Revelstoke is home to some incredibly diverse kids’ stores. With Christmas (and Hanukkah and a multitude of other cultural celebrations) right around the corner, this comes in very handy.
Kidz on Main is one such shop. Dedicated to offering quality products, as well as being an active member in community giving, Kidz came into being twelve years ago when Marie and Trevor Marback became grandparents. Inspired by their own grandchildren, they wanted to offer the community a store that provided clothing for children and infants, along with toys and necessities, all at the level of quality that they would want for their own family.
It was the right move; Kidz on Main has been a Revelstoke staple ever since. They started as Quite the Pair on First Street, opened a baby clothing store nearby, and eventually merged the two into Kidz on Main, on Mackenzie Avenue.
In fact, the Marbacks’ just received a ‘Best of Business’ award from the Kootenay Business Magazine. The store is packed with everything from snowsuits to fleece underlayers, mitts to underwear, and from jerseys, clothing, dance outfits, sleep sacks, to infant swings.
Marie Marback has some great advice for those searching for unique gift items.
“There is a PJ trend,” Marback says, “of giving PJ's, usually onesies, on Christmas Eve. Kids love it!” If you aren't sure of the size needed, Marbeck suggests trying a funky hat, adorable plates and cups, or wall designs.
“Educational toys are great,” Marback says. “We carry a lot of them, mostly for the ages of infant to about six. We have all sorts of sorters in animal and other shapes and stacking toys and puzzles. They're great gifts because children have fun, but they're also working on their motor skills and memory.”
Marback is also big on the importance of imagination play. “Things like dress up, puppets or the sticks horses that kids pretend to ride are fun to give and receive,” she elaborates.
But be warned not to go overboard with gifts wherever it is you choose to shop. “Get quality over quantity,” Maback suggests. Tears over many broken toys, rather than joy playing with one solidly made one, is no fun for anyone.
When not helping shoppers, the Marbacks’ dedication to the community is apparent in the multiple groups they help out with. From donating to a local pyjama drive and offering several new coats to Project Winterskin's coat collection for incoming refugees in Calgary, the Marbacks put their money where their mouth is.
“We want to help anywhere we can with kids who don’t have opportunities otherwise,” Marback enthuses. “After all, that's what community is all about.”
When you head to local shops this year, Kidz on Main is not alone in their offering quality Christmas shopping for kids. Revelstoke also boasts the fantastic Legends 'n Heroes for the toy and sport related clothing and memorabilia lover in the family. They carry toys in all age ranges, from trendy Pokemon and Lego to art and crafts items to doll houses and games. Pharmasave also often carries a solid collection of kids’ toys and board games.
So have fun picking special items for your little loved ones this year and remember to check out our excellent local stores.