I spent more time planning toys, music and activities than I did packing clothes for a family car trip to Chicago. Yes, I’m a total mom, but at least I threw in a pair of heels. In my bag of tricks there was the CD of Dr. Seuss stories, sticker books, silly putty, a magnet board. Before we hit the road, I dropped $30 on Zingo to Go and the Melissa & Doug Travel Memory Game – both huge hits with my 5 year and even the 2 year old, who enjoyed moving all the parts. For about 10 minutes. What occupied nearly two hours – more than any other plaything by far: pipe cleaners. My older guy built himself a spy machine, looping the pipe cleaners into other toys and connecting the chain to his seat and a ceiling handle. My little guy followed suit. The building and imaginary play, which involved catching some bad guys along I-94 (good thing, since cops are too busy issuing tickets), had them completely engaged. Cheap, easy and, yes, one of those maybe-I’m-not-such-a-bad-parent moments, considering the portable DVD player at their feet.

Baby Elephant Ears have been sitting on my desk for weeks. It’s a Minnesota company, created by an enterprising mom with a great personal story – three big selling points when I’m looking for Cool Products to feature for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. But I can’t bring myself to declare this one “cool,” because, well, I think it’s sort of silly. The Elephant Ears, $21.95, are pillows intended to keep baby’s head, neck and spine aligned in the stroller, swing or car seat. Alicia Overby created the pillow after talking to a chiropractor about her infant son Finn’s apparent discomfort, which the chiropractor said was due to a sore neck. Now, I do recall worrying my firstborn’s neck would snap when his head dropped to his lap in the stroller. I made various attempts, in vain, to prop him up. But I quickly learned how resiliant babies are – and how adept they are at sleeping in a wide variety of contorted positions that appear ridiculously uncomfortable to adults. So while I think this pillow is cute enough – provided it is kept out of the crib, of course – I can’t help but relegate it to that category of baby goods that play to anxious parents rather than infant needs. What do you think? Tell me I’m wrong -that Elephant Ears are a smart invention – and I’ll make it a Cool Product Alert in the coming weeks.

There’s nothing glamorous about running a store – even in a charmed neighborhood like Linden Hills; even selling darling high end baby apparel and bedding that’s organic to boot. Oscar & Belle plans to close its retail space by June 24 – after just a year of business. The local company is going back to focusing on what it does best: design and manufacturing. The line is sold at 75 boutiques nationwide and online. In a statement released today, owner Anna Gustafson said, “Our wholesale business is growing with some new opportunities on the horizon and I am unable to effectively do it all.” Gustafson and her husband are also expecting their first baby in August – and having one baby to pour all your time and energy into is more than enough.
See closing sale details here.

Dear Eat your heart out, Bambi. Wading through images of goods to be showcased at the American Craft Council show at the St. Paul RiverCentre April 16-18 and among the whimsical teapots and sculptural rings, this hand felted wool deer bonnet by Wendy Allen made me smile. It's $78. You'll have to provide your own to-die-for little face to put in it.

Uberdresses Sneak peek of Uber Baby at Shops at West End in St. Louis Park, opening Friday, April 9. Same attitude, but totally fresh approach. You won't find any of the lines that have become commonplace at baby shops – cool new finds include Twirls & Twigs, Fore and several local lines like Annie and Me and edgy tutus (imagine Gwen Stefani liking them, if she had girls) by Alisha Perkins (wife of Minnesota Twins reliever Glen Perkins). The store opens Friday, April 9. Stop by opening weekend and mention AliShops for a FREE Uber Baby onesie – no purchase necessary. More details here.

The thing about outlet shopping is it's hit and miss. You have to be willing to dig and sometimes leave empty handed. That's why I applaud Oh Baby! Outlet for being so forthcoming about what's in store each week at the new Wayzata shop. New today, for example: Lili Gaufrette spring 2009 fashions, nursery furniture, moses baskets and bedding. While it doesn't guarantee that you'll walk out with what you want, at least you have a better idea what to expect. Visit the website before you shop each Thursday through Saturday and when you're there, sign up for the email list for more insider tips.

The rebirth of Uber Baby at West End in St. Louis Park is set for April 9. Sounds like Lynne and Dan Gonsior aim to recapture the hip flavor of the original Uber Baby in South Minneapolis, and do it up bigger. They will introduce a private label line of baby basics called "U" and a wall of chic diaper bags they promise will be "largest in the country." Anxious for my sneak peek in a few weeks! Will keep you posted.

Kitseldress Perfect time to discover adorable children's e-tailer Kitsel. Through Jan. 31, save 15 percent on your order over $35, and 10 percent will be donated to the American Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti. Enter code HAITI at checkout.

Yhst-11577408532747_2087_95107328[1] Bummer. Chic children's boutique Bebe Babble in Edina's Morningside neighborhood will close at the end of the month. It will live on online at Bebebabble.com, where shoppers might be more receptive to $85 little girls' dresses (Suri Cruise, this means you!). In its four years, Bebe Babble raised the bar for stylish, high end children's clothing and furnishings. Owner Kendra Lewis, a Target vet, has also been a big supporter of local talent. She recently started developing her own pretty, yet modern line of Bebe Babble clothing – wouldn't be surprised if we see that in other boutiques soon. Her sharp eye will be missed on the streets (especially while waiting for a table at Convention Grill). See Sales/Specials for details on Bebe Babble's closing sale.

Ckwestend Creative Kidstuff opens a flagship store at the new Shops at West End in St. Louis Park on Friday. Expect "more things for kids to do and touch," said Happi Olson, director of sales and marketing. The store also marks Creative Kidstuff's first foray into the birthday party business: there's a party room filled with interactive playthings. The company is currently developing a menu of party themes that can be tailored to kids ages 3 to 10. Parties will start in January. Olson estimated the price will be around $225. When not in use for parties, the private room may be rented out to mom groups. (Taking a cue from Kiddywampus, it sounds like.) With the SLP opening comes the closing of Creative Kidstuff's Minnetonka store on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Check back for updates on other West End stores opening this month. And visit Sales/Specials for special shopping days and discounts coming up at Creative Kidstuff.