Shopping in Birmingham

Hannah Paige cloaks babies and toddlers in cupcake-like couture, little pieces lovingly embellished with pastel bugs, oversized bows, and cheery sashes. Count on finding brands such as Flap Happy, Keds, LeTop, and Secret Wishes. Bailey Boys Peter Pan collared blouses ($26.95), pink flower patch shoes ($32.95), and lace ribbon socks ($6.50) prepare girls for a picnic or parade, while brown three-piece suits ($66.95), navy seersucker shorts ($20.95), and plaid button-downs ($15.40) make boys dapper enough to start barbershop quartets. Hannah Paige's bright and loopy bows, made with grosgrain or satin ribbon, are sought after to adorn hats, skirts, and helicopter blades across the nation. Any outfit can be customized with a monogram ($8–$10).

Urban Cottage's whimsically upscale stock features treasures of all varieties, including jewelry, bags and purses, home décor, creative gifts, and various other sundries of singular charm. Gently swaddle an infant with muslin baby blankets ($30), or gift a carved-wood Roost matador bottle opener to libation-loving livestock ($22). No two pieces of folk art are the same, so pawing through Urban Cottage's richly appointed shelves is like catching snowflakes with a tiny butterfly net. Designer items, such as Bella bags and Envirosax ($8.95+) and Anne Taintor napkins ($5.50), creatively complement any party or guinea-pig baby shower.

Run by master picturemaker Jennifer Harwell, a self-taught painter popular for her angel series, jenniferharwellart's weekly classes help sprouting artists' talents grow and blossom. In a laid-back, relaxed setting, students unleash their furor artisticus upon a 16"x20" canvas while the swaddling wraps of a smock-frock protect their soft innards. Students get to keep their magnum opus once their paint guns stop smoking. All artistic supplies are provided, but Groupon buyers may supplement skill-sets by bringing their own beer or wine to the class.

For more than three decades, the framing specialists at The Framin' Shoppe have preserved memories behind glass. They build custom frames for flat items such as diplomas or photographs and build shadow boxes to contain three-dimensional items such as quilts or football jerseys with the athletes still wearing them. The shop also purveys DIY framing materials; posters; prints commemorating Alabama, Auburn, and other SEC football teams; and a wide selection of mirrors. Conveniently, the company operates at four Birmingham locations.

Nestled in historic downtown Trussville, The Spotted Zebra's cheerful pink sign invites pedestrians to meander through aisles of eclectic gifts and accessories. El Deano insulated tote bags gleam with green paisley and blue wave patterns, and T-shirts for children and adults bear heartwarming adages and cute designs. A kaleidoscope of jewelry pairs with patterned sunglasses and houndstooth watches, and monograms customize cups, towels, and wall décor. Throughout the year, a metamorphosing stock of seasonal décor and gifts also prepares shoppers for Christmas, Halloween, and Calendar Awareness Day.