What toddler items should I stock up on before our move?

[chelle_law]

We are moving to HK from the states sometime next month with our 17mo son. I was wondering of there are any toddler items I should stock up on before we move? We have some space left in our shipping allowance, so what extra items would be helpful to have that is harder or more expensive to buy in HK? Thanks!

 

[MommyTo3]

We lived in the States for 4 years before moving back to Europe and then very soon after we moved to HKG. Not knowing that we were going to move here, I stocked up big time because most things are way more expensive in Europe. Looking back, I didn't need everything because we moved here, but it still worked out.

I wish I would have brought more shoes, like Stride Rites. I find it hard to buy good quality shoes for a reasonable price. However, you can wear sandals for a very long time, so it's quite hard to figure out when they need the regular shoes (I think I've done OK) and have a few pairs of SR sandals left too. Clothing, yes maybe, I stocked up quite a bit for my boy since I still had lots from my girl, but clothing is quite easy to get, I live around the corner from Stanley Market, so lots of OshKosh, Gap, etc. Most brands like Little Tykes and Step 2 are also way more expensive here, so if you need some toys (especially outdoor cars / wagon / ride-on things are fun at the playground), I would maybe bring one or two. I miss the Costco wipes dearly, I had a 6 month supply or so, but it was finished before moving here. I also loved their string garbage bags (almost finished). It's just the right quality, big quantity for the price Costco offers, which is great (I know it sounds crazy). I miss PBK dearly (I brought towels with their names, the Anywhere chairs with their names, just fun stuff, bins with their names).

I mean basically everything can be bought here, it's just that I got used to certain brands and things, which I miss now. I got a lot of nice deals, outlet shopping, etc. in the States so for us it worked out nicely and it was worth bringing it. It's a lot of "fun stuff". I love the GAP bras for myself, their Body stuff, etc. Every time people come here and ask me where do you get that ... I have to answer "States".

But again, many great things can be bought here, and a lot of copies can be made. I can't really think of something else, most stuff sold in the States is for sale here, at least compared to Europe.

I'll let you know if I think of something else.

 

[woodk6]

The last poster said everything that I would have. You can buy the Costco Kirkland Wipes at Gateway in Sheung Wan. They are slightly more expensive but BY FAR better than anything you can buy in HK, other than the Seventh Generation ones that cost a total fortune here.

I would definitely buy good walker shoes before you come a few sizes ahead, if you can. Especially if your child has wide or extra wide feet. I do not know anywhere yet where you can buy wide shoes here.

No need to go overboard stocking up though as everything you need is here in HK pretty much, though it might cost you a bit more.

 

[MommyTo3]

The last poster said everything that I would have. You can buy the Costco Kirkland Wipes at Gateway in Sheung Wan. They are slightly more expensive but BY FAR better than anything you can buy in HK, other than the Seventh Generation ones that cost a total fortune here.
QUOTE]

Thanks for the tip on the wipes. I use the Huggies now, and they're not bad either, but can't beat Costco!

 

[mumofone]

What toddler items should I stock up on?

I would agree with stocking up on big toys - Toys R Us and Bumps to Babes that sell the British toys from Early Learning Centre are expensive. Since I have outdoor space (something I hadnt expected) I would have bought an outdoor playhouse, bicycles and some ride on toys.

For other things, bedding - pretty duvet covers are in limited supply unless you can afford Lane Crawford Department Store otherwise you are limited to Ikea or Wing On.

My US friends always bring over a supply of vitamins and childrens medicines they like.

I can't think of anything else right now.

Good luck with your move here. Where are you going to be living?

 

[LilyBo]

Hey Guys

Would you also advise to stock up on OTC medicines and the like? We're not long out of Beijing (currently back in UK, moving to HK in May so lots of questions tba!!) and I found it hugely beneficial taking massive stocks of Calpol, Imodium, kids cough meds, etc....... It was hugely difficult to find comparable (trusted) items like these outside of the Int. hospitals. Is the same in HK?

Also, what about nappies - are these at a premium?

Cheers
Sarah

 

[chelle_law]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions!! I'm making a trip to Costco tomorrow so I'll be sure to pick up some wipes. I wish I had space to ship some bigger toys, but that won't fit into the shipping allowance from my husband's work. We are not sure where we are living yet. We will be arriving in 3 weeks and stay in a hotel for a week or so. My husband's job provides us with a serviced apartment. We get a little bit of a say as to where we want to live but not a lot since we already asked about living in DB and were told they couldn't make it happen. I am guessing we'll be somewhere in Central or Midlevels. Anyone have any pros/cons or recommendations for places in those areas?
Thanks again for your help! I have found this forum very helpful in preparing for our move.