Wow. That's the first word that comes to mind after visiting the brand new, not-even-officially-open-yet J&R Jr. It's everything you've loved about J&R...in brighter colors, kid-friendly electronics, toys, baby gear, developmental classes, live theatrical and entertainment events for kids...and more! Techie parents--YOU'LL get a kick out of this new pint-sized version of your favorite electronics and computer store. And your kids will be mighty entertained too, trust me.

What a hidden oasis in downtown NYC! Your kids could spend hours there--playing the drums and singing karaoke in the music section, coloring in the arts and craft section, playing videos in the gaming section, sitting down at kid-sized tables equipped with iPads, and roaming through the aisles of colorful toys, books, puzzles, and games. They even have a special event space where MoonSoup will be holding regularly scheduled music and yoga classes for kids. Plus, there will be lots of special events by favorite NYC musicians like Rockin with Andy. They even plan on having birthday parties too! Boy, I really wish they had this place around when my kids were younger. Kind of makes me want to have another kid...almost.

And for new parents, they have a great selection of only the best baby necessities, like strollers, highchairs and boosters, swings and bouncers, baby monitors, cribs and bedding, diaper bags, and more. There is even a special stroller terrain where you can try out the strollers. Click here to find out more about their universal gift registry.

J & R Jr. is the brainchild of Jason Friedman (J & R Jr.) whose parents Joe and Rachelle Friedman (“J” and “R”) started J&R Music World together 40 years ago. Jason grew up roaming the aisles of the store and got to meet countless rock stars, and of course, he  always had the latest and greatest stereo, laptop, and game system on the block. Fast forward many years later, and now Jason is married with two kids. He and his wife were always searching for the safest, coolest stuff for kids, and they were often overwhelmed by the huge selection available at the baby megastores. So Jason decided to start up    J & R Jr. to eliminate all the guesswork and handpick all the best gear so new and seasoned parents alike can make better buying decisions.

I got the chance to meet Jason at our Macaroni Kid Brunch, and you could tell that this new store was a huge labor of love. He even had his own kids there dancing along to the music. It is definitely a family business, and Macaroni Kid just loves family businesses! I told him the story of how when I was pregnant with my first child, I went home and cried after first shopping for strollers at Babies 'R Us. Everything was so scary and overwhelming. He then showed me the 4Moms Origami stroller--a power-folding stroller that is also the world's first cell phone-charging, mileage-counting, LCD-sporting stroller, with generators in the rear wheels that charge the stroller as you walk. Oh my, I hear the next model will even change your baby's diaper. :)

And if that's not enough, with every purchase, you get a free cup of coffee at the J &R cafe that also serves sandwiches, pastries, and crepes. I may never leave this store. Where else can you shop, hang out, and entertain and feed your kids in such a cool place?

Don't miss this weekend's exciting 2-Day Kidstravaganza with free music, food, balloons, photos, princesses, magicians, giveaways and more! I would say it's worth a trip to downtown NYC. And if you are stuck at home in NJ, you can shop on-line at their site--this weekend, they are offering free shipping with all orders $25 and over.

Check out their line-up for "Grand Opening" weekend:

Saturday, Feb. 11: Laurie Berkner, 1:30, Little Maestros, 2:30, Farmer Jason, 4pm

Sunday, Feb. 12: Dirty Sock Funtime Band 11am, Book Reading with Tad Hills at noon, Amazing Max at 1pm, a Princess visit at 2pm, Dan Zanes at 3pm, Kidz Bop at 4pm (with an autograph signing)

NOW THAT's what I call a GRAND opening!

Thanks to the folks at J&R Jr. for a sneak preview on Sunday. My kids LOVED the visit, and they can't WAIT to go back again!