Goodie Bag

Halloween, or Wansheng Jie (万圣节) as it’s known in Chinese, is upon us, so this is the season to transform your little ones into ghosts, princesses and pirates. We’ve compiled a list of Beijing’s top shops and markets for that.

Alien Street Market
Find bizarre and kitschy trinkets, including plastic swords, feather scarves, multicolored wigs and a notable fur collection.
Yabao Lu, south of Fulllink Plaza, Chaoyang District 老番街市场, 朝阳区雅宝路

Beta Costume Rentals
This online rental store has a vast collection, ranging from Grim Reaper costumes to full Hello Kitty regalia. Prices range from RMB 60-150.
(6844 4222) www.beeta.cn

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Toys can be more than just fun for young kids. Some toys can help develop the senses for colors, sounds, shapes and movements, not to mention encourage a youngster’s creativity. These safe and intellect-stimulating toys will not only guarantee fun times, but also allow little ones a glimpse of the grown-up life.

1. Colorful tea/coffee set (10 pieces): Small cups, trays and teapots that have been tested for food safety. Encourages socializing and playing make-believe. For kids age 8 and up. Ikea. RMB 99.

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Back-to-school season means busy preparations for the fall semester, and it goes without saying that there’s plenty of shopping to be done – for pencil cases, backpacks and other school essentials. Novice parents, don’t fret. These smart, playful gizmos and stationary supplies will have every child eager for show and tell. Belle Zhao

Outfitted with a pencil, a military-inspired watch, a notepad, an electric torch and a compass, this Adventure Boy Package by Swatch makes the best back-to-school gift for any adventurous child. Swatch. RMB 398.

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Get into the Olympic spirit with these mascot-emblazoned knickknacks

It seems that Fuwa – those ubiquitous Olympic mascots consisting of Jingjing the panda, Yingying the Tibetan antelope, Beibei the sturgeon, Huanhuan the Olympic flame and Nini the swallow – are everywhere: on stamps, pens, clothing, jewelry, toys, balloons, t-shirts and even their own CCTV-produced cartoon series. Though much of this Fuwa-emblazoned stuff will ultimately be relegated to the dustbin of kitsch, we can’t resist reveling, for a moment, in Olympic fever during this once-in-a-lifetime month. Here are a few of our favorite Fuwa knickknacks.

Nini hair-band. RMB 35. www.2008eshop.cn

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Find the perfect swimsuit for your kids to hit the beaches

When the heat gets brutal this summer, simply cool off by the pool or take a holiday at the nearest beach. But don’t forget those all-important swimsuits! Bold colors and floral prints are keys to this year’s swimwear trends.

Sporty surf meets girly hot pink. For toddlers. RMB 220. Adidas.

An adorable one-piece juiced up with a modern print and skirt detail. For babies and toddlers. RMB 100. Jiayi Clothing Market.

A mini-string bikini embellished with flower accents. For toddlers. RMB 100. Jiayi Clothing Market.

Make waves in this retro halter neckline bikini. For girls age 10 and up. RMB 2,400. Juicy Couture.

A flashy red bikini with ruffles. For babies. RMB 540. Juicy Couture.

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The latest gadgets for kids to blast their tunes on

Kids these days grow up surrounded by technology, whether it’s computers, cell phones or video games. And when it comes to MP3 players, chances are your kid has at least one. If they don’t, however, maybe it’s about time to get them digitalized with these kid-friendly MP3 and other electronic music gadgets.

1. Aigo F029

It’s not just a watch – this Aigo F029 also functions as a music player. The Aigo has a full-color OLED screen with a maximum resolution of 160x128 pixels. It supports both MP3 and WMA audio formats, and can also play MPEG videos. RMB 799 for 2GB; RMB 999 for 4GB. Available at various electronic stores and markets.

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