droolicious : retrolicious

Our Four Best Picks for Kids' Packs

JeanneSager — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Summer vacation is coming. Whether you'll be packing the kids up for a trip to grandma's or getting a vacation yourself, you can't go wrong with these picks for packing:

1. Little Passenger Sparky Junior Travel Backpack - They'll be so busy making their way through the adventures in this car-shaped backpack, they'll forget to ask "are we there yet?" seventeen times over. Stuffed with their own map and road atlas, plus travel-themed playcards and activity books, there's room to add a few more of their favorites into the bag before you hit the road.TIP FOR PARENTS: Use the accompanying dry erase markers to plot your road trip route in the map so they can follow along.

Sparky's see-through make-up also means they can spot their toys from the outside, leaving you to drive while they paw through their Little Passenger. Get it from CSN Stores for $23.50 with free shipping.

2. Ramblin' Kids Suitcase by the Piggy Story - Retro- and rover-licious, this hard case is made in the grand old traditions of overnight cases. And while it really is an overnight case with limited room for their goodies, I say that in the best sense of the word. Packed with a soft blanket and pillow, the Piggy Story case is covered in a fun doggy print that suits both girls and guys.

Take out the pillow and blankie to pack in an overnight outfit and a few of their favorite toys, or leave them in and send them off to granny's where she has doubles of their duds anyway. The case is small enough for them to carry, and sturdy enough that it will survive the trips. Get it from The Chocolate Cake Club for $54.

3. Dastardly Dragon Overnight Bag by Sassafras - Let them out of your castle for an overnight adventure with a small bag that packs a surprising amount of room. The cuddly dragon (didn't know that could happen, did you?) lets this bag double as a friend to squeeze when they're away from home at night, but it's the ample space inside the zippered body that makes this a must buy for parents. Well, that and the sparkly "fire-breathing" tongue? Get it from the Chocolate Cake Club too - for $26.95.

4. Duffel Bag, Little MissMatched - The last thing you want when you're five hundred miles from home, is to find out your daughter's sippy cup that he chucked onto the bag beside her has soaked through the bag into all of her clothes. Hello waterproof linings! It doesn't hurt that these are cute (and a little on the kooky side), but the Little MissMatched bags make it onto the list thanks to ample space for all of their clothes (I packed ten days worth in my daughter's duffel on a recent trip), handles for little kids to cart them or a strap for Mom and Dad, and a lining that helps them stand up to being dropped in mud puddles on the way into the hotel or left too close to the pool. Get one for $30 (check out the different designs).

Check Out More On the Go Goodies:

Five Finds for On-the-Go With Your Little Monkey

Retrolicious: Vintage-Looking Changing Dresser

Cathy Hale — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:30:00 GMT

It might not be vintage, but this Celine Changer Dresser certainly embraces a vintage vibe. (I'm pretty sure someone in my family had furniture just like this because I remember liking these types of drawer pulls as a child.) The dresser features lots of storage space for diaper station items and as baby gets older, you can remove the changing tray and use it as a dresser. It also comes in a bunch of great color options, from bold primary colors to softer pastels. Retails for $1,329 at BabyEarth.

Freebie of the Week: Foxy Book Label

JeanneSager — Mon, 18 May 2009 17:35:00 GMT

We're big fans of the public library, but the "friends" library is just as loaded. Ready to pile up some of your favorites to take along on a playdate? Don't go anywhere without these labels.

Designed by Helen Dardik, they're up for free at her blog, Orange You Lucky, with the foxy little girl and a tiger-ific tot for boys. Yes, I said free! The retro labels are available in high resolution over at Orange, where you can download and print. If you're having trouble, she's even got her e-mail address for troubleshooting.

Their favorite tomes will never roam too far from home again.

Retrolicious: Vintage Baby Cupcake Toppers

Cathy Hale — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Throwing a vintage-inspired baby shower? Don't forget these adorable cupcake toppers. Featuring the sweetest little baby in Bunny Slippers, these toppers are scalloped and have a ribbon trim. A set of 16 retails for $15 and you can find matching goodies like gift bags and invitations at The Baby Gardener.

Psychedelic Tee for Mother's Day

JeanneSager — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:37:00 GMT

Celebrate the summer of '69 this Mother's Day with this retrolicious tee (and maybe a pint of Cherry Garcia)?

From ProMom Couture, it's one of those "yes I'm a mom" tees that doesn't scream "I'm also a dork!" With basic black and psychedelic flower power, you're just feelin' groovy.

Get it in long sleeve or short from ProMom Couture.

And Check Out The Best Woodstock Tees for Tots

Four Best Woodstock Tees For the Fortieth Anniversary

JeanneSager — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Ah, the summer of '69, peace, love and mud. So your kids can't remember it, neither can most people who were there!

But you can celebrate the forty-year anniversary of Woodstock with this list of rockin' duds, no roll in the mud required:

1. Salute the British invasion on Bethel, NY with this Rowdy Sprout "The Who" tee. Super soft and summer weight, they're perfect for little rockers who are up all night (bit of trivia, Pete Townshend, et al started rocking at 4 a.m. on day 2 of Woodstock!). Get it from Psychobaby for $38.

2. Another favorite from Rowdy Sprout, this isn't a tee - but it can be (just throw on a pair of tights)! The groovy Hendrix album cover on this drop dress will make your voodoo child sing a different tune. Let her wear this dress (or get the ACTUAL tee for him or her) on the Fourth this year to show some real patriotic spirit, but you have to play Jimi's "Star Spangled Banner" to go along with.

3. Peace, love and understanding were the name of the game, and who doesn't want their little one on board? This signature tee comes from the Signature Network in onesie or tee form, and we understand the doves are flying out fast. So get one for $20 and celebrate '69.

4. Straight from the gift shop at the Museum at Bethel Woods, the anniversary tees are one of a kind and selling fast as grandmas and grandpas stock up on their memories and treat the grandkids. Get one for your kids at Bethel Woods for $22.95 and get back to the garden.

Sing it with me now...

Retrolicious: Mod Bedding for Baby Girl

Cathy Hale — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Yes, it's a pink and chocolate brown (and cream) color scheme yet again, but I certainly think the retro-inspired shapes make this bedding set stand out. And it's reasonably priced at $265.50 for the 4-piece set including bumper pads, quilt, crib skirt and fitted sheet. (Note it is a poly/cotton blend, so the fitted sheet might not be super-luxurious, but you can alwasy use a different sheet.) Check out the hip FLOW bedding set at Sweet Peaches.

Retrolicious: Perfectly Personalized Posy Pendant

Cathy Hale — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 18:00:00 GMT

What a wonderful gift idea for any little girl! Inspired by vintage clothespin and peg dollies, these Posy Pendants can be customized to look just like your child. From the skin color, to the dress color, to the hair color and even the letter on her teeny-tiny little necklace charm - you can choose it all! The delicate details are all hand-painted in non-toxic paints. A special word of inspiration graces each necklace charm. Perfect for children age 3+. Check them out at Hip & Little. Dolls retail for $18.

Retrolicious: Playful Pink Romper

Cathy Hale — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:00:00 GMT

This beautiful vintage-inspired fabric makes for one incredible outfit. Retro lambs, bunnies, and other cute critters come together with style. Haute Baby never forgets the details like the pretty little flower and the delicate ribbons. Perfect for spring and summer fun. The Vintage Bubble retails for $48 at Dimples & Dandelions.

Retrolicious: Vintage Apple Dumplin Doll

Cathy Hale — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

Raspberry Tart, Apricot, Blueberry Muffin, Orange Blossom and Apple Dumplin. Ah, the super-sweet pals of Strawberry Shortcake.

When it came to new Barbies and dolls in general, I always thought it was funny when my mom would say, "maybe you should leave it in the box because one day it might be worth something..." I listened for about 1/2 second before I started frantically tearing open the box. Well, if you want to buy a vintage Apple Dumplin for your little dumplin' it will cost you about $85. Ready for some trivia? Apple came with a pet,Teatime Turtle. The very first Strawberry Shortcake dolls were actually issued in 1979. Check out Strawberry Central to see if your favorite sweet-smellin' doll is for sale.

Retrolicious: American Retro Army Airplane

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:00:00 GMT

It's not the sort of everyday item we'd plunk down for even in a good economy, but if you're looking for a unique birthday gift that'll last for generations, this American Retro Army Airplane seems like a smart buy.

Over 45" long with a 35" wingspan, the plane promises durability through a heavy-gauge steel construction and a non-toxic, chip- and rust-resistant finish. Perhaps its coolest feature, though, is the working propeller, which spins when junior works the pedals -- because yes, it can also zip along for miles on those sturdy, solid-rubber tires.

$399 from Babesta. (Assembly required.)

Retrolicious: PBK's Lanky Easter Bunny

Cathy Hale — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Handmade is hot! The folksier, the better. Companies are going to great lengths to produce crafty-looking toys, like Pottery Barn Kids. Take a look at these lean & lovable Plush Easter Bunnies, Charlie and Patsy. As a child of the 80s, I wanted all things plastic. Had I received a toy like this as a kid, I would've been so bummed. It's nice to think our kids are actually embracing simplicity. One rabbit retails for $24 at Pottery Barn Kids.

Hold your child's books together with Bobbie and Bettie Bookends

Lisa Estall — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:36:00 GMT

Keep your child company with Bobbie and Bettie. These vintage style bookends would look just charming on a bookcase in a nursery.

I would definitely buy these for my son's room as he loves to read. The dimensions are...

6.5" H x 5" W x 3.25" D.

Priced at $65, you can buy the Bobbie and Bettie Bookends at Modern Dose.

Retrolicious: ’80s Cube Clock

Heather Kuldell — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:23:00 GMT

I never solved a Rubik’s Cube; it’s just one of many shortcomings. But I think I earn points for at least trying again and again. The ’80s Cube Clock evokes those fond but frustrating memories and elevates the cube from toy to useful thing. The digital screen displays either the time, date, temperature or the alarm time, depending on how you twist the top. It may never be as cool to my kid as it is to me, but I can live with that.

Available at Perpetual Kid for $24.99

Retrolicious: Playful Playpen

Cathy Hale — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:00:00 GMT

The majority of today's playpens/playards come with LOTS of bells and whistles. Not to mention they require a zillion batteries. If you're looking for a simple option that is reminiscent of the playpens of yesteryear, yet much much safer, take a look at this treasure from Sorelle, the Soft N Play Playpen.

The colors are bright and cheery with cute little sun and flower decorations, as well as soft animal friends. There are grippy handle in the plapen so your little one can grab on and stand up easily. Other helpful features include washable cushions, a removable mat cover and padded rails. When it comes to keep baby safe and entertained, the Soft N Play Playpen is a great option. Retails for $199.

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.

Retrolicious: Candy Land Deluxe

Cathy Hale — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:30:00 GMT

Remember the old school gingerbread men who seemed to fall down for no reason? Ah, memories. Just like every other game we played as children, Candy Land has been enhanced, polished and shined. The Candy Land Deluxe game comes with sculpted pawns featuring the classic Candy Land characters: King Kandy, Mr. Mint, Princess Frostine and Lolly. (I didn't even know the characters had names?) It has 3-D pieces too like a real candy castle. Fun!

I L-O-V-E-D playing Candy Land as a child. And this is how I remember it. I cheered for joy passing the Ice Cream Floats and shed a few tears when I got stuck in Molasses Swamp. What was your favorite rest stop in Candy Land?

Retrolicious: Hostess Vintage Lunchbox

Cathy Hale — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:30:00 GMT

One word invokes joyful memories of sweet treats and junk-foodie goodness to all, Hostess. Who can forget their first love? Twinkie, the yummy yellow fellow. Cupcake, the chocolately delight. Ding Dong, cupcake's monster of a brother. Snowball, the pink orb of sensational sugar. And HoHo, the swirly choco-log.

This Hostess Cupcake Vintage Metal Lunchbox is certainly the perfect gift for someone on your list. Your youngster can use it to store crayons, toys or for on-the-go fun. Buy it at Amazon. Don't forget the milk!

Retrolicious: Tiki Stool

Cathy Hale — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:15:00 GMT

Offering a modern twist on 1960s Tiki mugs and barware, this groovy toddler stool by Offi has been featured on Extreme Home Makeover. The washable surface can be used both indoor and outdoor. It comes in six cheery colors too - White, Tiki Blue, Tiki Green, Orange, Tiki Pink and Black. Dimensions: 13.5” diameter x 15.5”H. $59.

Retrolicious: Madame Alexander Meets Hello Kitty

Cathy Hale — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:04:00 GMT

It seems Madame Alexander has a wild side. Check out this $75 Punk Rock Wendy Doll decked out in fishnets and biker boots. It's kind of like Gwen Stefani meets Avril Lavigne in a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids world. It's nice to see Mad Dawg A keep up with the latest trends. Meow!

Toy Nostalgia: Mommy Remembers Fashion Plates and Barbie's Townhouse

Cathy Hale — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Last month, as I was frantically trying to figure out which gadgets and gizmos I should buy for my two little birthday boys, I was suddenly struck with a wave of memories from my own childhood. And it consisted of two wonderfully fabulous toys - Fashion Plates and Barbies. Ah, those were the days. Let's revisit them for a moment...

My younger sister and I played with Fashion Plates all of the time. In fact, we named each ‘plate’ girl head and then renamed her when we switched her outfit. We had about 30 fictitious names committed to memory. When we got bored rubbing the girls onto paper, we started writing books. There were plots, personalities, do-gooders, evil characters, etc. We spent hours and hours coloring them and laughing at their silliness. I’m pretty sure my mom still has pages upon pages of our creations stored in a dusty forgotten box somewhere. Boy, would I love to see those again!

My other childhood obsession was Barbie Dolls. My sister and I each had about 15-20 Barbies and two small suitcases full of outfits, coats, dresses, gowns and teeny tiny shoes. To save time, we referred to single pieces of clothing as “clo” - pretty innovative, huh? I probably played with Barbie Dolls until I was 13 or 14 years old. That’s how simple my life used to be. My main concern was whether ‘Kim’ could wear her ruffled yellow dress with her matching yellow shoes. The vacuum cleaner was not a friend to Barbie’s shoes.

We had winking Barbies, posing Barbies that came with a camera, Malibu Barbies, fake Barbies, Ken Dolls, fake Ken Dolls, the Barbie dog that was really really fluffy… the list goes on and on. We named each one and gave them a story and their own special personality. ‘Sue’ was my sister’s most prized Barbie and ‘Kim’ was mine. ‘Julie’ was the most hated Barbie, ‘April’ was the ditz and ‘Star’ was the unlucky stunt Barbie that got stuck in trees on more than one occasion.

We had the townhouse and the yellow corvette, jeep and the horse trailer. Aside from the toys, what I remember most is the laughter. The completely spontaneous, genuine, goofy, loud, laughter. My sister and I had some of the greatest times ever playing in a room covered with Barbie paraphernalia. Taking a trip down memory lane certainly puts holiday shopping into perspective, doesn't it?

Retrolicious: Bob Ross for Kids Painting Kits

Heather Kuldell — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:07:00 GMT

If the phrase “happy little trees” tugs at your nostalgic heart strings, behold Bob Ross for Kids painting kits. The paint-by-numbers kits feature Ross-approved landscapes such has “Mountain Stream,” “Winter Barn,” “Beacon by the Sea” and “Wilderness Bridge.” Folks who are watchers rather than doers, may prefer the vast library of the TV shows available in DVD or in retrolicious VHS.

Retrolicious: Lincoln Logs (and Win a $100 Shopping Spree at Back to Basics Toys!)

elizabeth leach — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:48:00 GMT

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's son in 1916, Lincoln Logs are as much fun today as ever. Who can resist creating your own tiny log cabin? Take them out of their tin for the first time and it takes you back... the red chimney that rests on the roof... the wood pieces that fit so pefectly together.

Could Lincoln Logs foster creativity? Plant the seeds for future architects? Who knows? Lincoln Logs are fun and they're classics for a reason. Everyone loves them. That means you'll enjoy playing right along with your child. Nifty.

Purchase Lincoln Logs Commemorative Edition in a keepsake tin at Back to Basics Toys for $39.99.

To win a $100 shopping spree at Back to Basics Toys go to Back to Basics Toys and upload a photo of your favorite childhood toy and they will choose a winner every week up until Dec 25.

Retrolicious: The Slinky is Here to Stay

elizabeth leach — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:00:00 GMT

There's a reason why classic toys will always be popular. They're darned fun. Heck, they're a hoot. I gave a Slinky to my 15 month old and she can't put it down. She doesn't even know half the cool stuff you can do with a Slinky, but she likes to hold one side in each hand and walk around the house.

There's even a dachshund slinky! This is a no-brainer stocking stuffer. You can't go wrong with a classic! Buy your Slinky at Back to Basics Toys.

Retro Night Lights

Erin Behan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:50:00 GMT

I'm a sucker for the tastelessness of the lava lamp, and am loving its appearance in the kid-friendly night light category. If you've got a rocket-themed (or college dorm-room themed) nursery going, the mini rocket night light ($6.99) is the perfect crowning touch. At that price, you could afford one for your room, too.