Little Sunshine Trading Co.

8202 Main St., Ellicott City

410-461-3220, littlesunshinetradingco.com

0pen 11 a.m, - 5p.m, Wednesday through Sunday

Friends and schoolmates Shannon Pastras and Marissa Jonner had so much fun selling handmade baby items at fairs and online that, a few weeks ago, they opened a boutique in Historic Ellicott City.

Specializing in unusual baby gifts, the store offers items such as animal print diaper covers, changing pads shaped like bears and giraffes, wooden blocks shaped like sandwiches and sushi, and hip Lollipop Zen T-shirts - the same kind Brad and Angelina dress their kids in.

"People really seem to go for cute baby stuff," says Pastras. While she's a lawyer by training, she says owning a baby boutique is "a lot more fun."

Both Pastras and Jonner are Howard County natives, Centennial High School grads and mothers. Pastras has two girls, ages 2 and 5. Jonner has two boys of the same age.

Pastras says they try to offer gifts that will appeal to the cost-conscious. Prices range from about $10 for T-shirts to $90 for animal-shaped rockers.