12/17/06

Home away from Home...

by conky

Flying Squirrel is one of those places that, upon entering, you immedately feel at home. It could be the creative and homey touches like tree branches used to hang clothing, or perhaps it's the cheery handpainted walls, or maybe its the huge assortment of uniquely special collection of stuffed animals. Most likely, however, its the two owners who create this atmosphere rich in spirit, and make each and every customer feel like an old friend.

Flying Squirrel has become a home for many of the neighborhood moms...as there is something new daily, due to the fact that not only do they sell new clothing, but, being practical moms themselves, have found 'hand me downs' a necessary part of being a mom. Their extensive collection of gently used items is both extremely practical and also quite funky and fabulous.

Many of the clothing lines that they carry have a hand-crafted look and feel to them. Spectacular hand knit hats and scarves, one of the best collections of tee shirts in all of New York (many by local New York artists), toys, books...Flying Squirrel has it all.

So venture out of Manhattan for the day to try something different. There's truly something for everyone here. Come once and you, too will find yourself hooked.

• Pros: the great prices! the late hours! the staff!
• Cons: none.

12/15/06

very very good

by el_musgo

this is the best baby-kids store in NYC. with a great almost unlimited selection of second hand cloths and toys (very very useful, specialy if you take your kids stuff and get credit!!!)

also, the owners and staff are very super friendly, those kind of places you can just go and have a chat while the little ones mess up.

"two thumps up!"

• Pros: second hand selection, great new toys also, harm and helful staff
• Cons: none...

12/14/06

Best selection of gently-used and hand-made items for babies, toddlers and kids.

by daddydowntime

When it comes to parenting you suffer a severe case of split personality. On the one hand you consider yourself a hipster parent, shopping at high-priced kids? boutiques in the city and planning happy-hour play dates at the local dive bar, yet your Birkenstock-wearing alter ego begs to be a little more hippie.

No worries Sybil, you can satisfy both sides of your, um, selves with a trip to Williamsburg?s Flying Squirrel. The cute shop ? decorated with Birch display racks and variegated ?for sale? Fuzzy Town plush toys ? features hand-made, one-of-a-kind fashions including Bliss and Johanna Footit?s Milk Teeth, alongside reused items that defy the negative connotations associated with the term 'hand-me-down'.

The hip ?new clothing? purveyed has that old-school allure you absolutely adore. Like something Junior?s grandma would fashion were her last name Wang (as in Vera) or Johnson (as in Betsy) instead of Mendelberg (as in itchy knits).

To make all things groovy in the universe there is a huge selection of ?gently used? items to choose from, in sizes that run from newborn to big kid. And if you bring in old items the staff will be happy to rummage through what you thought was junk, find a few gems, and ring you up a credit tab to use on your next visit.

Bring dad along as the store is just next door to Williamsburg, Brooklyn?s famous Academy Records. He can go diggin? in the crates as you satisfy both of your maternal traits.

• Pros: Kids can touch whatever they want and there are unique 'new' selections for kids.
• Cons: The store can at times be a bit like a bargain basement (but for some, like me, that's a good thing).