As far as we’re concerned, every neighborhood gets a little better once giggle hangs a shingle. So we expect Santa Monica moms to do a little happy dance on September 3rd, when Montana Avenue will officially become home to giggle’s fourteenth outpost.

Los Angeles is a beach town. With beachy weather. Year-round. Yet most moms we know are a little rusty on the LA sand scene for tots. Here, our three favorite beaches for family time and play dates.

The best thing we discovered at last month’s Plush show is Manny and Simon, a new SoCal company turning out beautifully designed step stools, rockers, and jumbo push toys—plus a coordinating apparel line.

Since opening in Century City this past January, Giggles ‘N Hugs has been rounding out its offerings for kids—most recently adding face-painting, story time, and Xbox and Wii stations for older kids. Now, they’re turning their attention to the grownups . . . .