Kids Spring Essentials

Clothing, Bedroom Furniture, and Toy favorites

As spring approaches, the warming weather carries the looming task of acquiring weather appropriate clothes for my kids. Needless to say, the clothes from last year no longer fit, and what hasn’t been worn to the bone with holes and stains, gets passed down to the next in line. However, some new clothes are always necessary.

I love dressing my kids…love it. At some point, (against all my efforts) they all decide to take dressing themselves into their own hands. It’s expected and I think it’s a great form of self-expression. I have moments of remorse when I look at my toddler coming down the stairs in the morning, dressed in the same blue leggings she refuses to take off, topped with a dress, a tee shirt that is two sizes too small over the dress (she will dig through donation bags and recover items I’m intent on letting go), her favorite fluffy pink cardigan, socks (sometimes a matching pair) pulled up to her knees (over the leggings, obviously) nothing truly coordinating, and yet, somehow, it’s all entirely acceptable as only an eccentric toddler can pull off. I’ve had to relinquish my dressing rights for the most part, only putting my foot down where I feel an appropriate outfit is required. I swore before kids that I would not be a mother who bribes her kids, and yet, here we are, promising an ice cream cone in lieu of the cute barrel jeans and oversized button-down that hang in the closet, begging me to get them some air time.

Regardless, if I can’t pick their outfits, at least I can provide them with cute pieces they can play around with. I love mixing colors and prints, and in general I’m a firm believer that kids clothes should be happy and vibrant.

When I shop for clothes for my kids’ I like to support companies that make high-quality, eco-friendly products made with natural fabrics. It’s not the easiest thing to do while staying within a budget (three kids x three wardrobes= insanity), but I really make an effort to stick to my guns. Sometimes it requires thinking ahead, even a year ahead and taking advantage of sales from favorite companies. When I do that, I buy the special pieces I love in one size up, and store them until the kids are ready for them. I also justify slightly steeper prices because I can pass the items down and get a lot of use out of them, and typically, a higher quality item will wear much longer. I try to live by the philosophy that “less is more” and “quality over quantity”.

For some reason, I always feel like shopping at Zara is a dirty secret. I really don’t like supporting fast-fashion, but I can’t help but notice that many of their items are made with organically and sustainably grown cottons and linens, and recycled materials. They’ve come very far with their designs, and the kids’ section is adorable, I especially love the Zara Timeless section, a higher-quality selection of clothes and still very affordable. They also now have a second-hand section where you can sell your previously owned Zara pieces. I select a few pieces each season for the kids, because let’s face it, kids grow fast and clothes go out of rotation quickly.

That being said, I still prefer to support smaller businesses. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spring pieces from some of my favorite brands, including smaller budget brands. I’ve also thrown in a handful of my favorite kids bedroom pieces, furniture and toys, some we own, some are on my wishlist! Let’s dive in…

First of all, I want to mention that I was pulling my hair out making these collages…it’s something I’m only now teaching myself, so bear with my less than perfect images.

Let’s start with this white and blue embroidered Lali kids dress. It was really hard to pick one piece to mention here, I think all of their clothes are so beautiful and well made while still remaining playful and fun. This could be a great Easter dress or any occasion dress. These scalloped blue chambray shorts from Pink Chicken are so precious and could go with anything already existing in your kids closet, but I especially love them paired with this scalloped pink floral matching top! I’m also a fan of Mini Rodini for their very spirited, artistic and eco-friendly designs, especially their sweatshirts, like this pink doggy one. Minnow makes the prettiest swimwear (not just for kids) and this green gingham suit is no exception. These check ruffle pants by Organic Zoo also have a matching top and dress (not shown) but the pants alone are the perfect whimsical addition when paired with a numerous range of possible tops! Moving into more budget friendly picks (more picks can be found on my ShopMy), this red stripe jumper from Zara and blue and white rugby top from Gap are so cute and honestly I don’t think I’ve ever met a stripe I didn’t like.

For Boys, this blue chore coat from Zara with colorful patches is the perfect little spring jacket, in my opinion. I’m also very privy to gingham and these patch gingham shorts are the perfect backdrop to a simple tee or sweatshirt or anything colorful and graphic. Since we’re riding the Zara wave, these brown terry shorts, blue cotton/linen button down and knit shirt with starfish are all easy and fun pieces!

I love the simplicity and baby blue hue of these stripe joggers from Hanna Anderson, and that chartreuse yellow is the perfect complimentary color. These Minnow swim trunks in a romantic print are great for the beach and with a tee for the streets. I love putting boys in prints and colors that aren’t necessarily traditionally “boy-ish”. Which leads me to my next pick, this blue floral bomber…I could see pairing it with green or red gingham pants, basic joggers, baggy denim or shorts! Even with the matching pants, I love it!

Last but not least, the kids room. Let’s start with this dollhouse/bedside table from Pottery Barn Kids. So darling, and versatile! This twin daybed in an upholstered, scalloped design from babyletto is so cool and grows with your kids as they get bigger. I would love it in a room paired with the bookcase and matching dresser (can you tell I like a scalloped edge?!). This crib from Crate & Barrel kids is classic and ornate while still managing to be simple and easy to mix with a variety of styles. The activity table and chairs is something I’ve had on my wishlist for a while (should pull the trigger before my youngest gets too big!). It’s a sustainably made product and such a pleasing design.

Some of the toys here are ones we own and have been a hit. The tool table has endless possibilities for creating and playing, and the dollhouse has been great for my busy toddler who likes to move around the house and play in different spots. The handles make it easy to move around, plus it comes with furniture and figures!

If you found any of this inspiring and appealing, there are so many more options for clothes, furniture and toys, all linked here. My kids’ selections will continue to be updated. Happy shopping :)