News: Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is coming up fast and that means wishlist time! Personally, I think that I am the easiest person to shop for as I truly love everything from a chic candle to a serious, keepsake piece of designer jewelry, but not everyone falls under that category. Below, I listed some products that are a little more off-the-beaten-path than your average bouquet of flowers and chocolates (although, those are certainly always welcome!), yet are surefire ways to make mom smile.

 1. Mignonne Gavigan Earrings, $125 -the most fun, edgy-yet-wearable accessories that instantly elevate any jeans/tee shirt combo 

2. Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $185- I have yet to hear anything less than an evangelical review of this wonder serum. Even though it's a bit of an investment, I'm ready to see what all the hype is about!

3. Chanel Boy Bag from The Real Real, $4000- As long as we're wishing, I'm going for it hard. I have been lusting after a red boy since I had an unexpected encounter with Zanna Rassi carrying hers while we were both shopping in Buy Buy Baby. It was love at first sight! 

4. Color Me Floral, $24- my love of florals has no color limits, but there is something especially chic and sophisticated about a monochromatic arrangement.

5. Loeffler Randall Heel, $495- These bedazzled heels are just the ticket to dress up an LBD.

6. Luna Skye Ring from Ring Concierge, $1100- Traditionally, Mother's Day is a huge jewelry-gifting holiday, and I for one am not about to go against tradition. Lately, I've really been coveting the idea of a signet ring- traditional or modern both work for me, but I must admit I love the cool twist on this one with stars and moon motif.

7. LoveShackFancy Dress, $395- this clothing line is my spirit animal. I'll take one of everything! 

8. Family Cameo Print, $75-$175- For a slightly quirkier take on a traditional keepsake family photo.

9. Produce Tees Pineapple Shirt, $35- this is actually a line of maternity tops bearing the fruit that correspond to the appropriate number of weeks pregnant (perfect idea for the mom-to-be). Despite my non-pregnant status, this pineapple was just too cute and smile-inducing to pass up! There is also an adorable matching watermelon tee/onesie set for mama and bebe. 

10. Paris Picnic Club, $19- Imagine that your friend is a crazy talented chef that  co-authored a gorgeous collection of recipes based on her time in Paris, where a weekly picnic turned into a pop-up restaurant. Oh, and manages to create all the dreamy illustrations...while pregnant! You #humblebrag all about it and put it on your Mother's Day list asap.

Leave a comment below with the ways you're planning on celebrating Mother's Day this year!

 

 

Don't get me wrong- Target/Old Navy/Carter's can be life savers when dressing your kids. But sometimes, it's nice to switch it up and get a few more special pieces- especially when the holidays/family photo time rolls around, or you want to gift a new mom with something a bit more luxe. These independent boutiques are all great alternatives to shopping the mass retailers (although I love me some Nordstrom's here and there), and the best part is that you can find really different pieces that you definitely won't be seeing on every other child at school pickup.

1. Zimmerman Kids- Sheer Floral Ruffle heaven. Almost a reason to try again for a girl. ALMOST. gold paisley dress
Best For:If you spend your summers in the South of France and winters in St. Barths. Or, if you just love a bohemian, romantic vibe.
Sizes range from 1y-10y

2. Wee Mondine - When I found out that my sister was pregnant with a little girl, I immediately made a beeline to this site. 
Best For: If you go for a minimalist/Scandinavian vibe with lots of neutrals. You won't find any baby blue or pink here!
Sizes range from baby-6y 

3. Pink Chicken/Blue Rooster New York- Pink Chicken is the label for girls while Blue Rooster offers a boy's assortment. Admittedly, their boys selection is MUCH more limited than the girl's (sigh, #boymom)  
Best For: The most adorable preppy-yet-bohemian prints
Sizes range from 3m-12y

4. Harlow Jade- A bell-bottom plaid overall. Need I say more?
Best For: Vintage shopping addicts.
Sizes range from 6m-8y depending on the item

5. June and January- This boutique offers super fun/colorful basics with a twist for basically the same prices you would pay at Baby Gap. If I had known about this brand when I had my babies, I would have ordered their knotted hats in every color!
Best For: Kids that just want to have fun with their styling choices 
Sizes range from 0m-5y

6. Thumbeline- Part hipster, part fantasy (hello, prettiest organza fawn-printed tutu dress I have EVER laid eyes on), the assortment here is anything but ordinary.
Best For: A little of everything. Their styles range from geometric/hipster retro/whimsical prints to boho romantic cotton gauzes with embroidery- you definitely won't see these clothes on every child.
Sizes range from 2y-9y

7. Norman and Jules- Also a popular toyshop located in Brooklyn, this is a 1-stop shop for all things baby. 
Best For: Special pieces with unusual, whimsical prints and a huge selection of wooden toys in true Brooklyn hipster fashion
Sizes range from baby-4y

8. 1212-  Modern yet simple pieces that get also get a stamp of approval from Eva Chen and Brooklyn Blonde
Best For: When you want elevated basics in organic fabrics- perfect for gift-giving.
Sizes range from newborn-4T

9. Childhoods Clothing- The cutest and comfiest line of 'cozy' apparel. I'm in love with their raglan hooded striped sweatshirts! 
Best For: When you want your child to still look stylish in their playclothes
Sizes range from 0m-7y

10. Maisonette- Founded by 2 ex-Vogue alums, this is actually a boutique agregator which aims to find the best children's 'stuff' from boutiques that you may not have found otherwise. 
Best For: If you are a looking for elegant options with a slightly preppy aesthetic (think monogrammed pajamas)
Sizes range from baby- 0months all the way to 14y depending on the designer

11. Ultraviolet Kids- A girly line of basics done in super fun and playful prints, not to mention they utilize overruns of fabrics. Gotta love a brand with a green mission.
Best For:  If you love basics with a modern twist.
Sizes range from 3m-10y

12. Oeuf- Super sweet and whimsical pieces in a you'll-want-to-buy-everything kind of way. 
Best For: Those that love animal ears on all their hats and hooded sweaters (so basically, everyone)
Sizes range from 6m-6y
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

This is the first year that I'll be putting together an Easter Basket for my kids. Up until now, they've been too young to really grasp holidays, gift-giving, birthday parties, etc. I am the FURTHEST thing from a pinterest mom. My mantra is more like "how little can I get away with", especially since my business and normal daily life with 2 super active toddlers needs the majority of my focus. However, I think 4 years is a sufficient amount of time to milk their lack of understanding so this year I am getting in the spirit! While we definitely have our share of junk food, pizza, and french fries, I am not interested in handing them giant piles of high-fructose corn syrup colored by artificial dyes. Not to mention all those plastic eggs that wind up in landfills every year. We'll definitely be ditching those and trying this adorable alternative to the plastic easter egg or these too cute papier mache ones! I've also looked for some healthier sweet options-- It's important to note that they are still not 'health' foods and therefore should be an occasional treat. I also included plenty of activity/craft-based toys, Easter-appropriate books ideas, as well as the obligatory-yet-much-cuter-than-the-average stuffed bunny doll. All packaged up in a basket that gets a serious style upgrade. Read ahead to see what's going in my Easter baskets this year and get some inspo for your little ones:

1. Egg sidewalk chalk from Crayola.

2. Farmer's market kit from Acorn Toy Shop.

3. Organic jelly beans from Surf Sweets Candies. More sweet options here and here. We also love this adorable Swedish-inspired candy shop and their use of clean ingredients.

4. Organic cocoa butter lip balms from Badger.

5. Octopus kite from Nature Baby

6. Charlotte's Web Book. 

7. Stop-motion claymation kit from Uncommon Goods.

8. Organic seed packet from Grow Organic.

9. Non-toxic bubble bath from Gryph and Ivy Rose.

10. Farmer's market basket from Rue Des Petits. Super cute options that also double as storage/home decor from Petit Pehr and Blessing Basket.

11. Denim bunny rattle from Norman and Jules.

12. Organic Bunny Grahams from Annie's. I'm also going to try making a substitute of my absolute favorite Easter treat, the good ol' Reese's Peanut Butter Egg with this recipe.

13. Mater and the Easter Buggy Book.

14. Dancing Eggs Game from HABA.

15. Rabbit & Possum Book.

We'd love to know what other items your kids will be receiving from The Easter Bunny this year- leave a comment below!