Unusual and Essential Goods to Give at a Baby Shower

I’m really excited. My sister is having a baby. She’s going to be a mom for the first time. The baby shower is in just a couple months. In the meantime, I’m learning there’s some pretty awesome stuff out there for babies. I had to share, so today I’m stepping away from my usual beauty beat to offer up a baby shower gift guide – fun stuff to help you with your shopping if you’re going to a baby shower or if you have your own little bundle of goo goo ga ga.

Shopping Hot Spots for Cool Kids

First off, there are two websites I came across that have a seemingly endless amount of great stuff. It’s so much fun checking out their goods.

I’m going to start off with the Uncommon Goods shop, because their Kimochi Cloud doll turned out to be a lovely model – very photogenic, great figure, and none of that “I won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000” model attitude. Uncommon Goods sells all sorts of things – from home décor and dishes to jewelry and kid stuff.

I adore the smart, quirky Kimochi Cloud doll. Kimochi is Japanese for “feeling.” This doll has a happy face on one side and a sad face on the other (head rotates for easy indication of mood change). But wait, there’s more. There’s also a pocket where kids can put a “feeling pillow” to express how they’re feeling. “Emotion packs” include a variety of pillows – from happy and grateful to hurt and pissed off (OK, maybe they don’t use that specific phrase). Each pillow has a word for a feeling on one side and an accompanying facial expression on the other side. You can even draw on your own. I chose to draw my morning face after not enough sleep (pre-concealer – it’s the one up in the top right corner).

There’s also a “Feel Guide” to help parents communicate with kids about their feelings. OMG, how cool is that? Perhaps I would have had less teen angst had my parents and I had a Kimochi Doll to help us communicate.

I also love the Monkey Towel Uncommon Goods carries. I wish they made these for adults. I think I’d look good in one of these; and bath time would be so much more fun. The craftsmanship and detailing are great with button eyes, stuffed mouth, and floppy polka dot ears. Eco-bonus: the outer shell is made with 100% organic cotton. Uncommon Goods has lots of other fabulous finds like the Organic Cotton Teether Elephant and organic Pee Pee Tee Pees.

Also at the top of my list for baby and kids goods is Black Wagon, where the cool parents shop. They have plenty of baby clothes, like the Milk on the Rocks Marionettes Romper that pretty much sums up the baby-parent relationship. Seriously. You’ll also find essential baby reading, like Baby Mix Me a Drink and Nietzche for Babies in convenient board-book form ready for slobbering and gnawing.

And today could be your lucky day! Black Wagon has generously offered to give one lucky Coveted reader a $50 gift certificate. Head to my accompanying post to get all the details and enter.

Some Smart Essentials

Some things I’ve come across are must-haves for parents and babies, like the Miracle Blanket (far left). It’s the world’s most pediatrician-recommended swaddler and totally lives up to its name. Fussy babies chill. Parents can get some sleep. Just wrap up a little one and watch them go from headache-making infant to a peaceful little angel. Swaddling has long been recommended to soothe babies. This swaddler also comforts with a “lateral belly wrap” that puts gentle pressure on the abdomen – works like a charm. Check out this video to see some parents work some magic with their babies. Hospitals should issue these with each newborn.

Now we come to the smart bib from Baggino. Most every other bib is stupid. Don’t you agree? They cover this little area under a babies dribbling mouth and leave a ring of nasty goo where it didn’t cover the clothes; and then there’s all the stuff that falls in the lap. Bibs often have super cute designs on them; but are they really worth the bother? The people at Baggino got crafty. They created the Learner Bib (on right above), a nice, thick, extra long bib with long sleeves and easy velcro closure. Feed child and take off bib to reveal clean clothes! Baggino also makes some inventive diaper bags that convert into changing “tool belts.” Visit their site to see a video of how they work.

Then there’s the Puj Go Sling – a super simple, easy, fashionable way to tote a tot. It’s not a contraption. There isn’t a single strap, zipper, or buckle to fumble with. And it folds up so you can just toss it in your purse. There are five patterns. I’m wearing Kate (isn’t it obvious what an excellent mother I’ll be someday?). They also make a really innovative, soft baby bathtub that fits in any standard bathroom sink. To see the Go Sling and Puj Tub in action, check out the Puj site to see their videos. Very cool stuff.

A Wee Bit Ridiculous

OK, and then there are some ridiculous things out there that just make me laugh. Jumpstart an obsession with Manolo Blahniks with Little Baby Heels – yes, baby’s first high heels. They’re soft shoes with little stuffed heels. No, baby is not supposed to walk in them. But won’t she be stylish?

Lastly, take the whole silver spoon thing to the next level with the Armani Pacifier at Saks for a mere $50 or snap up a $474 Baby Dior Infant Nursery Bag. Nothing but the best for the munchkin holding the marionettes.

Do Tell

Well, I hope you enjoyed this romp through baby land. What do you think of this stuff? Do tell.