MyMomShops Giveaway: Donovan Designs at The Paper Cafe

Want to organize your home office this summer? Looking for a personalized gift pick-me-up? You'll love this week's giveaway, courtesy of our friends at The Paper Cafe. It's a set of products by Donovan Designs, a stationery manufacturer of cute personalized notepads, planner pads, and more. The giveaway includes a handy Donovans Design magnet board ($58) with 8 personalized magnets of varying sizes, plus a personalized coordinating notepad. Keep these with a pen in the kitchen or at your desk and you'll be more organized in a snap. The total value of this prize is $81. The set will arrive neatly packaged with a pretty grosgrain ribbon at the top of the magnet board, making it a great gift for yourself or, if you're feeling generous, for a favorite friend.

Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win a Donovan Designs magnet board, 8 personalized magnets, and a coordinating notepad (total value $81). Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating which Donovan Designs product is your favorite (click here to see all available products).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST on Monday, July 6th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Tuesday morning, July 7th.
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 Tuesday, July 7th to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

Oh Say Can You Eat

Not a big apple pie fan? Neither am I. Consider instead these Fourth of July Shortbread Cookies from 1000 Markets. Crumbly and buttery, each set of cookies contains 2 flag cookies, 2 big star cookies, and 4 little star cookies. The ingredients are flour, butter, sugar, egg whites, and salt. That's it. Pure and yummy. $19.99 for the set at 1000 Markets.

Ask MyMomShops: First Baby Gifts

Dear MyMomShops,

One of my coworkers is having her first baby, a girl, and I would like to get her something that is not on her registry. She’s a dear and close friend as well as a coworker. Do you have any suggestions for a gift for a first time mom? I’m not a mom so I don’t know what kind of things you really need. Could you give me two or three suggestions? I would really appreciate your help.

Thank you so much,
T. Wolfe, VA


Dear T. Wolfe,

Here are some of my all-time favorite baby gifts for a first-time mom- what I like about these is that in addition to being sentimental keepsakes, they actually are all quite practical items the new mom will use again and again. I've picked items from a range of price points, too:

1) Fill in the Blankie ($39 and up). This unique blanket, which can be personalized with custom text on all four sides, is my favorite baby gift ever in the over-$25 category. It's lightweight and perfect to use for daily strolls with a newborn in the spring or summer.

2) And, in the under-$25 category, this personalized baby block ($15.95) from Craft-E-Family is my top choice (makes a great add-on gift, too). Lots of moms put theirs on display on shelves in their child's nursery.

3) A personalized canvas tote from LL Bean is a classic gift that you can fill with other items like towels, blankets, or toys. Get the medium-sized open top tote ($20) with long handles and Mom can use it as an everyday diaper bag/toddler tote for several years.


4) Baby Book Baskets. This company makes very classy gift baskets with books that are customized according to the baby's age, gender, and even name (we got this as a baby gift for my son and several books featuring his name were included). New moms always appreciate a "starter library" as a baby gift, and the baskets can be used as nursery storage. Prices start at $60.


5) Overstuffed Personalized Gift Tote from GoToBaby.com. This is a deluxe, ready-made version of idea #3. It's not cheap, but considering how many beautiful personalized items are stuffed inside (burp cloths, sweater, bathrobe, and blanket), it's a good value and a definite "wow" gift. On sale for $189, regularly $229.


Happy Shopping!

Best,
MyMomShops

Party Like It's 1959

Planning a child's birthday party, but don't want to go overboard with expensive invitations? Go old-school (and affordable) with these precious Boy/Girl Cake Birthday Party Invitations by vintage-style stationery shop Fenderskirts. A package of 10 fill-in invitations and envelopes costs $10; for an extra $5 they'll print your info. on the invitations for you. See all of the other sweet retro designs here. I love them all!

All Around the World

These city journals by Fiorentina are perfect gifts for travellers (or armchair travellers). Four top destinations are available (New York, London, Paris, and Rome...scroll down to see all of them) with famous landmarks embossed the covers. Each journal measures 5 x 7" and has ivory lined pages. Very affordable at $25; visit Sam Flax to see each of them.

Around and Around We Go

Here's a very handy tool if you are trying to put photos in a circular frame, or just want to do something new and different with your latest snaps. It's a Photo Circle Cutter from Photojojo. It adjusts to three different sizes to create round photos you can use for frames or to hang around your home for fun (a bunch of "foto clips" are included for this purpose). Buy one for $14 at Photojojo.

Twofer One

One of my favorite trends' in little kids' clothing is the "twofer" layered look tees, particularly long-sleeve thermal types. I stumbled onto these by popular brand Mini Fine at Little Fashions Boutique. At top is Yo Gabba Gabba Toddler Boy Twofer Tee with Robot (on sale for $26.99, 2T-4T) and below is The Camera Loves Me Toddler Girl Twofer Tee ($32, 2T and 3T left). Cute!

Michael Jackson Way Back When

Note: I originally posted this item in February 2007. It's a DVD version of Free to Be...You and Me and includes a priceless clip of a teenage Michael Jackson.

I can still remember when my mom played the "Free to Be...You and Me" record for my sister and me in our Brooklyn apartment in the mid-1970's. Marlo Thomas's award-winning album of songs, skits & comedy has become a cult classic, with Gen X'ers including myself reciting its lyrics by heart (remember "A Doll, A Doll, William Wants a Doll")? We loved its messages about growing up back then, and I love it even more now that it is available on DVD ($19.99). Featuring celebrity voice-overs and appearances by everyone from Alan Alda to Mel Brooks to Michael Jackson (who sings "When We Grow Up"- a song about how you "don't have to change at all"), "Free to Be..." imparts gentle but valuable lessons about growing up and supporting equal rights for boys and girls. I played this DVD for R. when she was just a year old and she was mesmerized by it. She still loves it, even as Pinky Dinky Doo and Wonder Pets compete for her attention. Ah, the classics never go out of style. "Free to Be..." makes a great birthday gift that parent and child alike will both love. Go to Amazon.com.

Counting Sheep (or Numbers or Letters)

I saw this numbers and letters sheeting from Pottery Barn Kids in-store. It's made from 100% organic cotton and on sale for just $54.99 for a twin sheet set (was $89). You won't find organic kids' sheets much more affordable than this. And the unisex print goes with lots of bedding sets. Check out all of the sale bedding at Pottery Barn Kids.

Bargain Alert: Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

I like these classic striped storage boxes from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child because they will transition nicely from nursery to childhood and beyond. Each set of three square nesting boxes is printed on 100% cotton canvas and has a chocolate brown interior. The largest measures 12 1/4" square by 11 1/4" high. The set (shown in pink) is available in blue or green, too. It's a steal at $29.99 per set (was $99). Visit Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.

Those Were the Days

I love the tagline "kidhood recycled" for Jacki Paper, an adorable online stationery shop that makes recycled letterpress cards that riff on favorite childhood sayings (see above). Just the right kind of card to bring a smile to a friend's face. The quality of the cards is excellent, too (and you know I'm a stickler for good cardstock and envelopes). Check the Jacki Paper site for a list of store locations that I'm sure will grow.

MyMomShops Sponsor: Shoestring Home

One of this blog's longtime sponsors is Shoestring Home, a chic and eclectic gift store in Wisconsin that also has a busy online boutique. Owner Mandi Gerth has a sharp eye for cool housewares, accessories, jewelry, and kids' products in just about every price range (she also writes a lovely blog of her own). There's a bunch of new inventory at Shoestring Home- here are some of my top picks:

Biscayne Chair in Green ($270). I would love a pair of these for my balcony. A beautiful, modern aesthetic, and the soft green color is perfect for this season.

White Devil Bags ($46-$56). How gorgeous are these? The multi-purpose tote and laundry bags both feature flirty ruffles.

Modern Twist Placemats: Damask Outlined Spruce ($18 each). Set an elegant, summery table with these hand silk-screened placemats.


Sally Russell Cotton Aprons ($35). These fun aprons are guaranteed to put a spring in your step while you're busy "domesticating." They're cotton and machine washable.


Wry Baby On Duty-Off Duty Pillowcase ($32 for set of two). Give this to some new parents and watch them chuckle (or bicker). 100% cotton with embroidery, and standard-sized.

Crewcuts Comes to NYC

I spotted this girls' city tee cap-sleeve cotton dress from J. Crew's Crewcuts in their latest catalog. A fun, classic design plus sweet floral details- and it's available in multiple colors. It's also very affordable compared to other Crewcuts threads; it's on sale for $28 (regularly $36) in sizes 2 through 12. And, NYC moms, did you know that Crewcuts is opening a store this August on Madison Avenue at 87th St.? I will be checking it out for sure.

Crooked Houses and Sad News

Did you watch last night's episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8? As much as that very depressing episode will be remembered as the one where the Gosselins finally announced their not-surprising separation, it will also, oddly, be remembered as the episode that where the kids received their whimsical Crooked Houses, which are very pricey crooked-roofed outdoor playhouses for kids. The Crooked Houses website, in fact, crashed during TLC's airing of the show last night because there was too much traffic. While the Gosselin kids enjoyed four custom-made playhouses (which would run a tab of about $20,000 total), mere mortals can buy a standard Crooked House for just under $2000. My kids, who also have (nearly) divorced parents, aren't so lucky to have a Crooked House, but they make do nicely with big Fresh Direct cartons. It's all about imagination!

Standard Crooked House available at The Happy Chickadee for $1949.

Suit Up

Isn't this classic pleated clutch a beautiful bag? It's made from vintage gray suit fabric with a subtle herringbone pattern. The inside lining provides nice contrast with a feminine, floral pattern. Very cute for a casual night out, in my opinion. Buy it for $49 at 1000 Markets (missed my introduction to 1000 Markets a while ago?) Read it here.

Summer Shoe Sale

I see a lot of cute kids' shoes while working on this blog, but unfortunately many of them are only available in infant or toddler sizes. It's a bitter pill to swallow when my son, who is not even 3 yet, already wears a size 12 shoe! So I'm glad to learn that rising shoe star Vincent Shoes goes all the way to big kid sizes. I love their styles, and their prices, too. Right now they are having a summer clearance sale with prices up to 75% off. I have my eye on these sweet flowered "Malin" sandals (at top, reduced to $20.45 from $40.95, sizes toddler 8 through youth 3.5) for my daughter and these retro style "Roger" sneaks (at bottom, reduced to $19.45 from $38.95, sizes toddler 9 through youth 1) for my son. Snatch these up on sale before they're gone at Vincent Shoes.

Bargain Alert: Boys' Bedding

My amazing little boy turns 3 this summer, and probably will transition soon from his crib to a bed. While it is a bittersweet time for me, I am so proud of him and, of course, excited for the opportunity to purchase new bedding. He is car-crazy, and I really wanted to buy him the bedding from Whistle & Wink that I posted about recently, but it is too pricey for me (I also like this Department of Motor Vehicles Bedding from The Land of Nod but it, too, is out of my budget). Instead, I found this very cute Hit the Road Bedding Collection at Tar-jay. It is much more affordable (the twin quilt set costs just $59.99) and it got very favorable reviews. When we take the plunge and swap the crib for a bed, I will be sure to post pictures. Beep Beep!

Very Inviting

California-based stationery boutique Very Inviting makes this very pretty personalized stationery gift set, which, as loyal readers know, is just about my favorite kind of gift to give (or receive). Each set includes both notecards and notepads with either a monogram or name (in colors and design of choice), adorably packaged in a chocolate brown box with personalized gift tag. This is the sort of gift you'd expect to be kind of pricey, but it only costs $24, making it an affordable birthday gift, bridesmaid gift, or anytime gift. Browse this and other products at Very Inviting.

Lil Swanky $100 gift certificate winner

Congratulations to Alexia, who wrote, "I cannot name one thing! Here's the list..." Please e-mail me to claim your prize. Enjoy!

Last Chance: Win a $100 Gift Certificate to Lil Swanky

Hey! There's still time to enter our wildly popular Lil Swanky $100 gift certificate contest. Enter by 11:59pm EST tonight, and you could be the lucky winner who gets to buy fashion-forward threads like this little girls' Lola & James Concert Dress ($122). Good luck!

p.s. Please be sure to leave your entry/comment at the original post, NOT here. Thanks!

Daddy-O

Happy Father's Day to all of the wonderful, devoted dads out there (want to read about a great dad? read this, via Twitter).

Father & Daughter Sign 5 x 5 Fine Art Photo ($12) from Etsy.com; this is the "Ped X-ing" sign of Budapest, Hungary- cute, isn't it?

For the Procrastinators

Have you still not finished shopping for Father's Day? It's OK, you can admit it. You can always send a last-minute Amazon.com gift certificate- even a seasoned online shopper like me does this quite often. Actually, it's a very welcome gift. It's redeemable for millions of Amazon.com items and is available in any amount from $5 to $5,000. And it never expires. Best of all? You can send one right now, along with a nifty e-card notifying the lucky guy that he can buy whatever he likes. No more wallets and ties. Purchase a gift card at Amazon.com.

It's OK to Re-Gift(wrap)

I have a couple of these Friendship Gift Bags and love using them to wrap birthday gifts for R and S's friends. It's a very cool idea, and an eco-friendly one, too. Each bag has areas for your kids to color in to personalize the bag. Then, the gift bag's journey can be tracked online with a unique registration number, as it is passed from one gift-giver to the next. Sort of like tracking those dollar bills. At age 5 1/2, R. enjoys coloring in the bags and wondering where they will end up a few gifts from now. Each glossy, heavyweight bag measures 10 x 13 x 5 inches, and costs $7.95. Five designs are currently available- my favorite is the all-purpose "party bag." Visit Friendship Gift Bag.

The Little Mermaid

Still need some swimwear for your daughter this summer? Check out this cute Musical Mermaid Swimsuit by swimwear designer Rhona Sutton. It's available in sizes 2T-6X at My Princess Closet and is on sale for 50% off (reduced to $21.50 from $41). Check out other sale items at My Princess Closet, too.

Thank You Thank You

With my kiddos' August birthdays coming up, I just bought new personalized sibling silhouette notecards from my fave Etsy shop Le Papier Studio to use as joint thank-you notes. I used the same silhouette that Le Papier Studio used for my wall print. The result is similar to the Etsy item pictured here (though I opted for something even simpler- no border, and no color accent- just the silhouette and names in chocolate brown ink, and coordinating mustard-colored envelopes). The set here includes 24 cards and envelopes plus matching address labels, all for $36. Order a set for yourself at Etsy.com.

My Book About Me

R. and her friends are into a busy spring/summer season of 6th birthday parties, and I'm considering giving some copies of this Dr. Seuss-style My Book About Me as gifts. R. completed her own copy recently (I think it is ideal for ages 4 to 7). On each page the child gets to fill in something like the number of teeth they have "upstairs" or "downstairs", their favorite foods and colors, or more silly questions like how many windows are in their house (R. loved counting that out). There are places where the kids draw or even trace their little hands. It's fun for kids to do, and a very sweet momento for parents to keep. And, it's very affordable- it costs just $10.17 in hardcover (normally $14.97) at Amazon.com.

Bargain Alert: Current Catalog

Can I gush some more about the Current Catalog? If you're a value shopper like I am, you will love this catalog chock full of both practical and fun housewares, gifts, and toys at low prices. This is where I stock up on stickers, gift wrap, and the like. Here are some items I've spotted in their recent catalog:

Race Car Stationery Set (on sale for $4, was $5.99). An inexpensive alternate to fancier kids' stationery sets, and they'll love the coordinating stickers.



Sesame Street Manners Book Set (on sale for $9.99, was $10.99). Good manners for under $10? I'll take it.


Happy Family Personalized Notepads in a Basket ($16.99). Again, a much better deal than you'll find elsewhere.


Nursery Rhyme Nesting Blocks Set (on sale for $6.99, was $12.99) My kids have a set like this at home and never tire of it.


School Days Memory Book (on sale for $5.49, was $7.49). An easy, quick way to jot down memories from the elementary years.


Shop around at Current Catalog and be sure to check out Retail Me Not or Coupon Chief to get codes for additional discounts or free shipping.

Harvard Bound

As I mentioned, I recently attended my 15th Harvard reunion and brought my kids along (above is R. "checking in" and writing her own name-tag!). Had I seen this vintage-style Harvard Tee by Chaser- a new arrival at Psycho Baby- I might've dressed one or both kiddos in it! It's available in sizes 3-6 month all the way up to 8 for $33; a few other colleges are available, too.

p.s. When writing this post I re-discovered how much I love the Psycho Baby site. They have some of my favorite brands, including Hiho Batik, Mighty Fine, and Me in Mind. Great sales, too. Check them out!

Spring in my Step

Summer weather brings out the shoe addict in me (though I'm no Carrie Bradshaw...I rarely buy shoes over $100). Right now I'm coveting these Flowered Heels by, who else, Boden. With a touch of shiny patent leather and 2 3/4" heels, these are just about perfect for summer soirees. $158 (in magenta, emerald, or antiqued gold as shown) at Boden.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Lil Swanky

A few months ago I was searching for a particular girls' clothing brand online (Luna Luna Copenhagen) and ended up at this new online boutique Lil Swanky. I browsed around and loved what I saw- carefully selected clothing by youthful, fun designers like Splendid Little, Joah Love, and Appaman. Founded by mom/fashionista Emily Hornstein-Quagliani, Lil Swanky recognizes the need for an online shop that sells both well-known high end children's apparel as well as some of the more cutting-edge newcomers (while I personally tend towards the former, I love browsing the latter...) The lucky winner of this $100 gift certificate will get to choose from gorgeous threads like these:

Bobinette Buckaroo Turquoise Gingham Shirt (sizes 4T, 5, and 6; $54). Bobinette makes the most colorful, trendy shirts for little boys.


Dolls and Divas Striped Tutu Dress ($84, sizes 2T or 3T). I like this look...a princess-y style but in black and white.


Little Celebrity Respect Your Mother Tee ($24, sizes 4T-12). A fun unisex tee- will make a great hand-me-down.

Splendid Littles Tank Leggings Set ($66; sizes 2T-4T). So cute for summer!

Luna Luna Copenhagen Soleil Top ($50, sizes 3-6mos to 4T). Is this gorgeous or what? It can only be more perfect with....


Luna Luna Copehagen Dilly Dally Bloomers ($50, size 3-6mos or 6-12mos) The perfect finishing touch. Too cute.



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

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating what your favorite item at Lil Swanky is.
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Sunday, June 21st. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday morning, June 22nd.
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 Monday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!