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Designer toddler clothes, haute couture for dolls, and toys for les jeunes make this shopper cry, "Vive la France!"

Last year, a friend called me in a panic. It seems her Girl Scout troop had finally decided how they wanted to use their cookie money. A campout? Day trip to the coast, perhaps?

“They want to go to Paris... to shop!” she cried. “What the heck am I going to do with 10 fifth graders in Paris!?”

That’s a heck of a lot of cookies. And unless you know where to go, it could be a whole lot of wasted time. Many a globetrotting family (or harried scout leader) has spent precious vacation hours in search of just the right shop in which to take their child. I know a parent who simply let his kids run wild in a grocery store in search of something to bring home. How do you say ‘sugar high’ in French?

Paris is full of fabulous treats for adults, yet finding that unique trinket for your child to take home can be as time-consuming as finding a bathroom in the Louvre. But, with this clever Parisian shopping guide, the path to filling that extra suitcase with something other than chocolate becomes clear.

Best Shops for Toddlers & Young Children

Jacadi
01/53 43 97 00
9, Avenue de l'Opera 1st arr.
Several locations. These fashionable clothes are well made and priced to match the excellent quality. Little girls up to age 12 will go wild over this hip franchise. You’ll find brightly colored smocked dresses and beautiful knits dotting each aisle. These classic selections may be a little more expensive (50 Euro for a bathrobe) than at other stores but Jacadi boasts an unquestionable quality that is hard to duplicate. Yes, there are a handful of shops in the US, but lower prices (even with a strong Euro) and a uniquely French selection, make a stop in Paris (as opposed to, say, Houston) a fine decision.

Noukie
01/53 64 05 31
66 Av. Victor Hugo – 16^th arr.

An eye-catching, over-sized blue hippo graces the window of the flagship Victor-Hugo location. Warm and welcoming, Noukie makes it clear that pastel colors are not reserved for springtime fancy. The Belgium-based franchise explodes with color and a unique fanciful feel. Lush rose-colored sweaters and chestnut tinted jumpers beckon the eyes of little ones. If you get out of this store without purchasing one from Noukie’s ark of animal characters (adorable ducks, puffins, cows and frogs – yes, even the frogs are adorable), it be would be surprising. The best part about the shop? It’s extremely affordable.