Here are 20 of my favorites from 2010. Enjoy!
Best New Site: Zulily. During a year when members-onlt "deal-of-the-day" sites glutted the market, Zulily sparkled with the best daily offerings of gorgeous clothing and accessories for kids (and moms!) at super discounted prices. I've discovered great new brands here, too. There are few sites I check nearly every day, but Zulily is one of them. If you're not a member yet, join here.
Best Kids' Decor: Jonathan Adler Junior. Way out of most people's price range (mine included), but if you love JA you'll flip for his "mini-me" line of modern kids' decor...everything from cool zebra rugs to mini sofas to monogram pillows.
Best New Toy: Perhaps I should say the best new toy in your kids' opinion...Hexbugs. Am I thrilled to have a half dozen Hexbug "nanos" scaring me every time I turn a corner in my apartment? No. But they make my daughter soooo happy.
Best Baby Gift: 100 Good Wishes Personalized Quilt from Red Envelope. I'd seen this gift before on Red Envelope's site, but didn't appreciate it as much until my friend Beth told me about what it mean to her as a new mother.
Best Toy Bargains: Amazon.com toy outlet. I can't tell you how much money I've saved by buying my kids' toys (not to mention birthday gifts for other kids) at Amazon's toy outlet. You have to dig a little- and check back every few days- but then you can pounce on amazing deals (over 70% off) on top-rated toys. Bookmark the Toy Outlet homepage and stock up when your gift supplies run low!
Best New Stationery: Pixie Chicago. This newcomer impressed me greatly with its Skyline Silhouette Notecards and personalized social stationery. It's growing a cult following among celebs, too. Look for more by this promising stationery shop in 2011.
Best Kids' Graphic Tees: Jane Jenni for 10 Again. My son lived in this tee this summer- it was cute, comfy, and made everyone smile.
Best Holiday Cards: Paper Culture. The verdict is in. I ordered half of my holiday cards from Paper Culture, and it turns out that a number of my friends and family did, too. Without exception, they all turned out beautifully. With thick recycled cardstock, rounded edges, modern designs, and superb customer service, Paper Culture will be the first place I'll look for my cards next winter.
Best Birthday Gift: Home Depot Tool Box. I've never seen a kid- boy or girl- not want to play with this toy. And at $4.99, you can't help but buy a few to stock up for birthday parties.
Best Trend: Map Designs : There were plenty of short-lived fads this year (from rompers to jeans diapers), but one design-worthy that lasted throughout 2010 was using map graphics on everything from baby blankets to throw pilllows to wall art. Suddenly, designers realized that people love to show off where they live (or wish they did).
Best Etsy Find: Personalized Stroller Blankets by Elise Hooper Designs.
Best NYC Shopping: Formerly a 1980s nightclub (and before that, a church), the Limelight was revived as a hipster boutique emporium selling everything from whoopie pies to cheeky onesies to funky home decor.
Best Jewelry: Princess Diana/Kate Middleton Imitation Engagement Ring(s)
Best Accessory for Mom: I spotted Reisenthal's motherchildbag at the January 2010 New York INternational Gift Fair (the same gift fair where I'll be judging the Baby & Child division this coming January!), and suddenly it sprouted all over the place (often selling out). An ingenious solution to the age-old problem of mom not having enough hands!
Best Wall Decor: Prints by J Hill Design. I love this designer's work. Geneology has never looked so pretty...doesn't it make you want to fill out a family tree right away?
Best New Line for Target: Liberty of London. All good things come to Target at some point, and cheaper....right? I sure hope so. Liberty of London started a frenzy at Target last summer with goodies like this floral bicycle. I can't wait to see who Target has lined up next.
Best Magazine: Woman's Day. Yes, I love to curl up on the couch with In Style and read about the Kardashians, too. But when it comes to practical advice and tips, Woman's Day is a "real life" magazine. And I was actually able to make that candy corn wreath myself. Hurrah! p.s. A subscription costs a mere $10 or something like that. Treat yourself.
Best Event of the Year: BlogHer '10 conference. Amazing people (not just the costumed variety below), exceptional panels, lavish parties, and the best location ever...my city! So grateful that I got to attend.
Favorite Post of the Year: I didn't actually write it here; I have to thank New York Family magazine for inviting me to pen 20 Things To Know If Your Child Has Special Needs for its November 2010 issue. This writing opportunity--and the feedback it received--meant a lot to me.
Favorite Place To Give You The Scoop (Besides Right Here): Twitter. I joined Twitter in 2009, but I hit my stride this year. I tweet extra shopping finds, coupon codes, and behind-the-scenes info that wouldn't make it the blog otherwise to over 2000 "followers." So if you are looking for another addictive site and have extra time on your hands (as if!) follow me on Twitter.
Want to see past "Best of" winners?
MyMomShops Best of 2009
MyMomShops Best of 2008
MyMomShops Best of 2007
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