droolicious : baby shower

Etsy Throws a Baby Shower!

editors — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:38:00 GMT

Oh how we love Etsy around these parts. The handmade, organic and just plain innovative baby and kid stuff those people produce is beyond drool worthy. So when we heard they’re giving away this stuff for free we thought, “Why, oh why, don’t we have a newborn right now?!”

If you had a baby recently, or you’re a crafty Etsy seller you can participate in the live Etsy Virtual Baby Shower and Trunk Show on January 28^th at 4pm EST. Go here to get the details – essentially sellers are showcasing and giving gifts to some lucky people with new babies in need of knit hats, soft stuffed animals and many, many more one-of-a-kind items sold on Etsy. Join in the party by signing up today to either donate a gift to a new parent or to be the giftee. Then look around at Etsy's baby goods and see if you can resist buying this monkey. – April Peveteaux

Eebee's Adventure Books

elizabeth leach — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Eebee's Adventure Books are so much more than books. With interactive fun on every page, your child can play with Eebee and explore all the exciting ways you can play with every day objects. "Laundry Time", "Peek-a-Boo" (above photo) and "Have a Ball" are three fabric books that will have you and your child laughing, learning and discovering new ways to play.

With "Laundry Time", we discover that playing with a basket of laundry offers a world full of possibilities. With soft textures and interesting shapes, it’s much more than a basket of laundry. Let's help Eebee do the laundry. Take the washcloth out of the laundry bag and put it in the wash. Hang Eebee’s pj’s on the line and then put them away in the drawers. And when we’re all done, tuck Eebee in bed under his cozy blanket.

"Have a Ball" comes with it's own little ball and we can discover a new way to play with a ball on every page of the book. Put the ball in a basket, roll it down a slide, have it go for a ride in a wagon and put it through a basketball hoop. There are so many ways to play with this clever book!

In "Peek-a-boo" (first photo), we play peek-a-boo with Eebee on every page. Find Eebee behind a curtain, a silky scarf, a big hat, in a pop up tunnel and a shiny raincoat. Everybody loves peek-a-boo!

Eebee’s Adventures shows us how children learn through playing. Find these books and all the other great Eebee toys and videos at eebee.com, Barnes and Noble and FAO Schwarz.

The Babble Review: Sloppy Baby Is Quite Neat

editors — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:03:00 GMT

When shower present shopping one often goes for the baby blanket because, well, blankets are soft and cute. It’s a no-brainer for even the shower illiterate. Sloppy Baby is the new kid on the baby blanket block and we got to check out their take on the classic.

Sloppy Baby’s one size fits all fleece-lined bibs and burp cloths have been around for a little while, and now have a friend to hang out with (they name their designs after their favorite kiddos). I have to say I played favorites with Finley. You get the cuteness of the sock monkey in this unisex design combined with a patch work of soft fabrics the baby will appreciate on their smooth, delicate skin. Pick up a blankie on its own, or pair it with the bib and burp cloth and you will go from being the baby gift zero, to a baby gift hero. – April Peveteaux

Get the set at Sloppy Baby for $68.

Major League Baseball Baby Blankets

Chris Ford — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:00:00 GMT

I know baseball season is a long way off, but here is a baby shower gift idea I've never seen before. If the parents-to-be in your life are baseball fans, Major League Baseball Team themed receiving blankets might be something you want to check out. Every baby needs an extra blanket or two, right?

The blankets aren't available in every team (that I can find at least) but they have a decent selection over at the Babies R Us web site. You might also want to check out each individual team's web sites too.

MLB Receiving Blankets, $12.99 from Babies R Us (ToysRUs.com).

Monkey Tree Mobile Makes A Great Gift

Chris Ford — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

One of the best baby shower gifts we ever got was a mobile for the nursery. Not the Fisher Price, make noise for the baby kind, but a beautiful one that hangs off the ceiling above the crib. We've written about mobiles from Flensted before, but my favorite is the one pictured above.

The Monkey Tree Mobile from Flensted has five little monkeys climbing a tree, and is both modern and totally fun. If you're looking for a baby shower gift that's affordable, unique and also perfect for a boy or girl (or a shower for a baby of unknown sex), Flensted Mobiles are definitely something to check out.

Monkey Tree Mobile, $32 from Design Public. Also, check out all the Flensted Mobiles at Design Public here.

Super Cozy Security Blankets from Swankie Blankie

Chris Ford — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:30:00 GMT

We told you last week about the hooded towels from Swankie Blankie, which reminded me to share my favorite things from Swankie Blankie - the actual blankets.

The Security Blankets from Swankie Blanke are plush, cozy and perfect for gift giving. They measure 13.5" x 16" and come in a plush stripe fabric with different trims. If you want to give a blanket but you're not much of a knitter or crocheter, then this might just be the thing for you.

Security Blankets by Swankie Blankie, $30 from Unica Home.

Swankie Blankie Hooded Towels for Boys and Girls

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:04:00 GMT

From bibs to shopping-cart covers, Swankie Blankie's handmade-in-Texas collection has expanded quite a bit beyond the handful of layette items founder Susie Grant started by making for friends and family in 2000. Unfortunately for us, these hooded towels aren't among the items the company sells in grown-up sizes, but your wee ones will enjoy snuggling up in them while you dive into one of Swankie Blankie's adult robes or super-soft throw blankets.

Sized for newborns through preschoolers, the Camo and Pink Swirl hooded towels are $38 each at Dimples & Dandelions.

Tasteless and Tasty: Fetal Bites Cookie Cutter

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:04:00 GMT

What's a baby shower without a tray of delicious fetus-shaped cookies? A lot less disturbing, I would imagine.

$10 from Hogmalion. [via LilSugar]

New Parent Pillowcases Show Who’s on Night Duty

Heather Kuldell — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:49:00 GMT

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs — even on the Pillowcases for New Parents. “On duty” and “off duty” are embroidered on each side of the pillow, so a simple flip indicates whose turn it is to tend to the new baby. Each set of standard-size pillowcases is made of 100 percent cotton and has a 250 thread count, which means they make a decent spare set even if they aren’t used as intended.

Available at WryBaby.com for $34.

In the Nursery: Babylicious is so "Licious"

elizabeth leach — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:06:00 GMT

The new Babylicious website is so beautiful that you are immediately coaxed into the land of “icious” from the moment you see the homepage. All words that end in “icious” are very, very good words. “Droolicious”, being just one of those words. In any case, follow me into this delicious world…

If you’ve heard of Babylicious it’s probably because you’ve seen it at Target, but now they have their own website so many more colors and styles are available. Choose from bedding, hooded towels, bibs, burp cloths, wash cloths, décor, sleep sacks, and pillows all in modern, funky patterns and colors and all affordably priced. (My favorite words are "modern" and "affordably priced.") Here are a few of my top picks...

The hooded towels are luxurious and fun. With 10-oz looped cotton terry, they're extremely soft and absorbent. The above photo is in the "Groovy Blue" pattern. ($26.50)

I’m a huge fan of sleep sacks since babies kick off their blankets when they sleep. I love the "Go Fish" pattern (above photo) in chocolate and pale green. 100% cotton with snaps at shoulders, front & bottom for easy on and off. Choose the lightweight or winter weight options and prices range from $14 to $55.

The "Zoo" pattern (above pillows) is so much fun and babies love it! It's like a picture book! (The pillows are $21 each.) The matching crib sheet, with different colored polka dots, is my favorite in the entire Babylicious collection. The colors remind me of Fruit Striped gum! (Crib sheet is $23.10.)

Shop Babylicious.

Big Deal: 20% Off Hand Picked Pumpkin's Custom Baby Clothes

elizabeth leach — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

I had so much fun designing my daughter's tee-shirt that I have vowed to give the experience of Hand Picked Pumpkin as a baby gift. Customize a t-shirt, bodysuit, hoodie, pants, dress, playsuit, or romper by choosing from a wide selection of contemporary fabrics. Select the color for the garment (pink, blue, white, brown, or kiwi) and then choose fabric for the trim. (Get code for 20% off after the jump...)

The fun part is choosing the fabrics, of course, and there are so many cool ones to choose from. You can use different patterns for the trim on the neck, cuffs, and back of neck. You can even choose the color for the snaps on the cuffs. Every garment is locally hand sewn and the quality is outstanding. Clothing is made from the softest interlock knit and, of course, it's machine washable.

Look forward to seeing your unique creation in three short weeks. Sizes for 3-24 months. Their popular shirt dress now comes in toddler sizes, too. Shop Hand Picked Pumpkin and get 20% off, until the end of tomorrow - October 15, with code: 2.

Big Deal: Molly West on Sale at Baby Sakes

elizabeth leach — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:52:00 GMT

Good quality photo albums and memory books aren't easy to find. We've written about Molly West Handbound Books before and how they are beautifully crafted and make great gifts. I just ordered this one and I'm going to fill it up with pictures of my daughter and give it to my mom for Christmas. And they are on sale at Baby Sakes!

The above photo album is on sale at Baby Sakes for $44.95.

The above memory book was the one I bought when my daughter was born. It's absolutely beautiful and I know she'll enjoy looking at it when she gets older. Buy it at Baby Sakes for the sale price of $33.95.

Check out all the brands at Baby Sakes for memory books, photo albums, and many other keepsakes.

ABC Kids Expo 2008: My First Team Board Book

Chris Ford — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:27:00 GMT

Getting ready for the MLB playoffs? Or maybe you're just looking for a good baby shower gift for your buddy's new baby. My First Team Board Book gets the sports propaganda machine working early in your home, illustrating for your toddler all the top things that any particular team devotee should know.

The books are really great. They've got information about each team's history, best players, where the team plays, the mascot as well as the basics of the game. They have licenses with almost all Major League Baseball teams and fifty collegiate teams. They also sell gift sets - a book with a plush ball and glove or a team mascot.

GIft sets retail for $19.95 and the books retail for $10.95. Check them out at MichaelsonEntertainment.com

For the Stylin' Tot on the Go!

elizabeth leach — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Ambajam’s line of super, soft T-shirts and onesies, with brightly-colored animal shaped appliqués, are not only fun and playful but designed to stand up to hours on the playground. Their comfortable cords, with animal shapes at the knees, and cuddly hoodies mix and match effortlessly with the t-shirts. And that's why Ambajam prides itself on being "low maintenance style for the tot on the go"!

I am crazy for their brightly colored polka dots and swirls and wish I could buy their entire collection! And what child doesn’t love frogs, turtles, and elephants? Ambajam also makes beautiful baby blankets, pillows, quilts, burp cloths, and fabric bags. Their combination of high quality materials and contemporary design makes Ambajam irresistible to anyone looking for unique and practical clothes for their infants and toddlers. Shop Ambajam.

Fisher-Price has Come a Long Way, Baby!

elizabeth leach — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Babble has reviewed the Fisher-Price Zen Collection in the past, but I had the opportunity to see the Zen Collection Infant Seat in action and I have to sing it's praises! This is a beautiful infant seat with all the bells and whistles we expect from Fisher-Price. It plays ten songs (so Mommy doesn't go loony singing the same one over and over) and the seat is extra deep so baby is cradled in zen-like comfort. Now, let's talk about the way it looks.

In soothing shades of green and brown, a contemporary leaf motif, wood accents, and soft materials, this infant seat is extremely attractive. The Zen Collection Infant Seat would flatter any room's décor. The seat has handles so it’s easy to move and it comes with a plush head support for smaller babies. Fisher-Price has come a long way, baby! Buy it on Amazon for $79.99. Check out the entire Zen Collection at Fisher-Price.

New from Amenity - Wetlands and Woodlands Beddings

elizabeth leach — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Amenity's organic bedding is perfect for our nature loving babies. We've written about Amenity's Woods Collection and the new Wetlands and Woodlands Collections are just as charming. Engage your baby's imagination with these storybook vignettes of nature on soft, organic crib sheets, bumpers, pillows, and blankets. Complete the look with coordinating wall decor.

Blankets from the Woodlands Collection (above photo) and blankets from the Wetlands Collection (below photo) are $42 for 16 x 22 and $115 for 34 x 46. Shop Amenity's bedding collections at Fawn & Forest.

Skip Hop's New Toys

elizabeth leach — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Introducing Skip Hop's new line of toys sold exclusively at Babies "R" Us. (You, go, Babies "R" Us!) There are two beautiful collections: "Garden Floral" and "Outer Space and both are in the Skip Hop tradition of contemporary colors and modern shapes. (More images after the jump...)

Both collections include cushioned activity playmats, plush stackers, plush blocks, plush rattles, and other plush toys. Available on-line now and in stores starting September 1.

Introducing Dante Beatrix T-Shirts

elizabeth leach — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:30:00 GMT

We’ve written about Dante Beatrix diaper bags and little kids’ backpacks in the past. In September, Dante Beatrix is launching a collection of t-shirts with mod animals, much like on the little kids’ backpacks. (more images after the jump)

These bright and fun t-shirts are everything Dante Beatrix is known for: a modern sensibility that is playful, quirky and well designed. I like these t-shirts so much I want to hang them on my nursery wall. Shop Dante Beatrix.

Liv + Co's Stylish and Smart Diaper Bags

elizabeth leach — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:30:00 GMT

My first diaper bag looked like a diaper bag. It was a nice diaper bag but it was a diaper bag. And I was a proud mommy thrilled to be carrying a diaper bag everywhere I went. I’m still a proud mommy but I miss the days of carrying a stylish handbag. I miss leaving the house without my darling daughter. I miss reading books… okay, I digress.

My second diaper bag looks like a purse but it’s got all the necessities of the best diaper bag - the handy pockets, the washable lining, and the very important matching changing pad. Liv + Co diaper bags are sophisticated, luxurious, and smart. They have everything my old diaper bag had but cleverly hidden inside a stylish handbag. And I don’t mean “hidden” because I don’t want people to know I’m carrying a diaper bag. I still have my darling daughter in tow, after all. But I’m stylin’.

Is This Really Fisher-Price?

elizabeth leach — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:36:00 GMT

My Little Lamb Swing is a new addition to Fisher-Price's Baby Gear Collection (not the Zen Collection as I previously wrote). This swing has all the bells and whistles that you expect from Fisher-Price but with a more updated, contemporary look. So, instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, your swing can blend in with your contemporary furniture. (Detailed photo after the jump.)

The My Little Lamb Swing is mostly white with chocolate and light blue detailing and a light blue, pale green, yellow lamb mobile. It swings side-to-side like the Papasan Swing as well as the traditional back and forth motion. This is a very similar swing to the Papasan but with the Zen Collection's more modern look. And as an added twist... stick your baby in the swing and she becomes your little lamb.... the swing has lamb ears positioned right where your baby's head lies. Available in stores soon.

Big Deal: Six Months of Free Diapers from Amazon.com

Chris Ford — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:31:00 GMT

I realize that "Six Months of Free Diapers" sounds like one of those "One Year of Free Gas!" come-ons from a car dealership, but this one is legit. Right now, if you put up a baby shower registry list on Amazon, and you, your friends or family spend at least $750, you'll get six months worth of Seventh Generation Diapers.

The offer is good now through September 30th, 2008. The "six months" actually translates into $250 worth of diapers, that you have to purchase prior to June 1, 2009. You've got to register somewhere right? Might as well get something else out of it.

Find out all the particulars on this page at Amazon.com.

Bootylicious: Another Etsy Gem

elizabeth leach — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Ladd’s Etsy store is a refreshing mix of booties, bibs, burp cloths, diaper wallets, diaper bags, and handbags. The fabrics are gorgeous. There’s even a purse made with Amy Butler fabric. If I could sew I’d want to sew like Jennifer Ladd.

I’d be so impressed if I received the above booties as a baby shower gift. The above booties are $12.00. The below purse in Amy Butler fabric is $36.00. Shop Jennifer Ladd's Etsy store here.

A Plush Grill Set for Baby Grill Masters

Chris Ford — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:03:00 GMT

Before you have kids you think the weird toys will be the ones that don't look like anything in particular - the toys that just rattle, have a lot of black and white stripes and seem to have the sole purpose of being put in a baby's mouth. But as it turns out, the truly strange baby toys are the things that are supposed to be things in your life that you never thought someone would make into a toy. Case in point - My First Grill Baby Activity Toy from Russgril.

I suppose I shouldn't think this one is all that strange. There are tons of baby toys out there shaped like food, but I've never seen plush baby tongs or a spatula before. Regardless, it's a pretty fun idea and something that would probably make a funny gift at a baby shower or something. Just so long as baby makes my burger without cheese.

My FIrst Grill Baby Activity Toy, $14.99 from BestBabyShower.com

Jessica Alba Gives Tastybaby

Chris Ford — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:58:00 GMT

Mom-to-be Jessica Alba had a baby shower last weekend, and as a party favor to the guests she gave out goodie bags from Tastybaby. I'm not sure exactly why most shower guests would want or need a blue "eco-tote" bag full of organic baby food and recipes, but I'm guessing it didn't cost Jessica Alba much anyway. [UPDATE: According to a rep from Tastybaby, the bags contained a bottle of champagne and the "Life's A Peach" baby food - the makings for the Bellini's that were served at the shower. Baby food and booze? Now you're speaking my language. -mdd]

Tastybaby is an organic baby food company, and if stuff like that matters to you (organic, that is) it looks like they have some good products. Most of the items come frozen and have cute names like "Life's A Peach" and "Peas On Earth". You're going to have to be ready to pay for it though - most items cost $5.99 for three 3.5 oz servings (or $0.57 an ounce).

Tastybaby is available at select Whole Foods, Bristol Farms and online here.

Also, check out Aaron's comprehensive break down of organic baby food on Droolicious: Baby Food Porn: 10 Sources of Natural Num-Nums

Jessica Alba Baby Shower "Gifts"

Chris Ford — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 22:24:00 GMT

If you haven't heard yet (and if you haven't, then you really should be reading FameCrawler more often), Tyra Banks just threw Jessica Alba a baby shower on her television show (because really, if there's one person who needs free kids stuff, it's the Fantastic Four's Invisible Girl). Apparently the Tyra Show got together with MomLogic.com and came up with a bunch of new products that every new Hollywood mom must have. After the jump I'll list them (along with some of my own snarky comments).

The Cariboo Classic Bassinet ($359.95) & Cariboo Activity Gym ($159.95). A beautiful, expensive bassinet that she'll use for about six months and then get rid of.

Cariboo Puretec Blankets $99.95 - $159.95. A baby blanket for $159.95 doesn't even deserve a comment.

Lillebaby Euro Tote ($119.95). Baby in a bag! We've been talking about these for a while on Droolicious.

Svan High Chair ($249.95). Even at that price, it's hard to make a snide comment about a beautiful high chair. Even though if you so much as cut a piece of pizza on it you'll dramatically reduce the resale value. OK. It wasn't that hard.

Svan Scooter ($119.95). For the right age group (i.e. not Jessica's impending infant) this is a really cool product.

Svan Bouncer ($119.95) For a hundred and twenty dollars it better take care of the midnight feeding too.

Yo My Booties Baby Booties ($50). If you can't put your infant in Uggs, super-furry baby shoes are probably the next best thing.

Yo My Booties Zebra and Cheetah Sweaters ($85). Expensive, but these look pretty cool.

Yo My Booties Pom Pom Hat ($50). Isn't a baby hat for $50 the definition of conspicuous?

Valco Baby TriMode All Terrain Stroller ($425) with Infant Bassinet ($150). No comment. I'm a Bugaboo man myself.

Lautrec Toulouse Diaper Bag ($236), Mommy Chic Diaper Bag ($395) & Femme Chic Diaper Bag ($360). Any one of these would be way too much money, but three? If you're worried about your kid crapping on it, it's time to get a new diaper bag. And if you don't care about your kid crapping on a $395 diaper bag? More power to you.

Lil Safari Girl Pre-Walker and Lil Dino Boy Pre-Walker Shoes ($34.95). A new Robeez ~~competitor~~? [Reader Laura correctly points out, Robeez is also owned by Stride Rite, having a virtual baby shoe monopoly. -mdd] I'll have to check them out.

Sleep Sheep, Sleep Sheep on the Go, Lavender Lab, Baby Sheep Rattle ($6 - $24). Finally. A baby toy.

Bel Bambini Gift Basket ($500) and Gift Certificate ($1000). Oh. I guess there wasn't enough free crap. Now she can go pick out some more herself.

So there it is. And the grand total of all the free swag Jessica Alba is getting? About $4,861.50 by my calculations.

Check out more about it at Mom Logic.com (including a clip of the show).

Photo of the Tyra Show source: Pagesix