Kate Etherington knew she had big shoes to fill when she began to manage the Madison Park children's store once owned by her grandmother and adored by generations of Seattle families.

By being astutely tuned to the market trends, she's been able to strike a delicate balance of carrying fine traditional children's clothing lines, like Marie Chantel and Petit Bateau, with trendier modern lines like Lilly Pulitzer and Juicy Couture. And while much of the store's floor space is devoted to the latest in children's fashion from preemie through size 16, The Original Children's Shop (TOCS) is also a one-stop shop for many a Seattle mom in search of a Maclaren stroller, Baby Bjorn carrier or a Stokke high chair.

Lest Little One feel left out during your shopping excursion, there are numerous shelves filled with toys from Schyling, Gund and Melissa and Doug, as well as a delicious selection of baby gifts including blankets by My Blankee, Swaddle Design and Fattamano.

If the kiddies are still dragging their heels at the thought of an afternoon of shopping, you might want to mention that TOCS is conveniently located across the street from the Madison Park Playground and next door to Madison Park Bakery. Can you say, "Let's make a deal?"

P.S. Oh yeah, did we mention there is now a kids' hair salon at the back of the store, with a cool red racecar chair?

The Original Children's Shop
4216 E Madison St.
206 -328-7121
Monday - Friday 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM Saturday 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM Closed Sunday
www.theoriginalchildrensshop.com