MumsTheWurdUnique finds for hip parents and cool kids

And that would mean, we’ve started making our lists, and checking them twice…What do you want for Christmas?  How about your little ones or your baby?  Not sure?  Why make it too hard on yourself?  We know you’re busy!  Here’s a few ideas to help you out.  Everything on this list has withstood the test of all the members of my family, and they all get the Noel & Lennon, Elliott & Laura Seal of Approval-ENJOY!*

Unique Boutiques!

Munchkin Designs

Munchkin Designs offers paper goods & gifts.  Check the Fabulous Gifts section for a 12 Days of Christmas Celebration!  Get this shirt, or one for the holidays!  Lots more to see at this awesome little boutique!

Bee Simple

Bee Simple has adorable shirts like this cute “Go Green“, not to mention loads of lotions, balms, and chai!  Load up all your favorite people with wonderful, earth-friendly, hand-made products from Bee Simple!

 Prosh Wear

Need a mommy calling card?  Baby blanket?  Recipe cards?  This unique boutique is every new mom’s one stop shop!

nonny & boo

Our favorite sling store now carries all sorts of fun treats!  Clothes, plushies, and, of course, the amazing slings and wraps.  Check all the awesome eco products too!   Get 15% off + FREE SHIPPING on purchases over $50 with the Coupon Code MUMS from now until Dec. 23, 2008.

Umbrella Shoppe

Is there a collector in your life?  Visit The Umbrella Shoppe to find that Brady Bunch Novella for your quirky aunt!  Want your kid to have that Wonderbug coloring book you used to have?  Chances are, you’ll find it under the umbrella.

Fun & Games (and MAYBE a contest or two)!

eeBoo

eeBoo has some of the most fanciful games and toys I’ve seen.  I just love the style, and we love our robot game!

“eeBoo is about producing beautiful, useful and well-made products for children.

Using only the original art of well-known and well-loved children’s book illustrators we create vibrantly original toys and gifts that hopefully children will affectionately remember.”

WIN IT!  Win a Build A Robot Game for your munchkin!  Enter HERE and tell us your favorite childhood game!  Contest runs through 12/10/08, 10 PM CST.

Briarpatch

Briarpatch has tons of games, puzzles, and card games!  Find something for any age!

Learning Tower

We absolutely love our Learning Tower.  Noel probably uses this every single day.  He enjoys helping with the cooking, and standing in the safe Learning Tower, he is as high up as I am, in a contained, secure way!  It doubles as a playhouse too!  Now, add the latest addition to the Learning Tower-the art easel.  Just look how fun it is!  This magnetized dry-erase/chalkboard is a huge hit!

WIN IT!  Win a Learning Tower & Art Easel!  Enter HERE and tell us how you’d use the Learning Tower!  Contest runs through 12/10/08, 10 PM CST.

Fun for the Whole Fam Damiy:

Nintendo Wii

Let me preface this by saying that I am NOT a video game person.  Pac Man is about as advanced as I get, so the Wii has never intrigued me too much.  That is, until I started hearing about it ad nauseam from everyone on the planet.  I had to see what the fuss was all about…and we’re here to tell you, the Wii is so. much. fun!  The big buzz around the Wii is that it will get you moving, instead of sitting like a slug watching TV or playing video games.  It does!  We love the Sports package that’s included with the system a ton.  Play tennis for 30 minutes, and you’ll wake up sore in the morning!  BUY A Wii!

The other “game” that we have enjoyed is the Wii Fit.  In this, you actually work out-jogging, hula-hoop (my personal fave), snowboarding, yoga, and so much more.  The fit also helps you learn to balance, weighs you, shows you your BMI, weight, etc.  For a “game” the Wii Fit is really amazing!  BUY A Wii FIT!

The littler ones will enjoy playing baseball with Mario Super Sluggers.  This is another great way to keep your kids busy when it’s too cold (or in our case, sometimes, too hot!) to play outside.  BUY MARIO SUPER SLUGGERS! 

EPSON Artisan 800

I’ve never gotten too excited about a printer…until now.  This printer can print coloring pages, scan, improve faded pictures, fax, print better than lab quality photos, and more.  I am honestly amazed at the quality of the photos…see for yourself.  This all-in-one from Epson is it.  For more information about the Artisan 800, please click here.

*Image borrowed from this site!

I’d like to thank my mom for guest posting!  She’s the recepient of this awesome, magnificant messenger bag.  I told her she was getting it before I got it in the mail.  When I saw it, I had an eeny, weeney ounce of regret, because this bag looks AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!  I’m going to ask her to take a picture of it, but I don’t think a picture will do it justice.  My mom is NOT a purse carrier, so I knew this would be great for her, and it’s been a HUGE hit, with her & her pals!  Snaptotes offers a classic collection, leather collection, and a mens collection.  If you feel like it, give a shoutout to Noel & Lennon’s grandmum (also known as Neena) in the comments!  

If you mention a child (or a grandchild) a pet or a vacation, people always ask, “Do you have any pictures?”  Show ‘em your Snaptote!

My handy messenger bag has a cushioning case for a laptop, pockets for pens and business cards, and a large flap that displays your favorite pictures.

Best of all, the reproduction quality of the photographs is beyond expectation.  The messenger bag I have is a higher end purchase, but they have so many choices on their website of more moderately-priced items – everything from wallets and dopp kits (so men can carry their treasured photos, too) to purses and pouches.   

My friends at work want one for themselves or friends.  They are so impressed with the quality of the pictures and the features of the bag as a practical carryall.   

Take a look for yourself.  Snaptotes have lots of choices that are sure to please even the pickiest person!

GET A 10 % DISCOUNT ON SNAPTOTES or at PICSTREET WITH THE COUPON CODE “mums08″!!!

Bitsy Bear is a cool little on-line boutique that offers up several fun goodies for your pleasure.  Chelise, the creator of Bitsy Bear, and mom of baby girl Drew, came up with the idea for Bitsy Bear when she noticed that everything she found for her baby was pink.  There’s nothing wrong with a little pink, but like all of us, babies need a little variety in their wardrobe!

Bitsy Bear offers these great Rockin’ Onesies, with nursery rhymes, printed on the most colorful and soft organic onesies I’ve ever seen!  Lennon looks great in his Itsy Bitsy.

Chelise also makes the adorable Bitsy Bears, which have been a huge hit with The Boy That Puts Anything In His Mouth.  Anything with tags like this are so great for babies.  They will suck on them ALL DAY!

The most unique item Bitsy Bear offers is the Swaddle Wrap.  Chelise says that this is the only swaddle that her little gal could not tear herself out of…and the fabric rocks.   This wrap is in the awesome Alexander Henry Blue Zoo print.  My Miracle Blankets have been great, but they sure aren’t as cool as these.  How cute would your baby look in this?  If you have a newborn, make them look fancy fresh while they sleep!

Bitsy Bear also has it’s very own little Book Shop!  Perhaps you have a little one with a love of reading?  Chelise has many wonderful selections to choose from.  It’s great to see an on-line boutique promote reading with your child.  Go Bitsy Bear!

If you don’t see anything for your baby that tickles your fancy, perhaps you need something for yourself…like one of these super rad APRONS!?!  Chelise handcrafts these herself, and they are lovely!  Just seeing mine, makes me want to step into the kitchen and make meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  Do you want one?

WIN IT!

An apron of your choice!  FYI, Chelise has not yet added her newest apron in brown zebra print!  Doesn’t that sound fab???

Email us to enter: mumsthewurd[at]gmail[dot]com and tell us which apron you’d want!  Contest will end September 2, 2008, at 10 PM CST.  Winner will be chosen randomly.  Good Luck!

Chelise is also generously offering Mums readers 10% off with the coupon code ‘mumsreader’.  Go pick up something great at Bitsy Bear!

In 2005, when I was pregnant with my daughter, I didn’t know about fabulous maternity products. Sometimes I wish I could go back in time, just so I could focus on pampering myself.

Maternitique (Materni - tique) is a specialty boutique focused on wellness of women, pre-pregnancy and beyond. They back their products 100% and take the time to research what they offer. Basically, they do the work for you, so you can sit back and enjoy your pregnancy.

Before Maternitique was born, boutique owner Tara Bloom worked closely with Midwives and OBGYN’s. Her focus revolved around maternity and women’s wellness. Tara is passionate about women taking the best care of themselves.

“Maternitique’s mission is to help women look their best, feel their best and do their best throughout pregnancy, birth and motherhood. Our goal is to help inspire happier mothers, easier births, healthier babies and a safer world—and to do it with uncompromising style.”

At Maternitique’s online store, you will find many collections, including but not limited to beauty, wellness, baby, postpartum recovery and relief from pregnancy symptoms. If you’re looking for a unique shower or new mother gift to give, I recommend the following gift sets:

PREGNANCY CONGRATULATIONS and PREPARATION:

Mommy Care Pack

by Mi Amore Skincare

• Oh Baby! Belly Butter
• Natural Glow Face Complex
• Moisture Me After Shower Body Oil

MSRP: $75

You can purchase the Mommy Care Pack HERE.

MORNING SICKNESS COMFORT:

Morning Wellness Bucket

by Earth Mama Angel Baby

• organic Morning Wellness herbal tea
• “Morning Sickness Relief” guided relaxation CD
• Happy Mama Aromatherapy Spray
• White (not black, as pictured) Heavenly Teapot with built-in strainer

MSRP: $68 | You can purchase the Morning Wellness Bucket HERE.

BABY/MAMA SHOWER:

Birth Blessing

by Two Plums Paper

• Photo locket necklace for the mom-to-be
• Pomegranate-fragranced candle
• Luxurious footsoak
• Guide for the hostess to bring the celebration all together
• 8 stylishly designed Birth Blessing cards on which friends can write personal messages to the mom-to-be
• 8 Birth Bracelets for the mom and guests to wear until baby is born

MSRP: $68 | You can purchase the Birth Blessing Kit HERE.

BIRTH OF BABY:

A Little Something for the New Mama

by Earth Mama Angel Baby

• Jar of Postpartum Recovery Tea
• Bottle of Happy Mama Aromatherapy Spray
• Jar of Natural Nipple Butter

MSRP: $20

You can purchase A Little Something for the New Mama HERE.

BRAND NEW MAMA:

Postpartum Recovery Kit

by Earth Mama Angel Baby

• Postpartum Recovery Tea
• Postpartum Recovery Bath Herbs
• New Mama Bottom Spray
• Happy Mama Aromatherapy Spray
• Earth Mama Bottom Balm

MSRP: $44 | You can purchase the Postpartum Recovery Kit HERE.

Of course, if you browse around Maternitique, you could create your own personal gift pack.

WIN IT!

Did you hear that Brad and Angelina gave birth to the twins last night? During her pregnancy, Brad gave Angelina the Belli Pregnancy Gift Box! We are giving away JUST THAT to one lucky MTW reader (MSRP: $42).

Included in the Belli Pregnancy Gift Box are the following items:

• Elasticity Belly Oil, 2 oz
• Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash, 4 oz
• All Day Moisture Body Lotion, 4 oz
• Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator, 2 oz
• Foot Relief Cream, 2 oz

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post and let us know - if you win, is this gift box for you or a pregnant friend/relative. Deadline to enter is Friday, July 18th at midnight PST. A winner will be chosen randomly (not based on comment) and notified via email.

Good luck!

*BONUS: Get $5 off your entire order of $40 or more by signing up for Maternitique’s newsletter and entering “Sign me up from MumstheWurd“. Before placing your order, click HERE and fill out the contact form to sign up. A discount code will be emailed to you.

I don’t really remember life before Nana Star. Seriously. This book and all of the magic surrounding it has consumed our family. Even my husband! Actually, he doesn’t have a choice in the matter. We are true Nana Star fans (or “Twinkles”, if you will) and it didn’t take long for that to happen.

As soon as my toddler got her little hands on the Nana Star plush doll and attentively listened to me read her the story of a little girl in a blue princess dress, she was hooked. Ever since that day, the accompanying book and narrated story/song cd that came with the doll has been played continuously at naptime and bedtime. I even had to go so far as to loop the cd in her player, because she would keep getting out of bed to replay it.

In the story of Nana Star, a little girl finds a lost baby star. The little girl (aka Nana Star) pledges to help the little baby star find his way home, to the heavens above. When I read this book to my toddler, I see her get lost in the story and virtually put herself in the shoes of the little girl.

The authors of the Nana Star book series, Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice (”ee publishing”), are granddaughters of the real life Nana Star, Elizabeth Owens. What a wonderful way to preserve and share their grandmother’s special story. This is one of the most enjoyable children stories I’ve read yet.

*Our readers can enjoy a discount of 10% off the already discounted combination price for any plush and book together until 7/31/08. Just enter code “mum10” at checkout.

WIN IT!

We are thrilled to be able to offer our readers a giveaway! One lucky reader will have a chance to win a Nana Star plush doll and book combination (MSRP: $38)

TO ENTER:

Leave your entry comment on this post. Let us know if you have any special stories from your childhood that you’ve passed along to your children or grandchildren. Don’t worry if you don’t, you can still enter. Deadline to enter is Friday, July 18 at midnight (PST). A winner will be chosen at random (not based on comment) and notified via email.

Good luck!

Pediatricians agree that going barefoot is best for baby’s growing feet but when those tiny, precious feet need coverage and protection, IsaBooties are a perfect option . No doubt that IsaBooties are stylish and comfy pre-walking shoes but they also rank pretty high up on the charts for gripping, no-slip, soft-soled shoes. They are also eco-friendly.

WIN IT!

We’re giving away TWO pairs of IsaBooties to TWO lucky readers (MSRP $29/pr). Check out the IsaBooties site for all of the funky, unique styles to choose from.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post with your favorite style IsaBooties. Contest ends on Friday, July 18th at midnight PST. Two winners will be chosen randomly (not based on comment).

Good luck!

*MTW readers can take an extra 15% off of their entire order using code “mums” at checkout. Discount good through July 31, 2008.

*PS: There is a big summer sale going on at IsaBooties right now - 50% off select shoes - check it out!

Cosmic Bebe is a sweet little t-shirt company started by Julie Stevenson, who was curious about whether or not her little ones were anything like their astrological signs. Do you have a an Aries child who’s The Life of the Party?

I have two Aquarius’ who are definitely Brilliant & Bossy & I am a Tender Hearted Cancer. Although I don’t revolve my life around my astrological sign, or anyone else’s, I, like Julie, think it’s fun to see how closely we resemble the characteristics of our signs.

Check out the Cosmic Collection, and pick out shirts for your baby, toddler, even your favorite mom. Cosmic Bebe tees come in a variety of colors and sizes for all the little stars in your life. Get Cosmic today!

*Through the end of August, 2008, get 20% off of your purchase with the coupon code “mums“

Lark and Loon is one of those boutiques that we really, really dig. Why? Because of the soft simplicity of their apparel and their conscious effort to support a great cause: art. The whimsical art found on articles of clothing at Lark and Loon are designed by eleven or so commissioned artists. Check out their site to learn more about the artists who really bring Lark and Loon apparel to life.

At their online boutique, you will find drops (long-sleeve, short-sleeve and tank), pants (long and capri) and tees (cap, long and short). Laura posted a review earlier this year, which you can read HERE. There you’ll see Noel’s “invincible” long-sleeve tee and Hailey’s long-sleeve “little gathering” drop (also pictured below), which is by far one of my favorite pieces of apparel in her closet. Lark and Loon apparel is made of pure cotton in the U.S.A. and the designs are water-based screen-printing, which makes the artwork just as soft as the clothing.

Of course, we love to boast about boutiques that are giving back. 5% of Lark and Loon’s proceeds are donated to americans for the art:

“americans for the arts is the nation’s leading non-profit and non-partisan organization for advancing the arts in america. it works with the public and private sectors to generate more resources for the arts and art education.”

Gretchen and Priscilla, boutique owners also blog at their “all aflutter blog” where you will get an even more in depth view of Lark and Loon apparel and the artists involved.

Right now, until July 15th get a generous 25% discount off your entire order.

Hailey wearing “little gathering”:

As parents of babies and small children, we have one never ending battle: Make blanket stay.  You’ve been there…it’s a windy day, and the blanket goes flying off of the carseat into the street, or you’re taking a leisurely stroll with your tot on a brisk winter morning.  A cold gust of air comes out of nowhere and sends your kid’s blanket swirling into the air.  She starts crying, dogs start barking…chaos ensues.  Amy Long has taken the stress out of The Blanket Dilemma: Secure2Me!  Secure2Me clips easily onto anything: carseats, strollers, even slings.  Such a great, simple idea!

Weird that I’m blogging about blankets in the middle of summer?  There’s a reason…In addition to the cozy Secure2Me Blanket and Grand Blanket (big people sizes!), Amy also offers the Eclipse Solarveil, which will actually help protect your child from the harmful UV rays!

Want one of these luxurious blankets for yourself?  Get one for 20% off of your entire purchase when you order from the online boutique!  Coupon code: WURD20