droolicious : summer

Girls' Chino Minishort

AmandaHill — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:00:00 GMT

The Girl's Chino Minishort seen above is one of the better khaki options I've seen for spring and summer for little girls. The cotton chinos have a flat front with fabulous little flap pockets. They are available in khaki, white, navy and golden cypress.

Click on over to J. Crew's Crew Cuts to check them out.

Bug Your Gardening Kid

JeanneSager — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:32:00 GMT

If your thumbs are dyed a permanent black, but you're intent on raising a green girl or guy, we've got the set for you.

Drop this ladybug apron on their chest, and stick the little black gloves on their hands. From Sassafras, the Kids Ladybug Garden Set is packed with surprisingly heavy duty tools (the mini-rake - I think that's what it's called - has sharp points, so watch your kids like a hawk with this one).

OK, OK, with lack of gardening skills, I have to admit I'm just digging the cute red spotted handles on the tools. At least something in my garden looks good!

Get the whole set over at Chocolate Cake Club for $24.95.

Who Wouldn't Invest in Instant Gratification?

JeanneSager — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:25:00 GMT

If your kids are into instant gratification (and what kid isn't), why make them go through the whole pumping action in order to spray their buddies down this summer?

The Turbo Fill Blasters from Fisher-Price get their power from a pumping station that fills them up AND pressurizes them for maximum squirtage.

Good for kids who haven't gotten down that pump and squirt action, even better for parents who don't want to be filling up their kids' toys every five seconds, you can get it from Amazon for $34.99.

Might we suggest you invest in an umbrella too?

Step2 Skyward Summit a Little Rock Climber's Dream

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

If you don't have a natural rock formation handy for the job, the Step2 Skyward Summit makes a great place to plant your flag. The 80" high playscape features four different climbing surfaces that (save for the 80-pound-capacity platform) accommodate up to 320 pounds' worth of kid or grownup, and the cargo net and plastic grips provide ample leverage for scaling the summit.

$399.63 from Amazon.

Driving Summer Into Town With One Sweet Top

JeanneSager — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:01:00 GMT

Childhood obesity may have stolen some of the ice cream truck's thunder, but there's no need to worry about sticky hands or stuck out bellies with this sweet tee.

A retro top made from soft cotton that's lightweight enough for ice cream-friendly days, it's part of Appaman's new line for summer. The truck will drive over in onesie form only online, but you can load up on toppings for bigger cones, er, kids in stores (locate one by zip code here).

Afraid the wait will make you melt? Get the onesie from Black Wagon for $28.

A Summer Seat for Daddy and Me

JeanneSager — Mon, 25 May 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Who wouldn't want to be just like Dad if it meant perching in the summer sun in total comfort? Send your tot and her pop off for some summertime lounging with matching canopy lawn chairs.

From Kelsyus, who's long made the collapsible chairs for adults, there are now foldable seats for little campers with a canopy to keep them safe from the sun. Even better, the canopy folds around the chair and snaps up to form a backpack - so Dad can stow his on his back and still hold hands with junior for the trek back to the car.

Easy to fold and easy to carry, I wouldn't recommend them on a windy day (the air catches under the canopy and knocks them over), but they're definitely worth adding to your list for Daddy and Me for Father's Day.

Get the kids' version from Amazon for $35, and the adult-sized seat for $40.99.

Biodegradable Picnic Ware: Please Put Litter in Any Place

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Normally, we'd never suggest that you and the family toss your picnic ware into a lake or leave it behind on the campsite after you're done grubbing -- but that sort of thinking goes out the window (as opposed to into the landfill) when we're talking biodegradable picnic ware.

Made from 100% biodegradable cassava (the same plant that lends itself to your tapioca pudding), the set's plates, bowls and cups are literally the best kind of litter: Leave them in water for a week, and they disintegrate. Turn them into the compost pile, and in a few months you've got food for the garden, complete with soil-friendly starch. The wooden cutlery and gingham tablecloths included with the set don't break down quite so easily, but they're far more reusable than plastic and paper.

$29.95 from Firebox, and be sure to pick up a tent for the full camping experience while you're at it.

Make Their Own Book - in a Box

JeanneSager — Wed, 20 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

If you're begging your little egghead to put down the book and come up for air, maybe this will convince them: a book they can make themselves.

Eye Can Art's Book in a Box kits are easy peasy (even for the non-Martha moms and dads among us), and come stocked with everything you need to make four different books, all with their distinctive style. So take the summer reading list and make it part art project, part show and tell this summer.

The resealable kits come with scissors, paper, boxes, colored pencils and just about everything else you need (kitchen sink not included and not required). Get one from Eye Can Art for $24 and start reading!

When She's Sweet as Guava Jelly

JeanneSager — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:23:00 GMT

She may be made of sugar and spice, but you want your girl to stand out, don't you? So skip the sweet as pie tees and go for this twist on an old favorite.

Thanks to Surf Shack Baby, you can tell the world your girl's "Sweet as Guava Jelly."

The new line of wear for moms, dads, girls and boys who like to ride the waves offers up one hundred percent cotton softness and a little bit of sass.

Get the Sweet as Guava Jelly in 2T to 7 for $22 (with free shipping), and check out Surf Shack Baby's tees for her brother too.

Big Deal: Old Navy Swimsuits for $8

SunnyChanel — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:14:00 GMT

I just spent $23 on a swimsuit for my girl. If I had waited, I could have saved $15 of my hard earned bucks and gotten one of the adorable swimsuit offerings from Old Navy for just $8. During their current swimwear sale you can pick up goodies like the above Printed Ruffle Swimsuit for eight bucks. You can check out their selection of $8 and $10 suits here.

Back to Basics: Button Tank Top

AmandaHill — Tue, 12 May 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The Button Tank Top seen above is another great basic for spring and summer. I love the cute little buttons near the shoulders. In fact, I almost wish they came in my size. They come in pink, yellow and white.

Click on over to Crazy 8 to check them out.

Four Best Picks from Target's Shorts for Tots

JeanneSager — Mon, 11 May 2009 17:26:00 GMT

After a week looking at some of my favorite shorts for summer in different price points (and for the different genders), I offer up the Droolicious' version of the baker's dozen: another day of favorites, but this time all on the cheap.

Target's line of toddler shorts are long on savings and even longer on cute.

You can't go wrong with the Genuine Kids label (an off-shoot of OshKosh) and these little denim short shorts (warning, they are TRULY short) for $9.99. The waistband adjusts, and the drawstring helps cinch them in for tiny hipped tots.

For extra coverage, try this "walking" short, a slightly shorter version of the board short. Also from Genuine Kids, it's priced the same, with the adjustable waistband. Snaps on the pockets help them keep their little treasures safe. These retail for $9.99.

Games of hide and seek are out, but the bright colors of the new line of board shorts from Circo mean you'll spot your little man in any crowd. Priced $5.99 and up, they're not all available on the Web, so stop in to the stores. They're worth it. The fabric dries quickly in the sun, and the cut is comfy for running, jumping and all forms of summer fun. Get the pair seen above straight from Target online.

For dressing up or dressing down, little khaki shorts from Cherokee are a staple of every little boy's dresser. Pull them out for that summer barbecue with the Joneses or pack him off to day camp in this cargo version. Styles vary (and again, they're not all available online), but priced below $10, you might want to stock up (get the pair above for $8.99).

Check out our other favorite shorts - 7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer.

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Didn't Feel a Thing

JeanneSager — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:22:00 GMT

Shorts weather can't come a moment too soon for little kids who have been cooped up all winter long. What am I saying - shorts weather can't come too soon for Mom and Dad! So start stocking up with our seven favorite shorts for little legs.

A little ruffle goes a long way with a skort that keeps her undies under wraps.

The skorts from Ouch come in six funky colors - from yummy chocolate to fabulous fuschia - and it doesn't hurt that they're stocked with flair for girls three months to six years. One hundred percent cotton to keep them cool, the bottom layer is a short, the top a skirt, making these a totally retrolicious skort (remember those?).

Prices vary by size, but you're looking at $39 to $41 - check out all the colors here.

A Look Back at the Past Six of the Seven Days of Shorts:

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Dapper Dons and Donnas

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: The Perfect Fit

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Bermuda, Bahama

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Track 'Em Down

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Mini Mobster

And come back tomorrow for the Droolicious version of a baker's dozen: a look at Target's new shorts line

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Mini Mobster

JeanneSager — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:28:00 GMT

Leave the canoli, take these Knuckleheads pinstripes and stock them in his dresser.

The cotton shorts breathe to keep little boys cool this summer, and the retro white on black stripes make mobster style sweet.

Available in six months to seven years for $43 with an elastic back to make these last all summer long (and maybe into next year), you can get them from Psychobaby.

Check Out More of the Seven Days of Shorts (and come back tomorrow for the next in line):

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Dapper Dons and Donnas

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: The Perfect Fit

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Bermuda, Bahama

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Track 'Em Down

JeanneSager — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:01:00 GMT

Just one look at these little track shorts, and it's June, the end of first grade. Summer's almost here, and my little legs are loving the sun's kisses.

Yes, track shorts are back, although thankfully it's a trend that is not returning to the basketball court (please, tell me we never have to see the likes of Larry Bird's thighs again!). Tea Collection's little cotton numbers are perfect for slipping under a girl's dress for protecting her, ahem, femininity or wearing as a regular pair of shorts that keep her cool on a hot day.

Machine washable with an elastic waistband, Tea's tiny throwbacks have improved on the real thing - no hot nylon track shorts for your kids!

Get them in a solid color or truly taste the seventies and eighties with bright chrysanthemums. Either way, they're $19, and the elastic waistband means you might get two summers out of these.

Check Out More of the Seven Days of Shorts (and come back tomorrow for the next in line):

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Dapper Dons and Donnas

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: The Perfect Fit

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Bermuda, Bahama

JeanneSager — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

No man is an island, but these little Bermudas can make even the staycation set live out their island dreams.

The funky cotton shorts from Lola et Moi sport an elastic waistband to keep things up and a big retro button closure (backed by an easy slide in and out clasp for little hands to manage).

Machine washable with an adjustable waist, the Bermudas are available in pink and blue at Lola et Moi for $88.

Check Out More of the Seven Days of Shorts (and come back tomorrow for the next in line):

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Dapper Dons and Donnas

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: The Perfect Fit

Kiss Her Shoulders for a Lark . . . and Loon

JeanneSager — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Is it a dress? A tee? A beach cover-up? Lark and Loon's "drops" line gives you all three in one sweet package.

One hundred percent cotton, this forest-inspired drop is made for some old-fashioned (retro even) summer fun. The tank style leaves her shoulders open to be kissed by the warmth of the sun (with plenty of sunscreen on of course!), and a pair of Lark and Loon capris will take this on through to fall.

Get the Kiss the Mushroom drop straight from Lark and Loon for $30 and check out the rest of their drops. Pair it up with a pair of capris (a steal at $14).

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: The Perfect Fit

JeanneSager — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Imagine not fighting with those little buttons on the inside of the waistband or yanking on drawstrings to keep little shorts on little hips. Land's End's new line of X-Act fit shorts for girls and boys does it the old-fashioned way. Velcro - which is easier for little hands and Mom and Dad's fingers.

Made from nylon, the Land's End X-Act Fit are swim-ready, with a panty liner for the girls, a mesh liner for the boys. But they move on land too, with sweet flower prints and solid numbers for girls and a Hawaiian flair for your little man.

All shorts have UPF 50 for extra protection for sensitive kid skin. Get 'em for girls at Land's End.com in sizes 4 to 16 or for boys in 2T to XL. Priced at $25.50, not bad for shorts that do all that work!

Check Out More of the Seven Days of Shorts (and come back tomorrow for the next in line):

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Dapper Dons and Donnas

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Dapper Dons and Donnas

JeanneSager — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:30:00 GMT

Think summer, and I think crisp linen, cool on a hot day. It's classic - and thanks to Little Linens, it's hip too - with their one hundred percent linen bermudas.

With button adjustments to keep the waist tight, they hit just above the knee and swing to let a little breeze in when the light linen isn't enough to keep them cool. Perfect for a summer wedding for your little boy or a summer barbecue with Mom and Dad for your little girl.

The London-based company sells to boutiques throughout the states or you can get them shipped in from across the pond for kids infant through age thirteen. Get 10 percent off when you use the code X2007 at checkout.

7 Days of the Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

7 Days of The Best Shorts for Summer: Surf's Up

JeanneSager — Mon, 04 May 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Let his wild animal out with the Zoo Keeper Boardie from Haiden Surf. Designed for boys, we love that the whole line of lightweight surfwear works for girls too - just throw a sweet tee on top and the zebra stripes roam the tampas.

Available in infant sizes or toddler sizes up to age 7, get them from Haiden Surf (and check back throughout the week as we go long on the shorts).

Flip Floppin': Maine Isle Flip Flops

AmandaHill — Sat, 02 May 2009 01:00:00 GMT

As a huge flip flop fan, I'd like to give a high five to LL Bean for these gorgeous Main Isle Flip Flops. They come with the back strap to keep them on tiny feet. Additionally, they're availabe in brown, black, pink and blue with many little prints.

Click on over to check them out.

Inspired by Mom, But All Little Girl

JeanneSager — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:00:00 GMT

Who says the baby swans are always ugly ducklings? A new line of sweet little girl dresses and tops inspired by the clothing worn by mom has put grace and style back into dressing little girls.

From the French for swan, Saurette is Lisa Kanouse's answer to mothers who are looking for less cartoon characters, more classic design.

"I think modern parents want their children to look as good as they do. By offering little girls an opportunity to dress more like mom, it offers a fresh approach to dressing little girls," Kanouse says.

She does it with swinging sundresses, like the Cabbage Floral Applique (above), a sleeveless summer wardrobe staple that leaves them free to run with the wind at their legs but dresses up for a summertime wedding. The Cabbage Floral's empire waist adds a grown-up twist, but the long flowing skirt is all little girl.

Get the dress in pink or in gray at Saurette for $99.

7 Days Of Bubble Toys: The Bubble Twister

Lisa Estall — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:33:00 GMT

This Bubble Twister makes bubble blowing non-existent. To create the bubbles all you do is flick your wrist. Includes a 2 oz.of bubble concentrate that makes...

up to 18 ounces of bubble liquid. It's recommended for ages 4 years & up.

Made by Little Kids, you can buy this at at Toys ‘R Us, Learning Express, Target, and Walgreens for $6.99.

Check Out What's Blooming at Spike and Annie!

JeanneSager — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:01:00 GMT

With little girl's dresses, sometimes the simpler, the better. And the new line growing at Spike and Annie is sunshine and light.

Their Summer Garden Dress is dotted with delicate embroidered flowers, its only other embellishments little plaid leaves sewed onto the stems. This sweet dress of barely there cotton will be light on their skin on hot days.

Better still, their shoulderless shifts have a roomy cut so they earn second life as a simple top for her after she's sprouted up out of the dress size. And what parent wouldn't get behind a dress that sports the instructions "do not hand wash?" Right in the machine it goes!

In sizes 3 to 8, you can get one at Spike and Annie for $110.

Is Your Girl a Lil' Bettie?

JeanneSager — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:29:00 GMT

I'll be the first to say I don't get the skank-arific swimwear I see out there for toddlers. So find me a store that sells suits sweet, simple and dripping in lil' girl, and we'll splash down.

Lil' Bettie Beachwear's summer line for '09 is just that - high quality suits that are swimming in sweet. The tankini gets my vote for making it easy to move for little girls and providing enough coverage to prove, yes, they're still little betties.

Like most swimwear, these are hand wash only and line dry, but the fabric is soft to the touch and wicks dry quickly so she can be comfy in the water and out. A note to parents - these tend to run a little small, so buy a size up to get her through the summer. If she's long-torsoed, the tankini's a good bet because you can retie the knot farther down as the summer goes on.

Get the tankini from Lil' Bettie for $39, and check out the rest of the line.