Celebrating Mom’s Time Out with Armitron

With Mother’s Day just days away, it’s always hard for me to pinpoint exactly what I want. Truth be told, I want time. Time to myself, time to nap, time to relax. But accessories to help with time? Yeah, those are certainly welcomed too. When it comes to stylish watches and Mom’s Time Out, Armitron has us covered.

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A few weeks ago, my friends Audrey + Vera gathered a number of NYC influencers to celebrate Mom’s Time Out with Armitron. Armitron, the beloved watch brand, hosted us at their showroom to share their many stylish watches and time pieces. These stylish and cost effective time pieces are both functional and perfect accessories to accent casual to formal outfits.

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Just some of the many watches showcased featured the on-trend rose gold style, mirrored faces, as well as sparkly accents.  Here are just some of the watch trends that Audrey + Vera shared with us at the Mom’s Time Out Event:

Spring 2017 Watch Trends:

  • Blush/Rose Gold: Perfect for spring, this color has been all over the runways for this season. With rose-gold hardware and blush-colored straps, these watches are easy to pair with any spring outfit.
  • Mesh Straps: Metal, mesh straps are growing in popularity in men’s and women’s watches in gold, silver, rose-gold and even black.
  • Luggage-Colored Leather Strap Watches: Easy to dress down, leather strap watches are comfortable and easy to pair with casual attire or spring dresses.
  • Gold Hardware with Silver Watch Hands/Numbers: More and more watch designers are mixing metals, with gold-framed faces and silver hands and markers. This two-toned look pairs seamlessly with all types of accessories.
  • Simple, Large Faces: The boyfriend look has been in with clothing for a while, and now larger, simpler watch faces are becoming popular for women’s styles, too.

 

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As someone who’s always on the go, I also loved checking out Armitron’s sports watches. So perfect for the beach and working out, which I need more of in my life.

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In addition to the delicious spread of food, cocktails and great conversation with friends, fellow mom, actress and author, Jenna Von Oy from Blossom fame, spoke to us about her adventures in parenting. It was so fun to hear Von Oy tell us about her experience as a parent and her thoughts on her own style! I saw her on the Today Show that day, and was enamored by her eloquence. I love how she’s so well spoken and basically the opposite of her character from Blossom. So fun!

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Accessories, admittedly are such an afterthought for me. So, I absolutely appreciate brands who emphasize moms taking a minute for themselves. I loved the Jamberry mini-manicures, watch selfies and getting to closer look at all the stylish options from Armitron. Thank you to Audrey + Vera and Armitron for such a fun Mom’s Time Out!

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Full disclosure: I received an Armitron watch as a gift. As always, opinions on NKT are my own.

Momtrends Holiday Soiree: Celebrating the Holidays in Style

The Holiday season is officially here, and what better way to kick it off than with friends and style. Last week, Momtrends hosted their annual Holiday Soiree, where, together with fellow bloggers and editors, I got a glimpse of some stylish gifts and entertaining ideas.

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Nambe offers a beautiful selection of gifts, including place settings, serving ware, jewelry and so much more. As a major silver fan, I fell in love with several of the rings. What I loved about Nambe’s offerings was that they look highend, yet at an attainable price range. I have this fun ring on my wish list!  

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Arizona Teas shared an array of 100% natural Good Brew teas. I kept going back for the delicious Lemon tea and Peach tea. The fresh taste of these teas are ideal for those who like iced tea all year round. 

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Avery as a perpetual DIYer, I loved absolutely everything that Avery was showcasing at the Soiree. While I loved the funny emoji labels that use the circle tags, I also love those square labels and gift tags. I plan on doing several DIY projects to showcase here on the blog, so keep your eye open for those fun gems.

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Mabel’s Labels is another one of my all-time faves and staples. Mabel’s Labels are the preeminent brand in personalized labels, so it’s no surprise that they have personalized gifts covered too. I’m definitely eyeing those personalized books. My little guy loves Paw Patrol, so we’ll have to ask Santa for those fun books. The stocking stuffer label set are my faves. I decided that I’m going to use those as labels for my nephews this year. Fun and functional!

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American Girl Doll has a beautiful lineup of classic dolls. Wellie Wishers are a popular segment that features a diverse cast of sweet dolls. I personally fell in love with the Asian doll, Emerson. Like the other gorgeous Wellie Wishers, Emerson is a lower price point at just $60.

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Avon always has a fantastic variety of makeup and other beauty products to pamper yourself or to save for gifts. Aside from Avon’s gorgeous palettes, these wonderful products are a great option for a home-based business. I loved learning how some people sell Avon to offset school expenses and other expenses.

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Armigami is a glamorous multi-function shawl that comes in a variety of fabrics and textures. It can be worn as a shawl over the shoulders, a cape, a bolero, a skirt and so much more. This unique shawl would be ideal for nights on the town to traveling to use in lieu of a blanket or coat. I was so fortunate to win the gorgeous black sequined Armigami which I can’t wait to wear to my community holiday party!

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I loved learning about Pearhead, a fun gift company that offers so many unique novelties, many of which can be personalized. IMG 2206In addition to baby  handprint gift sets, Pearhead offers pet gifts, ornaments, fun signs and even photo prop sets, which we had a blast trying out ourselves!

 

 

A big thank you to Nicole and the rest of the Momtrends crew for throwing another fabulous Holiday Soiree! Thank you to the sponsors for the generous gift bag, many of which were mentioned. Keep your eye out for my gift guide which will feature more items from these companies.

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Marvel Cross Pens are the Write Gift for Father’s Day

This post is featured in partnership with CROSS Pens.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, gifts for my husband and our dads are up in the air as usual. What do you get a guy who has everything?

Gift cards almost too impersonal for my family. Ties? Meh. Grilling supplies? Got those last year. Books? Still sitting there from the year before.

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As a writer, I appreciate quality writing tools, especially pens. Cross Pens, synonymous with style and professionalism, has many different looks and patterns. I love that Cross has pens that can be paired with any personality or passion—even superheroes! 

With the recent release of Captain America: Civil War, it’s so fitting that there are Marvel Pens that showcase Captain America’s iconic emblem. Or if you’re Team Ironman, there’s a style that’s fit for the sleek Tony Stark Fan. 

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Having just watched Captain America: Civil War, and as major Mets fans (catcher David Wright is nicknamed Captain America) it’s safe to say our entire tribe is Team Cap! For Father’s Day, we’ll be gifting my boys’ true hero a very stylish Captain America Cross Pen. The pen, which comes with its own case, is a beautiful shade of blue with a subtle Captain symbol along the side. For us, this is a fun gift for the boys to give dad because we love Marvel, we’ve seen the movie together and our Mets love!

Perfect for the office or playing tic tac toe with the boys, the Marvel line of Cross Pens is an ideal gift for the guy who has it all and appreciates a quality writing tool.

 Check out Marvel Cross Pens and all of the other sleek styles if you’re on the hunt for a great gadget for dad or your grads.

Full Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Thank you for supporting NKT. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Cyber Monday Deals for Kid Gifts

It’s Cyber Monday, you guys, and the deals are out in full force today!  I thought I’d share a quick roundup from my favorite stores and shops. Happy shopping!

Gamestop 

One of my favorite deals for the day, or should I say, week: Gamestop has extended their deals to go all week long. So, if you’re on the hunt for some deals on Disney Infinity or Skylanders Trap Team, before you go anywhere else, check out Gamestop.  

 

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Here are their posted deals:

New Hardware

•$70 off Xbox One Holiday Value Bundle ($329.99) and $50 off Xbox 360 500GB Holiday Value Bundle ($199.99) – available only online

New Video Games & Accessories

•$20 off new video game titles for Xbox 360 and PS3: NBA 2K15 ($39.99), Borderlands the Pre Sequel ($39.99), WWE 2K15 ($39.99); and $10 off BioShock Infinite Complete ($29.99) – available only online

•Free Great White Shark and Bull Shark cards with purchase of PS3 Grand Theft Auto V video game ($30 value) – available only online

•$20 off Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel ($79.99) – available online and in stores

 

Cyber Monday deals offered all week, include:

Pre-owned Video Game Consoles and Titles, and Consumer Electronics

•PlayStation 3 console bundles for only $199.99 and Xbox 360 console bundle for only $149.99 – available only online

•Wii console bundle for only $89.99 and Nintendo DS bundle for only $69.99 – available online and in stores

•Various Xbox 360 video game bundles ranging from $9.99 – $34.99, and PS3 video game bundles ranging from $19.99 – $59.99 – available online and in stores

•$50 off Nexus 7” tablet – available online and in stores

•Apple iPhone 4 staring at $99.99 – available online and in stores*

PC Games

•Save 75% on Sid Meier’s Civilization V ($7.49) – available online and in stores

•Save up to 95% off on select PC download games – available online and in stores

Gymboree

Like they did on Black Friday, Gymboree is offering 50% off of everything online and there’s no minimum.  Gymboree is one of my can’t miss destinations on Black Friday, especially because you can use a coupon at the store. I just checked a few coupons and it doesn’t look like you can pair them with Cyber Monday, but it’s worth a shot.  This is a great chance to pick up pieces for those Holiday outfits and to stock up for next year by clearing out the clearance rack!  The quality of Gymboree’s clothes at these prices can’t be beat! Some restrictions apply, be sure to check out the fine print on their site.

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Amazon

As expected, the mecca for online shopping, Amazon.com, has some of the best deals for Cyber Monday. I’m personally addicted to Amazon Prime, so I am planning on taking advantage of several of these great deals. But since we focus on everything for kids and families, I thought I’d highlight some of the best deals on toys and games:

Toys & Games:

  • 50% off select LeapFrog toys
  • Buy One, get one 50% off select Blue Orange Game (We love the Pengoloo game from Blue Orange Game!)
 
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And here’s the rest of their awesome deals:

Electronics:

  • Sony 40-inch 1080p LED TV, $298
  • LG 49-inch Smart 4K Ultra HD LED TV, $999 plus 15% back in rewards (no signup required)
  • Samsung 40-inch 1080p LED TV, $298
  • 15% back in rewards on select LG Smart LED Premium TVs (no signup required)
  • Up to $50 Amazon.com credit with purchase of SONOS wireless speakers
  • $30 off select Bose headphones
  • Kids Cameras at unbelievable prices
  • Top-selling digital camera, $70 off
  • Acer Chromebook at $149
  • HP 110-430 Desktop + 2371d 23-inch Monitor Bundle — $299.99
  • 25% off new iHome Bluetooth Executive Music Station
  • 25% off new splash-proof Philips DOT Bluetooth speakers

 

 

 

Books, Movies and Music

  • Up to 50% off popular books including Guinness World Records 2015, What I Know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey and The Cook’s Illustrated Meat Book
  • Save up to 57% on over 12,000 movies & TV shows on DVD and Blu-ray including House of Cards: Season 2Lone Survivor, and The Dark Knight Trilogy

 

Kitchen:

 

Tools and Home Improvement:

 

Patio, Lawn & Garden:

 

Home:

 

Automotive:

 

Pet Supplies:

 

Industrial & Scientific:

  • 3D printer under $400

 

Wine:

  • Amazon Wine will feature deep discounts starting at 60% off on over 100 unique wines

 

Fashion:

  • Puffers for women, $34.99 and under
  • Puffers for men, $24.99 and under
  • Save 50-70% off cold weather outerwear and accessories for boys and girls
  • Save 40% off Cole Haan for men
  • Save 50% off Kenneth Cole Reaction boots for girls and boys
  • Save 50-70% off Nautica for girls
  • Save 60-70% off U.S. Polo Association for boys
  • 4-piece pajama sets for girls and boys, $15 and under
  • Hello Kitty clothing for girls, $15 and Under
  • Save Up to 60% off Quiksilver for baby boys

 

Jewelry & Accessories:

  • 50% off FRYE Women’s Wyatt Harness Short Western Boot
  • Save 60% off the Amazon exclusive Antonia Satchel from Cole Haan
  • Kenneth Cole Reaction leather messenger bag, $39.99
  • Versace “Dafne” Watches, starting at 70% off
  • Stuhrling Automatics, 50% off everyday price
  • Save 50% off Lego Movie Watch 2 pack – Batman & Superman
  • 14K gold 0.5 carat diamond stud earrings, $299
  • Myia Passiello Swarovski 6 cttw Round Stud Earrings, $23.99
  • 1928 Holiday Necklace, $19.99

 

Sports:

  • Save 25% off Withings O2 Pulse
  • Save 20% off the TRX Suspension Trainer
  • Save 25% off big logo hoodies from Under Armour

 

Outdoor:

  • Schwinn Discover Men’s Hybrid Bike, $179.99
  • Schwinn Discover Women’s Hybrid Bike, $179.99

 

Baby:

  • Save up to 40% off Stork Craft Dressers
  • Save 35% off select Graco swings, playards, and more
  • BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Active in white mesh, $69.99
  • More than 40% off The First Years True Fit IAlert C685 Car Seat (select colors)

 

Beauty:

  • Save up to $30 on Oral Care including Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes and Crest Whitening products
  • Save up to $100 on men’s grooming including Braun and Panasonic shavers
  • Save 30% off FMS-270H Foot Massager
  • Save 30% off Baxter of California shaver’s skincare kit
  • Hair styling tools including hair dryers, flat and curling irons from Remington, John Frieda, Remington, Conair, and Revlon, starting at 20% off
  • Save 20% off Conair Sonic Facial Skincare System
  • MANGROOMER body groomer and hair shaver, starting at 20% off
  • Save 25% off Axe toiletry bag
  • Save 40% off Conair P1AM sound therapy pillow

 

Be sure to head to Amazon.com to take advantage of these great deals!

 

Melissa and Doug

One of my favorites for kids’ toys and gifts, Melissa and Doug, has some pretty awesome deals for Cyber Monday! I especially love the $20 off $100 and free gift of Holiday Cookies Wooden Play Food Set for purchases of $50 or more.

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16 Practical Baby Arrival Gifts

It’s been the year of the baby for my circle of friends and family. Between a few neighbors to close friends to one of my cousins, we’re welcoming quite a few new babies these days. In fact, I was in the midst of stalking my good friend’s Facebook page the other morning, just waiting for a baby update, knowing that she went in for a C-section.  So, I decided to write this post instead.

Between baby showers and registries, everything is preplanned and dictated, there’s not much spontaneous gift-giving going when it comes to baby, or is there? For close friends and family, baby arrival gifts are a small token to welcome and congratulate families. When gifting for baby’s arrivals, think beyond the tchotchkes and excess and head straight to the practical gifts. New parents don’t necessarily need more stuffed animals or ceramic sleeping babies, so when in doubt, give them something they will use.

After checking out remaining items on their registries, I love bringing my closest friends and relatives gifts that I’ve tried and loved. In other words: I love gifting baby products that my friends didn’t know they would need. On that end, here are just a few of my favorite practical baby arrival gifts.

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aden + anais swaddles

1. My absolute favorite gift to give friends are aden+anais swaddles. Over the past few years, this line of super soft and versatile muslin blankets has grown. They have exclusive prints for various retail partners and carry an assortment of other products such as bibs, sleeping bags and full size blankets.  But for me, the aden+anais blankets are possibly one of the most versatile baby products. I loved using these swaddles as a sunshade (sorry, not a fan of those special blankets made for carriers), as a burp cloth, nursing cover, and of course, as a swaddle blanket. Because I used these blankets so much, I made sure to have several onhand at all time. I’ve even seen babies adopt the swaddles as their lovies; that’s a true testament to how much use these blankets truly get. 

Honest New Baby Arrival Kit

2. Diapers, hands down, are one of the most practical baby gifts for new parents. On average, newborns go through 12-15 diapers a day, making them a huge commodity for new parents. If the new parents didn’t already stock up on their diapers, consider getting them a new baby kit, like the one from Honest. This kit is a sampler pack, and comes with 7 diapers, 2 small packs of wipes, hand sanitizer spray, shampoo and body wash, face and body lotion, healing balm and baby teether.  Looking to splurge or chip in for a group gift for new baby? What about a diaper and wipes bundle, which starts at $79 a month.

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3. A home-cooked meal is always a generous gesture for new parents adjusting to their new normal. For out of town friends or family, I usually send pre-made meals or delicious frozen meals. The less effort involved, the better. One of my favorite resources pre-made meals is Fresh Direct since they deliver to my area now. Don’t have Fresh Direct near you or the new parents? Try ordering delivery from one of their favorite restaurants. Omaha Steaks and Schwann’s are both well known delivery serves that ship to many areas.

Earth Mama Angel Baby C-Mama Healing Salve

4. For many new moms, c-sections are unplanned and usually a medical necessity. In my case, my older guy was stuck and was in fetal distress. As someone who had a difficult recovery and didn’t get much advice, I appreciated when an acquaintance told me about getting some balms and other stuff for my recovery and soothing the incision. So, for close friends who had c-sections, I like giving them healing gifts. Earth Mama Angel Baby C-Mama Healing Salve is a favorite, and one that boasts natural ingredients like calendula, st. john’s wort, olive oil and a lot of other goodness.

 

 

5. NüRoo Pocket
The NüRoo Pocket is a baby wearing shirt that promotes skin to skin contact in the newborn phase. The shirt features a cross and hug closure that provides a custom fit as your body changes and baby grows. I met the creators of this amazing product a few years back and have been smitten ever since. This pocket is much different than carriers or slings, it gives more accessibility for skin contact while giving mama some mobility.

 

6. Custom ArtCustom artwork is a rare find these days. I love personalized art as baby gifts because it’s a chance to celebrate the new babe with a unique gift. To be safe, consider getting a modest size piece that would complement nursery decor. Paper Cut ABCs custom art from Minted is a fun framed piece that would dress up a nursery or playroom. Baby’s name personalized at the bottom makes this gift that much more special. 

 

7. Photo Gift Card
With the prevalence of social media, the news of baby’s arrival is practically instant these days, complete with a photo slideshow! Call me old fashioned, but there’s nothing better than a classic paper baby announcement. While gifting a baby announcement itself wouldn’t be ideal, perhaps gifting a gift card to a photo site like Minted would be helpful for new parents. If announcements aren’t in the new parents’ realm, other stationary or printed photos of baby’s first few days would be a gift they’ll always remember. I can’t tell you the last time I had photos printed of my second son, but if I had a gift card, then my walls my be more even with both kids’ photos. 

8. Baby hat
Babies have to wear hats to keep them warm, especially fall and winter babes. Most layette outfits come with those knit hats, but a truly warm, well-made but stylish baby hats are hard to find. I particularly love the look of this sweater bear hat from Baby Gap. The gray makes is modern but neutral, and a nice change from the pinks and blues. 

9. Personalized baby robe
Bathtime is quality time for many families. For new parents, bath time takes on a whole new meaning. A fun personalized baby bath robe is a luxury, but also one that comes in handy when trying to wrangle a wet baby. The personalization on these plush robes from Red Envelope set them apart.

 

 

10.  Unicorn 
Pottery Barn has almost everything a baby and kid could ever need, including unicorns! While a unicorn isn’t a necessity, a fun playmat that isn’t a blanket always comes in handy. The unicorn is just something different and cool!

11. California Baby gift set
Chances are, the new mom received a lifetime supply of soaps and lotions at their shower—or did they? Every shower is different and every new parent is different. I had 3 baby showers, yet I didn’t receive any lotions or soaps until my friend sent me this exact California Baby gift set. I fell in love with all the different scents and I’ve been a loyal fan ever since. The thing about baby soap and shampoos, they last for awhile and smell so good!

 

12. Patemm 
We change a lot of diapers during the baby days. It helps when we have stylish, but durable changing pads to help us out! Patemm is another one of my favorite gifts. They’re a luxury, but truly different. I appreciate the round shape and ability to store items in the pockets. Since we cloth diapered, Patemm pads were always our savior.

13.  Baby medicine kit
One of the many things new parents often overlook is a medicine kit for baby.  Sure, they’ve stocked up on thermometers and lotion, but what about medicine cabinet essentials for the first few months? Gripe Water was one of the must-haves for my first baby, yet I had no idea where to get it. Now, it’s practically everywhere, but as a new mom i had no idea where/how to get this necessity to calm my baby. Think of other baby essentials that might come in handy and send them some tips while you’re at it!

14. Sweet onesies
Selfies anyone? Baby may not necessarily need another onesie, but who can resist fun catchphrases or silly slogans on baby clothing? And Instagram Star? Genius. The babies practically own Instagram on my feed! 

15. Pampering for mom
Whether it’s a beautiful nightgown with nursing accessibility or a generous spa card, mama needs a lot of loving too. If you’re family, ask to watch baby while mom naps. Make her go out for an hour to roam Target for an hour…anything, really, to feel a little “normal” helps. I personally loved getting a mani/pedi gift card, as well as comfy pjs that were incision-friendly AND nursing friendly. Belabumbum is a wonderful brand that has a beautiful range of loungewear for maternity and new mamas.

16. Baby socks
Not just any socks, but fun socks! Trumpette is best known as the novelty sock gifts for babes. I love the cute shoe designs, especially these argyle socks and loafers! Since babies don’t need to wear socks and baby socks always seem to disappear in the wash, you really can’t have enough cute little socks! One of the best things about these socks, other than being super cute, they actually stay on those baby feet!

But, as I always say to my friends, what works for me might not work for you. (In essence, gift thoughtfully and save those receipts!) Happy baby shopping!

Retro, Fun Gift Idea: Hank & Jojo Baby Tube Socks

I’m convinced our house is where pairs of socks come to lose each other.  Nevertheless, I appreciate fun socks, most notably for the kid and as gifts for my friends’ kids.

And behold! I spotted these fun socks at the Brooklyn Baby Expo a few weeks ago.  Retro, sustainable and functional, these tube socks from Hank & Jojo are now on my must-have list.

Hank & Jojo tube socks recall the socks from our own childhood, but instead of the bold spectrum of super-tall knee-hi socks, Hank & Jojo’s soft socks for the wee ones are made from bamboo and feature subtle colors, free of AZO dyes.

Ideal for baby shower gifts, Hank & Jojo socks come in baby and kid sizes and are packaged in an adorable recyclable box that can later be used as a lunchbox.

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Baby tube socks not your thing? Check out this adorable “Green is the New Black” organic onesie. Hank & Jojo tube socks can be found online and at sites like Uncommon Goods.

Vday Goodies for Girls

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so I thought it’s a good a time as any to share some cute finds that channel lots of love, practicality and a whole lot of springtime, too.

A big fan of giving practical gifts in lieu of trinkets that will get sucked up by the vacuum, I wanted to spotlight a few of the many cool hot pink snack containers and bottles that are out right now.

  • Boon, always a forward-thinking baby gear company, makes a Snack Ball in a hot pink.
  • And the Kid Easy Squeeze Chopsticks from Fred, are an inspiration from a friend and reader whose boys love eating with chopsticks.  Utensils with little dudes on them=cute and practical gift ideas that will go beyond Valentine’s Day.
  • As a writer, I always have a notebook and pen handy. I think this sparkly heart notepad from Children’s Place is another fun inexpensive gift idea that’s practical and encourages creativity. Pair the notebook with a few cutesy pencils and erasers, and you have a cheap gift bag that will go on to get good use in class.
  • And the cupcake necklace? I’ll have a batch of real ones to go along with that too, please!
  • Want to find out more info about the other products? You can click on each item to get info via ShopStyle.

The ‘Boom Boom Room’ Makes its Way to NYC

The Boom Boom Room, the luxe gifting suite for celebrity moms in Hollywood, made its way to NYC yesterday to showcase some of the most innovative baby and toddler gear.  The Baby Issue highlighted over 45 baby & toddler products for media, bloggers and celebrities to take it all in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Baby Issue event was hosted by Jayneoni Moore, who made the lavish Baby & Toddler Boom Boom Room Gifting Suites the go-to spot for celebrity moms to check out the latest and greatest in gear.  I was excited to attend the Baby Issue Event to learn and network with some of the brands that I already feature on The Next Kid Thing.  There were several brands that I can’t wait to introduce to you as well. Here’s just a few of the brands that were at The Baby Issue Event Yesterday:

Stokke, Teutonia strollers, Umi Shoes, Shutterfly, Skip Hop, Fisher Price, Plum Organics, Scholastic, Mustela, Happy Heinys, Nourish,  nursing clothing line Larrivo, Organic Kidz, Loved Baby, Goodnight Light, Aprica, Origany,  Dapple, Organic Kidz, Mabel’s Labels, Zoli Baby

And in case you missed it, I posted a few more sneak peek pictures over on the NKT fanpage.

 

The Baby Issue event got me thinking, too… With all the events that I’ve been attending (which is good!), but have been falling WAY behind on updating posts (not so good), I almost overlooked The Next Kid Thing’s 1st birthday! Those that know me well, probably know that I’m not big on over the top parties for first birthdays, but I wanted to do something special to mark our big 1-year celebration next week.  I have a few things lined up and will make an announcement to share with you tomorrow!

Gift idea: Zoobies

As I started my day this morning, I just so happened to turn on the Today Show, right as the Top 10 holiday toys you don’t know about segment came on.

I was so excited to see that Zoobies made that list, because Zoobies are another one of those items that the kid just loves. Our guy was gifted his Zoobie Pet, Tama, last year from Santa, and hasn’t let go of it since.

Zoobies are a plush 3-in-1 concept: Each pet is a stuffed animal, a pillow, and a blanket all in one. The velcro latches on each Zoobie is child friendly and can be easily unfastened to transform the animals into the pillows. The zippers at the bottom unzip to reveal the blanket inside. Each blanket can be detached from the pet for machine washing.

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Aside from the vibrant colors, great selection of animals and that they’re appropriate from babies to big kids, Zoobies make a practical gift/toy/lovey and are ideal for traveling. They’re durable and truly cozy and soft. Our Tama is often involved an various toddler accident and spills and has had his fair share of baths in the washing machine. A year later, he still looks just like Santa brought him to us.

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Zoobies come in small, medium and large; our Tama is the smallest size and he is just right for the little guys. The stuffed animal, itself, is just the right size to cuddle for little grips, yet the blanket is big enough for mom and kid to cuddle under. According to the site, the blanket measures 53 x 34 in.

bubba
Zoobies added several new pets to their brood, and I’m definitely in love with Bubba the Black Bear that was just featured on The Today Show this morning. Soft, cute, cuddly and practical!

The small Zoobies are in the $30 price point and can be found online and in stores such as Buy Buy Baby.

Read this: Into the Trees

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At the Go Green Expo, we discovered so many great companies and products, but one company that’s definitely worth mentioning is Greensender.com. This was actually the first booth we visited, but definitely one of the most memorable. Besides all of the great green gift ideas, Greensender.com also has Into the Trees, a wonderful book that’s filled with vibrant graphics about Mini G’s adventures with an Earth-loving message to match.

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Into the Trees, written by Mike Aaron and illustrated by Baby Einstein artist Nadeem Zaidi, explores natural beauty and the hidden secrets of the outdoors—messages completely relevant for year-round eco-consciousness and for readers of all ages.

Into the Trees is $12.95 and can be bought online at Greensender.com

While you’re there, be sure to check out the super cute Mini G gift package—what a great green baby shower gift idea!