baby gifts

Showing posts with label baby gifts. Show all posts

Bargain Alert: 20% Additional Discount at The Mini Social

I have a fantastic Friends & Family discount code to pass along to you for The Mini Social, the members-only flash sale site of designer children's clothing and gear. I assume most of you are members at this point, but if you're not, you can join through this link and scoop up extra discounts on already-reduced items like this week's colorful Scandanivan bodysuits and tops by Ittikid (shown above), sensory-friendly Soft Clothing, and organic layette by Under the Nile. See below for the coupon code and feel free to share with friends.

Enjoy an additional 20% off already-reduced prices at The Mini Social with Friends & Family code "FF20" now through Sunday, October 3rd.

Bubbles, Blankets and Bibs

Swaddle Designs has expanded its baby apparel and accessory collection with more items to coordinate with its ultra-popular blankets (when I had my 2nd baby, in 2006, Swaddle Designs was pretty much only known for blankets). Now you can get coordinating bodysuits, knotted hats, sleepsacks, bibs, and even crib sheets in the signature circles, paisleys and polka dot pastel prints. My favorite is the light blue mod circle sleepsack ($36). A cozy and practical gift for a fall/winter baby boy. Browse all the new items at Swaddle Designs.

How To Have Your Second Child First

I haven't seen this book in person but, my gosh, it sounds like a great idea. "How to Have Your Second Child First" is destined to be a hit at baby showers everywhere, instructing moms-to-be on how they can relax about fraught topics from birthplans to breastfeeding. As my best friend told me when I had my first baby (she already had two), "When your 1st child picks up a knife, you gasp and grab it from her hand. When your 2nd child picks up a knife, you ask, 'How sharp is it?'" I assume you will read similar wisdom and experience in this book, too (for example, as shown above, no, you do NOT need to wash the baby's clothing separately. Throw all the family's laundry in the same wash. Really, it's OK). Buy the book for a worried mom-to-be for $18.95 from Spoon Sisters.

Bargain Alert: Halloween at Totsy

We don't start decorating our apartment till October 1st, but I just bought some cute new Halloween stuff courtesy of a store credit at Totsy. I've mentioned Totsy to you before- it's a popular members-only "deal of the day" site geared towards moms who love to shop (which is probably 99% of you reading this). If you're not already a Totsy member, you can join via this link. Totsy's newly revamped site offers up to 70% off products for kids ages newborn to age 7, including toys, travel accessories, clothing, and decor. So far, it's the only site of its kind already offering Halloween sales. Here's what I scooped up:

Cat Dancer and Skeleton Dancer Decorations by Party Partners ($2.00 each; originally $4.95). These will look fun hanging from the living room ceiling.

Lion Wrap N Ride by Aeromax ($12.48; originally $24.95). I'm starting to realize I should've bought two of these. I anticipate the kids fighting over it.

My Little Night Owl Snuggle Sack by Baby Aspen ($22, originally $39.99). OK, I didn't buy this one, but I love, love, love baby bunting Halloween costumes. If I had a newborn this would be a top choice for me.

Yep, it's only September. But before you turn around, the days will be getting shorter, the leaves will be falling, and costumes will be selling out. Get a head start on some Halloween shopping at Totsy. And I'll be posting plenty more Halloween finds in the days and weeks to come.

Arriving Next Year

Going to a baby shower this fall or winter? Score major points for most original gift with these Copyright Name 2011 or Copyright Name 2010 tees or onesies by mitetees. Each is one-of-a-kind, highlighting the tike-to-be's birth year and last name (if you know the gender, you can choose blue or pink text; if it's a surprise, opt for orange or green). They're on sale through September 5th; onesies and tees are both selling or $19.50 (regularly $26). The tees even go up to size 6 and you can enter an earlier birth year at check-out, so you can order one for a big sib as well. Visit mitetees.

p.s. Check out mitetees' patent tees, too. S. has one and we got lots of compliments.

Playtime New York Roundup: Part 2

I'm back from vacation and busy catching up. Thanks for bearing with me while I finish up my posts about Playtime New York and BlogHer '10. Here are some more of my top kids' finds from the former (and check back later today for a giveaway from the latter):

I was so excited to meet the team behind Soft Clothing (also one of our new affiliates). Remember I mentioned this company earlier this summer when they had a sale at Totsy? I had heard about Soft Clothing several months ago from one of my son's Early Intervention therapists; she told me that some women had created this fantastic new clothing line specifically to meet the needs of children with sensory problems (such as children who have "tactile defensiveness" in which the feel of clothing tags may be unbearable to them). The clothing is all tagless, flat-seamed, and, yes, very soft. Plus it goes up to size 7/8- since sensory difficulties may not always have disappeared by that age/size. Take a look at some of their products, including cute graphic tees and color block dresses. (p.s. I may be working with this brand some more...a trunk show, perhaps? Stay tuned).

Next is Kit and Lili, a brand which I first met at the indie Bubble trade show a few years ago. It has soared to success since then; you may recognize their clothing and accessories from other shops and catalogs such as Chasing Fireflies. Their bold, modern Marimekko-inspired designs are winners with both moms and kids. And, we may have a giveaway with them soon. See, lots of good news when I disappear on vacation for a little while!

Ready for unbelievable cuteness? Check out Little Mave, which bills itself as "vintage inspired pretties for babies and girls." If you've got a little girl to spoil, you must check out these beautiful hand-made ruffled diaper covers ($28, up to size 24 months) and bloomers ($36, up to size 6).

It is always a pleasure running into the folks at 3 Sprouts, another designer I met early on who has now enjoyed success with retaukers like Giggle and The Company Store. New this season: organic hanging wall organizers, and eco-friendly art smocks (please note the prices in the photos are wholesale; the smock costs $24 at Giggle).

Playtime was a debut trade show for SoYoung Mother, a company that makes eco-friendly "lifestyle" bags for moms & kids, including diaper bags and lunch bags. (Apologies- from this point on I accidentally deleted the photos I took, so I grabbed the remaining photos from the designers' own sites)

Feast your eyes on these gorgeous handmade goodies for kids by clemence g., a designer who hails from, bien sur, Paris. You can buy their lovelies stateside from time to time at Comptoir D'en France.

Last but not least, I was introduced to Bequita, a children's clothing designer with products for ages 6 months to 6 years. The designer, Rebecca Bardes, was inspired by time she spent volunteering in China and uses signature details such as hand-drawn fabric prints, Chinese knot closures, and mandarin collars. So pretty, and made with certified 100% organic cotton, too.

Missed Part 1 of my Playtime New York Roundup? You can read it here.

Bargain Alert: The Baby Bunch Boys' Gift Set

I'm always on the lookout for bargain baby gifts at Amazon.com's baby outlet, and I just found a really good one: The Baby Bunch Large Bucket (Blue): 0 to 6 Months. A baby gift that is both beautifully presented and supremely practical, this gift set contains a bib, t-shirt, hat, leggings, onesie, and two pairs of socks, all made of soft 100% cotton and styled for a baby boy in various shades of blue and white. The clothes are all generously sized for infants up to six months (or 16 lbs, whichever comes first). What new mom wouldn't love this? And, the regular retail price is $54.95, but it's on sale at Amazon for just $27 (a savings of 51%). So you'll be giving a very nice gift without spending a fortune. Buy one (or two) now at Amazon.com for the next baby boy you'll need to spoil with a special gift.

The Only Thing Cuter than a Diapered Baby...

...is a baby wearing a monogrammed diaper. You know that "customized" diapers are all the rage now (I reported on the Huggies jeans diapers and Cynthia Rowley diapers for Target). But these Designer Diapers with Initials at Baby Chix are, by far, the cutest entry in the category. Are these the ultimate new add-on baby gift or what? Sure, they cost $1.50 per diaper (one size only, 8-14 lbs), but buy one or two of them to include as part of a gift package and the new mom will be thrilled. Imagine the photo ops! Buy them in pink or blue at Baby Chix.

Playtime New York Debuts

This may be my busiest August ever- with both my kids' birthdays, BlogHer '10, and lots of other (surprise) projects within a two-week span. But I'm going to try to squeeze in one more thing tomorrow- a visit to Playtime New York which runs through Monday. I've become pretty selective about which trade shows I attend, since they take lots of time & energy, but I want to check this out because it's the New York debut of a highly respected international trade show dedicated to infant and children's clothing, accessories, toys, and decor. For Playtime is now set up in a beautiful Soho venue at 82 Mercer Street. Some of the exhibitors I'm excited to check out for the first time are Bequita, Ninachka Couture and Clemence G.. Want to check it out yourself online? Visit Playtime New York. And I'll be reporting back on the blog when my schedule quiets down a bit (and in the meantime, check for my latest news this week on Twitter).

Rikshaw Design Sale

Rikshaw Design is having a sale (up to 50% off) on its Indian block-printed baby clothing and accessories, now through August 3rd. I think the baby bloomers are absolutely gorgeous. They're on sale for $15 (regularly $22) and make a great baby shower gift. Visit the entire summer sale at Rikshaw Design.

Baby Takes a Map

I read about these baby "soft maps" made by Brooklyn architect Emily Fischer in yesterday's New York Times. They're a labor of love- each is hand-embroidered and hand-knotted, and shows a child's city or neighborhood which can be personalized further with the child's name, birthday, home, and favorite local sites. Choose from a handful of city "soft maps" (including San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Dallas, Chicago and Miami) or, closer to my heart, New York City neighborhood "soft maps" (Brooklyn moms, rejoice...these are for you). Shown above: the Prospect Park soft map. For an amazing custom gift like this, the price is about what I'd expect: $125 for a ready-made blanket, or $150 for a blanket with personalized details and locations. Check them all out at Haptic Lab.

Bargain Alert: More Kids' Deals at Amazon.com

Many readers have requested that I sniff out more bargains for babies and kids at Amazon.com (like the last one I posted about, these Melissa & Doug sticker collections). Happy to oblige!

Melissa & Doug Triangular Crayons - 24 pack (reduced to $6.40 from $17.19)

Paul Frank Pacifier Patch" Cap & Booties Set (Size 0 - 12M) - blue, one size ($4.99)

Educo Gourmet Chef Cuisine (reduced to $20.17 from $49.99)

P'Kolino P'Kolino Puzzle Stacker, Full Size (reduced to $16.26 from $38.50). Update: the price went up since I wrote this post a few days ago, but keep an eye out...Amazon often drops the price back down again.

The Baby Bunch Large Blue Bucket (reduced to $22.33 from $54.95)

I'm always finding more, so keep an eye on my bargain alerts.

It's a Boy, It's a Girl, IsaBooties

Is there anything cuter than tiny baby shoes? Not really. Now through Thursday, July 15th, all pairs of soft-soled baby shoes at our affiliate IsaBooties are just $20 (reduced from their regular $29 price). IsaBooties are known for their trademark soft soles, 100% animal free materials, and easy slip-on designs. My favorite pair is the Pink Tulip Toes ($20, sizes 3mos-24mos). These baby booties make a thoughtful gift (and welcome change from the dozens of onesies new parents receive). I've always liked that IsaBooties' site has a selection of Barefoot Books, too, so you can shop at the same time for a sibling gift. Plus, their standard (free) gift wrapping is pretty nice- your gift is wrapped in 100% recycled brown kraft wrapping paper and tied with a purple grosgrain ribbon along with your gift message. Check out all the goods at IsaBooties .

Enjoy $20 pricing on all shoes (no coupon code needed) at IsaBooties, today and tomorrow (July 15th).

Fall 2010 Mini Boden Preview: Baby Stuff

Have you ordered yet from the Fall 2010 Mini Boden Preview? I think that Mini Boden's baby collection this season may be their best one yet. This layered T-shirt ($24) is one of my favorites. And guess what? Mini Boden's baby clothes now go up to size 3-4 years. I wish they had done this last year when my little boy might've still fit into those. We will have to settle for the "big boy" designs instead. Order now at the Mini Boden Preview for August delivery.

Enjoy 20% off plus free shipping and returns when you pre-order from the Boden Preview; items will be shipped in August. No code necessary; just click on this link.

Limelight Redux

Hey everyone...I am about to leave for the holiday weekend (as I imagine many of you are, too). I will be posting again on Tuesday, July 6th. I hope you all have a fun and safe Fourth of July!

A while back I told you about Chelsea's new Limelight Marketplace, which used to be the famous Limelight nightclub from the disco era, which in turn used to be an Episcopal Church. The "new" Limelight is a funky shopping emporium which features upscale boutiques selling an eclectic mix of goods ranging from Hunter boots to red velvet cupcakes. I just got a chance to visit the marketplace myself; here is a little virtual tour for you.

Here is an outside view (sorry for the overexposure- camera difficulties):

And this is the chandelier that greets you when you enter. You know this is going to be a cool place.

And it is. First of all, the architecture is stunning. It is not hard to picture Andy Warhol and his coterie partying in this space a decade ago:

There are nooks and crannies and little staircases, and some reminders that this place used to be a church, after all:

The ground floor is for the foodies. Here is a view down the food aisle. Ever been to the Harrod's food aisles in London? This is like a teeny tiny version of it.

There's everything from sweets to savories, but the sweets seem to win out. Cupcake Stop, which touts itself as "New York City's First Mobile Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe", has a permanent shop at Limelight, so you can satisfy those cupcake cravings even if you're nowhere near their well-known wandering cupcake truck.

A customer favorite- red velvet cupcakes. Mmmm.

I forgot to take a picture of their actual product- delicious Whoopie Pies- but here is the packaging by Wanna Have a Cookie. Their bestseller? You guessed it- red velvet Whoopie Pies with vanilla filling.

It'Sugar has colorful candy displays. The1970's retro disco candy is a cute nod to the store's location.

And now onto gifts. If you need to pick up something for a new baby or big sib, you can snag some clever threads at Silly Souls. Or how about a super luxe gift basket from Book Smart?

The LE Sportsac boutique has fantastic new bags by artist Katharina Leuzinger; I love this "Snackville" pattern.

Limelight Marketplace also features the first stand-alone boutique for Hunter Boots:

And, now I've saved the best for last. At Limelight Marketplace, I discovered Brocade Home, which designs Hollywood-vibe furniture, bedding, and accessories. There's silk, mirrors, chandelier, and damasks aplenty. Love it. Even the signage leading to the boutique is wonderful:

They make beautiful bedding; shown here is the amethyst medallion duvet ($119-$159) and with silk damask shams ($14-$49)

My favorite item at Brocade Home? The ruffle-edge mirrors ($599); I love how they look lined up 3 in a row with moulure ledges ($79) underneath.

That's all for now. Hope you've enjoyed the tour and, if you're in NYC, you should definitely stop by there, too!

Limelight Marketplace is located at 6th Avenue and 20th Street in NYC, and is open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, and Sunday 11am-8pm.