Explore the vibrant shopping scene on Wantagh Avenue

With back-to-school shopping in full swing and a string of holidays on the horizon, Wantagh Avenue is more top of mind than ever for locals. Lined with small businesses — many of them family owned — this bustling stretch offers everything from boutique clothing and sporting goods to baby gear, beauty services, and even a shop dedicated to satisfying your sweet tooth.

"I really benefit from so many stores being here," says middle school teacher Michelle Palmisano, 48, a 19-year resident. "I appreciate all their hard work and that they’re part of the community."

We've mapped out nine destinations worth checking out along this vibrant local shopping hub.

Browse for strollers and more at ANB Baby

1168 Wantagh Ave.

This 3-year-old baby and parenting boutique specializes in premium infant gear. The store offers a curated selection of trusted brands, including Nuna, UPPAbaby, Cybex, Doona, Inglesina, and Maxi-Cosi.

Shoppers will find everything from strollers and car seats to feeding supplies, toys, nursery furniture, and accessories — all in a parent-centered shopping environment. Travel strollers start at $399, with full stroller systems (including an infant car seat) reaching up to $1,650.

More info 877-222-9692, anbbaby.com

Purchase a gift for any occasion at What A Girl Wants

1188 Wantagh Ave.

Now in its 11th season, this women’s fashion, accessories and gifts boutique is a go-to destination for a curated selection of stylish, affordable items, in a welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re in the mood for a wardrobe update (dresses, jumpsuits, crop suits, you name it) or a baby present (tiny dinosaur socks, anyone?), the store has you covered.

At the busy charm bar, customize sterling silver or gold-filled bracelets, anklets and necklaces with a wide array of adorable charms — initials, flowers, butterflies and more. "It’s a big part of our business," says store owner Carissa Cillis. "The scarf charm necklace has become super trendy."

More info 516-809-9270, whatagirlwantsli.com

Find party dresses for kids at Natalia’s Children’s Boutique

1237 Wantagh Ave.

Fancy, big-occasion outfits for little ones — baptisms, first Communions, birthday parties, weddings and other milestone celebrations — are the heart of this boutique. Prices vary, with christening gowns starting around $100.

"We also carry a pretty full line of everyday clothes," says proprietor Linda Hill, who launched the shop in November 2022 and named it after her first grandchild. Hill, 55, a businessperson who owns a preschool in Massapequa, runs the shop with help from her two adult kids. "It’s a family business. Wantagh is a family town."

This October, Hill plans to introduce a new arm of the business — Borrow & Bloom, a subscription service for children’s specialty and formal wear. For a set monthly price — around $95 — customers can choose eight outfits and two accessories. "We’re looking at ways to grow the business," she says.

More info 516-804-6244

Discover fall styles at Enigma Boutique

1894 Wantagh Ave.

Since opening in April 2022 at a nearby location on the avenue, this women’s fashions store owned by sisters Shivon Super-Daniels, 45, and Samantha Calandrella, 35, has settled into a new address and made conscious tweaks to the merchandise — from bralettes to jeans to dresses.

"We’ve improved the quality," says Super-Daniels, adding that they carry clothes that make you look and feel your best. "We have some lower price points and higher ones." Two popular labels include Free People and Hidden.

The shop’s mantra — "Be mysterious, be you" — centers on self-expression and confidence through style, and that remains steadfast. "That pretty much says it," says Super-Daniels, who appreciates the network of Wantagh Avenue retailers. "They support us, we support them."

More info 516-476-8465, enigmafashionboutique.com

Buy sports equipment at Lifestyles Sports

1901 Wantagh Ave.

In business since 1979, this vibrant, family-owned store has become a go-to for everything from sporting goods and apparel, workwear, medical scrubs and athleisure to backpacks, accessories, and custom-printed team apparel — all backed by friendly, personalized service and strong community ties.

Inventory covers virtually every sport under the sun. Golf, wrestling and pickleball? Check, check, check. "We also cover football, lacrosse, soccer, baseball and more," says marketing head Mike Katos.

Palmisano recently stopped in to have her son’s baseball bat re-gripped. "Before his game, we ran up there, got it, they put it on his bat, and we ran into the game," she recalls. "They’re great."

More info 516-781-8070, lifestylessports.com

Get treasures at Old Towne Garden Irish and Victorian Gift Store

1902 Wantagh Ave.

Next stop, the Emerald Island — sort of. Housed in a 130-year-old freestanding Victorian building, this family-owned store’s charming setting is every bit as unique as the merchandise that’s drawn shoppers for 31 years. Treasures range from clothing to food to home decor to shamrock-decked rings and necklaces.

"We have unique gifts and imports that you won’t find anywhere else," says Carmel Dolan, who works in the shop co-owned by her sisters Ann Durkin and Ellen Dolan-Curran. "We have jewelry that’s made for us by two jewelers in Ireland." The family hails from Galway.

Among the fall arrivals: Aran knit sweaters and ponchos, toasty wool caps, and romantic Celtic bangle bracelets and Claddagh pendants. A shopping outing here becomes a celebration of culture and history.

More info 516-826-2574, irishvictorian.com

Pick up sweet treats at Grandma’s Candy Kitchen

2119 Wantagh Ave.

This family-run confectionery cottage — Wantagh’s Willy Wonka’s wonderland — has been in business and a fixture in the community since 1975. That’s a lot of bonbons!

Besides milk chocolate emoticons, chocolate-covered pretzels and more sweet treats, you’ll find what you need to make your own candies or decorate your own cakes. That includes molds to make bunnies, eggs, and lollipops, and chocolate treats manufactured in-house.

Fall is prime time, thanks to the lineup of holidays, says owner Alison McGuinness. "We are crazy busy from the first weekend of September straight through until the first week of January."

More info 516-785-2750, grandmascandykitchen.com

Shop for personalized accessories at DCD Boutique

2215 Wantagh Ave.

First things first, the name stands for "Design, Create, Donate." That’s shorthand for the philosophy of the shop where you’ll find casual women’s fashions (cozy autumn shackets have arrived), unique accessories and gifts — plus a generous spirit of giving back.

"I try to do different initiatives every month," says Christina Schaeffner, 30, whose previous experience as a designer and buyer informs her 3-year-old brick-and-mortar enterprise. Her drives range from back-to-school to breast-cancer awareness in October.

Custom gifts for birthdays, brides, babies and special occasions that can be personalized with heat-transfer decals are a store hallmark. "Everybody waits until the last minute. I do this on the spot, says Schaeffner. "That makes their life a little easier."

More info 516-518-5818, shopdcdboutique.com

Check out the beauty services at Blade and Beauty

2241 Wantagh Ave.

This shiny two-and-a-half year salon offers eyebrow and eyelash services including threading, waxing, tinting, lifts, lamination and extensions, plus other services such as facials.

"We specialize in permanent makeup," says owner Brooke Murphy, 33, who trained and earned her license at Long Island Nail, Skin & Hair Institute in Bethpage. "Everybody wants to wake up and go."

With her staff of five, Murphy enjoys helping clients look their best and live their best life. "Some clients are cancer survivors who’ve gone through chemo and lost their eyebrows and lost their eyelashes," she says. "It’s very rewarding."

More info 516-749-5546, bladeandbeautyny.com