Retro Ribbon

Vintage giftwrap always makes me feel warm and fuzzy, so I was happy to find this retro-style twill tape at The Paper Princess. Perfect for putting the finishing touch on a baby gift, the twill is available in "baby girl," "baby boy," "remember," or "ruler." $1.50 per yard at The Paper Princess.

PBK on Safari

I was in Pottery Barn Kids the other day and saw this fab new "Safari Collection" in person. Interesting how Pottery Barn Kids is turning more modern & stylish (ya know, fewer pastels & such)...this new Safari collection reminds me of more modern children's decor by Dwell Studio, Zid Zid, and other decidedly un-PB Kids lines.

Like these photo realistic animal pillows ($29 and up):


And this organic safari bedding (twin sheet set for $79):


R., who was in the store with me, expressed an interest in these animal party plates (set of 4, $20):


And, wow, do I love this safari animal outdoor dining collection which, here in a NYC apartment, just a dream....($24-$199):


Go wild over the new safari-themed goods at Pottery Barn Kids.

Boy on a Bike

My toddler son can barely manage a trike, much less a Vespa, but I still love this Vespa Tee by Egg & Avocado. Great design. 100% cotton, sizes 2-6, $34.95 at Tutti Bella.

Bahama Mama

Another mom-worthy find from the PB Teen catalog (I'm starting to wonder who these items are designed for- 13-year-old girls or me?) are these Bahamas Pom-Pom Daisy Totes. They're made of laminated cotton canvas and measure a generous 15.5 x 5 x 15"h. Cute for the beach, aren't they? $39 (not including monogram), plus free shipping at PB Teen.

Tiny Shades

Here's a baby gift that new parents probably haven't seen before. These sunglasses for babies from Spoon Sisters sound kinda funny, but they are actually quite practical. The maximum UV-protection glasses are safe, flexible and sized for newborns up to age 3 months. They are available in blue, pink, or yellow and arrive in an organza drawstring gift bag; at just $12.50 a pair, this makes an affordable gift for summer babies. Check them out at Spoon Sisters.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Uncommonly Cute

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winners:

Carolyn, who wrote, "We're adopting so we love the 'Worth the Wait' onesie."
Estela, who wrote, "Very cute, I like the That's How I Roll onesie!"
Amira M., who wrote, "I love the alphabet shirt on the boys' side."

Winners, please e-mail me with your name, address, and size choice to claim your prize.

Over the past few months I have dressed Baby S. in this "Word to Big Bird" shirt (shown above) from Uncommonly Cute again and again. I just could eat him up in it. Sadly, he is about to outgrow it; next he will wear "Elmo is My Homeboy" from the same shop.

I've actually been shopping for funny baby clothes at Uncommonly Cute for several years now, and I highly recommend the site not only for its clever designs but also for the great customer service. Equally important, prices are uncommonly reasonable...about $22 for a onesie and $24 for a long-sleeve tee (and there are often items on sale for much less).

Here are some more of my favorite designs from Uncommonly Cute:

Local Celebrity


Swinger

Silly Soft Seating

My kids would literally flip for this Silly Soft Seating I found at Modern Tots. Part stuffed toy, part modular seating, this is one "chair" where you will gladly let your little tike squirm. Various colors/designs (love those faces); $58.85 apiece at Modern Tots.

Summery Style

Oooh, I can't wait for summer and dresses like these from the new Garnet Hill catalog. So feminine and fun. Makes you want to attend a garden party. The dress comes in stretch cotton seersucker or cotton Liberty print fabric. $128 at Garnet Hill.

Welcome Time Out NY Kids Readers!

Hello to our new readers from Time Out NY Kids, a fab local magazine that has a feature on MyMomShops (with photo of Baby S. and yours truly) on page 44 of the April '08 issue. Click here to read the article as a PDF file.

If you're new to the blog, take a moment to sign up for our free e-newsletter (just e-mail me with "newsletter" in subject line) to get advance notice of giveaways (see today's giveaway below!), exclusive sales, and more. Check out our archives to see the best of kids' clothing, gifts, toys, decor, and more from the past year. Enjoy your visit!

She's a Gem

If you want to buy a little girl some special occasion jewelry (you know, not the kind you'll find out later has been recalled for lead paint...), consider these sterling silver rainbow flower cuff bracelets by Mija Jewelry, another discovery from Bubble New York. The silver cuff and colorful gemstome flowers are a wee bit fancy, but still age-appropriate. Available in sizes small (ages 3-5, $100), medium (ages 6-9, $115), or large (ages 10-13, $125) at Mija Jewelry.

Silly Goose

I've just discovered these Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme Blocks by Uncle Goose Toys and I think they'd make such a sweet baby gift or first birthday gift. The hand-crafted 3/4" square blocks are made in the USA from basswood and are colored with child-safe inks. Each block has two silhouette images from classic Mother Goose tales plus two sides of nursery rhyme text. This particular set (there are 3 available) contains Old Mother Hubbard, Humpty Dumpty, Baa Baa Black Sheep, and others (9 blocks total). The set arrives in a lovely gift box and costs just $12.95 at Child Trek (a charming new site featuring natural and eco-friendly toys- I'm glad I stumbled onto it).

Toto Knits

I receive many e-mails about products tied to worthy causes, but the products themselves are not always blog-worthy. Not so with Toto Knits, an African company that makes winning hand-knitted baby sweaters and blankets. The animal-inspired designs are knit by women in Kenya, where the economy suffers more than ever because of political strife. When you purchase a Toto Knits sweater, the company donates $10 to a program that helps Kenyan women and children (read about it here). So go ahead and have fun dressing up your little monkey, or lion, or crocodile (after all, have you ever seen a baby who doesn't look precious wearing animal ears?)...and help less fortunate moms & kids across the world while you're at it. Visit Toto Knits.

Child-Free Shopping

The kids and I spent this past weekend in the "country" (aka the 'burbs) at my parents' house and among the many amazing things Grandma and Grandpa did for me (besides letting me catch up on much-needed sleep) was giving me time to do some shopping for myself. Luckily I had several store credits to use at The Mall at Short Hills (where I spent my teenage years) so I was able to get these treats:

Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings from Macy's. So pretty and delicate. Normally $50; I got them on sale for $25.


Ralph Lauren Aran Cable Boatneck. I got it in pale pink. Usual price $239, but I snagged it off the sale rack at Nordstrom's for $68 (yes, $68).


Not Your Daughter's Jeans (capris shown here, but I bought the regular jeans) from Nordstrom's. When you read the product info. you will think of SNL's "Mom Jeans" parody, but trust me, these jeans are not only the most buttery soft ones I have ever owned, but they are also tres chic and soooo slimming. Try them! The capris are $108.

It's Really Spring

Though it's a frigid March so far here in New York, I'm warmed by thoughts of Spring, including this new leaves organic T-shirt I received for Baby S. from Nina & Tom Family Fashion. It's 100% organic cotton and super soft, and I love the bright colors (several other color combos are available). Available in kids' sizes 2-16 for $23 at Ninas & Tom Family Fashion (check out all of their other organic kids' tees here- I love the daisy one for girls).

Receive 15% off your order at Nina & Tom Family Fashion (and free shipping on orders over $50) with code "mymomshops".

Home Pretty Home

For the hostess who has (just about) everything, these cheerful, colorful Cath Kidston Organizers from Room Service Home are a wonderful gift. Buy one or all three- there's a Mending Kit ($24.95), Dream House Journal ($19.95), and Recipe Organizer ($19.95). How very Martha! Buy it at Room Service Home.

Late Talker

Baby S. (now 19 months old) is trying earnestly to get out some words with the help of his speech therapist. So far he just has "Mama" and "Buh-bye" but this week I think I heard his first "uh-oh" when he dropped a toy. Anyway, he is getting lots of smiles when he wears his new "I Heard Einstein Was a Late Talker" tee from Honest Baby (if you,too, have a child in Early Intervention, this site will make you chuckle- they have so many clever one-liners). Tees start at $20 at Honest Baby.

Bubble New York: Part Two

Here are more of my picks from this month's Bubble New York show; if you don't already recognize some of these designers, you probably will soon!

Hand silkscreened Tees by Lucky Fish:


Set of 16 animal wall plaques by National Badger:


Scandinavian Cottonsuits by Ittikid:


Special Delivery Felt Playsets by 2 Big Kids:


Toddler Shoes by Gucio:


Screen-printed pillows by Binth:

Banjo on My Knee

How adorable is this My First Banjo by Plan Toys? Made in Thailand, the banjo is made of chemical-free plantation rubber wood. With a little practice, who knows, maybe your little tike would make some sweet music. $25 at Flying Peas.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Funkie Baby

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to the winners:

Tara, who wrote, "J or R would work for me!"
Allison, who wrote, "J please! I like these!"
Luvey, who wrote, "I would love an L for Lily. Adorable."

Winners, please e-mail me your names and addresses to claim your prizes.



Remember those monogrammed baby bibs by Funkie Baby that I posted about last month from the New York International Gift Fair? Well we now have THREE of them (retail value $22 each) give away. The bibs are reversible and soak-proof, and the bright colors and vintage fabric trim work great for either boys or girls. Here's the catch: the only letters available at this time are A, E, J, K, L, S, M, T, P and R. So little Ava, Emma, Jake, Kyle, Logan, Samantha, Maddie, Tyler, Patrick, and Riley are in luck (otherwise, consider entering the contest to give one as a gift, or change your kid's name...just kidding).

MyMomShops Sponsor: Ally Kat Paper & Gifts

Welcome to MyMomShops's newest sponsor, Ally Kat Paper & Gifts. Boy, do I love to browse a good stationery site for new finds, and Ally Kat Paper & Gifts (started by a mom of twin girls) has introduced me to some fun new ideas, particularly in the area of personalized gift-giving. Take a look:

How pretty is this personalized satin ribbon (starts at $15/roll). You could personalize it with your kids' names, your family name, or a favorite saying. Much more elegant than the plain curly ribbon from Hallmark stores that I always use.


Now that Baby S. sits at the table "like a big boy", there have been many arguments ensuing about who gets which placemat, utensils, and so on. These colorful personalized kids' placemats ($18) would cross one fight off the list. The laminated 12" x 18" placemats wipe off easily and are actually printed on BOTH sides- a handy feature I have not seen before.


Getting back to gift-wrap (one of my favorite "stationery" items), this personalized gift wrap($24.95 roll wraps about 5-6 shirt boxes) has the bonus feature of being letterpressed, making it truly luxurious. Personalize it with your family's name and save it for holiday gift-wrapping!


Ally Kat also offers birth and moving announcements, calling cards, luggage tags, and much much more. Browse around Ally Kat Paper & Gifts.

Enjoy 10% off your entire order by using coupon code "NEW10".

Lots of Pulp

My dear friend R. (mom of A. and J.) had me and the kids over for brunch a few weeks ago and I was oohing and aahing over her photo album collection. She uses these Book Bound Photo Albums by Pulp, featuring acid-free slip-in pages (200 photo capacity) with space for writing captions. You can choose from prints or solid fabric covers with or without windows. R. has been using them for her kids' photos for the past 5 years, just varying the colors and patterns, and the collection looks so lovely and unified on her bookshelves. Start getting your own photos organized! $32 per album at Pulp Products.

Mommy Rings

I'm in the market for some affordable new rings and I'm considering these personalized hand-stamped rings from Etsy.com. I would get two to stack, one with each child's name and birthdate. I like the somewhat chunky-yet-chic look to them. They are sterling silver and can accommodate up to 21 characters; each ring also arrives gift-ready in a drawstring bag. $29 per ring at the Etsy.com storefront of Accessory a la Mode.

Doll Dressing

A far cry from the Barbie clothes I remember, these handmade doll clothes by Brooklyn artist Laura Normandin are exquisite. Designed to fit a 14" doll, each piece is hand-sewn and made of 100% cotton. Prices start at $12 at Rose & Radish.

Bubble Report: Bunny & Bee

I've had such a busy week that I've just started to sort through all the fab finds I spotted at the Bubble New York trade show last weekend. First I just wanted to say how much fun it was meet all of these talented young designers of kids' clothing. Many are parents of young kids themselves, and are somehow managing to juggle parenting with their up-and-coming businesses.

First up, I had the pleasure of meeting Jen Bright-Fathi. She and her husband Faez Fathi are the duo behind San-Francisco based Bunny & Bee, a San Francisco kids' clothing line that I posted about last November (it has an all-boys' line too at Little Thieves). Jen is an incredible person with some very interesting stories to tell (some of which we have in common). Jen and Faez's designs are just so much fun. Love the bold colors and patterns. Take a peek:




Check out all the cool threads for your little bunnies (or thieves) at Bunny & Bee and Little Thieves. More finds to come, soon, from last week's Bubble show...

What's Your Sign, Baby?

"Ambitious, proud, honest." I like those words to describe my two feisty Leo babes...it sure sounds a lot better than "bossy" and "stubborn," which are traditional Leo descriptions. If you believe in astrology even a tiny bit (fess up, it's OK), you might like these Zodiac Sign Bodysuits I spotted recently in a Baby Gap store window. They're available in newborn sizes (up to 6-12 mos; larger sizes already sold out) for $12.50 at Baby Gap.

AskMyMomShops: Big Brother shirts

Many readers e-mail me questions about finding particular items. I've decided to start sharing them here as "Ask MyMomShops" posts. If you've got one for me, e-mail me and I just might post it here. Here's the first one:

"Any fave big brother shirts that you've seen? I've been looking, but nothing that really says buy to me. Thanks! Jenny (mom of 1 from Korea)."

Jenny, I hear ya. I'm personally a little tired of those stick figure "I'm a big brother" tees. So I was very excited to find this ultra-cool, unique Big Brother shirt by Pluto at Skimbaco.com. 100% cotton and made in the USA, Pluto tees are a fave of celebrity moms- you can see why. This tee is available up to size 8 for $25.


Want someting more basic? Check out this big brother tee ($17) from one of my favorite shops, Little Showoffs.


Or this nice contrast-stitched big bro tee ($34) from City Threads.


While I'm on the topic of big brother gifts, I want to recommend this book My Big Brother which I've started giving to new big bros (it's great if you are tired of that "I'm a Big Brother Book" by Joanna Cole). It's a tongue-in-cheek book about a big brother from a baby's eye view. The photographs are great and the text is very sweet, and it's a rare big brother gift that both the older and younger siblings (later on) can enjoy. It costs $10.85 at My Big Brother. A My Big Sister version is available too, of course.
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If you have other ideas for cool sibling tees (or gifts), post them here in the comments.

MyMomShops Giveaway: KangarooBoo

Congratulations to Sherry G. who said, "I would choose a Flensted Mobile for my new baby boy's nursery. I love those!" Sherry, please e-mail me to claim your prize.

I think you will love today's giveaway. It's a $100 gift certificate to KangarooBoo, a parent-owned specialty toy boutique founded by Jennic and Justin Law. Their two young boys (ages 2 and 4) serve as proud product testers. KangarooBoo features wooden toys, handcrafted toys, and educational toys, to name just a few. No flashing plastic lights here. The brands are some of the best around- including Haba, Vilac, Estia, and Zid Zid. There is even a special "Not Made in China" section. On a side note, co-founder/mom Jennic is a cancer survivor; she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma only 10 weeks after her wedding. A portion of every sale at KangarooBoo goes to pediatric cancer charities. Even more reason to shop at this lovely site.

Here are some of my favorite picks at Kangarooboo.

Colinette Cherie - 10" Doll ($32). Made by Petitcollin, one of France's oldest doll manufacturers, "Cherie" is made of vanilla-scented phthalate-free vinyl, and dressed in beautiful clothing. Sure to be a treasure.


Barbapapa Car Pink by Vilac ($39.90). I flipped when I saw this! When I was a little girl and had sleepovers with my friend Kim (who may be reading this) we used to wake up at 6am to watch the cartoon "Barbapapa" on TV (anyone else from the NYC area remember this?). Haven't seen it in almost (gulp) 30 years. Must get this!


Animal Mask Giraffe. Made by Moroccan kids' design company Zid Zid (I seem to be posting about them a lot lately!) this mask is made of recycled cardboard and is sturdy enough for serious pretend play.


Made by Me! Truck by Maple Landmark ($3.75). Is this a perfect party favor or what? A kit that the youngest tikes (ages 3 and up) can easily use to assemble and decorate their own little truck.


Aeromobile by Flensted Mobiles ($32). Love this look (the Danish really know their design). Modern yet classic.


Browse all the toys at KangarooBoo.

MyMomShops readers enjoy a 5% discount off entire purchase at KangarooBoo with code "MYM5" (valid through 4/15/08).

Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win a $100 gift certificate to KangarooBoo. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below) about what you'd buy at KangarooBoo.
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm tomorrow, Wednesday, March 12th. One entry per person, please. US and Canadian addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Thursday morning, March 13th.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be contacted by e-mail if you win, please include your e-mail address in your comment. Otherwise you must check back on Thursday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

In a New York Minute

Living in Manhattan, you can witness some pretty interesting news stories unfold. This morning, I passed by the Manhattan apartment building of Governor Eliot Spitzer and Silda Wall Spitzer, not knowing he was leaving the building shortly to give his resignation speech. There were people lined up outside to boo him. Let me say that I am so disappointed in this guy. I voted for him for governor. I thought he was a smart, principled, Harvard-educated lawyer and politician who fought for the right things. Then he goes and does something incredibly stupid, selfish, and hypocritical (not to mention illegal). True, he is hardly the first politician to cheat on his wife. But he was the first one that I was surprised to hear about. I feel very badly for his wife and daughters- truly. Just a very sad story. And, boy, do I disagree with Alan Dershowitz. What do you all think?

Back to shopping in the morning, I promise.

Swing Low

If I had a backyard (heck, even just a patch of grass and a tree), I would love to get this ladybug tree swing from Calliope Boutique. Safe for kids ages 3 and up, this easily-assembled swing not only is fun but also looks cool (can't say that about Little Tikes playground equipment...). The wooden seat is 12" diameter and can handle up to 150 lbs. $23.95 at Calliope Boutique.

Coffee Break

Equally fun at home or at work, this Coffee Time set from Plastica contains 6 cups, 6 saucers and 1 tray (along with 6 stainless steel stirrers). Love the pure, clean design. $49 for the set at Plastica.

Bubblicious

I won't be posting again till Tuesday, so I can take care of some things including attending Bubble New York, the superb trade show of international kids' designers (especially up-and-coming ones). I can't wait to return next week and show you the best of Bubble. And, when I return on Tuesday, there will be a BIG giveaway. Make sure you don't miss a thing by signing up for our free e-newsletter (just e-mail me with "newsletter" in the subject line). Have a great weekend!

Sew Darn Cute

This birdie jumper by new shop Jasper Hearts Wren was simply too cute not to post (and I love that twig-like display stand, by the way). Part of a collection of modern, handmade playclothes by two California moms, the jumper is available in sizes 6-12mos, 1-2T, or 2-3T for $65. Check out all of the delights at Jasper Hearts Wren.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Urban Cheek

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to "Art-Sweet", who wrote, "Would love the pacifist in black!" Please e-mail me your name, address, and size choice to claim your prize. Everyone else, stay tuned next week for a BIG giveaway!


Last month I posted about a clever "No Bottle" Tee or Onesie from Etsy.com shop Urban Cheek. The designers wrote to me and offered to do a giveaway, so I am happy to offer a tee or onesie (design of choice) from Urban Cheek to one lucky reader. While "No Bottle" is my personal favorite, I also love "Raised Fist" (shown above), "Pacifist," and "Rockstar". Each design is (usually) available in size (3-6 mos through 6T), color (olive, pink, brown, asphalt, or black), and style (onesie, baby lap tee, or toddler tee) of your choice. Browse all the designs here.

Mom Loves Pink Loves Brown

This Glasses Suitcase Set from Pink Loves Brown is a gift that's sure to please any reader or writer. The set includes glasses stationery (which can be personalized)and a matching set of 6 blank cards, tucked away in a lovely stitched pink paper suitcase. The whole set arrives wrapped in a brown satin bow, ready for gift-giving. $32 at Pink Loves Brown.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Red Wagon Presents

This contest is now closed. Congratulations to Lillian, who wrote, "Thanks, have some baby showers coming up!" Lillian, please e-mail me with your name and address to claim your prize.

I am a big fan of gift baskets, but only the good ones (you know, NOT the ones that come with junky plastic baby bottles). So I was interested in a new site, Red Wagon Presents that offers something entirely fun and useful- books!- with each basket. There are gift baskets for new babies, of course, but also for grownups, including gifts for men and housewarming baskets.

My favorite item on their site is this New Mom Basket ($65). Chock full of fun goodies including "New Parent Apology Cards," "Sippy Cups Are Not for Chardonnay," "Eats, Poops & Leaves," and "The Mom Mood Monitor." And you gotta admit the white wicker baby buggy is pretty cute. It's a perfect baby shower gift or a gift for a new mom.

Visit Red Wagon Presents for more book-themed gift baskets for moms, dads, and kids. Enjoy a 15% discount off all gift baskets through March 31st with code "SHOPS".

Score 1 for Sneakers

I read about these new kids' sneakers called Zonkers in Time Out NY and looked them up online. Created by Dan Cohen, an enterprising dad from Larchmont, NY, Zonkers are kids' footwear that look (and feel) like baseballs, basketballs, footballs, or soccerballs. Pretty cute, and apparently quite popular even with the tough-to-please pre-'tween crowd. Each pair costs $49.99 at ESPNShop.com.

Mother/Daughter Browsing

My 4 1/2 year old daughter and I were flipping through the Garnet Hill Kids catalog and here's what caught our eyes (apparently we both like turquoise):

R. loves this embroidered floral bikini ("Cool bikini, Mom!") I told her no. Beautiful, but too sophisticated, and too expensive ($64).


I'd much prefer to see her in this Smocked Terry Dress ($34). I wore dresses just like this every summer till I was at least 12 years old (yes, I was a nerd). What're the chances my daughter will???


See what strikes your fancy at Garnet Hill Kids.

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe

With all the modern nursery trends these days, this nostalgic 1, 2 Buckle My Shoe wall canvas by Paula Prass's Mimi's Collection is a fun change of pace. The gallery-wrapped canvas is available in two sizes, 11" x 14" ($94) or 16" x 20" ($132). A girls' version is available, too. Browse this and other wall art selections at Mimi's Collection.

Excellent Ecojot

At the Gift Fair last month, I had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn and Mark Gavin, the duo behind Ecojot, an awesome 100% recycled range of colorful journals, notebooks and sketchbooks made in Canada. I am a huge fan (and user) of Ecojot products so meeting Carolyn and Mark was very cool for me. Above is a photo I took of their display at the gift fair. Unfortunately they don't sell the products at the Ecojot site but here are other e-tailers who do.

3 R's Journal at Island Blue:


Recycled Journals at See Jane Work:

Owls Sketchbook at Journals & Books:


Pink Glamouflage Journal at Journals & Books:


Don't you just love these? I thought you would!

Teen Spirit

I'm a kid at heart so it's no surprise that I love all the decor in the PB Teen catalog (I just wish their bedding was available in king size). One item that I really like right now is this Bubble Dot Mirror Set. Perfect for bedrooms, playrooms, or even bathrooms, the set is available in two color combos: Blue/Green has 3 blue and 2 green mirrors; Pink/Orange has 3 pink and 2 orange mirrors. $69 per set at PB Teen.

Little Prepster

The Children's Place can be hit or miss, in my opinion, but they have a great line of preppy little boys' clothing right now. Check out these cute dolphin Bermuda shorts ($14.50, size 6mos-4T). Pair it with a snappy classic polo ($7.50) for a Ralph Lauren-esque look without the price.