Your shopping guide to the best local stores: New York

Located on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, Acorn is a dedicated forerunner of the "toys made of natural materials" trend. Acorn's products are made to withstand the kind of wild play resulting from a wild imagination. Since 2004, Karin Schaefer and Diane Crespo have been operating under the philosophy that kids don't need hundreds of toys to keep them happy, just the right ones. Offering a wide variety of items made out of wood, felt, or fabric, Acorn's products are designed to inspire the imagination rather than merely add to an ever-growing toy box. In order to ensure that the quality and longevity of their toys are purchased with a clean conscience, Schaefer and Crespo seek out items produced by artisans who earn a living wage from their trade. Many of the these toys, like the adorable flower-fairy finger puppets, come from Europe, where Schaefer grew up and where the toy culture is slightly less battery-centric than here. However, local craft is also available, such as the popular wooden rattles hand-made in Arkansas (okay, so not one-hundred percent local) or the growing selection of clothing which hails mostly from designers in Brooklyn. Aside from adorable shoes, books and building sets, there are even a few treats for adults, like the wooden AM/FM radio. But, then again, all of Acorn's playful and sophisticated selection is likely to delight both young and old.