out! read more

***The Red Balloon features lots of distinct and homemade baby apparel and toys; it is a very unique shop and a good fit for this hipster-esque neighborhood; unfortunately, prices are very high; however, if you are looking for a really unique gift for a child, The Red Balloon is a great option*** I think you should be able to find free street parking around here. read more

This used to be my favorite store. But lately when I go in, the owner seems unhappy- the dark haired woman. The lighter haired owner is always friendly and engaging. The other acts like I'm bothering her. Like I'm not one of the popular girls and how dare I interrupt her conversation ... Pause ... Eye roll. What really irritated me was this recent "warehouse sale". Promised to have great deals at major discounts, I was annoyed to see 2 seasons past Daily Tea marked down only 30%. I mean $20 for a romper that has been sitting around for a year? They retail at $27 nearby. How is this an amazing deal? Old baby layette for $30? Are you kidding me? I mean, if I have to dig through a drug store plastic tub, to pick out an something 2 years old AND it's wadded up in a wrinkled mess - please do not tell me you want $60 for it. I mean come on! Please don't charge me more than 10 bucks for it. I don't mind digging around for a good deal, but that deal better be a cheap one! read more

I've been shopping online at The Red Balloon for about a year now. They have really cute stuff, fabulous initial tees and the most Zutano clothing options I have ever seen. So, on my recent trip to Chicago, I was excited to pay a visit to the actual store. I guess it depends on who's working there, but I found the customer service to be not as friendly as other children's stores. I'll stick to shopping online, thank you. read more

They have THE CUTEST clothes and accessories for babies. A lot of stuff I haven't seen before and fits well in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area (i.e. Hipster/stylish/high end/creative). This is a boutique so don't expect to get anything at discount. You definitely are paying a premium here but you'll be getting unique items. The girls were super sweet and helpful and did an amazing job gift wrapping (for free). The mom to be I gave the gift to (she's an artist) LOVED the gift wrap and the items I got her from here. Definitely check this place out if you're looking for unique gifts to get for your kids or someone you know. read more

More "cutesy" than Psycho Baby down the street. I purchased 2 books here and I really dug the gift wrapping. Just wanted to add that they had this cloth tent that you could order in different fabrics for $350. My kid is going to use an old sheet. read more

I don't have kids, but if I did I would shop here all the time. This is the cutest children's store ever. I stopped in for a co-worker's baby shower gift and had so much fun looking at all the tiny outfits - the selection is ginormous! Bed Balloon has everything from everyday onesie things...(again, no kids) to dressy party clothes to books to really chic nursery decorations. They have the coolest rugs, I would even buy one for my house! The staff was extremely helpful and hands-on. They really knew their baby stuff. The only downside - it's really expensive. Some of the clothing costs more than mine! But, my co-worker loved her gift and that made it totally worth it. read more

This place is fantastic. I had to write this review as I just read the 3rd thank you note that I've received after giving a gift from The Red Balloon. The recipients of each gift have all been as impressed as I have been with what I've found at the store. It's hands down the best place to go for gifts for the children in your life. I actually covet the job of the buyer for this store. Whomever it is who selects the wares for this store is creative and *very* selective. read more

I love this place. Such incredible thought and care goes into finding the perfect items on sale here it makes for the best presents for my nieces and nephews. The staff always greets me with the warmest smiles and are so patient with my flakeyness in having the hardest time trying to decide among the most precious gifts. Thank you thank you for putting such a great shop together like this. read more

I really like The Red Balloon. Some of the clothes are pricey, but very cute. They also have a great selection of books, toys, and neat gift items. I've also appreciated how pleasant and helpful the staff are. Whenever I'm in Bucktown, I make a point of stopping in. read more

Cute clothes but I can't imagine spending so much on clothes babies/toddlers will outgrow in months! I also couldn't shop without feeling like someone was watching me. They were constantly checking up on me and never too far. This is pet peeve of mine since I prefer to shop in peace. Don't worry! I'm not a thief! read more

To pregnant ladies and mothers everywhere: Red Balloon is a very evil store that will lure you in with the most lovely childrens' goods on earth, and then you will leave without a penny! Red Balloon is a perfect mix of classic little Lord Faulteroy and hip Maddox Jolie Pitt. You can find your luxurious cashmere knit sweaters and taffetta party dresses, while also stocking up on Zutano and an Ugly Doll. I would have given Red Balloon more stars except that their staff seems to need a refresher course in customer service. If they aren't congregating around the cash register and gossipping, they are stalking you throughout the store. I overheard them disparaging another customer just moments after she walked out the door. I understand this is normal in retail, however, it may help to be discreet, as other customers can hear! read more

This store has the best clothes for kids. No joke, they really have the best and cutest stuff! I was put in charge of getting a baby present and I seriously wanted to buy everything in the store. I'll admit it's not the cheapest and things can add up a little fast when you buy multiple things like I did, but you really can't go wrong with anything that's in this store. I got the cutest clothes and the initial shirts are so unique and special for any new baby! Plus, the women who work here are so nice and SO helpful. I will definitely be back here for all my future baby needs, and I think you should all go too! read more

This store rules. If you just have to spend too much money on something a young child is going to destroy, this is the place to do it. They have lots of nice furniture and accents for a baby's room, good shoes and practical clothes, and an excellent selection of toys and books, and they deserve the foot traffic Psycho Baby gets. read more

I had a good experience at this store as well. It feels warmer and more cozy than Psycho Baby down the street (though the names of the stores give you a sense of what to expect). Both are worth checking out, and you'll find different inventories at the two places. read more

What a cute baby store. I love when people complain about overpriced kid's stuff, when they spend $250 on dresses and pants for themselves....yes, it is a boutique, and a onesie is going to be $20+....this store makes me want to have kids. As always, the girls stuff is adorable and plentiful, but Jen does a good job of stocking boys stuff too. Great place to shop for your kids or for us women who share in the joy of other's children! read more

Incredibly cute baby clothes. The best place for gifts for your nieces and nephews and friends with fresh offspring.

super-cute clothing and some toys for kids. i've come here to get something unique as gifts for friends/relatives with kids. their shoe selection for little girls is pretty fabulous... i wish i could wear some of the shoes! it's not cheap but you can find some reasonable finds in this cute little shop. read more

This place is so cute and the staff is so helpful. You can just tell them what your looking for and the have great ideas. They will even ship for you. Some cloths for the kiddos are a bit high priced but if you look around you can find reasonable things. read more

They have a great selection of unique baby clothing here. Yes, it's expensive, but that isn't surprising considering its a boutique. Great warehouse sales throughout the year. Only complaint is that the store is so not stroller friendly. It's really frustrating if ou are trying to shop with a kid. read more

Rude staff. Walked in with my son in a stroller to two people working watching me walk in and and they don't say anything. Another staff member was sniffing some rich lady's ass while the rest of the customers were ignored. I think I'll stick to Etsy and pay a lot less for unique baby clothes. read more

I love this store. The selection of girls dresses is unbeatable. Lots of brands you can't find in Chicago. Also, I buy all of my gifts here. No need to go anywhere else for great children's clothes and special books. Sales staff is very friendly. read more

We are two of the biggest Red Balloon fans out there. As a matter of fact, we were regulars in the Bucktown store before having our first child just 3 months ago. We constantly were in there buying gifts for family and friends and it has always been our "go to" store for that type of thing. Now that we have our son? Man, oh man. I wouldn't be surprised if the staff over there knew exactly who we are based upon this review. Their inventory is amazingly cute and worth every penny, the staff is so helpful and engaging, and we just love the store. Can I say that enough? They have a sales person...I think her name is Jen...and she will take as much time with you as you need to help you find the perfect gift or to put together the perfect outfit. She knows every single brand in the store like the back of her hand and can make recommendations with her eyes shut. Now that's talent. Red Balloon, we love you!!!!! read more

this boutique was really cute, had a variety of unique items, but nothing i was looking for at that moment. the staff was kinda friendly after being in there for 15 minutes they finally helped me and were able to answer some of my questions. i would go back and visit the store again if i am ever in the area because they do offer some really neat items. read more

Great children's store that is kid friendly. The store houses fun furniture, toys, books and clothing for kids. The staff is very friendly and great a picking out books. I have used this store several times to pick out presents for friends and the staff has helped with selection, wrapping and shipped it! You can't beat that kind of service! read more

Really cute kids clothing. A little on the expensive size, but really quality items and one should expect boutique prices for these items. Very helpful staff. read more