You might describe the children’s boutique Two Kids and a Dog as the kids’ store that would not be contained. The shop debuted in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo in the spring of 2014, expanded in the fall of that year, and just last month, knocked down a wall to make room for even more merchandise. We checked out the recently renovated space and got the scoop on the new stuff that’s filling the shelves.
A Store Grows in Brooklyn
Two Kids and a Dog owners and Dumbo residents Natalia and Kip Jacobs, a retail industry veteran and designer, respectively opened the boutique — named for the three little beings close to their hearts — in the spring of 2014. The store consisted of two separate, narrow storefronts stocked with toys; in the fall of 2014, an interior space selling a curated collection of clothes for kids from newborn to age eight, debuted.
This March, the store annexed the neighboring interior space, nearly doubling its footprint and enabling the shop to stock a wider variety of merchandise, from more sizes, colors, styles and manufacturers to altogether new items.
The Vibe
Two Kids and a Dog is kind of like the bedroom of the coolest kid you know. Bright, colorful and jam-packed in a stimulating but somehow not overwhelming way, there’s something fun, fresh, cute, and intriguing at every turn. (A geodosic orb that projects a photorealistic image of the moon onto the ceiling? — yes, please!) While the store fits in perfectly with its fashionable Dumbo address — your Danish Modern-loving, organic-only parent friend will feel right at home here — it’s also a welcoming spot filled with goods for every kind of parent and kid, and a primo place for not-so-common new baby and birthday gifts.
The Goods
Natalia Jacobs has a great eye for good-looking, well-designed stuff, from clothes to toys, to stuff nobody needs but everybody wants. (See: cute faux taxidermy) In colder months, she sells a comprehensive line of Patagonia for kids; now she’s got Mini Melissa jelly shoes in stock. For babies and newborns, the shop offers organic brands such as Tane (a Peruvian company), and Milkbarn in adorable prints and products; for older kids the store carries clothes from companies such as Pink Chicken and Japanese import Bit’z Kids. You’ll also find premium kids’ shoes here, from makers like See Kai Run, Cienta and Superga.
While toys are showcased throughout the store, the two windowed, storefront spaces hold the majority of the playthings, which range from fun make-your-own kits and science projects to extensive collections of Thomas the Train and Playmobil pieces. Two kids and a Dog also stocks the nicely designed, all-wood toys from manufacturers Hape and Plan.
And while you would probably never buy an $18 Metrocard knitted rattle for your own child, it (and other items in the store) would make a killer baby shower gift. Chances are, no one else bought it for your expecting friend. In general the store stocks lots of New York and Brooklyn-related clothes and goods
Bonus Points
Two Kids and a Dog is located on what’s referred to as the Pearl Street Triangle, a public plaza that’s great for taking a load off, or waiting for someone who’s lingering in the store. (Note: Dumbo provides free Wifi!) The shop also has three stationary rides out front in the shape of Spider-man, a horse, and a motorcycle to keep kids busy.
There’s no shortage of things to do nearby, including scaling the Main St. playground’s ship climbing structure, dropping by Powerhouse Books, grabbing a bite at One Girl Cookies or Shake Shack or hopping on Jane’s Carousel. And of course, Brooklyn Bridge Park isn’t too far away either.
Two Kids and a Dog
65 Pearl St.
Dumbo
646-342-4549
Online: twokidsandadog.com
Do you have a favorite kids’ shop in NYC? Share with the group in the comments!
—Mimi O’Connor
