KIDOODLES

Norman’s Beloved Children’s Boutique Reopens in New Location

BY: RAE LYNN PAYTON

Normanites can once again walk through the doors of Kidoodles, now located at 2001 W. Main, Suite 123, in Carriage Plaza. The new location features a special piece of the original store - its legendary door.

“We knew we had to bring the door,” shared Stephanie O’ Hara, Kidoodles’ new owner. “We want everyone that walks in our door to have that sense of wonder and feel welcome. That little door is for young customers… We want them to know that they are cherished and special.”

O’Hara wanted to maintain that cozy small business feel, cherished by previous shoppers, but with a unique line of products. The store will feature children’s clothing ages 4-16, a book section with 15002000 books, outdoor toys, baby gifts, accessories, sensory items, educational items, puzzles, crafts, seasonal gifts, electronics, pretend play, stilts, scooters, STEM items and games, to name a few.

“We are proud that we are diversifying what we offer in our store,” O’Hara said. “We want kids to come in and find a baby doll that looks like them and find books that kids can relate to with role models that look like them. We want every child to feel represented in our store.”

“We’ve also curated a very special section for birthdays,” O’ Hara added. “Birthdays are special. Whether you are 2 or 85, on your birthday, we want you to come to Kidoodles and we will sing to you and give you a special gift.”

Customers can find almost any birthday treat imaginable for both boys and girls - birthday crowns, soaps, bath bombs, tutus, dresses, books, superhero capes that can be colored, as well as the continued tradition of fillable birthday baskets, allowing family members and friends to come in and shop for their loved ones for their birthdays.

The children’s boutique is the only one of its kind within a 25-mile radius and offers free gift-wrapping, birthday basket registries, curbside service, as well as a free birthday gift to all customers, regardless of age.

The original store opened in 1985 and had several different owners over the years. To celebrate that nostalgia, shoppers are in for a treat! Custom hats have been created that say “1st Gen #Kidoodles” or “3rd Gen #Kidoodles” to celebrate each phase of life within the Kidoodles lifetime. Whether you are new to the store, an original visitor, or shopped while it was previously Copelin’s, you’re bound to find a hint of nostalgia.

Originally from Tulsa, Stephanie O’Hara, an OU graduate, and her husband Dirk have three children. After seven years of infertility following the birth of their first child, they were blessed with twins. O’Hara wrote about their infertility journey in her memoir, “Angel Wings,” now available at her store, as well as at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Books A Million.

“Going through infertility has given me this sense of wonder and awe with Stella and Smith and this deep sense of appreciation of them just being alive,” O’Hara said. Her family’s journey has influenced her vision for the store, its mission and its future. She would often visit the store with her own kids and grew to love it. She often joked with the store manager, Jennifer Brooks, that when the owners decided to sell, that she should give her a call. When Ed and Lin Copelin decided to retire, things fell into place, and she was able to do just that. Now, Brooks is continuing her position as manager.

O’Hara and Brooks are ready to share the joy of shopping at Kidoodles with future generations.– BSM