Don’t forget the baby this holiday season. Here are a few holiday gift ideas for the baby.

Sleep Sheep

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNZIJlgNxdw[/youtube]

From Cloud B comes the Sleep Sheep. It’s the perfect gift to give for those who have fussy babies who have a hard time sleeping at night. The Sleep Sheep is a 12″ plush sound machine with four soothing sounds; Mother’s heartbeat, spring showers, ocean waves, and whale songs. Created to be attached outside the crib or as a plush for the baby once the sound machine device is removed.

Pee-Pee Teepe

From Beba Bean it’s the Pee-pee Teepee. A great gift for those who have mishaps changing baby boys. The Pee-pee Teepee is a 100% cotton cone-shaped cloth which is used during changing to provide an extra hand and makes sure diaper changes are dry and easy! Each package comes with five Teepees.

100% Organic Cotton SleepSack Wearable Blanket

Halo created the SleepSack Wearable Blanket to keep babies safe at night by replacing dangerous lose blankets. This wearable blanket carries the “#1 Safe Sleep Product” gold seal from First Candle/SIDS Alliance, and makes the perfect gift for new mothers and those who are just worrywarts. The SleepSack comes in organic cotton, which is free of dyes, chemicals, and preservatives. Great for those who are concern with both safety and the environment.

California Baby Holiday Cheer Gift Tote

California Baby’s Limited Edition Holiday Cheer! Gift Tote is the great gift to give this season if you really don’t know what to give. The tote comes with a bubble bath, aromatherapy spritzer, and bath mesh. The limited edition Holiday Cheer! scent is a blend of orange, lavender, and a touch of vanilla. All products from California Baby are used with essential oils and contain organic and sustainably grown ingredients. The biodegradable bubble bath is non-drying and is free of sodium lauryl sulfate and DEA.
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Have any holiday baby gift ideas? Please leave a comment and tell me all about it!

 
Christmas Gifts

Christmas Gifts

Millions of Americans will head to an airport this holiday season and many of those air travelers may be thinking about how to bring along Christmas gifts for the ride. I’m heading to a family gathering this week and since I won’t see these relatives again before Christmas I thought I’d bring their gifts with me. Here are some tips I’m using to make sure my gifts arrive safely.

Think Ahead

If you know you are going to try transporting your gifts in your luggage, try buying items that aren’t big and bulky. You’ll be thankful for the extra room in your bag. Also, try to avoid very fragile items that might not survive a bumpy ride. And don’t buy any sharp items that could be mistaken as weapons.

Try Gift Bags

Unfortunately airport security doesn’t like wrapped presents and if they are suspicious of what you’re carrying they may be forced to unwrap all of those gifts you’re carting around. Rather than take the chance of having that hard work ripped apart by someone other than your friend or family member, try using gift bags instead. That way if you’re asked, you can easily unwrap it to reveal the contents.

Use Ribbon and Boxes

If you have an item that you really want to put in a box, instead of wrapping it just use a pretty ribbon. Crate and Barrel has beautiful tinsel ribbon that will add sparkle to any plain box.

Wrap the Top and Bottom

If you must use wrapping paper, wrap the bottom of the box separately from the top. Be sure to use plenty of tape to secure the paper to the inside of the box. Then use a ribbon to keep the top and bottom connected. If asked, you’ll be able to open the box and put it back together once the security check is complete.

Buy Bubble Wrap

You don’t have to travel much to know bags can take a big beating. If you’re putting fragile gifts in a checked bag, be sure to wrap items in thick layers of bubble wrap. They’ll have a better chance of surviving the airplane trip.

Expect a few Wrinkles

No matter how careful you are, chances are your beautiful gift bags are going to get a little wrinkled and your boxes may have a few dents. But at least your gifts aren’t going to get lost in the mail.

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If you have any other ideas on how to wrap presents when traveling on an airplane, please share!

 
Felt Doll (Lilly) on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

Felt Doll (Lilly) on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

I interviewed Ms. Sílvia Leite, creator of handmade dolls and miniature play food on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com. I asked her a few questions about her creations and the work she puts into her craft.

What made you start creating children’s toys and accessories?

To tell you the truth, this is something I wanted to do since my early childhood. I simply can’t get tired of small scale objects. I started to make my own toys when I was about my daughter’s age (she is 6). I used to build large mansions with furniture made from cardstock and homemade glue, and to populate them with happy families of paper dolls. I also sewed, knitted and crocheted for my dolls. My deep love for miniatures lead me to unwillingly kill two innocent bonsai trees, and also made me want to become an architect. I gave up this project when I understood that what I really wanted was to build 3D models and maquette- and that is not what architects do.

Latter in life, and even though I was able to follow another dream of mine (taking a degree in Art History), I found myself doing repetitive, administrative work, and forgot all about toys and miniatures. Till the day when my daughter asked me to make her favorite doll a birthday cake!

Then, in the beginning of this year I had a little spare time in my hands (I was in between jobs) and decided to give it a try. I made my first felt cakes, cookies and dolls for my friends’ children, and they were the ones who encouraged me to start selling.

Miniature Birthday Cake on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

Miniature Birthday Cake on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

What is your inspiration for your creations?

My daughter was my first client, and the main cause and inspiration for everything I’ve created since her birth. A lot of the toys and accessories I make are also based in memories from my own childhood. Of course, this means I am particularly at ease with girl’s toys! I believe children should play with good quality, beautiful objects. I design my products to be visually appealing, pleasant to the touch, and easy to play with. They must have the right size, feel and weight for children’s hands, and to be stimulating and suggestive enough to encourage pretend play. Finally, everything is carefully and lovingly crafted, and tested in my home lab (my daughter’s playroom)!

What kind of materials do you use for your handmade toys and accessories?

I use mainly felt. Just love this material! I choose a high quality, rich wool blend felt that I can buy in a wide range of lovely colors. I always try to use non-allergenic, all-natural materials, and also use recycled materials when possible.

How long does it typically take to make one of your creations? Small (e.g. a cupcake) and large (e.g. a doll)?

Well, with a 6-year-old child and a full time job I have very little spare time to craft. I mostly craft at night, or on weekends, though I also need to take time for my family. I usually cut several pieces in one crafting session, then sew them all in another session, and then make all finishing in yet another day, so it is hard to answer this question. But if I had to make a doll in a single session I would need
at least 5 hours to finish it whereas one cupcake would take me about 1-2 hours.

Do you take into account customer feedback and suggestions when you start a new creation?

Yes, by all means. Clients can customize almost anything from my shop, and I am always glad to have special orders, because they help my work to evolve. Feedback is very important, since I really want my clients to be satisfied. My toys are conceived to make people happy.

What is next for Sílvia Leite and her handmade children’s toys and accessories?

I don’t know. Maybe I should, but I am not really making plans. I love to craft, and would love to be able to do this full time, but the right moment hasn’t arrived yet. Anyway, a part of me likes to keep this business in small scale… like my toys. But I always have ideas for new products!

Tell me what you think of Sílvia Leite’s handmade children’s toy and accessories. Please leave your comments and let me know if you enjoy handmade and handcrafted gifts.

 
Christmas Card

Christmas Card. Photo courtesy of Stamp Not Included

Christmas cards are a great tradition. They are a simple way to connect and spread holiday cheer with friends and relatives. There are so many options when it comes to Christmas cards– funny ones, religious ones, artsy ones, sparkly ones, homemade ones. How can you possibly choose? Here are some ideas for places to find the best Christmas cards, depending on your style and your budget.

Photo Christmas Cards

Since one of the main purposes of a Christmas card is to fill your friends in on the past 12 months, a photo can be a great way to bring them up to date. Several sites offer easy opportunities to upload a photo and design your own card. Try Shutterfly or PhotoWorks.

Christmas Cards that Support a Cause

Christmas cards are meant to spread love– why not let your actions speak louder than your words by supporting a non-profit organization with your Christmas cards? That’s the idea behind Cards that Give, a site developed with the purpose of promoting non-profit greeting cards. Cards that Give only includes qualified charities that have been reviewed by Charity Navigator, a watchdog organization.

Christmas Cards Designed by You

There’s no way to make a greeting card more personal than by designing a card yourself. At Moo.com you can upload photos, or combine Moo designs to create your own cards. Another cool thing about Moo.com is that you can design up to 25 different cards in each pack you order. So if you like variety, then this is a great option.

Homemade Christmas Cards

For those with a crafty side, try making your own Christmas cards. Need ideas? Check out ScrapVilliage’s Christmas card gallery and then head to your local craft store for supplies like paper, stamps and stickers. Surely your effort and care will not go unnoticed when your homemade Christmas card shows up in the mailbox.

 

Looking for a children gift and don’t know what to give? Than give something from Disney and it is guaranteed to be a hit. Here are a few suggestions.

Hannah Montana Guitar Video Game

Hannah Montana Plug & Play Guitar Video Game

Budding musicians can play along to hit songs from Hannah Montana with this cool Guitar Video Game . With the Hannah Montana guitar-shaped controller, players use the guitar to match the musical notes of her hottest hits, scoring points, and rocking out just like Hannah. The guitar plugs directly into any standard TV for hours of fun.

 

cars

Cars Mega Garage

Cars Mega Garage

Playhut’s Cars Mega Garage is a massive play environment featuring bright and colorful pictures the characters from the Cars movie. The popup garage stands 5′ x 5′ and is large enough for up to six kids to play. The Cars Mega Garage features a flap door entrance, as well as a crawl-through tunnel port that can connect to other EZ Twist play environments. Created from durable and soft non-woven materials, the Cars Mega Garage features Playhut’s patented twist-n-fold technology for instant set-up and easy storage, and is ideal for children ages 3 and up.

Leap

Ratatouille LeapPad Book

LeapPad Book: Ratatouille

An educational gift that will please both child and parent. Designed for use with LeapPad, Quantum LeapPad, and LeapPad Plus Writing Systems. The Ratatouille LeapPad Book will teach children discover French words, nutrition, table manners and essential preschool skills as the child helps Remy and Linguini become two of the best chefs in Paris.

 

Disney's Cinderella Snuggler

Disney's Cinderella Snuggler

Disney Princess Snuggler

A great gift for the little girl who thinks she’s a princess. The Disney Princess Snuggler is made to go over a standard pillow and turn each Disney princess into a giant plush toy. Great for cuddle time, sleepovers, and travel. Available in Cinderella, Belle, and Arial.

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Do you have a Disney children gift idea? Please share your suggestions.

 

Are you looking for a unique wedding or anniversary gift?  Do you want to offer a gift that is fun and brings laughter in the bedroom? Well, I think I have the right gift idea for you!

The “His & Hers Sheet Set”

His & Hers Sheet Set from www.BedHog.com

His & Hers Sheet Set from www.BedHog.com

If you want to stay away from any conventional gift and offer something fun and unique, I suggest the “His & Hers Sheet Set” from www.BedHog.com. The set is made of 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases. The 100% cotton sateen sheets are white with a stylish “His” and “Hers” print on them. A line down the middle will delimitate the two sides and help reveal who the real Bed Hog is!! The flat and fitted sheets are reversible so partners have a choice on which side they want to sleep.

The set comes in King ($119.99) and Queen ( $99.99) sizes. I wish they had a California King size to fit MY bed! hahaha Anyway, this would be an excellent choice for a unique and special gift! One of my favorites!

For $29.99, you can buy a separate pillowcases set; they even offer pillowcases sets for Gay Couples or singles who like to have the bed all to themselves!

Who is Behind BedHog.com?

photo courtesy of BedHog.com

photo courtesy of BedHog.com

The story goes that Sue and Patrick were newlyweds when all of a sudden they had an important debate in the bedroom. The topic: who was hogging more than their fair share of the bed?! In order to find out, they created the Bed Hog sheets. So, now they are sleeping on their own Bed Hog sheets and are happier than ever!

To read more about their story please visit www.BedHog.com  

 

Today we are hosting a special announcement to help our friends at the Leakey Collection.

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Vote Now ! One week left to vote!

Photo courtesy of The Leakey Collection

The voting phase of World Challenge 08 closes midnight 21 November, so to make sure your favourite is in with a chance of winning, visit the World Challenge 08 website and vote now.

Remember, with your help the winning project will receive $20,000 and the two runners up will receive $10,000 to continue their good work so make sure your vote counts.

Tune into BBC World News this weekend to watch the series and find out more about the finalists. All finalists are also being featured in Newsweek.

The winners will be announced in the final programme on 20 December. They will also be featured on the World Challenge 08 website and in Newsweek on 22 December (Issue date 29 December).

Also, don’t forget to watch BBC World News on 22nd November 2008, or pick up Newsweek on 17th November 2008 (Issue date 24th November) to find out about last year’s World Challenge winner and how their project is going one year on.

Regards
The World Challenge Team

The BBC has a new policy on competitions.
Visit bbc.com/competitioncode

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If you’d like to find out more about The Leakey Collection and their mission to help the Maasai women, please read our post Zulugrass Jewelry by The Leakey Collection – A Gift That Gives Back! or just visit their website at http://www.leakeylife.com/

 

When better to say “thanks” than on Thanksgiving? Heading to a friend’s house or family member’s place for the big meal? Or maybe there is someone who just deserves a little pat on the back. Here are some great (and affordable) gifts to demonstrate your gratitude.

Love Dove by Lilly PotteryOrnament

An ornament is a great Thanksgiving gift. It arrives at the perfect time– just as the tree is about to go up. This hand-crafted “Love Dove” ornament from Lilly Pottery is just $10 and comes stamped with the word “love”. A jute rope allows the ornament to hang from a branch all season long.

Calendar

As 2008 winds down, a calendar can make a great thank-you gift. Especially when accompanied by a note describing your excitement of looking towards another year of their friendship. This beautiful Keisuke Serizawa calendar has been popular since it first appeared in 1946. Serizawa created it using stencil-dyed Japanese paper. It was a popular gift for well-to-do army wives and now it’s a popular gift around the world! You can pick up one from Tortoise for just $18.

Snow Globe

Snow globes can be beautiful works of art. Bring a miniature winter wonderland into a loved-ones home with the tree snowglobe from West Elm. It’s a modern take on this classic gift. It’s just $29 and shipping is free.

Luggage Tag

Looking for a lovely way to say thanks to a travel buff? These colorful luggage tags from Pottery Barn can be monogrammed for a few extra dollars.

Sweets

Say thanks with a super sweet gift- cupcakes. Order a set of nine from RedEnvelope.com. They’re made in San Francisco at the Teacake Bake Shop. Your lovely box of sweets comes with four combinations: three vanilla with vanilla buttercream, two vanilla with chocolate buttercream, two chocolate sour cream with vanilla buttercream, and two chocolate sour cream with chocolate buttercream

Card

Saying thanks doesn’t necessarily require a gift. Just a thoughtfully written note can be worth a lot– especially when written on cute cards like these from Swoozies. Ten cards are $15.95.

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If you have tried the products mentioned in this post or if you have any other gift ideas that would make great “thanks” gifts, please leave us a message!

 
Earth Kit

Earth Kit from earthkits.com

One person can make a difference– especially if that person is a child. That’s the philosophy behind EarthKits.com. The idea is to educate and excite some of Earth’s youngest inhabitants so that they’ll continue a long life of environmentally-friendly living.

The site’s signature product is the Earth Kit for Kids. (The Earth Kit for Adults is on its way.) There’s a deluxe version and a mini version. The deluxe kit comes with lots of items including a 16 oz. BPA-free “Kids Go Green” spill-proof water bottle by Camelbak, a “Kids Go Green” organic cotton T-shirt, a “Green at Heart” wristband and a seeded download card. Kids can download two songs for free and then plant the card and watch the seeds grow into a plant. All of the products will come in a cardboard box that has been made from recycled materials. For under $50 you’ll feel good knowing you’re helping the environment one child at a time.

Everything Kits Environment Book

Everything Kits Environment Book from earthkits.com

If you’re looking for a great gift under $5, why not have a tree planted on someone’s behalf? Your $3 donation to American Forests will plant one tree. American Forests is working on tree-planting projects in all 50 states, as well as 21 countries worldwide. If $3 buys a tree, a $100 donation could practically fund a forest!

Besides the online shop, EarthKits.com offers lots of free information on how YOU can slow global warming or make a difference to help our environment. Take a few minutes to review dozens of tips on how to live an earth-friendly life at home, at work or even on vacation. Soon, you and your family will be living green!

If you tried any of these “go-green” products, please leave a message! We’d like to know about your experience!

 

A handful of exceptional skin care lines has made it easy to be earth-friendly from head to toe by providing organic and natural alternatives for many of the products we use everyday. Here are ready-to-go gift ideas for the health and earth conscience.

Korres Limited-Edition Sugar Plums Set

Korres Limited-Edition Sugar Plums Set

Korres Limited-Edition Sugar Plums Set

This limited-edition nature-inspired kit has all you need for a fresh and flawless look. Korres Sugar Plums Set comes with a lip butter, lip gloss, and a shimmering eyeshadow. The Plum Lip Butter is a mix of Shea Butter and Rice Wax that will melt on the lips and provides a shiny, tinted finish which will hydrate and add softness.  Plum Cherry Lip Gloss is a sheer, high-shine, color lip gloss.  Cherry oil hydrates the lips while vitamins E and C offer antioxidant protection. The Plum Shimmering Eyeshadow is very easy to apply and is infused with sunflower and evening primrose oils to nourish the sensitive eye area.

LAVANILA Three Wishes Healthy Body Trio

LAVANILA Three Wishes Healthy Body Butter Trio

LAVANILA Three Wishes Healthy Body Trio

The trio of 100% pure Shea and cocoa butters are infused with super anti-oxidants Goji Berry and Kakadu Plum, for a healthy dose of 30 essential vitamins & minerals and 19 amino acids to feed the skin.  These naturally formulated and rich body butters deeply nourish and repair the skin. 

The LAVANILA Three Wishes Healthy Body Trio comes with a Pure Vanilla Body Butter, Vanilla Grapefruit Body Butter, and a Vanilla Blossom Body Butter, all in a beautiful signature gift box.

Tsi-La Organic Eau De Parfum Mini Collection

Tsi-La Organic Eau De Parfum Mini Collection

Tsi-La Organic Eau De Parfum Mini Collection

Delicate, sophisticated and 100% organic. Untouched by alcohol, preservatives, artificial fragrances or colorings, the Tsi-La Organic Eau De Parfum Mini Collection uses a moisturizing base of select coconut oil infused with botanical extracts of pink orchid flowers.

The 4 miniature bottles are perfect for travel and come packaged in a black lotus signature box. 

Comes with four fragrances: Fleur Sauvage, Kesu, Ilang Ilang , and Kizes.

Burt’s Bees Men’s Natural Grooming Kit

Burt's Bee Men's Natural Grooming Kit

Burt's Bees Men's Natural Grooming Kit

We didn’t forget the men!  This collection of men’s grooming necessities is the perfect gift for guys on the go. Burt’s Bees Men’s Natural Grooming Kit is all you need to cleanse, moisturize, shave and invigorate your skin with natural botanicals including Sunflower, Coconut, Cyprus and Fir oils, Aloe and Vitamin E. Each kit contains aftershave, shave cream, body wash, bar soap, and a lip balm all in a men’s travel bag.

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Do you have any earth friendly bath & body products you would like to recommend?  Please leave a comment and share any ideas you have.

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