Favourite Baby Shower Gift #2 - Baby Clothes are like Cupcake Sprinkles

I was talking to my colleague Kim about the best and the worst baby gifts she has received over the past couple months as she awaits the arrival of her baby boy. She made a good point. In her option, when the gender of a baby is known, people typically purchase clothes for the baby, rather that the necessities - eg. thermometers, baby monitors etc. While Kim makes a good point, I am hoping there is room for compromise?

My advice, if you find a reasonably priced baby/toddler outfit that "you just have to buy," don't make this the only gift. Keep in mind what new parents need most and perhaps even consider checking with your other friends to see if they are interested in pitching in on a larger scale gift, such as a baby swing, car seat or highchair.

I often buy an affordable outfit to go along with the main gift. Here are a few adorable clothing ideas that I love!

Vancouver based Parade sells 100% chemical free certified organic cotton onesies and tees, with nickle free closures. Each item comes in a tiny reusable bag - so you don't even have to wrap the gift. The monkey design is my favourite!

Parade was voted "Best Organic Line" by Canadian Family Magazine.

I found the next unique piece of baby clothing after my friend Krista posted this super cute photo. I couldn't stop laughing and had to know where she got this hilarious shirt. The answer CafePress Canada.
I have said before I am a bargain shopper! I have realized that buying cute gifts doesn't mean you have to pay full price. My first stop for any gift - Winners. I have purchased some of the cutest Ralph Lauren baby outfits from Winners for a fraction of the price. The last baby RL outfit I purchased was only $12 (regular pricing over $30)

Baby Clothes are like Sprinkles
My "mama" friends have taught me that clothes may not be the #1 gift to give, but think of them like the sprinkles on a cupcake. You don't always need sprinkles on a cupcake, but when you get them, you can't complain! Look how cute they are!

Keep searching for cute baby clothes. I'd love to hear about your finds.
The Gift Geek

It's Baby Week! Top 5 Gifts that will make Mommy & Baby :)

Every so often I will dedicate a week of blogging to a "gifting occasion". This week will be dedicated to baby shower gifts.

I have already shared my absolute favourite baby shower gift - personalized Admiral Road blankets, but over the years, I have been introduced to several other baby shower worthy gifts.

Baby Shower Gift #5
Gift - Wet Wipe Warmer
Where to buy? Babies R Us - Online
Cost? $49.66 (includes shipping and taxes)
How did I find it? A suggestion from my good friend Janine - mother of 3: Breann, Parnell & Camden

I have told many people about this gift and most have had the same reaction - "A WHAT?" When Janine and Trace welcomed their third child, I was stuck for what to buy little Camden. I know most people have almost everything they need once their third child arrives - but I couldn't let the birth of little Camden go uncelebrated. He is just too special and it isn't my style.

Janine told me little Camden was quivering each time he had his bottom wiped. The wipes were just too cold for his little bum. Some mom's who have successfully changed hundreds, if not thousands of diapers without the pleasure of owning the Prince Lionheart Ultimate Wipes Warmer may see this product as an unnecessary luxury, however times have changed and so have baby products. Remember when wet wipes didn't even exist? My question is - who says there is anything wrong with pampering your little ones? Janine has given the Prince Lionheart great reviews.

This product boasts the following features:

• Will not brown or dry out wipes


• Patented Ever-Fresh system keeps wipes fresh and moist


• Works with pop-up or standard wipes


• Uses low voltage adapter

Online, the average rating of this product is 4.5/5. Most importantly little Camden is enjoying his diaper changes more than ever! Doesn't he look happy?

TIP: Always read a variety of online reviews (both positive and negative) so that you can make an educated purchase. AND ... remember to leave your own review after each purchase. Smart consumers rely on them.

Happy gift giving and congratulations to all new and expectant mamas!

Yours in gift giving-
The Gift Geek

Looking for an alternative to a delicious, yet calorie filled cake?

My mom turned 50 in July 2009 and since October 2008 she has been working towards a healthier lifestyle. She is eating better, joined a running class and a boot camp as well. She looks AMAZING! (shown on the left with my sister and I)

When her birthday was rolling around, we knew she wouldn't eat a cake, but we couldn't let her birthday come-and-go without one. As a cake alternative we ordered a non-edible "flower cake"

I originally found this example online ...

... and sent it to our Super FABULOUS florist Julie of Wye Knot Flowers by Julie, to see if she could recreate it. She didn't let me down.

Mom was thrilled to receive a fabulous flower cake (below), complete with real candles and although there was an edible cake for her party, it will be the flower cake that she will always remember. She thought it was "so cool."



Another fun flower option is the "flower gift." We may just have get this for mom to celebrate 51!


Make your gifts count!
The Gift Geek!

I had to make it his best birthday EVER!

My Dad (aka BIG MUR) turned 50 January 4, 2008. Growing up in a home with seven siblings, I don't think he experienced the big birthday celebrations that I experienced. My goal was to make his 50th one that he would never forget.

Two things you need to know about Big Mur:
1. He loves golf
2. He really, really, really loves golf

I started preparations for his birthday September 2007. My goal - to get the autographs of 50 of the world's top golfers. I sent out over 100 emails and letters hoping that I would be fortunate to even receive one. In the end I received 19 autographs from top golfers such as Phil Mickleson, Adam Scott, Greg Norman and the legend himself - a personalized photo from Arnold Palmer reading: "To Murry Best Wishes! Arnold Palmer" (shown below)


We presented the autographs to Dad in a portfolio book. He plans to have them all framed, although my mom is still curious where he plans to hang all 19 photos.

NOTE: Two or three golfers requested self-addressed stamped envelopes, which meant finding a stamp store with US stamps, otherwise all 19 autographs were free. Making this a fabulous yet inexpensive gift that still today amazes Dad. (There is a stamp store in Toronto that sells stamps for most countries - Adelaide St. East of Yonge)

TIP: Google golfers names to find email addresses and mailing addresses. Even if their sites indicate they don't provide autographs by mail, give it a try. I was successful in many cases.

The second gift that took a bit of planning was a golf club head cover resembling Big Mur.
For this I went to Whoopass enterprises, a company specializing in bobble heads. We were not disappointed. I simply uploaded a few pictures of my dad along with specifics about him - eg. he has a "bum" chin, he wears square frame glasses etc. Before painting the company sent me photos of the clay casting of the head. I could submit changes along the way. This was important as they didn't get his chin right at first.

Here is a sample of the unpainted photo they sent me as a first draft, along with the photos I sent to them.

I wasn't sure what to think after seeing the photo above, but the head cover turned out awesome. So much so that Big Mur calls it his "Mini Me".

This isn't the best photo of the final product, but I think you can get the idea.

Things to remember if you order a head cover - they are best for irons. Woods won't fit in the sock, so remember this when deciding which number to put on the back of the hat. (I made this mistake) Dad's "mini me" has his company logo on the front of the hat and the number 1 and Big Mur on the back.

Dad received other gifts from us on his birthday, but these were the two most memorable.

Keep your gift giving unique!
the gift geek

Ssshhhhh... don't tell my friends

... I keep buying them all the same gift! A large number of my friends who have been blessed with babies in the past year have received the same gift from me - a personalized blanket from Admiral Road. I fell in love with these blankets after a former colleague blogged about the one she received after the arrival of her baby Addison.

I have ordered several blankets as gifts since seeing Karma's blog posting and I am sure I will order many more in the future. I even ordered one for my baby big ethel. She doesn't go anywhere without her blanket.



Melody has also received compliments on her blankie.


I have been told these fleece blankets are the perfect size for the car seat or the stroller.

Sign-up for the Admiral Road newsletter and they will regularly send you updates on new designs and sometimes even $5 off coupons.

Including shipping the premium blankets cost just over $70 and they are well worth it and easy to care for. Just wash in Cold and throw in the dryer.

Yours in gift giving -
the Gift Geek

Handmade has never looked so good!

My find of the week comes courtesy of my good friend Krista. During a recent visit to North Bay, Krista asked me if I knew of a website called etsy.com. I replied no, but made sure I added it to my list of sites to visit. I'm glad I did. The site is filled with unique handmade gifts. Here are some of my favourites:

Preview

For the photography Lover-

For the proud Mom or Grandma-

Need a unique shower gift?

The unique gift ideas are endless on etsy. Search around and you will surely find the perfect gift for the most perfect occasion.

Need the perfect gift? Message me and let me know what you are looking for. I enjoy the hunt!

Happy gift giving!
the Gift Geek

My new guilty pleasure ...

I LOVE THIS SITE! Anyone who truly knows me, knows that I have a couple vices 1. Stationery & 2. Dresses ... and does this site have dresses!

Mod Cloth offers vintage and indie clothing, but so much more. They sell retro and mod clothes, cute tops and dresses for every taste and budget!

My must-have dress is sold-out (below - look at the back), however they offer a feature called "request a size". If they get new inventory, they will notify you. There is something for everyone on this site.


One piece of advice, buy early ... the FANTASTIC finds go fast!

P.S. Canadians - Shipping prices are steep, so combine orders so that you don't cringe quite as much!

Until next time -

The Gift Geek