droolicious : gifts

For Your Lobster Lovin’ Little One

SunnyChanel — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:00:00 GMT

For those of you living in crustacean country or those who just really love your seafood, these Lobster Soft Leather Baby Shoes by Purple Mountain Baby are a yummy addition to baby’s wardrobe. Don’t try to dip these beauties in butter, that wouldn’t be so good for the ultra soft kidskin leather. Just dip your babies footsies in them for some comfort and coziness for those pre walking feet. You can pick up a pair of these lobster encrusted crib shoes here for $32. They also come in a dark blue for that lobster lovin’ little boy.

Kid Art Coffee Table Book

Lisa Mulcahy — Tue, 12 May 2009 01:30:00 GMT

Mommy guilt comes in many forms. Like the dilemma of whether or not to toss or keep all the lovely artwork that streams into the house on a daily basis. Here’s a solution to curb the clutter and lose the guilt. SouvenarteBooks prepares your child's art to be professionally printed and bound in a beautiful coffee table book that you can enjoy, share and treasure. Just send in the artwork you want to publish and SouvenarteBooks will take care of all the design elements. Custom books start at $150 for 20, 10X8 pages.

5 Presents for the Foodie Mom

SunnyChanel — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:46:00 GMT

Moms, they tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Many have found a love of cooking and concocting tasty treats for the family. Here are five Mother's Day gifts for that foodie mom in your life.

The International Chef: LeCreuset Moroccan Tagine (above)
Does mom have a Tagine? Yeah, odds are she doesn’t. Even those with a thoroughly stocked pantry of pots and pans are missing the an tangine in their collection. Le Creuset took that traditional design of the classic tangine and created it in their standard colors and craftsmanship. You can pick one of these up from Sur La Table for $149.95 here.

The Coffee Drinker: Bialetti Mukka Glass Cappuccino Maker
What does mom need? More coffee. This mini cappuccino maker is made exclusively for William-Sonoma and it makes a rich espresso with a frothy shot of steamed milk all in one small package. You can pick one up here for $99.95

The Techie: Demy Kitchen Safe Touchscreen Recipe
Have you lugged your laptop into the kitchen to get access to al recipe only to spill tomato sauce right onto your keyboard? Well I have. Hence why the idea of the Demy Touchscreen recipe reader, that just came out May 5th, is so tempting. The brand new unit comes with 250 recipes and will hold up to 2500. And as for the spilled tomato sauce, no worries here. The Demy has a splash-resistant design and can be cleaned up with a damp cloth. $299.95 here.

The Slicer and Dicer: Pinzon Round Bamboo Chopping Block with Inset Mezzaluna
Bamboo, that stuff is hard so it's no wonder it's being used so much for use in cutting boards. This one, is pretty damn cool. It is reversible, one side is flat the other has a bowl shaped inset to be used with the messzluna's curved blade, a great way to getting your chopping done. You can pick up one of these sets here for $39.99 (reg. $70).

The Splurge: The Definitive Dean & Deluca Pantry
Okay, yeah, this does cost a grand, but it’s pretty cool. This is a collection of must have pantry items selected from Dean & Deluca. There’s nuts, vinegars, honey, syrups, spreads, rubs, marinades, salts, olives, rice, pastas, sauces, crackers, mustards, coffees, spices, potholders, and oodles more. You can check out the full list of goodies here. ($1000).

5 Mother's Day Gift Splurges

SunnyChanel — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:30:00 GMT

If you haven’t already gotten that Mother’s Day gift yet, well time is running out. And to assuage your guilt of not getting something already, you can splurge on a little somethin’ somethin’ for that very special lady - that is if you can afford it. Here are 5 options for some high end hotness. And you Moms,out there you can look at these, drool and forward to your Mother’s Day gift buyer.

The Chaiken Diaper Bag
This is a bag that ain’t for diapers, it’s for everyday. This soft lambskin purse features a long leather strap, magnetic closure, two side pockets and is lined in cotton. It’s simple and something I’d love to lug around here, there and everywhere. And if you aren't in a navy blue mood, the bag is also available in black, plum and camal. You can pick one up here for $550.

Sony SLR Camera
For the mom who has been bitten by the shutterbug, it may be time to upgrade them from their tiny little point and shoot camera. The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A350 SLR camera has all the bells and whistles of a digital camera with a sturdy ‘real’ camera feel. Some of the fancy features include a stunning 14.2 megapixel resolution, live preview on the LCD screen, pop up flash, and it has a high sensitivity for those low light situations. And since kids can make you a wee bit shaky, this has a ‘Super SteadyShot’ image stabilizer. And best of all it has a 2.7” inch LCD to preview, and kids LOVE to check out their pics and here they can see them crystal clear. And the LCD screen is tiltable so you can shoot at low and high angles and still be able to see what your doing. You can pick one up here for $699.99 . All those Mother's Day memories can be kept forever.

Jennifer Meyer Letter Necklace
This simple and stylish necklace is a Hollywood favorite. Jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer, who just happens to be married to Tobey Maguire, created this diamond and gold initial pendant. The 18 karat gold can be ordered in rose, yellow or white and has a simple initial encrusted in ‘bling’. Nicole Richie and Courteney Cox are two moms who have been spotted wearing Jennifer Meyer’s pieces with their girls initial. You can order any letter of the alphabet here for $1500.

Vivenne Tam HP Clutch
Yeah, this laptop isn’t referred to as a ‘computer’ but a ‘clutch’. Designed by fashion maven Vivienne Tam, HP Mini 1000 laptop features a peony print from Tam’s Spring 2009 Fashion Show. It weighs 2.5 pounds, is 1” thick and is ideal for simple tasks like emailing, Iming and surfing the web. You can pick one of the computer clutches from Neiman Marcus here for $699.99.

Handbag Subscription
If the mom in your life is over lugging around a diaper bag and wants to carry around a real adult purposed purse and they have a hardcore bag fetish…have them Bag, Borrow or Steal. The popular website Avelle features a handbag subscription service with per month subscriptions ranging from $40 to $400 per month. If you want to really spurge, you can do the $400 a month and have them obtain access to such coveting carryalls like the Vintage Hermes Kelly Crocodile handbag which retails for $20,000, yes $20,000. You can check out their selection and levels here.

Spread Heads for a Sickening Summer Cookout

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Vile, gross, repulsive, crass -- choose whatever adjective you like to describe Spread Heads condiment dispensers; it'll be just the reason your kids go gaga for the things.

Mustard Marvin (left) and Ketchup Charlie (right) twist onto their namesake condiment bottles, ready to hwarf out the burger toppings with every squeeze. They're normally $4.99 each, but during Spread Heads' Summer Cookout Special, you can pick up the set for $7.98 at Spread Heads. Happy eating!

A Mother's Day Card She'll Loaf

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Hey, if the pun fits...

The front of this Mom's Day card features a cut-out of a loaf of bread, and because we know you couldn't see this coming from a mile away, the inside says, "Thanks for raising me." Go ahead, roll your eyes -- but you know your heart just warmed a few degrees.

$3.50 from Cracked Designs via Supermarket.

Giggle IOU Cards for Mother's Day or Any Day

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I'm usually of the mind that a handmade IOU card is the best kind to give, but these adorable IOUs from Giggle offer a good argument in favor of the premade, pro-made variety.

Though not technically for Mother's Day, the IOU Card Set from kids (there's also a separate set to/from parents) features 12 heartwarming promises packaged in a cute, colorful tin. From "Take a Nap" to "One Big Hug," there's no promise in here a kid can't deliver -- of course, whether they will deliver is another story, but it's the thought that counts, right?

$15 from Giggle

Glow-in-the-Dark Train Set: Ready for Thomas' Area 51 Adventure

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

My eldest two boys outgrew their wooden train sets by age 5, but had this Glow-in-the-Dark Space Train Station been an option, I'm betting we could've gotten a good three years more out of their train table.

Featuring 100 pieces -- including dozens that glow when the lights are out -- the set is compatible with Brio and Thomas & Friends wooden train sets. Its aliens, rockets and UFO mother ship, however, open up play well beyond either of those franchise's terrestrial borders.

$99.99 from Organize.com.

Treats for Mom: Pretty Desk Accessories

elizabeth leach — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Barnes and Noble has some very cool gifts for Moms who love to organize. I love their desk accessories designed by the uber stylish Jonathan Adler.

With journals, pencil cases, folders, notebooks, tote bags, accessory cases, note cards and pencil and pen sets at affordable prices, you can scoop up a thoughtful gift for your wife or mom (or yourself). Available in teal and green or orange and pink.

Shop Barnes and Noble.

Make Cotton Candy from Non-Cotton Candy -- No Sugar Required

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Let me back up: This curious little gizmo from Japan will spin up a fresh batch of cotton candy in no time, but this ain't your grandparents' spun sugar we're talking about.

Officially known as Ame de Wataame ("Cotton Candy from Candy"), the machine morphs the hard candy of your choice into cotton form, even if you prefer the sugar-free variety. Simply drop your candy into the top loader, turn on the heater, and let the sweet treat spin its way around your stick. (Gross double entendre not intended.)

Or, you know, drop $3 at the county fair for the same experience, minus the cleanup.

$198 from Japan Trend Shop.

LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary Leaving Hyperspace in September

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Yeah, I've been on a bit of a Star Wars kick this week, but after stumbling across this upcoming LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary from DK, I can safely say this is the find that tops 'em all.

Even though the book isn't due in stores till Sept. 21, speculation, the DK name and a compelling description at its Amazon product page indicate that we'll have plenty of illuminating close-ups to look forward to when this visual guide arrives.

It's listed at $21.99, but Amazon is offering a Pre-Order Price Guarantee of $14.95. Set down that LEGO Republic Gunship you've been building and preorder yours here.

Ze Super Zeros: Our Favorite Kind of Problem Children

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The first thing I thought upon seeing Ze Super Zeros was "Backyardigans with busted parts," but it's that same imperfect cuddliness that gives the toys their edge.

Each hero comes with super powers and super problems that ultimately add up to, you guessed it, zero. For instance, Zebu here (my personal favorite) is great at hiding, but the poor thing is so good that he's always getting lost. Good thing he's got a cape that his friends can spot from afar.

$30 per hero -- check out the whole line at FAO Schwarz.

Green Baby: b.wise papers Birth Announcements

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Sure, they're printed on paper, but b.wise papers' birth announcements still aim to reduce your new arrival's carbon footprint before it's been fitted for baby shoes.

The eco-smart announcements are printed on 100% recycled (50% post-consumer) card stock using vegetable- and soy-based inks, and they're even made up at a wind-powered printing facility. Plus, as the b. delightful ($138 for 50 cards) sample above shows, they look pretty great.

Prices vary but lean toward the higher end overall -- check out the whole collection (including holiday and save-the-date cards, as well as labels) at b.wise papers. (Image: Laura Negri Photography)

Mother’s Day Gift Alert: Design-Your-Own Flip MinoHD Camcorder (including Sanrio!)

Heather Kuldell — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:03:00 GMT

Chris shared his Flip-camcorder crush before and now I’m joining the fan club. The latest version of the line of tiny camcorders records in high definition. That’s right: It can capture the cute, gooey, silly and otherwise memorable moments of your kids’ lives in remarkable detail. Oh, but there’s more.

While Flip MinoHD ($229) offers many easy-to-use features — the flip-out USB connector, instant upload to many video-sharing sites like YouTube, FlipShare editing software and compatibility with iTunes, iPhoto and iMovie — you can also customize each one. I heart the incredible selection of Sanrio characters from Hello Kitty, Badtz Muru and even discontinued characters like Keroppi and TuxedoSam. If Sanrio’s not your thing, they have an abundance of other choices from textures, patterns, matadors, animals, ninjas or a ton of other artwork. The fee for this extra touches? Nothing. The MinoHD will still cost $229 and will ship in one day when in stock.

Airzooka Hand Cannon Still a Blast

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Airzooka is one of those toys that's been around forever but seems particularly worth revisiting every time the temperature gets warmer and I get tired of picking up foam darts from the lawn. Nature provides the "ammo" for the handheld cannon, which shoots a blast of air with surprising accuracy. Your kids won't hurt each other with it, but your hair might not emerge unscathed.

Available in all the colors shown here -- get yours for $22 at Amazon.

Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber: a Gift Fit for Luke Skywalker

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Unlike the lightsaber USB desk lamp we featured the other day, the Star Wars Force FX Lightsaber is ready for battle -- and it's got way more realistic (fictionally speaking) features than those plastic versions you're probably used to seeing.

Of course, it's also 100 bucks, so your call whether the kids have earned the right to experience those familiar hums, crashes and glows in movie-style accuracy.

$99.99 from ThinkGeek.

Sparrow Hook Set: Go Ahead, Tweet About It

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

If you do a lot of tweeting, this sparrow hook set may put you in the mind of Twitter -- but the cute little birdies could just as well put a perfect finishing touch on the kids' room.

Each two-piece set includes all mounting hardware -- get yours for $20 at Fred Flare.

Stick a Light Bite Candle Fork in It

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:00:00 GMT

This could get a little tricky if you've got a 20-kid party and a birthday boy or girl who insists on having an accurate number of candles, but otherwise, Light Bites Candle Forks let you blow out and dole out with maximum efficiency.

Just stick a cande in the end of each fork, and then light, blow and serve. You won't get the joy of licking frosting off the candles, but you also won't get a mouthful of melted wax -- sounds like a fair tradeoff to me.

$6 from Amazon.

Little Sleep Machine, for When You Need a Little Sleep

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

I like the idea of the Little Sleep Machine, and not just because the gadget photographs so nicely. The preloaded audio player comes with three hours of soothing music, all of it loaded with natural delta-wave frequencies. As with some other audio sleep aids we've seen, your brainwaves are supposed to lock onto the delta waves and follow them into Snooze-ville.

Unfortunately there's no way to sample the music quality online, so depending on your tastes, there's always the potential that you'll get it preloaded with the sonic equivalent of Chinese water torture. Toddlers, however, are usually less discriminating about their tunes, so considering you can hook it up to speakers, I'd give the Little Sleep Machine a whirl in the kids' room. Especially since it means I can keep my iPod to myself.

$34.95 from Montgomery Ward, which I honestly didn't know still existed before stumbling across this one online. [The Awesomer]

Get a Leg Up with EZ Folding Step Stools in Your, Their Sizes

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Every kiddo needs a step stool -- and sometimes Mom and Dad do, too. Built to support up to 300 pounds, EZ Folding Step Stools come in two sizes (9" high for the little ones, 11.25" high for taller folks, both of which fold away neatly and include carry handles for easy storage and transport.

$21-$28 at Spoon Sisters.

The Belly Gets the Attention, But the Feet Need the Love

Heather Kuldell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:26:00 GMT

Wouldn’t it be nice if all those belly-touching strangers would give foot rubs instead? Belli Pregnancy Foot Relief Cream offers a pampering experience with peppermint, tea tree oil and shea butter to soothe and cool those probably swollen tootsies. If momma’s become a nervous nelly, Belli Pregnancy products are “teratology screened,” which means the company searched medical research articles to exclude ingredients with links to birth defects or other problems with pregnancy. Now just put those feet up and relax.

Available in 6.7 ounce tubes for $18.

How Much Does This Blanket Rock?

Heather Kuldell — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:02:00 GMT

I have just found my new go-to shower present for my parents-to-be friends: the Monster Republic Rock Metal Blanket ($32). A gummy-bear-esque figure in the Demon’s makeup throws metal on a background of white lightning and black stars on the outside while gray and black stripes cover the inside. Despite it’s hard rock exterior, it’s made of cozy 100 percent cotton, making it an adorable little splurge.

10 Easter Gift for Under $10

SunnyChanel — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Trying to find goodies for the Easter basket that aren’t of the candy, chocolate or sugar filled variety? Non sugary elements for the yearly Easter basket can very quickly add up and hit the pocket book hard. We’ve come up with 10 items for under $10 each that would and could be sweet, fun and inexpensive treats for your Easter basket gettin’ kids and best of all, they won’t rot their teeth. Nice and nice.

Domo Easter Plush (above)
Sorry kids, if you want one of these limited edition Target Exclusive Easter Domo dolls, you're going to have to go to an actual Target to pick one up, this is an "instore" only item. $7.99.

Egg Shaped Sidewalk Chalk
Perfect for some Easter themed art on your driveway. $3.95 here.

Good Egg By Barney Saltzberg
This interactive book allows the reader to have the egg in question "sit", "roll over" and "speak". $9.95 from Amazon here.

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhard
A total classic, and for good reason. This charming interactive "touch and feel" book continues to be fun for generations. $9.99 from Amazon here.

Silly Putty Spring 2 Pack
I always got an egg of silly putty each Easter. A way for my folks to slip in some non-candy related fun in my basket. Although I have yet to introduce my daughter to Silly Putty, this might be the year. $3.09 here.

Playmobil Pirate in an Egg
It’s a pirate. A pirate in an egg! Yeah, this Playmobil piece ain’t for the kid who’d want a bunny, bear or other cute trinket. Nope, this egg busts open to reveal a mighty pirate. Eggs, pirates, Easter…a great mix. $4.29 here

Plush Bitty Rabbit Mini Flopsie 8"
It's hard to avoid putting a cute plush toy in a Easter basket. And when you can pick one up like this 8" bunny by Aurora for just $4.99 here.

Basic Beat Egg Shaker
It’s maracas for the mini set. These small baby and toddler hand sized shakers are perfect for kids to get with the beat. You can pick them up here for $1.50 each.

Lego Mrs. Bunny Easter Set
For those Lego lovers, here is a Bunny Easter Set which pays tribute, in a pixelated style, to trees, eggs and bunnies. You can pick a set up here for $8.99.

Bunny Ring Toss Game
How do you like to spend Easter Sunday? Why by attempting to throw a color ring over the head of a bunny of course. But instead of using a live one, go for this wooden version, it’ll be easier, trust me. You can pick one up here for $5.75.

Fair Trade Kid's Market Baskets for Easter (or Anytime)

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Handmade by a collective of weavers in villages of Ghana's Bolga region, these Fair Trade Kid's Market Baskets would make handy storage for more than just Easter treats. Purchasing the baskets helps to put money back into the villages where they originate -- fill 'em with the edible Easter grass Lisa recently covered for a true planet-friendly holiday.

$10.99 from Wedge Worldwide.

Mad For Metallics - Stylish Shoes for Tiny Feet

SunnyChanel — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 21:00:00 GMT

I’m mad for some metallic, especially when’s it’s in magenta! These striking and shiny leather baby booties look like they’d be as comfortable as they are stylish. These unique crib shoes by Yo My Booties come in a variety of bright metallics like silver, green, and electric blue, among others. You can pick up a pair for your baby’s feet from Milk Shop for $40 here.