Much like mountain climbing, child rearing involves pounds and pounds of gear, a strong stomach, and a lot of weeping. Fearlessly scale parenting's steep gradients with today's Groupon: for $25, you get $50 worth of baby and toddler products at Hoohobbers, at either their brick-and-mortar location on North Elston Avenue or online.
Since 1981, this Chicago-based baby boutique has designed and manufactured award-winning products for babies and toddlers, garnering both local and national press. Stationed at the same location as its store, Hoohobbers' factory births a variety of products that are even more customizable than the fruits of your own labor: many can be emblazoned with an embroidered name ($12). Remind a youngster of his brand-new identity with a personalized insert for the newborn Moses basket, available in Hoohobbers' array of 35 nursery design collections ($140), or a full set of customized crib bedding ($390). Existing children may enjoy the convenience of a brightly colored, personalized sleeping bag, ideal for overnight trips and summer camps ($129). A cheery rocking chair is an update on a classic, conveniently foldable and appropriate for both indoors and out ($49).
Reviews
Hoohobbers has received a lot of press, including features by DailyCandy and Star magazine. It received a good review on About.com and a four-star average from Buzzillionaires for its diaper-bag tote:
- Just hoo it. – DailyCandy
- The Hoohobbers Baby Moses Basket is an ideal place for your newborn to sleep. It is easy to move from room to room and has washable sheets and bumpers. – Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com
Hoohobbers
Inside a bustling factory and design studio in Chicago, needles embroider children's names on rocking chairs, receiving blankets, and mammoth toy boxes. Nearly every Hoohobbers item is highly customized—whether with monogramming, personalized color and pattern options, or a choice of fabrics. This feature isn't the only one that appeals to design-minded parents. Furniture, accessories, and household goods for babies, toddlers, and children are portable, lightweight, and durable. Unfortunately for neglected screwdrivers, allen wrenches, and stress balls, the items require no assembly. Their practical yet modish designs often appear in magazines, including Chicago Parent, Life & Style, and People and regularly win awards, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Best of Chicago title for infant and toddler gear in 2009 and 2010.