Hippest kids’ clothing store

Hippest kids' clothing storeThank Heaven

Photo: Astrid Stawairz

Winner Thank Heaven
On a retail strip dominated by chain stores and expensive boutiques, Forest Hills’ Thank Heaven—which carries cute baby and toddler clothes from affordable, high-quality labels like Zutano, Wonderboy and Baby Lulu—is refreshingly different, says Queens parent John Roleke. Perhaps that explains this small store’s success: After just two years in business, Thank Heaven has already attracted a very loyal clientele and starred in an American Express commercial.

72-18 Austin St between 72nd Rd and 72nd St, Forest Hills, Queens (718-575-2229)

Runner-up Space Kiddets
When Cynthia Radocy opened the pioneering children’s boutique Space Kiddets 25 years ago, rock & roll T-shirts for kids didn’t exist. But the demand for funky kids’ clothing did. “Parents were going to Studio 54, and they didn’t want their kids to look like they came from a different planet,” Radocy recalls. In the beginning, she was limited to selling vintage and handmade goods because virtually everything manufactured was pastel . Today, the shop offers a big selection of cool, brightly colored togs for kids from birth through teendom. A recent move close-by means a larger space in which kiddets can browse for killer wares.

26 E 22nd St between Broadway and Park Ave South (212-420-9878, spacekiddets.com)

Don’t forget…Half Pint
Dumbo’s Half Pint pleases both mods and traditionalists. Known to many by its former name, Baby Bazaar, the roomy one-year-old shop is home to funky labels Small Paul and Appaman, and to sweet designs by Tea and Petit Filou.

55 Washington St at Water St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (718-875-4007)