We should all feel so lucky to have Clover in Seattle. Nestled in the heart of Ballard, Clover is a children’s toy and clothing store opened by Sarah Furstenberg in 2004.
After getting burned out as a graphic and textile designer in San Francisco, Sarah began working at a toy store and eventually became the manager. The owner became a great mentor. When Sarah decided to spread her wings and open up her own shop, she moved to Seattle and Clover was born.
Sarah is a romantic and a thoughtful buyer; remembering fondly her childhood toys and the creativity they inspired, she has created something that speaks to the kind of person she is.
Many of the items found in her shop seem to be from another land, or at the very least another time. Beautiful puppets, educational toys, make-believe play toys and inspired art supplies will get any child excited about learning and life.
Before having her own kids, Blixa, 20, and Oskar, 17, Sarah read every child development book she could get her hands on. She still thinks a lot about brain development.
“Brains are really big, and parents and families need to teach children how to interact in the world. As a 5-year-old, you aren’t going to learn everything with the computer,” she says. “You gotta teach your kids to be full human beings.”
Many of the products she carries hopefully will not only inspire children, but inspire parents to engage and play more with their kids.
5333 Ballard Ave. NW
