kid prezzies
In my resolve to stay ahead with gift-giving, I'm going to have to buy some things, too. So here's my kid list. I know we're coming off the heels of major holiday gift giving lists, but whatever. That seems, like, ages ago. It's soooo 2007.
Sarah sent me (er, I mean August and Sam) one of her Celebration Candle Kids. This is big. BIG. It is such a good shower/birthday gift and perfect for people like me, who don't do yearly traditions so well. Anyway, while you're there you should pick up this print, too. The alphabet will never go out of style. In the same vein, I have a serious crush on these Ida Pearle Alphabet cards from the every lovin' Mahar Dry Goods-- a big fat mushy crush.
The great thing about prints and paper is that they transcend the baby time (say, if you're giving it as a shower gift or something) and they make great accompaniments to more practical things like homemade bibs and clothes.
Amy already wrote about them, but it's true so I'll say it again. Mudpuppy has some really beautiful things for kids. The puzzles are especially good seeing as my mom had a heckuva time finding age appropriate puzzles in boxes for Sam. For around 8 dollars I can pick them up at New Seasons in the kiddie aisle (I love buying gifts at the same time as my groceries). I hope they start carrying the vinyl sticker sets, too. I've got my eye on these Beleduc layer puzzles after seeing the Sadie got for her birthday.
Clothes... You know I make them, but my kids are at the age where they mostly wear cotton knits (especially Sam, who is waaaay too picky} and I'm still not whipping that crap up. The everyday collection from Tea is so cute. They are having a sale right now which is really tempting, especially considering I might get to buy girl clothes for some incoming babies. I got some stuff on store credit in town. Augie has also been wearing a kimono onesie and an infant saque from Kate Quinn Organics a whole bunch. The sizing is a little wonky (runs big), but the quality and colours are really good.
So you know, I'm not going crazy (yet) but I'm trying to get prepared. I think it saves money in the long run. So along with a small stockpile of Playmobil, I say bring it. What's your favourite go-to birthday gift? Even better, can you buy it at the grocery store?
So I like the pencil or crayon roll with a good coloring book (we like the Taro Gomi books Doodles, Scribbles, and Squiggles). Also an apron with a cookbook and some sort of decorating stuff like jimmies, icing tubes, cake toppers - definitely grocery store stuff. Both of those seem pretty obvious I guess but they seem to be hits.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 09, 2008 at 04:52 PM
We've been giving Sigg bottles with themes like pirates and firemen. If I wasn't so lazy I'd make a cute little bag to put it in too. I'm all about Tea for Lucie, although the girl colors for everyday tea mostly bug me. I ordered the boy pants in indigo and a few regular tea tops (nomad, I think). I love the new Indigo line for girls. Esp. the dotty leggings. I'm babbling as if you want to know this stuff...
Posted by: Courtney | January 09, 2008 at 05:54 PM
What great links!!! I really do want to be a bit more organised with my gift giving this year, your links have given me a great head start.... Thanks.
Posted by: Jodie | January 09, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I wonder if anyone has engraved a Sigg bottle before? For something I carry with me as often as this, I'd love to receive one monogrammed with my nombre or a picture or something meaningful. Hmmm.
I just like those plain 4 hour kid quilts. The one I made Ford has lasted him this far; he uses it at naptime at school. Durable as hell with only one piece of fabric on either side and it's such a snap to make.
damnit, you had to remind me of baby shower deadlines right before I go to bed. I'll be tossing and turning all night now, Melissa.
Posted by: steph | January 09, 2008 at 11:28 PM
we do a lot of art supplies and sketch books for birthdays. craft kits, too. you can buy the art stuff at most groceries - even walgreens if i am there. i keep kid t-shirts on hand, too. living here i can just have a bunch of horses cut out of various fabrics and then the girls choose one for me to applique. no wonder under either - for fast applique i use 505 spray adhesive. best part - it is re-positionable. oh, and i also buy board books for the babies, five or six at a time, so i can throw one of those in with burp clothes or a bib.
Posted by: erin | January 10, 2008 at 09:02 AM
oh, I have such a crush on those alphabet cards too! I wish Tea made things big enough for my girls. It seems once you breech size six you are left with very slim pickings.
A favourite gift with us is safari toob animals kept in a play mat/ bag from Sooz'z tutorial.
Posted by: luckybeans | January 10, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I just ordered some of those kimono onesies for my baby. I can't wait to get them!
Posted by: Ram in the Thicket | January 11, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Hello, I like your blog and thought you might like my Buttons swap, it is fun and easy to do and it is a surprise to see what buttons we might get. I like the alphabet cards too...
Posted by: dacraftylady | January 12, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Hello thought you might enjoy this swap. It is all about buttons...cute and fun and easy...love the alphabet cards too...
Posted by: dacraftylady | January 12, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Thanks for all the great links and the idea to stockpile for the year. You always inspire me. I left a little something for you on my blog.
Posted by: mary | January 12, 2008 at 09:54 AM