2026 Maggy Awards: Shopping

Cottage Baby Boutique

Best Children’s Clothing

Inspired by a shared concern for babies and toddlers dealing with skin sensitivities, eczema, and allergies, mother and daughter co-founders Lynn Warren and Bailey Warren Mayer wanted to create a space where parents could shop confidently for items that are both gentle and safe.

Cottage Baby Boutique is proud to serve families online and at locations in Cary, Raleigh, and Wilmington.

Lynn and Bailey carefully research and curate every brand Cottage Baby Boutique carries, prioritizing materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, hypoallergenic Pima cotton, muslin, modal, and bamboo. They also look closely at how products are made, ensuring ethical production and high-quality craftsmanship.

Just as important to Lynn and Bailey — who work closely together to oversee every aspect of the business, from product curation and brand vision to daily operation — is to select pieces that are beautifully designed because, as Lynn says, “Parents shouldn’t have to choose between health-conscious products and cute, timeless style.”

In addition to clothing, the boutique offers sustainable swimwear and plush toys made from recycled materials. Families appreciate knowing they can find thoughtfully chosen products that support their children’s health, reflect their values, and still feel fun, stylish, and special. Lynn and Bailey frequently hear from parents whose children have struggled with eczema, allergies, or sensitive skin and experienced noticeable improvement after wearing their clothing.

“This recognition reflects the trust families place in us,” says Lynn about winning the Maggy Award. “As a small, locally owned business, being recognized by Cary Magazine and our local community affirms the care and intention behind everything we do.”

cottagebabyboutique.com

Preston Flowers & Gifts

Best Florist

Preston Flowers & Gifts has been voted Best Florist for 10 consecutive years.

Family-owned and -operated Preston Flowers & Gifts is dedicated to crafting floral designs that perfectly convey your sentiments. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant bouquet for a birthday, elegant centerpieces for a wedding, or a heartfelt sympathy arrangement, Preston Flowers offers a wide selection of fresh flowers, plants, and unique gifts for every occasion.

“We are devoted to providing you with that ‘wow’ factor that you’ve never seen before,” says owner Barbara McKinnon about her team’s creativity and commitment to quality.

The shop only sources the finest blooms, ensuring each arrangement is not only beautiful but also long-lasting. Customers can explore an array of styles, from classic to contemporary, and even collaborate with the team to create custom arrangements tailored to their unique needs.

In addition to flowers, the neighborhood florist offers a variety of specialty gifts made by local artisans to complement arrangements, as well as a collection of gnomes, handcrafted pizza cutters and charcuterie boards, locally made home décor, and gourmet foods — to include popcorn, peanuts, and chocolates.

Delivery service covers Cary, Holly Springs, Apex, West Raleigh, and Morrisville, and customer satisfaction is always prioritized. Popular bouquets heavily feature the freshest roses, but there’s something for every important life event — or just to make someone smile. For anyone seeking stunning floral designs or quality gifts, Preston Flowers & Gifts makes the ideal destination.

prestonflowers.com

Blake Interiors

Best Home Décor

Designer, shop owner, and the face behind Blake Interiors, Kelsey Carlton often has her dog Frankie by her side.

“I have always wanted this space to feel like home,” says Kelsey Carlton, creative mind behind Blake Interiors. “For each person to walk in and feel comfortable and inspired, and to connect with someone or something new.”

The pressure to replicate what we see on social media or to design for approval rather than authenticity can feel overwhelming, Kelsey knows. “Good design is when the design feels most like you,” she says. “A well-designed home should reflect who you are and bring you joy.”

Two things Kelsey always incorporates into a space are books and layers of texture. Books instantly make a space feel cozier and can be a great source of inspiration. If you’re only using glass or polished items, for example, your home can start to feel cold and fragile, but incorporating wood, natural stone, greenery, or other natural materials — different textures — Kelsey says, “really grounds the space and adds depth that makes the home feel so much more inviting.”

She also places great value in quality: “I think some pieces are worth saving for and waiting to invest in.” Blake Interiors offers a range of design packages to fit every need and carries many small décor items that can serve as a starting point for refreshing a home.

“To know so many people are supporting us along the way is something I hope to never take for granted,” Kelsey shares about winning the Maggy Award for Best Home Décor. “I truly feel so honored.”

blakeinteriors.co

Woofpak Dog Bakery

Best Pet Store

Supporting animal-focused organizations and community initiatives is important to Woofpak. They have contributed to and partnered with several organizations that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Founders Mike Murphy and Sau Cheng like to think of visiting Woofpak Dog Bakery as taking your fur baby to a candy store made just for them, where they can explore, sample treats, and be part of the experience.

Since starting in 2018 in California, the goal has been to create better food and a place that truly celebrates pets. Today, Woofpak is a coast-to-coast gourmet destination where house-made treats, meal toppers, and bakery delights await — alongside birthday parties and activities that unite pet lovers.

“Because it’s a community that genuinely values pets, quality, and thoughtful local businesses,” Mike says, “we’re excited to put down roots here and become part of a place where dogs — and cats — are truly treated like family.”

Woofpak bakeries are designed to be immersive, welcoming spaces where customers can shop alongside their pets, and treats are presented to look and feel more like savory, human-style foods than traditional pet products.

Though they’re best known for their Meal Toppers, which are freshly cooked to enhance pups’ mealtime, Woofpak Camel Milk is another standout and enjoyed by dogs and cats for its skin and coat benefits. Soft and chewy Chicken Fries are the top seller, and customers love the Bake Shop scoop-your-own treat bar, along with the Barkuterie of premium chews and the bakery’s Birthday Cakes.

“To be recognized by this community, especially as a newer business in the area, means so much to us,” Mike says about the Maggy Award win. “It reinforces our commitment to creating better food, joyful experiences, and a welcoming place for animal lovers.”

woofpakbakery.com

See the rest of the Maggy winners:

Best Restaurants
Best Lifestyle
Best Services

More From Our Mar 2026 Issue

• 2026 Maggy Awards: Shopping
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Services
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
• 2026 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
• The 2026 Maggy Awards
• Garden Adventurer: Voodoo Gardening
• Recipes from Readers: Apple Cinnamon Crumb Cake
• Liquid Assets: Small Town Charm
• Catch the Smoke: Lawrence Barbecue Comes to Cary
• Game On!
• Pay It Forward: NeighborUp
• Small Business Spotlight: Alloy Personal Training
• Things to Do: March 2026