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.
{ 27 comments }
Thank you for this post. I’m always stumped on what to get friends/family for baby showers other than the thrown together gift basket from Babies R Us. Congrats to your sister!
.-= Sheena´s last blog ..Interview: Patricia Valery of Evil Needles =-.
Those baby heels are ridiculous!
This is a post near and dear to my heart because I spent my university years working part-time at an infant/toddler toy and parenting product store, Camelot Kids. You’ve picked out some neat stuff I’ve never seen before.
When I was working at Camelot, one of my favourite products in the store was the HandySitt. It’s a collapsible, portable high chair that hooks onto conventional adult-sized chairs, so you can use it at home, relatives’ houses, in restaurants, travelling, etc. It’s from Denmark and so practical and ingeniously designed.
.-= lisa´s last blog ..Wise & Proper Delivers On Ladylike Clothes =-.
Oops, I didn’t close the html bracket. Anyhoo, for those interested, check out Camelot here:
http://camelotkids.com
.-= lisa´s last blog ..Wise & Proper Delivers On Ladylike Clothes =-.
Ok, I’m sort of a specialist in this. There is a whole underworld of like, fashion babywearing. I was into it. I once plunked down $200 for a wrap. A German woven baby wrap with a cotton/hemp blend. There are even wraps that are up to $600.
They are all over the forums at http://thebabywearer.com/
As well as Psling’s, which are super pretty ringslings. There is so much to geek out on the baby-wearing world.
.-= Carolyn´s last blog ..Great weekend, with a few great outfits =-.
❤ Thanks, Sheena! We’re very excited about the impending munchkin. Glad you found the gift guide helpful. It’s been so fun discovering all this stuff.
❤ mummylo, totally!
❤ lisa, thanks for the link. Those Press & Dress Dolls are awesome. I used to spend hours playing with paper dolls I cut out of the holiday catalogs.
❤ Wow, Carolyn, I’m flabbergasted by the prices on some baby stuff – more than what I spend on my own clothes! It’s amazing how much stuff is out there, too.
.-= Sonja´s last blog ..Unusual and Essential Goods to Give at a Baby Shower =-.
Fantastic picks, Sonja! The sling is particularly cute.
.-= Sal´s last blog ..Reader Request: The Virtually Free Wardrobe Revamp =-.
that sling is so chic and fashionable…and the Heelarious cracked me up.
.-= Tami´s last blog ..IFB Links à la Mode August 6 =-.
All very cool suggestions, except for the the last two. Baby heels and an Armarni pacifier, oh honey no -_^.
Having been there, I would say wearing your baby is a practical and convenient thing, but don’t feel like you have to spend too much money on slings. I made mine for $10. The Baby Bjorn carrier is also great, though on the expensive side.
The other must have is some proper foam padding to kneel and lean on while you give small people a bath. MrIcy swears by them.
Other than that, go for the cheap stuff for the majority of things. They just don’t use them for that long.
.-= Icy @ Individual Chic´s last blog ..Ugg Australia, oh honey no =-.
The monkey towel is awesome. I LOVE unconventional baby gifts! I’m obsessed with this onesie: http://rlv.zcache.com/i_cant_read_tshirt-p23507177938390590333qt_400.jpg
.-= Cammila´s last blog ..In bloom. =-.
That is FANTASTIC! I want one of those cloud guys and his buddies right now. I can see him entering my house some time very soon.
thanks for a really great post,something different, and yet still super stylish.
.-= super kawaii mama´s last blog ..Finding Your Vintage Groove =-.
Oh I love that Kimochi cloud doll. I wonder if it would work as an effective tool to get children to show how their feeling when to stubborn to say it
.-= PixelHazard´s last blog ..Now I get it! =-.
the pee pee teepees are a great gift! i got them and gave them. and there is a ‘baby make ne some breakfast’ book that partners with the drink one, too - i gave them as gifts to a few of my expecting friends!
.-= alexandra keller´s last blog ..necklaces =-.
Great baby shower gift ideas and sites to visit to pick a gift!
A lot of my friends are having babies or had babies. I have to bookmark these sites because it can be hard to find things that everyone else is not already giving the expectant mother.
.-= Brie´s last blog ..Fall Is Just Around The Corner. =-.
Ya it is really cool one ,my children surely like to have 1.
wow!!!
Congratulations for you and for her!!!!
Kisses and hugs girl!
One of my favorite baby shower gifts is called the slumber bear. You can buy it at any baby store or department store like Target or Walmart. It’s a teddy bear that makes the same noises that a baby hears when in the womb. It works miracles for helping newborns fall asleep. You can either put the bear in the crib with the baby, or use the latch to hang it on the side of the crib. It’s very plush and soft to the touch. The sounds it makes might be a little annoying to us adults, but babies find it very soothing and relaxing. It will help the baby fall asleep without having to be held.
.-= Sonya´s last blog ..Aug 11, How to get money? =-.
There are so many cute baby stuff out there!! I love the take home outfits, with the blanket and hat!! There are darling outfits on http://www.sassymia.com Cute toys…lots of great baby shower gifts.
OMGOSH THESE ARE TOO CUTE! An Armani pacifier? bahahahha…who in the world would buy that…pacifiers get chewed up anyway!
.-= Lucy´s last blog ..Five surprises from Target =-.
“Baby mix me a drink” LMAO!
I’m in my early twenties (and too poor to buy the nice items you listed). I feels very strange that some of my peers are having babies. I’m rather dull and practical so i like to get a big package of diapers and a few little kids books so they can read to their kid. Haha, I’m so lame.
I like never leave comments, ever, but the Kimchi doll and Baby, Make Me a Drink = Genius. Good job!
❤ Sal, totally!
❤ Tami, the sling is great. I love the fabric. And I SO want a pair of those heels. Wish my sis was having a girl just so I could get those. haha!
❤ Ivy, I agree. No need to spend a lot, because they’ll never be able to wear those clothes in a millisecond!
❤ Cammila, I love that towel, too. Soooo cute. And that shirt is awesome.
❤ Thanks, Super Kawaii Mama. I think that doll is ingenius.
❤ Pixelhazard, I think it would be great for kids of all ages. Probably would be good for some adults, too.
❤ alexandra, aren’t those pee pee tee pees the best? And great conversation pieces. haha! Lovin’ that series of books. So damn funny.
❤ Thanks, brie! Glad this gave you some good ideas. I love to give unusual gifts if at all possible.
❤ Thank you, KIRAFASHION!!
❤ Sonya, that is awesome! I need to track down one of those. Thanks for the great idea!
❤ Thanks, Lyndsey!
❤ Lucy, you’re so right.
❤ Connie, totally!
❤ GoodLookingCorgi, nothing wrong with being practical and living within your means. My parents were low on cash so I got lots of books. We’d hit up the library for book sales and mom would make clothes for me. I loved it. I didn’t need an Armani pacifier to make me feel special.
❤ LizelleD, I’m so flattered. So glad you liked the ideas. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing, these are fantastic gift ideas. To help expecting moms look stylish, have you seen Nicole Richie’s new line? I’m certainly ga-ga over these fabulous clothes! http://www.ladylux.com/style/site/article/lux-style-file-a-pea-in-the-pod-hearts-nicole-richies-maternity-line
Excellent! The baby shower gift was really nice and special one. This is the first time I saw this kind of baby shower gift.
Thanks for the idea. I should include it in my baby shower website for information. Please give me some comments on my website:
http://www.babyshowerwording.net
Wow, cute picks!Another really useful gift that a lot of moms haven’t seen is the Sweet Pea Nursing Cover for breastfeeding mothers. It’s great for first timers and experienced moms alike. There is a ton of choices at http://www.BeanasPlace.com!
There’s an amazing new online baby book service LilGrams. You can order a gift card here http://lilgrams.com/home/giftcard and bring it to the baby shower - the gift card designs are just so cute!
LilGrams allows the parents to capture a ton of precious baby memories and milestones in words, photos and videos, wherever they are - via mobile or computer. Then they can easily share the memories out to a predefined contact list, and you get to benefit from it - you can get updates as often as you like. The best thing is that it links up with services you already use, like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, etc.
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