Celebrating Girl's Day: Women-Owned Shops Of Hawai'i That Sell Items Little Girls Will LOVE!

2021 was the year we welcomed our first baby girl, Willaminha, into the world. Her arrival earth side didn't happen till 4/14, so this is technically our first year celebrating GIRLS DAY with her. 

In Japan, and well known in Hawai'i as well, Girls’ Day is celebrated on March 3rd. This day is also known as Hinamatsuri, which means 'doll festival' in Japanese. On this day, parents wish and pray for the healthy growth and happiness of their daughters. Growing up, my mom would always gift my sisters and I something simple and sweet, like stationery, or Sanrio drawstring pouches and inside would be cute panties! I'd also exchange small gifts with some of my closest friends at school as a way to celebrate. 

If you're looking for small cute gifts for your little mini, I highly recommend some of the following local, women-owned brands. In the past year alone I've bought so many items from them for Willa, her friends (and thb for me too lol!). Enjoy this gift guide featuring local small businesses that sell items perfect for baby & toddler girls!

April, the founder and owner of Keiki Kaukau curated the most beautiful, quality toys that authentically represent the Aloha State and its unique blend of cultures. Willa's play room is filled with Keiki Kaukau toys and books and these are seriously some of her FAVORITE items to play with. What I love most is that I'm able to teach Willa all about where her mommy grew up thru these toys AND about her Filipino culture with fun puzzles like her Filipino Food Chunky Puzzle!

They will take your monies lol. This is all I have to say about the amazing company that is Fighting Eel. Beautiful prints? Super cute style? Matching Mama + Mini evvverything? Yes, yes and YES. Fighting Eel, and their sister brand Ava Sky, is my go to for all things mama + mini. If you're looking to outfit your entire family for your next family photo shoot, look no further. I LOVE dressing up Willa in all of their styles. My favorite hands down are their tank onesies which are perfect for Hawai'i's humid weather and those warmer summer days. 

For all your mealtime needs, Ava and Oliverwill be your go-to for the cutest baby goods. I love the muted colors they offer along with simple, practical designs that make feeding Willa enjoyable AND easier. As a mom, anything to help simplify the process is always key! Plus, if you know me you know I love anything rainbow lol. My two favorite items from Ava and Oliver are their rainbow placemats and rainbow suction plates. 

Long before our plans to have a baby were even on the horizon I started buying Coco Moon Hawaiias gifts for friends expecting babies of their own. This brand has always been my go-to for the softest, cutest swaddles and baby blankets. Till this day, Willa uses so many of her Coco Moon goodies from her swaddles during early evening walks, to her beach towels! Bonus, their beautiful prints pop so well in those baby photos... win win!

The queen of all things rainbow + floral prints, what's not to love about Jana Lam?! Her collaborations with fellow brands like Coco Moon Hawaiiand Izzy and Luke are some of my favorites to date (as you can tell, Willa was wrapped in all things Coco Moon x Jana Lam during her first few months earth side, so yes I am a bit obsessed lol :D). You can also score some super cute stickers and stationery items from Jana's online shop, perfect small gifts for your minis.. what did doesn't love stickers?!

I had my eye on these bubble rompers from Love + Monsters HI since the day I found out we were expecting a baby girl! Rainbow + super cute bubble butt romper for baby? YES! The best part is, these beautiful rompers grow with baby. Willa wore hers from the time she was 3 months old till she was about 8 months! I love clothing pieces that can go the distance and LM clothing does just that. PRO TIP: Richie sells out super fast! She hand makes every single one of her items with so much love, and makes them in small batches. So follow her on Instagramand look out for her IG Story updates when new collections drop!

I first found out about Hiilani Hawaiifrom my sister Yasmin who (now) has 4 kids. Each of her kids always had the cutest and softest baby blankets, and they were obsessed with them. When it came time to buying Willa's first baby blanket, I already knew it had to be from Hiilani Hawaii. Since we split our time between California and Hawaii, we definitely have those chilly morning and early evenings outside in Socal. These blankets are PERFECT for keeping baby nice and warm AND stylish all in one!

I'm so glad I stumbled upon Kahua 'Āina while scrolling Instagram one day. This shop carries some of the cutest handmade items that educate kids on all different forms of wildlife native to Hawai'i. When Willa was first born, she would constantly stare and reach for her Uluna Huihui Pūpūpillow, with its black and white patters, this was such a perfect high contrast object for her as a newborn!