Mama Speaks

Chickabiddy Baby

Little Sock Treasures

You know that feeling you had as a child when you found something wonderful in your Grandmother's house? Something delicate and special that, you just knew, had been passed down in your family from person to person after carefully being crafted by hand? When looking at it, you understood it was a special toy that your Grandmother's Nana played with when she was a girl, and had been sitting on someone's bed for ages and ages. And it had been loved from the moment it was made.

That's the feeling I got when I saw our sock baby doll from Chickabiddy Baby. I was looking at a beautiful, handmade piece that had been tenderly crafted with love and time, something that seems to be a bit more rare these days. Sewn with beautiful vintage findings, each doll is unique, special, and lovely. The Lil' Sock Baby Rattles [$20] look like tiny newborns sleeping in their buntings, have a jingle bell inside, and are the perfect squishy size for your baby's hands at roughly six inches long. For older children, the more elaborate Chickabiddy Sock Dollie [$50] measures around fourteen inches, is made of soft chenille, and is embellished with buttons in addition to the beautiful vintage swatches (but the buttons can be left off for a younger child). All of the Chickabiddy dolls can be personalized with your little one's name, making these precious little beauties the perfect special heirloom for your family for years to come.

-Beth

BUY

Baby Unit Doll

What A Doll

Just as I hope to teach my young'ns about being kind to our earth, I also desire for them to be their own individuals. When better to start than right from the start with the toys they play with.

The dolls by Baby Unit, like Organic Annie [$20], are not only unique and expressive in their own way, but they are also filled with 100% recycled polyester with a body made of part Bamboo and Organic cotton.

Of course with little tots like mine, all favorite toys go straight into the mouth. It's good to know that there's some safe chewing going on here. Oh, and that adorable felt hair on their heads? Made of recycled water bottles! How much more eco-friendly can you get?

With big expressive eyes and hip outfits that defy convention, any little girl or boy will love to play along.

-Steph

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Mudpuppy Sticker Set Play Scenes

Little Fold-Up Worlds

Whatever your child's obsession may be, I guarantee there's a Sticker Set Play Scene [$13] by Mudpuppy that will satisfy. Perfectly portable in a fold-up board, these wonderful play scenes come with over 50 reusable vinyl stickers that can be used to create a countless number of stories. The Garden Fairies scene is beautifully illustrated and is complete with fairies, insects, props for a tea party and a mushroom table, and an assortment of wings, skirts, crowns and wands for designer fun reminiscent of dressing paper dolls. My son likes to put the skirts on their heads - it's the next big thing on the fairy runway. Or perhaps your child would prefer to take flight Into Space, or At The Airport instead, with sets that include constellations, aliens, and planets, or a huge collection of airplanes, equipment, and passengers. There's enough included in each scene for creative, educational, and quiet play (aaaahhh . . .), and kids can come back to this toy over and over again as the stickers never seem to lose their "stick."

My only criticism is that with so many stickers and props, which is great, it might be nice to have a slightly larger play scene (the board folds out to about 18x12"), because when all of the fairies come to our tea party it does tend to get pretty crowded.

-Beth

BUY

BlaBla

A Lovie For Your Lovie

My kids have just recently begun wanting "lovies" to sleep with at night.  They are very picky about who gets their attention, and their stuffed sweetie must be soft, on the larger side, and oh so squishy.  Also, good ol' teddy will not do for this quirky bunch of boys, as they want something fun and different (I wonder where they got that...).

One of our favorite and never-fails-to-impress makers of fun and different plush friends, is BlaBla. They have a whole world of sock-monkey-ish friends that are an array of animals from all walks of life.  Our current favorite, Licorice the puppy [$39], is large and in charge of keeping my toddler snug in bed.  BlaBla has mini-dolls and large-dolls, and our preference is the large at about 18-22 inches, so they're large enough to have a presence without being too bulky.

It's hard to decide on that one special plushie your kids want to adopt and make the special friend for all time, but BlaBla makes the task simple by creating these adorable and soft friends too cute and comfy to pass up.

Win it!
We have a BlaBla, Licorice puppy for one reader. To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Bla as your subject and let us know who knits all of Bla Bla's items. Giveaway ends 01.02.09

-Arianne

Last Minute Gifts For Everyone On Your List

It never fails. Christmas Eve rolls around and you discover there's someone on your list you've forgot to buy for. Showing up to that holiday party empty handed is not an option so what are you to do? We've compiled our favorite last minute gifts for everyone on your list.

Best for Children Big and Small
Every kid on the planet LOVES Build a Bear and their adorable Hal and Holly Moose [$12 each] are guaranteed to make any kid grin. Each Moose is 16in of snuggly soft and Hal's antlers have Christmas lights that really light up! If you're brave enough to well, brave the mall today you can pick up a premade, or you can order online and print it out or send a gift e-card.

Best for Parents to Be or Newbies
Help any new mama or papa keep their bundle close with a sling or wrap for nonny & boo. Printable E-Gift Certificates [$25-$100] are now available for use on any item at their main or Etsy store and they're offering 20% off any Gift Certificate purchase through Christmas Day with code MASGE20.

Best for the Guys on Your Gift List
You can't go wrong with a tee and Threadless [$5-$200] has a little something for everyone. You can spend a little by scooping up one available in the $5 Holiday sale, go the way of the Gift Certificate or spend a lot and set them up for the Tee of the Month club.

Best for Anyone
Gifts that keep on giving can be the best kind to give and receive. We love to shop the online gift catalog at Heifer International. You can give the gift of animals and other essential resources (or a share of one) to people all over the world in need. Even better, part of the program is that they pay it forward by passing along offspring to another family. You can let your gift recipient know you've honored them by with Heifers selection of e-cards and printable cards.

Win it!
We're giving away a $10 Bear Bucks card for Build-a-Bear! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Christmas Eve as your subject. Let us know what your favorite last minute gift is. Giveaway ends 12.27.08

Hitting The Road For The Holidays

With gas prices lower than we've seen them in sometime we've gotten word that many families will be hitting the road for the holidays for the first time in a long time. Of course, car rides, especially long ones, with the kids can be less than merry but some small comforts and distractions can go a long way. Our choices for happy, holiday travel:

No Fighting Fun

I Get Around Travel Activity Gift Set by Little Jet Set ($40)
This backpacked set is certain to get any trip started on the right foot. You little one will be occupied for some time reading the "I Get Around" board book. The easy travel journal allows your little one to document their days activity with space for a little bit of art work too. And of course, the stickers, LOTS of stickers to place in the journal or anywhere. This one will keep your kids busy and become a keepsake to boot.

Lap Desk from Room it Up ($28)
Best for kids in booster seats or regular belts this lap desk is the perfect surface on the go. The cushioned bottom will snuggle onto any lap and the sturdy, the smooth top is great for writing, coloring or having a snack and the built in cup holder will hold a standard can or travel cup or doubles as a great place to stash crayons or that trusty iPod.

Ring Flash Cards by Mudpuppy ($12)
With themes covering everything your little one could be into these flash cards offer endless possibilities for fun. One side features a whimsical image and word, the other a question or prompt to explore the picture. You can use them to build a story or as clues for a game of I spy and so much more.

The Comforts of Home, On the Open Road

Zoobie Pets ($34)
The snugglerific 3-in-1 pets are a plush, a pillow and a super soft blanket in one. Certain to become the best travel buddy a kid could have you might find yourself sneaking in some snuggles too.

Travel Rest Pillow ($27)
Sleeping upright and buckled in can be uncomfortable for those of us past the car seat stage. Travel Rest will solve all of that and stay in place while you sleep. This slim and smooth inflatable pillow curves just right and secures into place.

Nap Pack by Crafty Baby ($40)
When you finally reach your destination your little one can cuddle up in a space of their own for a long rest. Perfectly sized for 2-7 year olds this fleece blanket and attached pillow provide the perfect sleep place. While originally designed to fit a preschool mat or kindercot we've found this perfect for home and on the go too.

For snacks on the go check out our latest foodie feature.

Win it!
We're giving away a $25 gift certificate to Little Jet Set! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Holiday Travel as your subject and let you know which one item available from Little Jet Set is first on your list. Giveaway ends 12.23.08

Joobles by Fair Indigo

That's a good dog!

They're squishy and cuddly, and oh my they're cute! With nine Joobles [$29] from which to choose, your family is bound to find a favorite among these animal friends. Bella the Bunny is gorgeous and a great shade of purple, and any monkey fan is going to love Mel with his friendly face and turquoise appendages. The whole collection is a great example of how a color palate can be beautifully vibrant yet natural. And seriously, the Joobles are so much softer than they even appear in the pictures - I picked up Pip the Dog and exclaimed, "Whoa!" because his softness actually took me by surprise. I didn't actually know "softness" could be so shocking, but apparently it can.

But these beautiful creatures are more than just soft on the inside. Made of organic cotton and eco-friendly dyes, they are safe for our children and for the planet. What's more, Fair Indigo is a fair trade company, which means each little guy to give to your little guy is crafted by someone who is receiving a fair wage for his or her skill and care, rather than the typical legal minimum wage that is prevalent in the garment industry. Indeed, the new Joobles line from Fair Indigo is lovely, through and through.

Win it!
We're giving away a cute Joobles friend and it will make it to you in time for Christmas! To enter, visit Fair Indigo and click on the "About Fair Trade" tab. Read up and then email us (giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com). Let us know 3 things you learned about Fair Trade. Please include your mailing address and your choice of Pip the Dog, Fair Bear, Calley the Cat, Bella the Bunny, Mel the Monkey, Mooey the Cow, or Buzzy Bug. Giveaway ends 12.16.08.

-Beth

Ponoko

There's a new site in town for handmade gifts and goodies and this season just about anything from Ponoko is sure to steal the show. The marketplace is full of handmade individualized goods that boast more of a technical flare than that stereotypical "crafty" stuff. From jewelry to toys to housewares there is something for everyone on your list.

While the shops have us "ooooing" and "ahhhing" all over the place, our favorite Ponoko feature is the ability to turn your ideas into reality, even if you don't have the skill to do it yourself. You can simply post a request, receive a quote and have one of the amazingly talented designers make it for you! If you are talented you can find plans a plenty to create many of the finds.

There are materials a plenty in the offerings at Ponoko but we're really feeling the wood this season. Here are some of our current, handpicked favorites:

Fortune Cookie Christmas Ornament [$18] by Cloud Design

Peace and joy and Chinese food are celebrated in this sweet ornament laser cut from Veneer Colour Rimu.

Wood Alphabet-o-Graphic Earrings [$33] by moyou

Funky original graphics are lasered into beautiful beech for one of a kind style for your lobes. Also available in colorful acrylic styles [$25].

Pepe Rocks [$175] by STUFF

The whimsical rocker made by hand in New Zealand will be beloved by any toddler.

Labyrinth Coasters [$35] by Modularis

A reproduction of France's Chartres cathedral labyrinth. These etched New Zealand plywood coasters are the perfect protectors of your tabletop.

Win it!
Between now and Christmas Day spend $50 or more at Ponoko and you'll be entered into a drawing for a $500 shopping Spree!

Want it?
Designers can get 50% off their making costs through Christmas Day with code 7GGTVL.

Editor's note: Many of our favorite Ponoko shops are NOT located in the US. Please take note of each shops location and expect shipping cost and time to be higher than domestic.

Kimochis

Happy, Sad, Mad and All Sorts of Cute

Meltdowns and frustration are a normal part of childhood. There are several reasons they happen, of course, but one of the big ones is simply that it can be really hard for our little ones to make sense of all their new big feelings. As adults we often make a mess of our emotions and for those just learning the ropes, there are moments it's all too much! Unfortunately, for us grown ups we all too often get flustered and try to teach in the moment and if you're child is anything thing like mine that moment is probably his least receptive.

Kimochis have set out to simplify and make sense of all that feeling stuff and their characters do an amazing job. The whimsical creatures are emotional beings who's cute faces and snuggly bodies appeal to tots, tykes and even bigger kids. These aren't just dolls though, each Kimochi [$25 each] comes with a bit of a back story- moody, unpredictable Cloud lives in the big sky and his favorite number is 9, while affectionate Huggtapus plays the xylophone and has an affinity for bubble gum. With their developed characters they each have positive character traits and some messy, undesirables they need some help to work on (sound familiar?).

You can help your little one (and their Kimochi, of course) work through their emotions with the help of the adorable "child-safe feeling" characters that pop right in your Kimochis belly pouch. Each character comes with three emotions (our buddy Cloud is happy, sad and mad) and you can add on other emotions as needed [$12 for 6 feelings]. The feel guide that comes along with each doll is also an amazing resource in helping you work with your child through their emotions. The 4 step "Create, Communicate, Create and Practice" process breaks down what can otherwise be overwhelming.

Everyone deserves a do-over and these guys aid beautifully in doing just that. With just a little bit of practice my little guy will now reenact and role play with his "feelings" to work through the yucky stuff. Feelings can be yucky, messy stuff but with some work, patience and plenty of play you can help your kids build confidence and character in all those emotions.

Win it!
We're giving away a Kimochi of the winners choice! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com, with Kimochi as your subject and let us know what Kimochi means in Japanese. Also include your choice of Cloud, Bug or Huggtopus.

Nonny & Boo

Sling. Wrap. Wear. Repeat.

She's at it again. Nest Baby Sling and Mama Speaks creator Ashlee Allen is introducing a whole new fall line of gorgeous slings and has spread her wings from the Nest. Along with amazing fabric combinations dazzling the freshly hatched Nest Slings, you can now find Nest Baby Wraps as well as quirky and fun kiddie couture and plushy friends all under a new roof at Nonny & Boo.

I heart the bold colors and beautiful handmade construction of the Koi Nest Sling [$90]. Such a fabulous carrier for your collection and one to be worn in any season. For the babywearing Mamas that just want a simple black light-weight sling (they can be hard to find!), you'll be in heaven with the Bamboobino Ring [$90] made of bamboo and cotton.

Nest Baby Wraps [$60-$90] are made of the softest jersey, tissue cotton, or bamboo and feel as good as they look. With just the right stretch, the Flying Heart [$90] will have you & baby flying high en vogue.

Let your little ones scare up some style with the Monster Hoodie [$34] from 3-6 months all the way up to size 6. Or for the more dainty, flower fashion delights in the Garden [$34]. Love sees no color... is it a boy? Is it a girl? Spell it out for nosy strangers with the Gender Neutral tees for Girl and Boy [$18 each].

I'd love for every one of Nonny & Boo's Plush critters to inhabit the corners of my home and couch cushions. And yeah, I'm sure the kiddos would love to snuggle up, too. Of course every Twitter addict must have the adorable Tweet Plush [$13]. Eco-friendly inside and out- these cute plushies are made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles with bamboo stuffing.

While keeping them close to what they're wearing to the loveys they hug, Nonny & Boo fashionably inspires from the inside out.

Win it!
One winner will have their choice of sling, wrap or hoodie and mini plush set! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Nonny as your subject and let us know which new item is your favorite! Giveaway ends 10.24.08

Want it?

Mama Speaks readers can get free shipping on all orders through 10.31.08 with code MS08FS (may not be combined with other discounts or promotions).

-Steph