Think of every child's fantasy play land - what would it entail? Toys, games, stuffed animals, and dress-up clothes, perhaps. Such a land exists at Ballard's Clover.

Inspired by a friend's toy shop in San Francisco, Ballard resident Sarah Furstenberg brought her inspiration to Seattle to open her own store.

Even through an adult's eyes everything is colorful and whimsical. You want to become a kid again so you can touch, play and explore.

The shop is divided into various sections full of things that pique the interest of kids and parents alike. At the front of the shop is the domestic play area, which not only includes make-believe but actual items that kids can use to help around in the kitchen. One can find pots and pans, even little brooms and mops so a youngster can learn from an early age to keep a clean kitchen.

In the "fantasy" area you'll find castles, plastic figurines, dollhouses, puppets, and everyone's favorite - dress-up costumes. A cape and a wand is all a child needs to transform into a playful world of great imagination and alter egos.

The best part about Clover is its emphasis on classic toys, oldies but goodies, what Furstenberg describes as, "Things grandparents and parents had when they were kids; plains, trains, and automobiles." This includes classic BRIO train sets and simple but lovely wooden sailboats from France.

Some toys have a higher price point, like the small wooden figures from Germany that are hand carved and hand painted, but the philosophy behind Clover is that toys should be beautiful, sturdy, and high quality.

"I'm really into no batteries, no lights. I want skill-building things; encouraging your child to appreciate things that are well made," says Furstenberg, who determines what she buys for the store based on things she loved or wanted as a child, and things her children loved growing up.

A quaint room is dedicated to adorable room furnishings like alarm clocks, lamps, bedding sets and floor rugs. There's also a small selection of books including Swedish folk stories and classic books like Babar and Madeline. The owner wanted to include classic tales and unique stories not easily found in popular mega-chain bookstores.

Speaking of mega-chain, you will not find common clothing brands at Clover. Carrying mostly indie designers, L.A. labels like Sandbox Rebel and Dandy Social Club make oh-so-cute dresses that even a grown-up might want to wear (if only it came in a bigger size). Portland-based Ivy Studios makes screen print t-shirts and zip-up hoodies with a funky, northwest feel. Some more popular brands include Petite Bateau, a French line known for their great basics, the cute animal prints of Small Paul (as in Paul Frank), and baby footwear by Robeez.

To awaken the artistic genius in your child, take them to the arts and craft room, where you can find high quality art supplies, kids' knitting books, sewing and felting kits, and high quality wool felt from Holland.

Does your wunderkind child aspire to be multi-lingual? Introduce your toddler to wooden blocks by Holgate, which come in languages such as Arabic and Russian. Clover even has international board games such as Enchanted Forest by German company Ravensburger.

French posters, vintage illustrations and artistic prints adorn the brightly colored walls. With cute clothes, mind-stimulating games and an appreciation for classic and quality toys, you and your child could spend hours browsing this shop, which can turn into a child madhouse on the weekends, especially on Sunday's during the Farmers Market.

After all, what kid wouldn't enjoy entering a land that includes everything they could ever want for uber-amusement? Clover realizes your child's fantasy and toys with their whimsical wants.

What:

Clover Children's Store

Where:

5335 Ballard Ave. N.W.

www.clovertoys.com

782-0715

When:

Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.