HOME + DESIGN
NEW CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
This lifestyle boutique in downtown Kirkwood offers apparel with a Western-inspired aesthetic, from natural-fiber cotton and linen pieces to eyelet dresses, blouses, button-downs, premium denim, and artisan-made cowboy T-shirts. There’s also a rotating selection of carefully selected vintage items.
NEW NATIONAL CHAIN
Herman Miller’s first St. Louis retail showroom opened its doors in the Central West End this summer. Beyond showcasing iconic modern furniture, ergonomic seating, and gaming products, the space also allows customers to test Herman Miller’s renowned chairs, explore contemporary home furnishings, and access complimentary design services.
STATIONERY, PENS & PAPER GOODS
With thoughtfully curated stationery, Japanese pens, notebooks, art supplies, and one-of-a-kind gifts from independent artists, SunSnow provides a tactile, community-centered shopping experience where guests can try out projects and discover local makers. The shop’s Cherokee Street location reflects its commitment to supporting the neighborhood’s vibrant creative community.
PLANT EXPERT
Specializing in low-maintenance plants, custom arrangements, and personalized plant styling for homes, offices, and events, LoKey Designs helps clients create thriving green spaces through expert consultations, tailored plant selections, and ongoing care services.
CURATED FINE ART & AUCTION
This fine-art and auction house specializes in luxury furnishings, antiques, jewelry, designer collectibles, and more. Woodard Lipe also helps collectors acquire exceptional pieces, and it offers live and online auctions, appraisals, and estate services.
NEW BEGINNINGS
The Retta Jane collection features timeless dresses, blouses, skirts, and separates for girls from sizes 8–16. Inspired by classic silhouettes, the pieces are crafted with quality fabrics and age-appropriate sophistication.
On the Move
CHIC HOME DÉCOR SPOT
An expertly curated lifestyle boutique that recently relocated from the DeMun neighborhood to Webster Groves, Abode carries handpicked home décor, furnishings, art, textiles, and distinctive accessories.
VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE SHOPPING
The collection of furniture, décor, art, and accessories at Sugarcoat Home promises to create warm, inviting spaces that are imbued with personality and classic style.
EURO TRENDS
Scandinavian-inspired craftsmanship defines Ättlingar’s bathroom furnishings, including timeless medicine cabinets, mirrors, and accessories.
FAMILY
SWEETEST NEW EXPERIENCE
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Co.’s new experience lets families pour, top, chill, and take home their own custom chocolate bars before touring the factory floor. It’s part candy-making workshop, part behind-the-scenes St. Louis tradition, and entirely kid-approved.
BEST PLACE TO MAKE A MESS
At Creative Array Studios, kids are encouraged to fling paint, splatter canvases, and break the usual rules without anyone worrying about cleanup. The Chesterfield studio turns creativity into controlled chaos, with splatter-room sessions, DIY projects, parties, and plenty of space to experiment.
SMARTEST NEW SERVICES
(TIE)
The PopUp Kids’ Table + Swap the Playroom + Preggo Perks
The PopUp Kids’ Table helps families reclaim dining out by bringing supervised, screen-free crafts to restaurants, breweries, patios, and events. Kids stay busy with hands-on projects while parents get to enjoy a meal without relying on the tablet as a backup plan. Meanwhile, Swap the Playroom solves one of parenthood’s biggest little problems: too many toys, not enough sustained interest. The St. Louis toy rental company lets families rotate big-ticket toys by the week, and membership plans, events, and expansion are all on the horizon. And don’t forget Preggo Perks, which connects expecting and new moms with vetted local support, from meal prep and laundry to wellness care and postpartum services. The membership-based platform makes the elusive “village” more practical, affordable, and easier to access.
MOST ANTICIPATED OPENING
The Saint Louis Zoo’s Destination Discovery is reimagining the former children’s zoo for a new generation, with immersive animal encounters, hands-on play, and habitats designed to spark curiosity. Think otters overhead, flamingo feeding, climbing, digging, and plenty of memory-making.
CUTEST NEW BOUTIQUE
Little Derby brings classic, coordinated children’s clothing to Ladue, with sibling sets, special-occasion pieces, boys’ options, and in-house embroidery. Created by moms who recognized a local shopping gap, the boutique aims to make dressing kids easier and sweeter.
Local Influencer Picks
WILLIAM ROACH / @daddystrollersocialclub_stl
MADE for Kids by The Magic House
“A hidden gem we recommend is MADE for Kids by The Magic House. It offers hands-on maker activities where kids can build, create, and experiment. It’s a fantastic alternative to the traditional museum experience and encourages creativity through play.”
ALEXIS ZOTOS / @alexiszotos
“John Olin Nature Preserve in Godfrey, Illinois, is a nature-filled gem! Our kids love the nature playscape, and we love the paved trails with storybook walks, beautiful views, and easy kid-friendly hikes.”
SARA LESIRES / @midwestnomadfamily
“This is a kid favorite in our house. My kids love being able to trade and sell their old LEGO sets for new ones, and the bulk bins of random LEGOs are like digging through a treasure chest.”
INDOOR PLAY SPACE WE’RE DIGGING
Little Diggers turns the humble sandbox into a full indoor play destination. The Des Peres spot offers construction-themed sensory play, specialty sand, toy trucks, a parent-friendly layout, and a café, making it ideal for little builders who love to dig, dump, and create.
KIDS’ CLUB GOALS
St. Louis CITY SC’s CITY Kids Club gives young fans ages 5–12 their own way to get into the matchday spirit, with tickets, merch, collectibles, and exclusive events. It’s a smart play for growing the next generation of St. Louis soccer supporters.
PRETTIEST PLACE TO PLAY
Little’s Loft Play Café pairs a whimsical, enclosed play space with a chic café that parents will actually want to linger in. With thoughtful design, full visibility, family-friendly food, and early hours, the Kirkwood spot makes indoor play feel polished and practical.
BEST VILLAGE BUILDERS FOR NEW PARENTS
(TIE)
Founded by labor and delivery nurse Nya J. Martin, BYOBaby STL offers free weekly meetups, expert-led conversations, and babywearing dance parties for expecting and new parents. The goal is simple: help St. Louis moms feel informed, supported, and less alone. New Mom School gives postpartum women a place to learn, vent, and connect during one of motherhood’s most overwhelming seasons. With eight-week classes and expert partnerships, it brings structure and community to the fourth trimester and beyond.
A-List Table of Contents
READERS’ CHOICE WINNERS
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Home & Garden
Shopping & Services
Weddings
EDITORS’ CHOICE WINNERS
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Food, Drink & Nightlife
Shopping, Service & Family
Wellness, Beauty & Lifestyle
People Shaping the Region
Visionary Award
