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Deal: Flora and Henri

Tomorrow through June 3, get 20 percent off any purchase at Flora and Henri--one of our favorite sites for children's clothing. Plus, if you spend $25 or more, you'll get a free knapsack (while supplies last).

May 31, 2007

quick stitching

Frank_2 If you've fallen off the crafting horse and want to get back on, there's no route more painless than Let's Stitch: Frank! from Egg Press. Both sides of Frank the dog are hand-screenprinted on canvas (the back is a graphic red-and-black dot pattern). The kit includes step-by-step instructions and a cute personalized "made by" tag. Just cut him out, stitch along the dotted lines, flip inside out, and stuff with whatever filling you fancy. (Our cuddly pup is full to bursting with popcorn kernels.) Voila! An attractive accent pillow for you and/or a brand-new friend for your tot.

changing gears

We07cods6099 If your little one is bored with plain-'ol-blocks, check out Oligear, a beautiful set of interlocking magnetic gears created by architect and toy-designer Daniel Oakley. The brightly-colored plastic forms can be linked together or be stacked magnet-to-magnet to create vibrant spinning tops. Better yet they can stick securely to your fridge, keeping the kids occupied twisting and turning while you cook. But, perhaps best of all, Oakley's organic design sensibilities will greatly please your grown-up aesthetic.

May 30, 2007

Strollin' in the beauty aisle

MclarenStroller star Maclaren has been keeping babies safe in its gear for more than 50 years, and now the company is looking to branch out by pampering both mom and baby with its new Beginnings beauty product line. Using 100 percent natural and organic ingredients, the aromatherapeutic concocotions range from supporting belly balm for pregnant moms to cocooning massage oil for infants. We're fans, but if you're curious, the sample-sized starter kits (which also make excellent gifts) are just $25.

May 29, 2007

Onesie-of-a-kind

Onesies In the market for a unique but low-effort shower gift idea? Start with an ultra-soft, 100% cotton, sweatshop-free, onesie from Meyamo, add the right concotion of their just-cute-enough fuzzy alphabet letters, iron on, and you'll have a custom trinket that is guaranteed to elicit satisfying levels of ooohs and ahhhs. Plus, with Junior's name so preciously displayed across the chest, it'll be an instant keepsake. (Available in apple green, sky blue, and bubble-gum pink.)

May 28, 2007

Opulent Organization

Datebook_2 If trying to keep all your work- and playdates straight makes you feel like an office drone, consider Smythson's midyear diaries in the limited-edition Capri collection. The rich yellow leather is embossed with an ostrich pattern, and the delicate blue watermarked pages are a visual breath of fresh ocean air. It's a perfect gift for a slightly glamorous graduate, or for any busy mom who appreciates a shot of luxury.

May 25, 2007

Mild Child

Littletwig Little Twig has just launched an extra-mild, unscented line of its all-organic bath-and-body products. The moisturizing Bodymilk, silky Baby Wash, and jojoba-aloe Bubble Bath are so pure and pampering, you'll likely be inspired to use them yourself. Every product is pediatrician-tested and free of parabens and mineral oils. Better yet, they are all soy-, wheat-, and nut-free in case of allergies. No more excuses--get in the tub!

May 24, 2007

Creature Comfort

Kangaroo MoMA's latest office-design find is the Amigo line of desk accessories, a troop of three leather critters all designed to get you organized in cheerful Argentinean style. This jaunty red kangaroo--made entirely of recycled leather remnants--can hold all manner of cards, coins, clips, pens, and even your cell phone in its pouch. (It is even amenable to carrying the most important memos in its mouth). Qué inteligente!

May 23, 2007

From the Hips

Fromthehips A lot of the old-guard pregnancy books will a) scare the wits out of you and b) make you feel that you have time-traveled to a bygone era of calico-print skirts and make-it-at-home yogurt. From the Hips is a modern mom's guide to pregnancy that skillfully balances expert know-how from doctors, midwives, lactation consultants, and doulas with wise and funny tales from the mom front. Controversial issues like elective C-sections, cosleeping, and extended breastfeeding are explored in a rational, refreshing way, and hundreds of anonymous-mom quotes throughout the book make you feel like legions of girlfriends are guiding you through the fabulous but sometimes treacherous path of pregnancy and parenting.

May 22, 2007

Far from the Pits

Cherrypitter Celebrate cherry season with less fuss (and even less worry) by investing in OXO's new cherry pitter. The ergonomic design, removable splatter shield, and dishwasher compatibility make it easier than ever for your kids to scarf the fruit down by the handful without any choking risk. And if it's scarfing you're going for, might we suggest the tasty organic cherries from Frog Hollow Farm, which just became ripe for picking? You choose the amount and the company will ship the ripest variety out from California.

May 21, 2007

Surround Sound

If you love your music, we recommend Earphones Ultimate Ears, designed by the folks who have outfitted professional musicians with on-stage earpieces for years. Unlike typical ear pods, which are often uncomfortable and are inevitably jostled loose, these tiny dynamos stay snugly put with the help of a comfortable silicone "ear tip." The close fit means less outside noise can pollute your music--which means you can enjoy listening at a lower, safer volume. Feels good, sounds good, keeps you safe... and deemed good enough for rock royalty. Sold.

May 18, 2007

Northern Lights

Toys We all want good-looking nursery products, but how practical is a razor-edged "modern" mobile? Nordic Kids finds the most unique Scandinavian toys, clothing, and accessories made by designers throughout the region and ships them across the Atlantic. We love the amorphous creatures stitched from cuddly, touchable velour on this Navy Skuumis Pram toy by Swedish designer Ana Hokenberg. Hang it over a crib or a stroller and watch the smiles--yours, your design-savvy friends', and, of course, your baby's.

May 17, 2007

Chocolate Critters

Boule On the lookout for a good hostess gift this summer? You know--something that says, "We really appreciate you" instead of "Here's another candle you don't know what to do with." Boule's dark-chocolate ladybugs filled with vanilla-pineapple ganache are a perfect solution. Made by acclaimed pastry chef Michelle Myers, the beautiful and delicious treats are sure to get you invited back.

May 16, 2007

Beam Them Up

Toothbrush A damp toothbrush is a hotbed for the germs that cause flu, colds, and infections--and the balmy atmosphere from your shower isn't helping matters. Luckily, our futuristic age has produced the VIOlight system, a toothbrush holder equipped with a UV bulb to blast even the nastiest bacterium out of orbit. Designed by the renowned Phillipe Starck, the sleek silver unit even has a battery-powered compact counterpart for travel. Stick your toothbrush into either and hit the on button: After just 10 seconds, all the little buggers will have been vaporized. And starting today, VIOlight is available at Target stores nationwide.

May 15, 2007

Rattle-N-Roll

Announcement_2 Sure, it's nice to see a photograph of a new baby along with the announcement, but the dirty secret is that all newborns kind of look the same--like wrinkled prunes. Why not shake things up a bit and broadcast the personality lurking within your new addition? E-mail a picture of the tot to Rattle-N-Roll along with the pertinent info, choose from five rockin' templates (or work with them to create a custom design), and it will have the announcements--and even a couple of real posters--shipped to you in 10 to 12 days. We dare any friends and family to ever throw these puppies away....

May 14, 2007

Deal: Noodle & Boo

Since the company's 2005 conception, Noodle & Boo's extragentle all-natural baby products have inspired a cult following among stylish moms. Now they're offering a special discount to Daily Find readers. Enter promotional code "cookie0507" before June 15, and receive 20 percent off. (And since 20 percent of all Noodle & Boo profits are donated to children's charities, you'll feel doubly as happy about your purchase.)

For Mom: Nontraditional Greeting Cards

Cards Chances are you're as tired of weeding through those glittery, flowery "Best Mom Ever!" Mother's Day cards as we are. And a cutesy joke above a picture of a dog wearing a tutu is more sickening than funny. Uncooked Greetings to the rescue! We're simply obsessed with its entire line of utterly blunt greetings, like this one for Mother's Day: "Mom, I hope you know that if you ever needed a lung or kidney, I'd cut open my stomach and give you whatever organ you needed. At least I think I would." Or this one for a new mother: "You're so lucky you have a cute baby. If you're ever strapped for cash, you could probably sell it for lots of money." And since Mom's Day is just two days away, you can use the store locator to find retailers near you.

May 11, 2007

For Mom: Luxury Bath Mitt

Bathmit Don't worry if Mom can't spare the seconds (or, ahem, dollars) for head-to-toe spa pampering; these new jute bath mitts from Akhassa's Essentials collection are luxe enough to rival the tools of professionals. Each mitt is woven with 100 percent natural fibers and filled with a moisturizing potion of coconut, rice-bran, and olive oils. Choose from four soothing and invigorating essential oils--peppermint, ginger, bergamot, and geranium--then simply get the mitt damp and smooth over your body. Skin feels dewy and clean. And stress? Ancient history.

May 10, 2007

Deal: Charitable Mother's Day Gifts

Show love to moms in the developing world by giving your mom a gift from one of these three companies. Each is donating 10 percent of their profits to the Liya Kebede Foundation during the entire month of May.

*One day of closet organization from Consider It Done
*Les Fleurs du Chocolat Truffle Collection from Vosges Haut-Chocolat (enter promo code 275PR1)
*Floral design services from DeJuan Stroud (mention the Liya Kebede Foundation)

And for more on Liya Kebede's charitable efforts, read her Smart Cookie Award profile.

May 09, 2007

For Mom: Stationery Box

Woosterprince If your usually modern mom still has a fondness for old-fashioned sensibilities, she'll swoon over this stationery gift set from Wooster & Prince Papers. The keepsake box has silk ribbon accents and contains a sleek silver writing pen, a matching address book, and 12 note cards and envelopes. Designer Amy Ormond's rich patterns hint at vintage wallpaper and textile designs, and her unique combinations (shown: Mandala) stand apart from the other sets out there. Plus, the elegant box, which closes cleanly and satisfyingly with a magnet, can be enjoyed long after the cards have been used up.

For Mom: Whoopie Pie Gift Set

Pies_2 Give her something both practical and sweetly indulgent this year. Connecticut giftmaker dbO Home and Brooklyn baker One-Girl Cookies are collaborating to celebrate moms with this limited-edition whoopie-pie set. Six pumpkin and six chocolate pies come with a handmade aqua plate, all tied up beautifully with a spring-fresh turquoise-and-green ribbon. Once the goodies are devoured, Mom can use the glossy plate--made of clay and imprinted with pine needles--to hold other treats or trinkets, or it can simply sit decoratively on its own. (Place your order by May 9 to ensure delivery in time for Mother's Day.)

May 08, 2007

For Mom: Bud Vases

Vases_df_2 Only seven days until Mother's Day, and we're counting down to the all-important holiday with one of our favorite gift ideas each day. Our first suggestion: the three-bud vase set from Heath Ceramics. Mom can keep it as a set for a beautiful centerpiece or on a window ledge, or she can use the three vases and tray separately around the house. All of the items in Heath's line (which also includes elegant dinnerware) have a handcrafted yet modern feel, and their signature wiped edge allows the natural beauty of the clay to subtly poke through. But don't think we'd suggest a line too precious to be useful--Heath's pieces are completely safe in the dishwasher, oven, and microwave.

May 07, 2007

Substitute Pop-Up for Popcorn

Spiderman_3 The long-awaited Spider-Man 3 is out in theaters today, but you can avoid the opening-night crowds by tiding your kids (or yourself) over with The Amazing Spider-Man Pop-Up. Flip through the 16 pages and watch Spidey encounter seven of his most notorious foes, including the Green Goblin and Dr. Octopus. Each spread has a comic-book style narrative, a pull-out villain profile, and an action-packed pop-up. Hopefully it will teach your children that the superhero was a Marvel legend long before Tobey Maguire started donning spandex.

May 04, 2007

Hi-Tech Hare

Bunny_3 Ever wished someone would invent a magical gadget that could tell you the weather, read your e-mail, broadcast news stories, give you stock reports, relay messages from friends and family, and play your favorite songs while you're having to tend to your mom duties away from your computer and cell phone? Someone has—and he's even cute. Nabaztag's newest "smart rabbit" (the 2005 model didn't have the belly button, which allows you to send voice messages to other rabbit owners) can live in any room of your house that has wireless Internet access—the nursery, the kitchen, you name it. Register the little guy and you can program him to do and say just about anything your heart desires when you give him the proper command. If only you could program people to be this helpful and obedient ...

May 03, 2007

Here Comes the Sun

Sunkit With summer just around the corner, the folks at Sephora want to make sure we stay both beautiful and healthy. Their new Sun Safety kit--created in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness month--boasts eight mini-sunscreens for the face, lips, eyes, and body, all packed into a cheerful yellow pouch. The luxe products are from covetable brands like Bliss, Clarins, and Murad, yet the kits retail for a mere $22 each. Best of all, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation. Snap 'em up now--they're only available through June.

May 02, 2007

Operating Instructions

Starterkit_2 The bestselling book The Baby Owner's Manual has cheekily coaxed new parents through the maintenance and "operation" of their babies since 2003. Now, authors Louis and Joe Borgenicht have improved on their clever creation with The Baby Owner's Starter Kit. In addition to the original manual, this pretty keepsake box contains a babysitter's memo pad, a growth chart (complete with stickers to mark major milestones), and a poster with helpful tips on swaddling, changing, and cradling your newborn. They've even thrown in a baby-shaped magnet in the same clean, graphic style. Equal parts irreverent and helpful, the kit is a great gift for any new parent.

May 01, 2007
 
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