droolicious : holiday

Hop to it: Hares for Her Hair

JeanneSager — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:44:00 GMT

The pressure steps up this time of year for a new pet - preferrably one of those cute little bunnies or chicks. I'm deftly sidestepping it all this year with bunnies . . . for her hair.

AmBarrettes owner Amber Tiner has two boys - no girls - but the ideas she gets from her little boys translate perfectly into funky little critters for the girls who have the hair to hold them. The complicated ribbon work topped with googly eyes are teeny tiny recreations that could do double for a pet store.

Her bunnies will make them hop to it when it's time to get their hair brushed in the morning - at Easter or anytime of the year. Or if your little squeaker would prefer a mouse for a pet, she's got those too . . .along with the rest of the zoo. Want to keep the critters out of your house? Check out AmBarrettes at Etsy.

The New Way to Wear a Tutu

Etsy: Cool Gift Tags for Your Little Monkey

Erin Behan — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:54:00 GMT

Aspire to the perfect wrap job? Then don't stop with the wrapping paper--you've gotta think all the way to the gift tags. And these Little Monkey tags ($7 for a set of 4) from Ouou's Etsy shop do the trick. While the cherry red color certainly works for Christmas, the Gocco screen printed design is good all year long, and a very sweet way to put the fnishing touches on a well wrapped gift.

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.

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.

Deer Hunter Nutcracker or Brooklyn Hipster?

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Take away the gun, and this deer hunter nutcracker looks like 80% of the male population of Williamsburg. Either way, we'll take him.

$29.95 from the What On Earth Catalog. [Via Nerd Approved]

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

5 Gifts for Your Little Pirate

SunnyChanel — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:00:00 GMT

What do you get the wee little pirate in your life? A ship? A hat? A treasure chest? There is much booty out there to choose from, but here are five worthy pieces of treasure that will surely elicit many ohh, ahhhs and aaaarghs.

Pirate Puppet by Melissa & Doug (above)
For those of you who dare to let a pirate take over one of your limbs, this is for you. The pirate puppet by Melissa & Doug is a plush seafaring bloke that will do, hopefully, just as you command. The puppet has a controllable mouth and it comes with a rod to move his limbs to and fro, all the better to pick up the oodles of treasure. $20 here.

The ‘Wrecked’ Pirate Hat by Elope
If you’re going to be a pirate, you’re going to need a pirate hat. That’s just the way it is. This totally classic sea faring chapeau is made from ultra suede and is adjustable to fit the noggins of both little and big pirates. The hat is lined and comes with a secret pocket with a little piece of booty. $28 here

Pirate Ship from Pottery Barn Kids. ON SALE!
No pirate worth his weight in gold would venture out into the salty sea with any kind of boat less worthy than this one. The sturdy wooden Pirate Ship by Pottery Barn Kids is crafted from solid wood and is realistically detailed with canvas sails and real rigging rope. The set , which would make any pirate proud, includes the ship, pirate figurines and a raft. Best off all, mom and dad can save some ‘pieces of eight’ since it’s on sale! $99.99 regularly $149 here.

Gund ‘Teach Me” Pirate Doll
No, no, no, when they mean a “Teach Me” Pirate Doll they do not mean the toy will teach your kid to rob, steal or pillage. Instead it will assist them in learning the kinder gentler arts such as button fastening, lace tying and buckling (and not the swash-buckling, just regular old buckling). $38 here.

Pirate Chest by Melissa and Doug
You ain’t much of a pirate unless you have yourself a pirate chest. Where else would ye be thinkin’ of storin' all your booty? This sturdy treasure chest with ornate brass handles by Melissa and Doug features a “pirate bandana, eye patch, loot bag, gold doubloon coins and a special, secret compartment to stash your most valuable loot away.” $24.85 here.

Charlie Harper Board Books at Old Navy

Erin Behan — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 21:10:00 GMT

Interest in modern American wildlife artist Charlie Harper has seen a resurgence of late (death will do that for you), and now Old Navy has gotten into the picture with three beautiful board books that teach counting, the ABCs and coloring. The coloring book is only available at Oldnavy.com, and all are $9.50. I can't think of a better way to teach kids the basics and introduce them to a wonderful artist at the same time. This one's going to the top of my Christmas list.

Big Deal: 10-30% Off Kate Quinn Organics

Erin Behan — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:50:00 GMT

Remember that cute Kate Quinn bunting that I loved that a user said looked a bit like a baby Christmas costume (I'll give 'em that)? It's now on sale, along with other winter favorites at Kate Quinn. Originally $62, the organic sherpa baby bunting is now $55.80. You've gotta click around the site for the deals, but other good ones are the sweater pants, originally $52, now $36, and this sweater vest, originally$52, now $36.40.

Toys"R"Us Leaks Doorbusters for Next Week's Black Friday Sale

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:54:00 GMT

If you're holding out for the perfect deal on a new PS2, you might want to wait until next Friday. As part of Toys"R"Us' mammoth Black Friday "Doorbusters" event, you can score 6 free games, a free 21 DVD and a free PS2 DVD Remote when you buy the core system shown here.

Of course, this is just one of the 150 Doorbusters Toys"R"Us has planned for Black Friday -- and that's not counting the 50-plus unadvertised "Mystery Doorbusters" the truly hardcore shoppers among us will discover at midnight on Nov. 26.

From Toys"R"Us' recent press release, here's a sampling of the Doorbusters available during the regular Black Friday sale -- make sure you're an early riser, though, 'cause these are only valid while supplies last from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28:

   * FREE Play Station 2 Deal – 6 FREE Games, FREE “21” DVD and FREE Play Station 2 DVD Remote with the purchase of the Play Station 2 System
   * FREE $50 Toys“R”Us Gift Card with the purchase of a Black 16GB iPod nano^®
   * FREE Nintendo^® DS^™ accessory with the purchase of Nintendo^® DS^™ Brain Age Bundle or Nintendo^® DS^™ Super Mario Bros. Bundle
   * More than 80% off Xbox 360 Wired Guitar Hero Game Controller
   * 60% off TOYMAX EyeClops^® from JAKKS Pacific^®
   * 60% off Disney^®High School Musical 2 Figures 3-Pack
   * More than 50% off Littlest Pet Shop VIP Plush Pets from Hasbro^®
   * Up to 50% off Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle for Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360
   * 50% off Little Tikes^® Diggers
   * 50% off Jumbo Talking Elmo from Fisher-Price^®
   * 50% off Huffy^® Scooters (Power Rangers and Cinderella, sold separately)
   * 33% off V-Tech^® Learning Laptop
   * More than 30% off Thomas & Friends^®Train Sets (Thomas & Percy Wooden Starter Set and Great Race Take Along Set, sold separately)
   * $60 off iHome^® Portable iPod^® Docking Station (iPod^® sold separately)
   * $50 off Sony^®7.2MP Pink Cybershot Digital Camera

If you'd rather sleep in, Toys"R"Us is also having a ton of sales Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, during which more than 150 additional items will be added to the list of bargains. From the same press release, here's just a sample of those deals:

   * FREE Smart Animals 2-Pack with the purchase of Smart Animals Scanopedia from Discovery Kids^®
   * FREE Spiral Train Set with the purchase of Arch Train Table from Imaginarium^®
   * More than 70% off Nick^®Scene It? and Pirates of the Caribbean Scene It?
   * More than 65% off Dance Dance Revolution DVD Game and Twister^®DVD Game
   * Up to 55% off Select Hasbro^® Games
   * 50% off Star Wars 10” Transformers Millennium Falcon from Hasbro^®
   * 50% off Barbie^®Princess 2-Pack Dolls from Mattel^®
   * 50% off Infrared Mini R/C Helicopter from Fast Lane
   * 50% off iPod^® Dock & Clock Radio (iPod^® sold separately)
   * $9.99 Sale on ALL Skateboards, Helmet & Pads from Channel One^®
   * $20 off Disney^®High School Musical Alarm Clock with iPod^® Dock (iPod^® sold separately)
   * More than $40 off Electric Guitar Pack from First Act^®
   * $70 off Woodland Climber from Step 2^®
   * $80 off Picnic on the Patio Playhouse from Little Tikes^®
   * $500 off Easton 7-foot 2-in-1 Swivel Combo Table

[BusinessWire via Gizmodo]

Scratch and Sniff Holiday Board Book

Erin Behan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:59:00 GMT

Oh how I loved scratch and sniff stickers and books as a child, so I was delighted to find a Christmas-themed scratch and sniff board book for youngsters at Amazon ($7.95). The scents featured are the very holiday medley of gingerbread, pine, orange, chocolate and peppermint. Part of the First Holiday Board Book series, it's published by Kingfisher.

New Alessi Holiday Figurines Now Available At Unica Home

Chris Ford — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:01:00 GMT

Thanksgiving might not even be here yet, but if you're going to score some of the new Christmas figurines from Alessi for this holiday season, you better be quick. We told you about the 2007 collection as well as the modern nativity last year, but new in 2008 there is a red version (pictured) as well seven other brand new figurines.

My personal favorite is "Orson & Natalino" - a little Santa Claus on top of a giant bear, but there are other Santas, a wizard and even a cat and mouse. If you're looking for holiday decorations you can pass down to your children (that also reflect your style), the Alessi figurines are a good place to start.

And like I said last year, they are still way better than Snow Babies.

The Presepe Creche is $92 (limited stock - only 18 left), while the other figurines are $32 and $42. All are available from Unica Home.

Overalls in the Holiday Spirit

Erin Behan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:55:00 GMT

Looking for a way to make the little man look holiday appropriate without buying him that tacky sweater? These cotton/wool blend overalls, lined on the inside with cotton lawn, are $58 at Pottery Barn Kids. Sure it's pricey, but those holiday card photos last forever. Tack on $6.50 more for it to be initialed.

Amazon's Complete List of Frustration-Free Toy Packaging Options

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Option, offered on a wide selection of toys this season, lets you opt to have your gifts shipped in a "recyclable, easy-to-open box that eliminates 4-color printing and minimizes the use of PVC windows, blister packs, fasteners, and 4-color inserts found in traditional packaging."

Sounds great, but where does all that excess packaging -- such as the colorful box, blister pack and fasteners normally found in the Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle shown here -- go?

Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle as boxed (left) and unboxed (right) with Frustration-Free Packaging.

According to Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging FAQ, the company works directly with manufacturers to have toys shipped in the scaled-down, eco-friendly packages right off the assembly line. Sounds like a pretty cool feature, provided you're willing to give up the magic of presenting a gift in its obviously kid-appealing original box. Having shredded my hands on countless fasteners and plastic bubbles, I say bring on Frustration-Free Packaging for everything.

Complete List of Toys Shipped in Frustration-Free Packaging (Amazon.com)

Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle in Frustration-Free Packaging ($34.99; normally $44.99)

Jones Soda Tones Down the Disgusting for 2008 Holiday Packs

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:32:00 GMT

Not sure how things work in your house, but if I ever wanted to squash my kids' curiosity about sugary sodas, all it'd take is one swig from any of Jones Soda's holiday packs. Maybe not so much this year, though.

For 2008, the company has cut back on its traditionally gruesome flavors (Christmas Ham, anyone?) and announced three festive flavors whose only crime against good taste seems to be in the sweetness department: Candy Cane (presumably a mint soda), Pear Tree (guess) and the pineapple-coconut hybrid Mele Kalikimaka will be sold exclusively at Target stores throughout the U.S. this season.

Stay tuned to Jones Soda's website for details, and in the event you break your jaw before Thanksgiving, you can still order a 12-pack of customized Turkey & Gravy soda and the somewhat more appealing Holiday Pie 6-pack online. [via The Green Head]

Matching Holiday PJs for the Whole Family

SunnyChanel — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:45:00 GMT

Every Christmas morning, I inevitably make some crack about how the entire family really needs to get matching PJs for the occasion. It’s one of those totally cheesy, silly visualizations that the mere thought of makes me bust out in a fit of giggles. But this year, it doesn’t have to be just some wack-ass fantasy. It can be a reality!

The Children’s Place is presently selling PJs for the whole family with their designs like the snowflake patterned one above that comes in adult, kid, baby and newborn sizes ($10.50 to $24.50 for this style). Just make sure you have your camera handy, I smell a perfect pic for your next years Christmas Cards.

Sweet William Christmas Stockings

elizabeth leach — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Sweet William has been creating elegant baby bedding and accessories for over ten years. This Christmas, they're introducing a line of Matelasse Christmas Stockings and they are absolutely beautiful. The simplicity of the design is a classic and would look great in a traditional or modern décor.

With your baby’s name embroidered on the stocking, this is a gorgeous keepsake. What I like most is these stockings will never go out of style and are classic Christmas without being over the top reindeers and Santa. Choose your stocking color (white, natural, pink, blue, or yellow), trim color (solid colors, ginghams, or plaids), and monogram color.

Shop Sweet William.

Amazon Deal Of The Week: Free Shipping on Costumes From Amazon.com

Chris Ford — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:03:00 GMT

Welcome to October first. Before you know it, it will be the end of the month and you'll be scrambling to get your kid's Halloween costume together. But if you plan ahead you might save yourself the hassle and save yourself a few bucks in the process. Right now on Amazon you can get free shipping on all costumes purchased now through October 23.

Amazon has over 10,000 costumes to choose from (including my daughter's choice Abby Cadabby, pictured) plus makeup, wigs and all the other stuff you'll need. Just make sure you spend at least $25 and the shipping is free.

Check it out at Amazon.com

Big Deal: End of Season Sale at Company Kids

Mir — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 17:01:00 GMT

Every savvy shopper knows: 'tis the season to save big if you can plan ahead for next year. So while the big holiday sale at Company Kids isn't just holiday items, that's where the biggest savings are. Their 3D applique stockings, for example, are adorable and down to just $11.99 (regularly $24).

Holiday Cooking with Kids: Share Your Traditions

Aaron Burgess — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:02:00 GMT

I never had the luxury of a full kitchen-tool set like this one from the Little Cook ($18.95 from kitchenshop.com), but if I did, I'd probably have spared my mom and grandma a lot of hassle as they let me in on their annual tradition of baking Christmas cookies for a full week up to the big day. What are your Christmas cooking traditions, and how do you let your kids get involved? Reminiscing begins in the comments.

From Our Gift Guide: Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics from Scholastic Video -- $53.49

Erin Behan — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:10:00 GMT

There's no need to feel guilty about giving kids more screen time with this fantastic 16-disc collection; if anything, it will give them a new appreciation for the local library. Scholastic has assembled one hundred of their best storybook adaptations, including "Harold and the Purple Crayon," "In the Night Kitchen," "Good Night, Gorilla," "Make Way For Ducklings" and "The Snowy Day." Every story is narrated with the text of the book, accompanied by music, and animated in the style of the original illustrations (though a number of the stories are presented Reading Rainbow-style, scanning the illustrations without animation). No story is more than ten minutes long, and the leisurely pace is great for all ages. DVD extras include bonus stories, author interviews, Spanish-language versions, and a subtitled "read-along" option. Whether your kids are avid readers or non-readers, this is a painless way to introduce them to several decades' worth of classic picture books. Ages 2-10. Get it at Amazon (Today, Dec. 21, is the last full day to order to have your gift delivered on Dec. 24).

Find this and other great holiday gift ideas on our Babble Gift Guide.

From Our Gift Guide: Nerd Baby ABC Flash Cards -- $16

Erin Behan — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:21:00 GMT

A is for Atom and B is for Binary Code, in these flash cards for your little nerdlette. Chances are if you're teaching your pre-schooler the ABCs and throwing in a little scientific thought, you're actually creating a well-rounded member of society, even after the winds of change say it is no longer chic to be geek. Ages 1 and up. Get it at Etsy.

Find this and other great holiday gift ideas in the Babble Holiday Gift Guide.

From Our Gift Guide: Tiny Revolutionary T-Shirts -- $25-$30

Erin Behan — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:28:00 GMT

It's not hard to find slogan tees for babies these days, but it's rare to see them done this stylishly. Tiny Revolutionary prints their designs on super-soft vintage cotton, and their progressive causes include energy conservation (“Save some green for me, drive a hybrid!”) and international adoption. They also have the cutest gay-parent designs we've ever seen, like this “Two Mommies – One Love” design. Ages 3 months - 4 years. Get it at Tiny Revolutionary.

Find this and other great holiday gift ideas in our Babble Holiday Gift Guide.

Baby in Red Is Dancing With Me

chrisjordan — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:03:00 GMT

I have grown a little weary of children dressing like mini-adults. There is something sweet about little kids dressing like little kids for a change.

With that in mind, I love the lines of this red sateen dress. It has an empire waist and a Peter Pan collar. Add a pair of shiny black Mary Janes and the outfit would be complete.

Available at Oneity for $30 in sizes from 2T - 10 years

From Our Gift Guide: Kushies Play Garden -- $60

Erin Behan — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 22:54:00 GMT

No toy that crossed our desks this year got more action than this silly, charming, fantastically designed play garden. The magnetic pieces — flowers, bug-eyed insects, a plant and a watering can — are loaded with sounds, colors and textures that fascinate babies. They also stack on top of one another, and stick to the "dirt" in the window box (which doubles as a zip-up storage case for taking the whole show on the road). Adults can't put it down, to say nothing of two-year-olds. Ages 2 and up. Get it at Amazon.

Find this and other great holiday gift ideas in our Babble Holiday Gift Guide.