droolicious : elb

New Fave Book for My 9-Month Old

Erin Behan — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:58:00 GMT

Sometimes it's the simple things (and after Christmas, there's nothing wrong with simple and cheap). Like a book I can read over and over again to my 9-month-old that he never tires of. Despite its cheesy title, Peekaboo Kisses by Barney Saltzberg is just that book. Perhaps it's the silliness of the animals covering their eyes or just the multiple large flaps or the fuzzy or woolly fur hiding beneath them. Whatever it is, he can't get enough of it, and neither can I. Buy it at Amazon for $8.95.

Indoor Bowling ... At Home

Erin Behan — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:32:00 GMT

The holidays make me think bowling and this holiday is having me bemoan how few bowling alleys are left in the world. (I just found out my go-to Christmas bowling stop in Springfield, Va., is on the verge of closing.) Well, if you can't bowl out, you can still bowl at home, and this adorable bowling pin set from Sassafras is a rather stylish way to do it. The six wooden frog pins are about four inches tall and the set comes with a bag to keep everything together and a ball for knocking 'em down. Find it at Pink Olive Boutique for $12.

Cool Ride-On Toy from Apple Pie

Erin Behan — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:28:00 GMT

I'd never heard of these ride-along toys from Apple Pie until a far-away Santa stowed one under our Christmas tree. Having Ellie the Elephant in hand, I can tell you she's sturdy and quite attractive looking. Details include rubberized wheels which protect both your floor and little hands, a fun bendy nose and a cute waggable rubber tail. The paint is nontoxic and the fun is recommended for 18-plus months. Buy it for $74.95 at Fat Brain Toys.

Child Menorah Costume

Erin Behan — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:34:00 GMT

If the Christmas celebrants get to dress up as elves, wise men and shephards, certainly the Hannakah celebrants can don a menorah outfit ($12.95)--or perhaps a torah ($17.47) is more your child's style. While I've never been to a Hanukkah celebration that included costumes, seems like it would be a lot of fun to have a shiny menorah join the party. Costume craze has something for just about every holiday ... who knew?

Retrolicious: Breathtaking Children's Stationery

Erin Behan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:31:00 GMT

I swoon at all things tastefully retro. I get weak in the knees for stationery of all sorts. It's easy to see why Darling Clementine's cards just might make me re-think my moritorium on all purchases not directly food or holiday gifts. Of particular note is the Marionette line--the Oslo, Norway, company's foray into children's stationery. The animals on the cards were inspired by 1950s finger puppets and are just too cute for words. Buy the six designs in a pack on Etsy for $19 plus $4 shipping.

A Geography Lesson While They Eat

Erin Behan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:31:00 GMT

Excite kids about history and geography with Kiikkerland's place mats. The reproductions of the U.S. states as they were in 1885 are almost too pretty to spill food on (in which case you could use them as posters, wrapping paper, book covers, etc.). Up close and personal, you'll be impressed by the detail of cities, rivers, landmarks, etc. The pad of states--46 in all, just like in 1885--are printed on a heavy stock and are a real bargain for $12.95 at X-tremeGeek.

If you're more of the European persuasion, Kikkerland has place mats for you, too. I could only find them on the Kikkerland website, however, where they go for a steeper $18. It's still cheaper than a plane ticket.

Kinderware: Soft, Funny-Looking Doll for Babies

Erin Behan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:02:00 GMT

This doll harkens back to a time when dolls were handmade from available materials. It's crafted from fleece, which is balled up and strung on a cord. The result is a soft, colorful, pliable doll that's easy for even small children to easily grip. Like any good doll should, after you look at it for a while, it really starts to grow on you. Somewhat ironically, the doll is meant to evoke a sense of Americana, but is handmade in Bolivia by Aymara Indians. Hey, at least it's made under fair-trade practices. Buy it for $25.99 at Oompa Toys.

Kids Kitchen Utensils I'm Coveting

Erin Behan — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:34:00 GMT

While I love oohing and aahing at the cuteness of kids kitchen sets, I've always wondered at their practicality. Why not give kids kitchen utensils they can actually cook with? That question seems to have crossed the minds of the Head Chef designers. Their new line of kids cooking tools are made of high-grade silicone and suitable for cooking (practical) and are sure to get your kids in the kitchen with you. The utensils also feature bendable arms and legs and come in bright, kid-friendly colors (not so practical). Find them for your kids--or yourself--for $8.98 each at Broadway Panhandler.

Wow Winter Jacket from Makie

Erin Behan — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 03:20:00 GMT

I've been stumbling upon Makie's clothing and outerwear all across town, but it's this GASA winter jacket that's caught my eye. There are several (very lucky) kids running around my neighborhood in it, and I know kids don't care that side buttons are tres chic, but they are. Despite the higher than average kids winter coat price tag ($158 at Makie), it's not completely impractical. The jacket is fleece-lined and made of 100 percent cotton. And, as a bonus, it's made in the U.S., so you can feel good about stimulating the economy when you click "Add to Cart."

Modern Take on the Keepsake Ornament

Erin Behan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:28:00 GMT

If you're a new mom or dad, you're probably already getting a few Baby's First Christmas-style ornaments, some of which may be of dubious taste (which is fine--hey, they're family), but maybe you want a pretty ornament to remember the milestone. Get yourself over to Paloma's Nest Etsy site and snap up one of these 2008 keepsake dove ornaments ($22). The piece is made of white clay, is fired, and has a protective treatment to keep it looking fresh.

Two Blue Cars: Cool T-shirts for Boys and Non-Girly-Girls

Erin Behan — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:56:00 GMT

I don't have to tell anyone with boys out there about the apalling lack of choice when it comes to dressing the male gender (I'm still getting over it myself). You'd think, at least, that the cool heavy machinery and robot-inspired wear would be easy to find, not so. That's what inspired the team of mom and dad artists to create Two Blue Cars. Based in Brooklyn, Two Blue Cars screenprints their original designs are on soft American Apparel onesies and T-shirts. The designs themselves range from heavy machinery like tractors to the lunar commander and module of the 60s and 70s (longsleeved, $20) and almost all have a nod to the vintage--there's the aforementioned lunar commander, plus an SX-70 Land Camera (longsleeved, $20) , a boom box (longsleeved, $20) and a casette tape (shortsleeved, $20). There's also a few fab robot shirts, including robot boy with his dog (below, lonsleeved, $20). What I like about their designs is that instead of big blocky printing, they resemble fine line drawings with lots of intricate detail. The printing quality is top-notch, and, as the company is a new one, your kid will be sporting some pretty cool duds, first. Find more designs at Two Blue Cars.

Stocking Stuffers: Munchkin's Bobble Bee

Erin Behan — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:24:00 GMT

The task of keeping small children entertained is not an easy one, and Munchkin has a new entry into the suction toy category: the Bobble Bee. The goal here is multiple venues of stimulation in as small a product as possible and the Bobble Bee delivers. The head bobbles, both wings rotate (one with that click-y sound children seem so to love) and the belly's got an endlessly fascinating mirrored spinning ball. Of course, there's the suction cup aspect for tabletop or tray tabletop, but at our house distracting the baby from eating has never been very successful or held much of a purpose. The suction base is removable, thankfully, making this toy a nice carry-along option. If you're looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer for the younger set, this is a good bet. Buy it for $9.99 at Amazon.

Big Deal: 25-50% Off at Kangaroo Korner

Erin Behan — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:32:00 GMT

Kangaroo Korner slings are loved by fussy moms and tired babies as they gently but firmly hold babies snuggly close. They also never go on sale, until now, that is. Visit Kangaroo Korner's sale page and you'll find just about every style on sale. Of particular note is the adjustable fleece pouch, which is the most popular of its lines. Prices vary by size and type (left or right), but most of the colors in the medium, right-hand style are going for $46.50, down from $62. Click around to find more deals.

Big Deal: Hable Construction Stocking Sale

Erin Behan — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:59:00 GMT

I love Hable Construction stockings a lot (in fact, I wrote about them in last year's 5 days of Stockings feature). So, I'm super psyched to find select styles on sale at more than half off. The coral felt stocking, normally $135 is now just $65. There's four more stockings that are just $65, but act quickly because the stock is limited and the season is upon us. Hable Construction's handmade felt stockings are put together by a women's cooperate in Hungary and use traditional applique techniques.

Big Deal: 30% off Bedding Starts Friday

Erin Behan — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:58:00 GMT

If you like the look of Serena & Lily's nursery collections but don't want to pay full price, now is the time to buy. Starting Friday morning, all Serena & Lily bedding will be 30 percent off (adult stuff, too). So that Maggie three-piece set (above), originally $569 will be $398.30. The Maggie bedding is made of organic cotton and is 230 thread count.

Etsy: Cool Alphabet Abacus

Erin Behan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:55:00 GMT

Here's a fun way for kids to learn the ABCs and numbers: on a handmade abacus. The 16'x15'x8' handmade toy is made of wood and paper (so perhaps not for chewers) and is beautifully coordinated. Find it for $49.99 at Merylandmiller's Etsy shop. The rack itself rotates 360 degrees as do each of the numbers and letters. I'm personally quite taken with the above color scheme of Carribean blue, red and black, although merylandmiller will customized a color scheme for $10 more, or personalize with a name at the bottom for $5 more.

P'Kolino Play Ottoman

Erin Behan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:27:00 GMT

We're big fans of P'Kolino here at Droolicious and it's easy to see why. Their products are built with double--sometimes triple--duty in mind and they have clean lines and a modern look that says "I have children but their presence hasn't completely ravaged my sense of design." And so it is with their play ottoman. It works as an ottoman, a play table and a storage bin. The top flips to go from soft ottoman to hard play top. Buy more than one and you can stack them atop each other. The ottomans are covered in vinyl and come in eight colors, such as orange, yellow, green and light blue. Buy them for $189 at Modern Tots. You can also buy an interior ottoman divider for an extra $18.95.

Etsy: Cool Alpha Abacus

Erin Behan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:55:00 GMT

Here's a fun way for kids to learn the ABCs and numbers: on a handmade abacus. The 16'x15'x8' handmade toy is made of wood and paper (so perhaps not for chewers). Find it for $49.99 at Merylandmiller's Etsy shop. The rack itself rotates 360 degrees as do each of the numbers and letters. I'm personally quite taken with the above color scheme of Carribean blue, red and black, although merylandmiller will customized a color scheme for $10 more, or personalize with a name at the bottom for $5 more.

Etsy: Even Stockings go Eco-Friendly

Erin Behan — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:00:00 GMT

It's stocking time! And why not go all eco-friendly on your stockings with these cute, inexpensive handmade Christmas stockings from Etsy. Designed by KatiePatatey, these 12-inch long Matryoshka lady stocking ($7) are made from Ecospun felt, a material spun from recycled glass bottles. KatiePatatey has a variety of designs on her site from which to choose.

DVD/Blue-ray for Your Earthlings

Erin Behan — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:52:00 GMT

There are some gifts I keep coming back to and the Planet Earth series is one of my favorites. All 11 episodes (from Pole to Pole to Seasonal Caves) are breathtaking looks at our planet and its amazing diversity. I sock this one away every year as the gift to give when I don't know what else to give--and usually it ends up being the giftee's favorite. Get it at the Discovery Channel for $42.46 DVD, or $52.99 Blue-ray. Upgrade to a set that includes the Sunrise series ($89.99) or add the book ($16.95).

Cool Boys PJs for $5.99

Erin Behan — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:35:00 GMT

It's easy to get wrapped up in all of the designer baby sites where pajama prices inch towards $30, but you're tempted to buy anyway because of the cute graphics. This adorable boy's space explorer footed PJ set is just $5.99 at Target, and as a proud owner of one of these babies myself, I can say that the graphics are definitely worth the "splurge."

NYC Sample Sale Alert: Nest

Erin Behan — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:39:00 GMT

If you're a lover of Nest's collection of clothing and accessories for newborns, toddlers and moms, then you'll want to make a beeline for the stylish brand's New York sample sale. Running on December 9 and 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the sale will feature items from the fall collection, including diaper bags and infant and toddler clothing. Expect merchandise to be from 50 to 75 percent off. So a $285 diaper bag would go for $120; $80 dresses would go for $35; $28 pants would go for $14, etc. Find the sale at 325 W 38th Street. Cash only

Stocking Stuffers: Spinning Sock Monkeys and Other Tin Toys

Erin Behan — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:13:00 GMT

I'm no stranger to sock monkeys in their many forms, but this is my first encounter with the sock monkey YoYo. And why not buy two at this price--$3.98 per monkey at Aaron's TIn Toy Arcade. And while you're at Aaron's tin toy emporium, you should check out all the other cool, mostly inexpensive classic tin toys he's got for sale.

Cool Holiday Gift: Personalized Book

Erin Behan — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:32:00 GMT

It's no news to parents that kids, especially pre-school aged ones, love their name, and they love anything that's personalized just for them. That's one reason this book is so brilliant, but there are a ton of personalized books out there, what makes this one special? The way the personalized story is told, both visually and in the text. You can flip through the book itself at Freckle Box ($19.95 or $34.95 for soft or hardcover), but the basic idea is that today is the day "Hannah" needs to learn her name, and then she sees it spelled out in various forms of nature. The photos are beautiful to look at and walking through nature is a rather calming way to learn something new.

Hat tip: My Mom Shops

Big Deal: 25% Off at Three Lovelies with Special Discount Code

Erin Behan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 23:05:00 GMT

I've been a fan of the home and baby goods site Three Lovelies for a while, so I was especially pleased to find out about its 25 percent off sale that extends through Sunday. All you need to do is enter the special discount code "CYBER" at checkout. If you're at a loss on how to benefit from this deal, check out the website's holiday guide. My personal favorites include this Halabaloo pink tulle party dress (was $80, $60 with discount) and this Pamela & Co ribbon tutu (was $25, $18.75 with discount).