With the chagim finished and Chanukah the next big Jewish holiday on the horizon, everyone should know that this past summer, Teaneck welcomed an exciting new children’s gift store to its shopping landscape. The Purple Bow, located on Queen Anne Road next to EJ’s, opened in June, and added more than a splash of color to summer camp shopping. “I really felt kids needed a neighborhood store,” said owner Sarabeth Fein. Fein had previously owned “Sparkles,” a clothing store in Kew Gardens Hills, and enjoyed having a neighborhood store, but needed to focus on her own children. Many years later, Fein wanted the children of Teaneck to have the experience of walking down a main street to buy some toys, school supplies, gifts or other novelty items.
Gym bags, camp stationery and flip flops are just some of the assorted items that were stocked for summer. Fein carries full lines of seasonal gear. Anyone interested in bedazzled heart-shaped swim goggles? Just ask for “Bling2O” at The Purple Bow. But don’t worry, cold weather lovers: Bling2O has a line of bedazzled snow goggles and ski gear for winter sports, too.
While some of these items are carried year round, Fein makes sure to increase inventory of seasonal merchandise. As everyone approached back-to-school shopping, brightly colored backpacks and lunchboxes, as well as napping mats, were delivered on a daily basis. The backpacks Fein stocked had distinct and fun patterns to brighten up anyone’s school ensemble. “My kids adore their Purple Bow lunchboxes,” said one Purple Bow shopper. “The store’s full line of the adorable Skip+Hop backpacks, lunchboxes and sippy cups were a big hit with my houseful of under fives,” said Elizabeth Kratz, JLNJ’s associate publisher and editor. Customers have enjoyed the attention and helpful service as well. “I bought the cutest headband for my daughter,” said Miriam Kaminetzky, “and the owner was so sweet and helpful. They have an adorable selection.”
The Purple Bow carries baby gear and layette items year round, as well as the ever-popular Boogie Baby blankets and towels, and they do tons of personalization. Stay tuned for new items over the next few weeks in the ever-expanding baby category. Fein also stocks Bari Lynn hair accessories, as well as a variety of beauty and spa gifts. They even do bar and bat mitzvah take-home personalizations.
Any gift purchased comes with free gift wrapping in a pretty canvas bag. “People like things that are different. Whatever your price range may be, and whatever age you are looking for, it is always good quality, and it always looks nice,” Fein said. The items in the Purple Bow, while primarily geared toward children, can appeal to adults as well. In addition to the beauty and spa items, Fein carries Pretzel Crunch snacks, which come in nice packaging and can serve as a perfect hostess gift. Additionally, many of the games, such as Blue Orange games, Game Wright, and Story Cubes (award-winning brands, all known for their creative critical thinking games), are simple enough that children can play, but intricate enough to captivate older children, parents and grandparents. Also available in the store are Shabbos-friendly family games.
Which brings things back to Chanukah. Fein traveled to Las Vegas to attend a large show in preparation for the Chanukah shopping season. Even well-known games like Spot It have lesser-known variations that are, of course, stocked in the Purple Bow. There one can find the Shopkins Spot It, among other versions. The store also carries art and craft projects, designer trendy kids clothing, and gifts. “I try to find higher end items, but I still aim to have a range of prices and interests in my store,” she explained. “I am much more than a toy store.”
Whatever the price range, customers leave knowing that they paid for quality products that will be enjoyed by everyone. Be sure to check out The Purple Bow, located at 1444 Queen Anne Road, in Teaneck, right next to EJ’s Pizza, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/purplebowteaneck.
By Jenny Gans
