As someone who designs kids clothes, one of the questions I get asked a lot is, “what are your favorite kids brands?” And I have a LONG list. It is very, very long. Because although sometimes it’s easier and cheaper and faster to go to the store with the big red bullseye for kids clothes, I try to support small business owners with my dollars. Because I too am a small business owner and I appreciate it more than anything when people shop cuteheads.

Not only that, but there really are SO many amazing brands out there run by incredible, hardworking moms and ladies, who are spilling blood, sweat and tears over their businesses. I feel so proud when my kids wear items they’ve made. I’m also proud of the friendships I’ve made through the shop small community. Many of my own customers have become my good friends, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As you’ll see below, these are 11 of my favorite kids brands that I not only love, but use and wear all the time. So without further ado:

11 of Our Favorite Kids Brands You Need to Know About Now

1. Finn and Emma. Finn and Emma is one of our favorite kids brands because they make the softest, sweetest clothing for babies and kids, and the cutest wooden heirloom quality toys. This brand has been blowing up on Instagram lately, and for good reason. The quality is amazing, and the patterns are unique.

2. Taylor Joelle Designs. If you have a little girl like mine, then she LOVES princess dresses. Unfortunately, these are not always appropriate for everyday wear. The material is itchy and uncomfortable… not great for hot Texas Summers. Enter Taylor Joelle Designs. They make these darling dresses that are basically t-shirt on top, lightweight tutu skirt below. Naomi asks for her bow dress on the daily.

3. Briar Handmade. Never in a million years did I think I’d want my little girls to wear bonnets, but these sweet and simple bonnets from Briar Handmade are everything good about being a baby. I personally don’t love dressing my little girls like they’re teenagers and want them to look like little girls for as long as possible, so I extra-love these bonnets.

4. The Wishing Elephant. Everyone knows you can find adorable handmade baby and kids clothes, but did you know you can find costumes too? I am obsessed with The Wishing Elephant, especially Naomi’s Halloween costume from last year. Remember Tova’s pineapple outfit? Yeah, that’s The Wishing Elephant too. Obsessed.

5. Free Babes. That bow tho… So cute, isn’t it? I love the bows from Free Babes. The patterns are so perfect, and I can buy both bows on nylon and matching alligator clips for the girls. Plus, I love that the owner is a fellow supporter of small business and promotes other businesses, not just her own.

6. Dockatot Surely you’ve seen Dockatots on Instagram and wondered, “Is that thing worth it?” And I can promise you that it is. We don’t use it for napping, but we use it for everything else from play time to tummy time. Tova is always so happy in hers, and I can’t imagine our everyday lives without it.

7. Sapling Child. How sweet is that little romper with the lace sleeves? I love the beautiful hand-drawn prints they use, and I love that they use organic cotton. Doesn’t she look so happy in it?

8. Ultra Violet Kids. Although I just recently discovered this brand, as soon as I saw it on Instagram, I knew I needed to have a few of their cute pieces. The tops the girls are wearing tie at the shoulder in a little knot, which I love. Again, I love that I can buy in both baby and toddler sizes for more cute matching pics.

9. Swallow’s Return. I’ve actually been a fan and customer of this cute brand for years. I bought Naomi one of their signature tops, and bought more of them after Tova was born, one for each girl. They make adorable bubble rompers like this one, too.

10. Loved by Sophia Claire. I’ve talked a lot about this awesome brand before here on the blog, but they’re worth mentioning again. I LOVE these dainty and sweet bows. Tova has been wearing them nonstop. They don’t leave a mark because they’re on nylon, and they match with literally every outfit.

11. Mi + O. This beautiful dress is in heavy rotation right now. It’s so soft and comfortable, and the flutter sleeve design is a favorite of mine. Naomi thinks this is a princess dress, and I’m totally fine with that.

I’d love to know some of your favorite small brands so we can shop them too. Leave them in the comments!