See You in '09!

MyMomShops is on vacation until Thursday, January 1, 2009. Check back on New Year's Day for our new look, new finds, and, of course, a new giveaway to usher in the New Year! I look forward to welcoming all of you back (if you want a reminder, e-mail me with "newsletter" in the subject line to be added to our e-newsletter list.)

Happy Holidays and thanks so much for reading MyMomShops! See you in '09!

MyMomShops Best of 2008

Before we close up shop till New Year's, I thought I'd highlight my favorite items from this year...

Favorite Photo Gift/Favorite Wall Art: Photo Fiddle. Every visitor to my apartment asks where I got this. I love it, love it, love it.


Favorite Etsy shop: Sarah and Abraham, which now has its own separate website, but I found originally through Etsy. Stylish silhouette stationery, prints, gift labels, and more.


Favorite Jewelry: ABC Necklace by Jennifer Fisher Designs. I've been wearing mine almost every day. The most beautiful, unique "mommy jewelry" I've seen in a long time.



Favorite Funny Onesies/T-shirts: "Translation Tees" by Temporary Language. Such a clever idea, and will make a great keepsake when your toddler outgrows it.



Favorite Decor/Favorite Post: Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. I had so much fun writing this post about how to copy Tori Spelling's home decor, and it was even picked up by uber-blog Celebrity Babies.


Favorite Toys: Petit Baby. I would buy all of my kids' toys here if I could. European-made plush, wooden, and educational toys by brands like Haba, Vilac, and Plan Toys (their forklift is shown below).


Favorite Stationery: Smock Paper. A find from last year's National Stationery Show, Smock Paper makes the thickest yummiest letterpress stationery. Eco-friendly, too!


Favorite Clothing: Anything at Arte Bebe. Besides carrying a selection of modern kids' toys, accessories, and decor, Arte Bebe has a fab selection of clothing, including some of my favorite brands like Splendid Little, Wonderboy, and Oeuf.


Favorite Baby Gift: Yes, these are the same two gifts I picked as Best of 2007. One year later, they still top my list. They are just the best and get raves each and every time they're received by new moms.

Personalized Four-Sided Baby Blanket by Fill in the Blankie:
Personalized baby block by Craft-E-Family:


Want to see more of my top finds from 2008? Browse favorites here.

Hiding Out

R. loves the gift subscription to Highlights Magazine's Hidden Pictures Playground that my sister gave her. Perfect for the kindergarten set, each 32-page magazine has oodles of activities including word plays, matching games, and, best of all, fun hidden picture games with stickers. They are actually pretty fun for grown-ups, too (this is one of the "quiet" activities I really enjoy doing with her). One caveat- it's more like a "club" than a subscription; when you place your first order for $3.98 you'll get sent lots of nifty stuff including a free tote bag, but then they will automatically send you (and charge you) an additional $3.98 for a new set every 5 weeks. So read the fine print before you buy! Visit Highlights.

Scent of a Woman

If you're looking for a new fragrance, I highly highly recommend the luscious Angel By Thierry Mugler available at, yes, Amazon.com. It's a classic scent for good reason- it is a winning blend of vanilla, sandalwood, and patchouli and is sweet without being overpowering. I misplace mine last year and think I might get this set on sale- for $57 (regularly $85), you get an Eau De Parfum .8oz spray and Eau De Parfum .17 mini travel spray. Treat yourself to the gift set at Amazon.com.

Mom's Night Out

This Sleek Bubble Bustier from Etsy.com is perfect for New Year's Eve, isn't it? Made from medium-weight viscose/polyster blend, it has a silver gray matte satin finish, smocked back, and concealed side zip closure. Beautiful. $75 at the Etsy.com storefront of Tortilla Girl.

Snuggly Bear

LL Bean isn't the first place I'd think of to buy a baby gift, but I really like their new Bedtime Buddy and Blanket Set ($39.50). The set includes a 35" x 45" fleece blanket and coordinating 12" stuffed animal. Available in blue, pink, or tan at a LL Bean.

Counting Our Blessings

(S., up on his feet again, steps out to enjoy this week's snow).

Though two-year-old S's hospitalization last week was rough, it reminded me how lucky I am. My kids have been dealt a difficult hand in some ways (some of which I've alluded to here, others I have not), but are very lucky in others. S's roommate in the hospital was a sweet, smart 6-year-old boy diagnosed with leukemia just six days before. As his father told me, "Six days ago our walls collapsed." While S. and I slept snuggled together on a cot, the boy was up all night sick from his chemotherapy, tended to by his parents (his father arrived at 11pm after working all day in a restaurant). It reminded me of what I witnessed in the same hospital when I was 12 years old, and had 2 surgeries for scoliosis. I saw many children who were in far worse shape than I was, who would spend months on end in the hospital (and whose parents, unlike mine, did not have adequate health insurance). I realized back then how lucky I was, and I was reminded of it again last week. That even though life has thrown my kids and me some curveballs- particularly in the last year- we have so much to be grateful for.

Many, many thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses at The Komansky Center for Children's Health at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center for taking such good care of S. And to S's roommate there, we are praying for you.

Fer Sure

This french terry Stripe Drop Waist Dress by Crazy 8 reminds me of the dresses I wore in the early 80s (you know, the Valley Girl look). Plus, it looks super comfy and is on sale for a mere $8.99 (sizes XS-M still available). See all the current sale items for big girls (ages 4 and up) at Crazy 8.

Holiday Gift Picks: Last Minute Gifts at Amazon.com

Need some more last minute gift ideas? I always turn to Amazon.com when I need to buy gifts pronto, especially since as an Amazon.com Prime member I get free 2-day shipping on most products! (Psst...the $79.99/yearly Amazon.com Prime membership is some of the best money you'll spend...it pays for itself pretty quickly when you order from Amazon.com as often- and as last minute- as I do).

Here are some picks:

Nikon Coolpix L18 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Ruby Red) ($89.99). I'm a Canon girl myself, but I have lots of friends who swear by Nikon. Can't beat the price on this camera, and gotta love the color for Christmas.


The New York Times: The Complete Front Pages: 1851-2008 ($37.80). For the history buffs on your list. Great grandparent gift, too. Come to think of it, I'd love to thumb through this book myself. I'm a news junkie. It's also very reasonably priced here (it retails elsewhere for $60).


Sesame Street - Christmas Eve on Sesame Street ($8.99). I was soooo happy to find this on DVD. As much as R. enjoys the much more recent Elmo's Christmas Countdown, I think nothing beats this Sesame classic from the 1970s (it includes a sweet Gift of the Magi-type subplot involving Ernie and Bert's gift-swapping). A Gen-X favorite!


Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel ($24.99, reduced from $59.99). An all-around perfect gift for kids of any age, this double-duty easel is a steal at this price.

Not Too Shabby

Since I became a loyal Domino reader, I find myself drooling over gorgeous furniture that I can't afford. Like this Rosalee Dresser by Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic. It's available in vintage white, blue, or pink finish (pretty for a nursery, or for yourself!) and is even has wallpaper-lined drawers. Mmmmm. Measures 43”W x 20”D x 35“H and is on sale for $626.50 (regularly $895.00) at Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic.

Shoestring Home Diner Placemats Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to "abcdbanda", who wrote, "The 'no hablo' onesie is the best!" Please e-mail me with your name and mailing address to claim your prize.

Matchy Mom

It's been a couple of years since I've had matching winter accessories, so I'm very excited to be receiving these colorful coordinating Charter Club Reversible Beanie, Allover Argyle Scarf & Ribbed Glove from Macy's as a Hanukkah gift from my sister this year (thanks, E!). You can buy each piece separately (currently on sale big-time with prices starting at $13, lots of colors available) at Macys.com.

A Little Lark

I stumbled onto Portland, Oregon shop A Little Lark and really liked these eco-conscious toddler tees ("Walk" and "Ride"). Nice illustration, nice message. Available in short sleeve or long-sleeve tees, or onesies (some organic), starting at just $24. Visit A Little Lark (they make letterpress cards, too...nifty!).

Love These Cards

Remember the cute personalized teacher notecards from Etsy.com that I posted recently? I ordered a few sets and they are even better in person! Great quality and pretty gift packaging, too. At $15 per set, this is a perfect pick not just for teachers but also for anyone who works with kids. Buy them at the Etsy.com storefront of Inkspot Workshop (keep in mind you must order by noon on 12/20 for Christmas delivery).

Spot On

Here's a coat worth snatching on sale....this cheery Spot Coat by Boden. Fun pattern, flattering cut, and a full 50% off (was $278, now $139). Grab it at Boden.

Holiday Gift Picks: Gorgeous Gift Wraps

One of my favorite things about the holidays is wrapping gifts- really! I'm no Martha Stewart, but I love to find beautiful gift wraps to spruce things up a bit. Check out some of my finds:

Star & Deer Gift Wrap Set ($18) by Fox Parlor:


Green Dots Gift Wrap Set ($26) by RiffeRaff:


Eco-Luxe Gift Wrap Sampler Set ($37.50) by Feterie:


(And don't forget the gift wrap I posted about last week by Sarah Marie.)

MyMomShops Giveaway: Bob's Your Uncle Retro Diner Placemat Pad

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
Our sponsor Shoestring Home carries a great selection of eclectic gifts, housewares, and accessories, including products by Bob's Your Uncle, a gift manufacturer that I adore. Today we are giving away (courtesy of Shoestring Home) a set of Bobs Your Uncle Retro Diner Placemat Pads. Being a huge diner fan myself, I love this gift. It's a set of thirty six sheets (six each of six images on a tear-off pad) featuring photographs taken by Keller and Keller at the Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown, Massachusetts. A great conversation piece at the next meal you host...and clean-up is so easy, too! The set sells for $22 at Shoestring Home.

All orders over $100 at Shoestring Home ship for free through tomorrow (Dec. 17th) and receive complimentary gift wrap, too! No code necessary.

Juvie Messenger Bag Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Lisa, who wrote, "What a great bag! And it would fit my laptop too." Lisa, please e-mail me your name and mailing address to claim your prize.

Update from MyMomShops

Hello, everyone. This is J's sister writing (I'm the commenter who always signs, "Your Sister/Aunt to R & S"). J asked me to let you all know that she's unable to post right now. This weekend, little S came down with a bad virus and strep throat all at once, and he's in the hospital getting better thanks to IV fluids and medication. Posting will resume once everyone's home!

Update- S. was discharged from the hospital on Monday night and now he is continuing to recover at home. R. is sick now, too, and home from school. Never a dull moment! Thanks everyone for your good wishes.

String Me Along

One of my friends gave me a beautiful bracelet for my birthday this year (thanks, Lindsay!). It was from the Etsy.com shop of String Me Along and was very similar to this "November" design ($23) featuring crystal beads and copper. This Canadian jewelry designer makes hand-made earrings, bracelets, and more...many of which are seasonally inspired. Check out her designs at Etsy.com.

A Pomme a Day

I just visited this site Pomme for the first time and fell in love with these baby play blankets ($42). Soft and stylish, the 33" square padded cotton blankets give your infant a clean, cozy place to park wherever you go. Available in four pretty patterns, and machine washable, of course. Check them out at Pomme (lots of other pretty things there, too).

Holiday Gift Picks: GoTo Baby

GoToBaby.com is a site I've shopped at for baby gifts, as well as for personalized gifts for my own kids (like the rollneck sweater below). Here are some items that would make fun holiday gifts, too:

Poops I Did it Again ($22.95)


Girls Roll Neck Sweater (regularly $68, on sale for $49.95)


Skip Hop Uptown Stripe Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag ($54)


Personalized Wall Peg Rack ($39.95)


Taxi Cab Ride-On ($279)


New customers enjoy a 10% discount at GoToBaby.com with code "XMAS10"

MyMomShops Holiday Sponsor: Funkie Baby

My kids wore lots of those cute little terry cloth bibs when they were babies- problem was, they got really gross-looking really fast (you know what I mean). These days, there are so many more stylish-yet-functional options like the trendy, reversible, soak-proof bibs by our holiday sponsor Funkie Baby. I first was introduced to Funkie Baby (a mom-launched business, of course!) at a trade show, where I fell in love with their monogrammed baby bibs. Their collection now includes over 30 patterns for both boys and girls, available a la carte as bibs, burp cloths, travel mats, or combined as a luxurious gift set. All items are reversible and feature a unique 3-layer, soak-proof design. They're made in the USA, machine washable, of course, and wear really well. One of my favorite bibs for either boys or girls is the "50 States" design ($20, pictured here), a perfect, non-partisan, post election statement! Browse around for holiday gifts for babies at Funkie Baby.

Spring is Coming

Baby, it's cold outside...but spring will be here before you know it. Have fun browsing around Boden's spring preview for 2009. This Funky Knitted Dress ($58) will be available in sizes 2-3 years through 13-14 years. Order now for mid-January shipping at Boden.

Holiday Gift Picks: Gifts for Mom

By now you're probably up to your eyeballs in gift ideas for kids, and everyone else in your family. How about thinking about some ways to treat yourself (or hint that someone else should treat you?) Here are some tips for any price range (and also check out all of my past gifts for moms):

Black Patent Leather Satchel ($160) at Write On and More:


Envirosax Mikado Set ($37.95) at Wishing Fish:


Petite Magnolia Jewelry Tree (on sale for $52.99, normally $65.95) at Wrapables:


Philosophy: The Holiday Cookbook (on sale for $35, normally $42) at Sephora:


Peppermint Pinstripe Notes & Portfolio ($15) at Etsy.com:

Domino Magazine One-Year Subscription ($10):


Browse more gift ideas for moms here.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Juvie Messenger Bag

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

I've posted before about the wonderful 'tween shop Juvie, which I will probably be checking out more and more now that my daughter is in elementary school. Juvie offers stylish kids' clothing in sizes 7-14 (including designers like Harujuku Lovers, Paul Frank, and Kingsley), plus accessories, gear, room decor, and more.

Today's giveaway, courtesy of Juvie, is a super-cool, full-size Gold Cup Messenger Bag ($68) by Rebagz, a designer whose bags have graced the arms of A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, and Heidi Klum. Not only are these bags trendy (it's OK if that matters to you...or your 'tween), but they are also eco-friendly (they're made entirely out of recycled nylon rice sacks- pretty nifty). With lots of functional pockets and holders, it's an ideal bag for school or play. Looks great, serves multi purposes, and is good for the environment. What's not to like? The bag measures 13" x 12" x 4" and costs $68 at Juvie.

Photo Fiddle $50 Gift Certificate Winner

Congratulations to Belinda, who wrote, "I like the oil painting art. Thanks!" Belinda, please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Sarah Marie

As the holidays get closer, I'll post more gift wrapping options (you know I love me a beautiful sheet of gift wrap). But today I want to show you the exquisite, eco-friendly designs by Sarah Marie, an online stationery shop based here in New York. I just wrapped a bunch of gifts in various papers by Sarah Marie and they look loooovely. Each sheet of gift wrap (22" x 30") is printed on thick, 80 lb recycled paper, and costs $4. Also check out Sarah Marie's boxed notecards and letterpress, soy-based ink single notecards ("Winter Wonderland" is my favorite). Visit Sarah Marie, where 5% of all profits go to Nature Conservancy.

She's Reading!

As I've written before, when your child has experienced developmental delays or difficulties and then reaches a particular milestone, the joy you feel is indescribable. I have been blessed with many of these moments with both of my children in the past year; most recently hearing S. (age 28 months) pronounce some new letters (like "t" for "toy") and, just a few weeks ago, hearing 5-year-old R. read herself a book in her room. I mean, really read herself a book (last year, she was starting to sound out some words, but now she is truly reading). I wish I could say it was a beautiful, classic children's book....but, it was (drumroll please...) The Backyardigans Big Book of Backyard Adventures. Actually, it was still sentimental because the book was given to her by her very dear friend, Sammy R., whose mother (a cherished friend of mine who can relate) is, I hope, reading this.


At first, R. would slam a book shut if she was "caught" reading. Apparently she wanted to hide her newfound skill from us! But, last week, she gave me another one of those goosebump moments when she read an entire book to me for the first time. The title this time was A Tooth Story (Ready-to-Read. Level 1). As my little girl read me the entire story about first grader Jamie (she pronounced it "Jemmy") who felt left out because he was the only kid who hadn't lost a tooth yet, I soaked in every moment, watching her expressions change, her brows furrowing as she tried to pronounce an unfamiliar word, her coy smile when she succeeded. And I thought of everything she and I have been through together in the past 5 years. At the end, she leapt into my arms for a big hug and we shouted "Hooray!" together. Hooray indeed. A reader is born, and an always-proud mother is ever more ecstatic.

O Christmas Tree

These handmade Christmas Crayons are the perfect stocking stuffers. Each set includes four chunky Christmas trees in swirled colors (you can choose the color combinations). At $4 per set, it's a great deal. Buy them at the Etsy.com storefront of Monster Bug Blankets.

Last Call for Big Savings at Tiny Prints

Tiny Prints is wrapping up its holiday photo card season with some big discounts. Take advantage of these special deals if you haven't ordered cards yet:

Free shipping on orders over $49 with code "HOLIDAYSHIP49", now through 1/2/09

15% off orders over $99 with code "SANTA15", or 20% off orders over $149 with code "SANTA20" through midnight tonight (you can even place the order now and submit your photo later if you haven't picked one yet!)

40% off boxed holiday card sets with code "SAVE40", through midnight tonight

A one-year subscription to Cookie magazine included with orders over $75, with code "COOKIE" (can be combined with other discounts)

Order holiday cards, address labels, party invitations, gift tags, and more at Tiny Prints.

Fry Up Those Latkes

I just snatched up this Hanukkah Wooden Play Set from The Land of Nod for my kids. I'd had my eye on it for awhile but I was waiting for the price to come down...and it just did. It's now on sale for $24.95 (originally $34) plus shipping is free, and you'll have it in time for Hanukkah if you order now. Buy it at The Land of Nod (and hurry, there's a limited quantity left).

The Giving Season

Each December, in addition to donating some of our gently used toys, R. and I make a donation to a charity that we choose together. Even though money is tight this year, we will choose one of the following charities to make a small donation (we will use all of the money in our kitchen coin jar). If you're looking for some good causes to support, consider one of these:

The Doe Fund. If you live in Manhattan, you likely see The Doe Fund workers in action every day, keeping our neighborhoods clean. The Doe Fund provides these jobs to help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve self-sufficiency.


Soldiers Angels. Soldiers Angels supports all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces by providing family support, veterans' assistance, and supplies and care packages. If you'd like to help out our troops overseas (and their families at homes), check out their website.


The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. For the past 97 holiday seasons, the New York Times has profiled children, families and older adults whose lives were improved through assistance from the New York Times Neediest Cases Fund. Their stories have always touched me.


Want to learn about more charities that need your assistance this holiday season? Visit Just Give.

Update: R. picked Soldiers Angels ("Let's help the soldiers, Mom," she said tonight).

Boys, Boys, Boys

If you're looking for inexpensive "sibling" themed wall art, consider this Three Buddies print ($23) by Etsy.com seller J Link (or other sibling/buddy variations here). These 8 x 10 prints of an original art illustration are printed on archival matte paper, can be customized with colors and initials, and are suitable for framing. Makes a nice holiday gift! Visit J Link.

Holiday Gift Picks: Photo Gifts

Any longtime reader of this blog knows that I love to give (and receive) photo gifts. Here are some new ones from this season's crop. Be sure to check out all of my past photo gift recommendations for more inspiration!

Absolute Photo Albums and Brag Books from Exposures (album $49, brag book $30, personalization available). Exposures makes beautiful, high-quality albums. Personalize the brag book for a grandparent gift!


Photo Snow Globe ($39.95) from Red Envelope. Doesn't this look like fun? Great gift for kids, or grown-ups.


Canon SELPHY CP760 Compact Photo Printer (2565B001) from Amazon.com ($79.99, normally $129.99). I have one of these. Love it. It's great to be able to print your own photos wherever, whenever.


Photo DVD ($19.99) from Shutterfly. Round up your year's best photos and choose the music- more fun (and easier) than tackling all of those prints piling up in a shoebox. I've given several of these as gifts.


Sterling Photo Necklace with Two Frames ($33) from Etsy.com. You know all those little index prints you get with your photo order? They are the perfect size to slide in and out of these frames! A sweet design and I like the silver snake-style chain, too.


Stroll through our archives for more photo gift ideas.

Ride Baby Ride

Roebuck Studio is a popular new designer of modern nursery furniture and toys, making colorful, eco-friendly scooters rockers, and more. Husband-and-wife team Kate and Barret Roebuck- who are both designers and landscape architects- create pieces that are beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible. I adore this Bunny Scooter ($188) as a modern alternative to a traditional ride-on toy. Designed for tots ages 18 months and up, the easily assembled (really!) toy is hand-made of wood and finished with a safe shellac. I love the choice of colors, too...no prissy pink here! If you're looking for one "big" holiday gift for your kids, this could be it. Check out this and other winning products by Roebuck Studio at one of my all-time fave shops, Arte Bebe.

Teacher's Pet

I was thrilled to stumble onto this Teacher's Gift Personalized Notecard Set at Etsy.com. You can pick from a variety of "school days" images, colors, and fonts. Each set of 10 notecards includes coordinating envelopes, and is wrapped in cellophane and ribbon. At just $15, this makes a very affordable teacher gift this holiday season. And it's way more interesting than a mug! Buy a set at the Etsy.com storefont of Inkspot Workshop.

Fashion Against Frostbite

For the gal who's got everything, check out these sorta-dorky yet very chic ear muffs by Kate Spade. Available in three styles (orange shown here, snowman, and plaid), they are toasty warm with a soft felt interior. And they should be at this price- $65. Check out all the bright winter accessories at Kate Spade.

Paper Shouts Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Karli, who wrote, "I love the "Holiday Swirls" and would use the gift certificate for our holiday cards." Karli, please e-mail me to claim your prize.

Everyone else, there's still time to order your holiday photo cards from Paper Shouts. Enjoy our exclusive 10% discount on any Paper Shouts order. Just enter code "mymom" now through Dec. 12th.

A Writer in the Family

My sister, who is the most devoted aunt ever to my kids, wrote a beautiful post today about R. at her blog. Please take a look at it here. I'll be writing more myself soon about this latest development- of which I am exceptionally proud!

Thanks, E.!

MyMomShops Giveaway: Photo Fiddle

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.


Remember last April I posted about the super fantabulous new wall art in my apartment? It was made by the company Photo Fiddle, where you upload your original digital photos and choose from tons of options to create customized wall art that will take your breath away (really...their work was even featured on The Today Show). You can choose from sizes ranging from 8" x 8" to 6 feet by 20 feet, in canvas or art prints, framed or unframed. I chose the "modern" style for my canvas, which has gotten so many compliments. I just love how it makes such a beautiful momento out of this special stage in my kids' lives:



Other Photo Fiddle styles i love include Pop Art Squares or Color Edge. There are lots of choices. Of course, your kids would look fantastic in any style, right? Thought so. Prices start at just $14.95 for a small, unframed art print, and go up (and way up). Visit Photo Fiddle.

Wubzy Wows Them

I bit the bullet and bought this Fisher Price Disco Dancin Wubzy for my kids for Hanukkah (shhh...don't tell). They saw a commercial for it and loved it. Apparently Wubbzy performs four impressive dance moves- wiggle, worm, headstand, and cartwheel- to disco music. I am pretty sure this toy will drive me crazy after a few days, but it will be worth the smiles on my munchkins' faces. I waited till Cyber Monday to buy it, and then took the plunge at Walmart (not my favorite store, but it was the cheapest). It was $34.97 plus 97 cent shipping- not a bad deal. Buy it at Walmart.

New York Shop

If you're in NYC this Saturday, December 6th, stop by New York Shop: Best Bets for the Whole Family at The Altman Building. Sponsored by New York Magazine, it's an all-ages shopping event with 40+ exhibitors featuring up to 60% off on clothing, toys, books, decor, and more. There'll be activities for the little ones, too (including everyone's favorite, cupcake decorating). Sounds like a fun holiday shopping venue to me- I'm going to try to stop by. For information and tickets, visit New York Shop.

MyMomShops Holiday Sponsor: Feather Baby

I first learned about the oh-so-sweet baby and children's clothing by Feather Baby at a kids' trade show in New York City. I was very impressed by their soft, pretty, organic fabrics and simple but stylish designs (a nice contrast to the skulls & crossbones toddler tees I kept seeing everywhere else). I am even more impressed now that I know this business is run by the busy parents of toddler triplets! Now one of our holiday sponsors, Feather Baby is pleased to present its Fair Trade line, featuring clothing made with ultra-soft Pima cotton made by the only textile company in the Americas that's certified both organic and fair trade (meaning that each farmer and worker is guaranteed fair wages and good working conditions). So not only will your baby enjoy comfy, organic threads, but you can feel good about your purchase, too. I personally love the Kangaroo Romper in Cocoa Stripe shown here as a thoughtful, unisex gift for an infant. Made of 100% organic, fair trade pima cotton, it has a lap sleeve collar and nickel-free snaps along the inseam. It's available in sizes 0-3 mos, 3-6 mos, and 6-12 mos for $46 at Feather Baby. Or, check out the pretty pink and lavender clothing for girls or dapper earth-toned clothing for boys at Feather Baby.

Enjoy a 30% discount on all items at Feather Baby with code "'mymomshops", now through 12/25.

Rocket Man

My kids flipped for this Color Me Rocket by Color Me House (a house version is available, too, but my kids think the rocket is tops). I was skeptical about putting it together for them, but it was quite easy for an all-thumbs mom like me (no tools required). Basically a large, eco-friendly white cardboard playspace, the Color Me Rocket will occupy your kids for hours. First, they can decorate it. The Color Me House website has a lovely gallery of the possible artistic creations...



But ours has turned out like this so far (and here is S. peeking out the window):


And, in case you didn't catch that "my brother is not allowed in here" sign by R. at the top, here's a close-up.


Anyway, the kids have a blast (off) in here (when they are not fighting over who gets to be in there alone). It is a big hit at playdates. R. has even taken to eating her breakfast inside. However your kids choose to play with it, this unique toy will spark their imaginations this year. And, when you're tired of it, don't worry....it folds up. Good thing for us apartment moms. $49.95 at Color Me House.

Your Name in Leaves

My daughter- like most 5 year olds- loves seeing her name just about anywhere. So when I stumbled onto this Personalized Paperback Nature Namebook by Frecklebox, I made a mental note to remember to consider it for a Hanukkah gift. Each page of this innovate book shows your child's name spelled out in a different nature setting (such as clouds, leaves, and sand). And the text is suprisingly good, too. How cool is this book? Click here to flip through and see how it works. Prices start at $19.95 for a softcover book at Frecklebox.

Holiday Gift Picks: Growing Up Garnet Hill

I know, I post about Growing up Garnet Hill all the time. I just love their clothing, accessories, and toys for kids. Here are some of their best holiday gifts this year- and they are all under $25!

Garnet Hill Signature Binoculars ($12)


Boys Notebook ($14.50)


Animal Hat & Mittens (from $24)


Urban Adventure Bag ($14)


And for all of those thank you notes...
Thoughtful Words Thank You Notes (set of 10 for $9)

12 Days of Baby Toes

If I were celebrating Christmas with a new baby, I'd be all over this 12 Days of Christmas Socks Set by Trumpette. Baby can wear them not only during the holiday, but also as a countdown leading up to the big day. Festive, cute, and gender-neutral, too! $55 at Arte Bebe.

Happy Shopping Tonight at Happy Chickadee

More Cyber Monday goodness...this time from our holiday sponsor Happy Chickadee. Enjoy FREE shipping, FREE gift wrapping, $10 off $50 orders, $20 off $100 orders, or $40 off $250 orders at this stellar boutique for little girls. Lovely! Hurry over to Happy Chickadee before midnight to steal these deals (no codes necessary...it's automatic).

Shown at right:
Custom Whimsy Dollie ($44) by Whimsy Patch.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Paper Shouts

OK folks, it's getting to be crunch time for holiday photo cards. Here's some incentive in the form of a giveaway from Paper Shouts, a shop which offers cards for any taste- traditional, vintage, or modern designs. One MyMomShops reader will win a $50 gift certificate to use towards holiday cards (or any other stationery item which strikes your fancy at their site). If you choose to order holiday photo cards, Paper Shouts will turn them around licketly split and you'll have them a week from now (plenty of time to address those envelopes...).

Here's something else great- all Paper Shouts holiday cards are printed on 100% Post Consumer Waste (PCW) recycled paper, and a percentage of all proceeds from holiday orders will benefit Our City Forest, which protects and preserves the urban forest.

A couple of my favorite cards from their site (prices start as low as $1.49 per card):




Browse around for more ideas at Paper Shouts.

And, the icing on the cake....even if you are not the lucky winner of this contest, you will enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on any Paper Shouts order. Just enter code "mymom" now through Dec. 12th.

Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win a $50 gift certificate to Paper Shouts . Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating what you'd like to buy with a $50 gift certificate to Paper Shouts (it doesn't have to be holiday cards, by the way!)
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Thursday, December 4th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, December 5th.
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!

Cyber Monday Alert!

Cyber Monday has arrived, which means you can score great online deals on, well, just about everything from clothing to toys to electronics. My budget is extra tight this year which means I am not looking at anything high-end to begin with, but Cyber Monday will give me a chance to save some extra bucks on necessities for the kids. I'm eyeing this OshKosh Colorblock Snowsuit at Kohls.com for my 2-year-old son. It's reduced from $75 to $37.50 and available in sizes 2T and 4T. To stock up on basics for your kids on Cyber Monday, I suggest checking out my old standbys Old Navy, Kohls, and Target. And you must, must, must search for additional coupon codes at my fave dollar-saving site, Retail Me Not. Good luck with your own bargain hunting!

Sweet Darlin Ranch Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Vicky H., who wrote, "I'd choose the Carnival Stripe set." Vicky, please e-mail me me your name and mailing address to claim your prize.