(Photo: Courtesy of Zaba)

With a glut of boutiques specializing in children’s products, it’s hard to imagine there’s room for one more. But Gosia Goclowska, who recently became a mom, couldn’t find a shop that appealed directly to children. So she teamed with her sister to open a place that would try to be less pretentious and more cheery than the rest. The result is Zaba (85 Franklin St., nr. Church St.; 212-226-6355), which is Polish for frog (and also a family nickname). The walls of the small store are painted with playful illustrations of the amphibian mascot, and its shelves are filled with colorful, kid-friendly merchandise that also will appeal to grown-ups. An international stock list includes Bholu, an Australian brand of toys and home products ($18-$180). From Buenos Aires label Viva la Pepa, there are stylish, pin-tucked sleeve blouses ($58-$88)—a look inspired by period French fashion. So much for unpretentious.

Related:

• Archive: “The Storefront: Openings & Closings”
• Articles by Aja Mangum
• Table of Contents: Sep 24, 2007 issue of New York | Subscribe!