When friends and family start having babies, a whole new shopping genre opens up; unfortunately, there's no secret baby district you haven't heard of yet. So while you may need to leave your 'hood, you shouldn't have to go far with these aww-inspiring shops around town.

Fiddlesticks (540 Hayes St., 415-565-0508) in Hayes Valley should be a first stop for the childless and clueless. Classic but stylish clothes and sturdy-looking toys line the front of the store, and all are clearly broken down by age group. Go straight to the back for a comprehensive selection of Tea, the San Francisco brand that says modern cool without whispering Etsy handmade.

Walk a few doors up to Lili Merveille (552 Hayes St., 415-553-8523), a boutique filled with Parisian brands and hand-painted onesies — all imported from France. You get the sense children dress more traditionally when life is en Français — think ruffles, flowers, poof — but you might find a delight for the Francophile in your life.

Baby doesn't have to mean cutesy at Aldea Niños (1017 Valencia St., 415-874-9520), a design-minded store, owned and curated by the interior designer behind Aldea Home. With novelties for the nursery, designer toys, and indie-designed clothes to choose from, one lucky kid will have good taste before he's eating solids.

For fashionista friends, try Bubble (3108 Fillmore St., 415-771-0570) in Cow Hollow. Miniature versions of designer brands (True Religion, Diesel, Juicy) mingle with an expansive mix of silk-screened tees, tasteful college sweats, and all sorts of hip, cottony cuteness. So soft, you'll just want to put a baby in and hold.

Source: Fiddlesticks