Gift Mama

Popcorn

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 07:00:05 -0500

I cannot look at this picture without thinking of Halloween circa 1987. There must have been a popcorn ball craze at the time, because I came home with about 10 of them in my treat bag and I was unable to eat any of them (probably had a needle in them - or so my mom thought)!

Well, thank goodness for the internet because I am one click away from ordering MYSELF a gift of Garret’s popcorn balls :) Garrett’s started in Chicago in 1949 - they also have locations in NYC and overseas. But, thanks to the internet you can send them anywhere / to anyone (or to yourself)!

Pictured above is the Snack Size Popcorn Ball Tin (50 pack) $36, but they also sell a variety of tins (including Oprah’s Favorites) that can be filled with different flavor popcorn.

Some of the flavors include: Carmel Crisp, Cheese Corn, The Chicago Mix…and many more! :)

Check it out: http://www.garrettpopcorn.com

PS - they have a super cool app on their site that lets you customize your tin (think dominos pizza meets popcorn).

Zany

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

Have a 1st Birthday party to go to, or need a gift for the toddler in your life?

The Zany Zoo by B. Toys is my GO-TO 1st (or 2nd or 3rd) Birthday Gift! :)

The “Zoo” is a wooden toy that features tons of toddler - friendly activities. It will keep them occupied (I wanted to say for hours - but lets be real here) for 15-20 mins (which is basically an hour in toddler time)! :)

Each side features a different activity (abc flip blocks, peek-a-boo animals) while the top of the zoo has a loopty-loo track with beads.

It retails for $54.99 at Target:

http://www.target.com/p/B-Toys-Zany-Zoo-Wooden-Activity-Cube/-/A-12025312

And, to discover other amazing B. Toys - go to:

http://justb-byou.com/

Yum-O!

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

As a Mama that loves to cook, I am dying to get my hands on some of this Rachel Ray cookware! Her line is so colorful and cheerful - the bright colors would put anyone in a good mood (even while cooking)!

If you have a chef/cook/foodie in your life, a piece from Rachel’s line will surely put a smile on their face - AND, I am beyond excited to see it on Zappos -that means free / fast shipping and easy returns!

Pictured above is the Oval 2-Piece Bakeware Set - it retails for $49.99 and would be perfect to pair with a subscription to the Rachel Ray magazine or any other cooking mag or cookbook! :)

http://www.zappos.com/rachael-ray-bubble-brown-oval-stoneware-baker-2-piece-set-orange-stoneware

Pitchers & Catchers

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:54:02 -0500

It’s that time of year again…

Even though we didn’t have a terrible Winter, it’s always exciting to dream about Spring, Summer and Baseball being around the corner!

If you have a little boy or girl that’s into baseball, then check out this Sleeping Bag Set from Pottery Barn Teen (you can get the above pillowcase with the set):

Pieces range from $32 - $129 and can be personalized.

http://www.pbteen.com/products/mlb-sleeping-bags-national/?pkey=cguys-mlb-collection

Wine-O

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 07:00:05 -0500

Do you have a wine lover in your life? Instead of bringing them a bottle of wine, get a little crafty and make some Chalkboard Wineglasses!

Fellow Mama blogger Deb Thompson posted this cute idea, and I had to repost it. I love a gift that has some thought and craftiness behind it! :)

She made 8 Chalkboard Wine Glasses and it cost her a total of $18.

Click on the link below to check out the process and learn how to make your own DIY glasses:

http://justshortofcrazy.com/2011/09/chalkboard-wine-glasses-tutorial.html

Spring

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:00:05 -0500

Spring has Sprung! Okay - not yet - but it doesn’t mean you can’t give the GIFT of Spring! :)

The Year of Seeds Kit from Red Envelope includes 12 colorful pots and the following seeds: petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby’s breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies and sweet peas.

Plant all 12 at once, or one a month for a year of beautiful blooms! This Unique Gift retails for $79.95:

http://gifts.redenvelope.com/plants/year-of-seeds-20721942?REF=REDSRCHgoogkwd_redenvelope_b&PRID=SRCHribbonfive&viewpos=2&trackingpgroup=rgrdn

DIY Cupcake

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:00:05 -0500

DIY designer cupcakes - this is definitely a “why didn’t I think of that?” IDEA!

Cupcake Cuties were created by a working Mama who decided decorated cupcakes shouldn’t just be for special / fancy occasions (and didn’t have to cost a ton of $$$).

The kits come with everything you need to jazz up a cupcake! You provide the cupcakes and the possibilites are endless! Pictured above is the Jungle Animal Theme (comes with everything you need to decorate 24 cupcakes).

And, here is another adorable idea -The Popcorn Cupcake -perfect for movie night/Oscar viewing party:

I especially love this one - The Sushi Cupcake:

The kits start at $12.99 and can be found here:

http://www.cupcakecuties.com/

Heart

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:54:00 -0500

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I would post my son’s favorite book (of the moment) - “The I Love You Book,” by Todd Parr.

Todd’s books are fun and appealing to the eye. The I Love You Book goes through a series of scenarios that tell your child - I love you - no matter what (ie: when you hide my keys, and smell stinky) ;)

Great book for ages 2 and up! Retails for $9.99:

http://www.amazon.com/I-LOVE-YOU-Book/dp/0316019852

Tiny Diner

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

This re-usable placemat was given to me when my son was born and it sat in a closet until a few months ago. I used to buy the throw-away placemats for our dining adventures - until the day I ran out of them and did not feel like spending $10 for a new pack!

The TinyDiner placemat by Summer Infant is now a product I cannot leave the house without - and here’s why:

- Suction cups keep the mat in place (my son used to be able to pull off the disposable ones).

- Waterproof and Easy to Clean

- Made in the USA -from BPA-Free, non-latex material

- Rolls up and is very easy to carry.

SO - this might not be the ideal gift for a new mommy, but I definitely suggest it for the mommy of a toddler! It comes in three different colors: Pink, Blue, and Green, and retails for $10.99

http://www.diapers.com/p/summer-infant-tinydiner-pink-21409?site=CI&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_campaign=Google&utm_content=pla&ci_sku=PJ-057&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw={keyword}

Broadway Baby

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

After a recent visit to Broadway and after stumbling upon a stack of playbills I was wondering if there was a way to preserve and organize them - and there is!

The playbill store actually has a few binder options on it’s website - the one pictured above is the most basic and retails for $13.95.

If you have a Broadway lover in your life, then they probably have a stack of playbills laying around -give them the gift of organization - I’m sure they’ll appreciate it! :)

http://www.playbillstore.com/binders.html

Girly

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:02:06 -0500

Although this may look like a cute clutch, it is actually an ipad cover - perfect for the techie woman in your life :)

I recently saw these at a boutique, and if I could find a way to use it as a purse, I would!

They are made by Mud Pie, and retail for $28.50:

http://www.mud-pie.com/p-2401-navy-chevron-ipad-case.aspx?EID=442&EN=Category

Sweets for Your Sweet

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0500

A box of chocolates for Valentine’s day? Nah! We can do better then THAT!

How about XOX cupcakes from Sprinkles? The trendy bakery is not just on the West Coast anymore (10 locations in total, including one in NYC).

The XOX box is $39 and consists of: 3 Dark Chocolate, 3 Red Velvet, 3 Vanilla, and 3 Chocolate Marshmallow.

https://sprinkles.com/cupcake-gifts/seasonal/valentines-day-xox-gift-box/

If your Valentine isn’t a cupcake fan, then I suggest Mrs. Prindable’s Apples.

Mrs. P’s has been around for 25 years - you haven’t HAD a carmel apple, until you’ve tried one of these!

This adorable LOVE set is $39.95 and comes with 2 Triple Chocolate Petite Apples and 2 Milk Chocolate Walnut Petite Apples:

http://www.mrsprindables.com/store/item.asp?item_id=253

Another treat idea: pamper your sweetheart with some delicious Macaroon’s from the popular MacarOn Cafe in NYC.

This assortment is $35, and includes flavors such as: Vanilla, Pistachio, Coconut, Raspberry, Apricot, and Rose (assortments vary based on availability).

http://macaroncafe.com/ship-nationwide/holiday-gift-box.html

Fish Hotel

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:05:50 -0500

Now, this is NOT the perfect gift for everyone, but if you have a “fish-friendly” friend, then this will definitely put a smile on their face!

The Fish Hotel (yes, I said hotel) by Crate and Barrel is a sleek and modern version of the fish bowl.

They call it a hotel because you can stack them:

They retail for $34.95 (each):

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/decorating-and-accessories/home-accents/fish-hotel/s250344

Hold On

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

If you have small children (or you need a gift for a mama), then check out this genius mother / child bag by Reisenthel.

The tote is perfect for a trip to the grocery store, mall, park, or beach. It has two sets of handles - one at the top for the adult and one at the bottom for the child.

A creative and fun way to keep your little one by your side! :)

It retails for $23, and can be found at:

http://www.spoonsisters.com/product/19805.html

NY Giants

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:53:00 -0500

If the man (or woman) in your life is a Giant’s fan, then this is an obvious choice - the NY Giants Superbowl Champs Tee!

This style is from Modell’s, and is $19.99:

http://www.modells.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12619874&cp=3356049.12645839.12645843

Cheesy

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:14:05 -0500

I couldn’t resist this last-minute Superbowl idea.

Made with Philly Cream Cheese and pecans, it’s sure to be a hit!

Hurry up though, it needs some time to chill in the fridge - so get cookin!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/cheesy-football-50257.aspx

Disney Goes Organic

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:17:00 -0500

I was recently invited to preview the Disney Baby line for 2012, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint!!!

I was pleased to see that Disney Baby is moving in a more natural / organic direction. Many moms today place an importance on being “green,” so it was a natural fit for Disney to start to meet these needs.

From clothing, to bottles, to bath time, and nursery - Disney Baby has got it covered. In addition to the product line, Disney Baby recently rolled out a new website (www.disneybaby.com) that really incorporates the Disney Baby brand with their vision of community in the online world. They have created a space for new moms and moms-to-be to share tips, ideas, and photos - all with a little Disney magic mixed in. :)

The Disney Baby clothing line is super cute - it is not organic, which was a bit disappointing - especially since that seemed to be a general theme. The color pallet was bright, but not in your face. This vintage inspired Mickey onesie caught my eye - it has two rows of snaps (genius), so your baby can grow with it:

Three Pack of onesies are 100 % Cotton and retails for $11.99 at Target: http://www.target.com/p/Disney-Baby-Boys-3-Pack-Mickey-Mouse-Bodysuit-Set-Assorted/-/A-13844234

As for Disney Baby toys , I was most impressed with the 100% organic plush line. The stuffed animals are made with non-toxic, and low eco-impact dyes. Pooh and the gang are so soft - your little one will love them, and you will love that they are safe / non toxic.

The line features Eor, Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet. They retail for $25 and can be found exclusively at Giggle: http://www.giggle.com/Winnie-the-Pooh-Organic-Cotton-Eco-Plush/42416,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=giggle&q=pooh

I was extremely excited to learn that Disney Baby has partnered with one of my favorite eco-friendly brands, Born Free. As an avid Born Free bottle and sippy cup mom, I was delighted to FINALLY see some cups and bottles with designs and characters on them!

This set features characters from The Lion King. It retails for $39.99 at Babies “R” Us, and also comes in a Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse design:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12268789&searchURL=false

In addition to bottles and cups, Born Free and Disney Baby have created teething rings that are BPA free, safe, non-toxic, AND adorable (who knew THAT was possible):

Teething rings are $6.99 at Babies “R” Us, and also come in Minnie Mouse and a Lion King design: http://www.babiesrus.com

Overall, I was very impressed with the Disney Baby line. As a Mom that looks for organic / BPA-free products, it is nice to see the larger companies embrace the “green” movement and create products that are not only safe, but FUN for our kids!

I truly feel that Disney Baby took some time to HEAR what was important to moms and moms-to-be and created a line that reflects just that.

*To learn more about Disney Baby and to check out their new site, go to:

http://www.disneybaby.com

Boxcar

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:31:12 -0500

I hope I’m not alone in remembering this classic series of books. I used to LOVE the Boxcar Children :)

If you did too - then get excited, because the books are STILL around, and make an excellent gift for children 9+ (which is often a hard gift-buying age)!

You can purchase the set (books 1-12) for $49.99 at the Scholastic online store:

http://store.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_The+Boxcar+Children+Mysteries+%28Books+1+-12%29_48722_-1_10052_10001

Touchdown!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:00:06 -0500

Need to bring something for the Big Game on Sunday? I found these cupcakes on my latest addiction… Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com).

The football-themed cupcakes are by Mini Baker, and if they taste 1/2 as good as they LOOK, then you’ll definitely be the hit of the party! :)

Feeling ambitious and ready to bake?

Check out the recipe:

http://minibakercupcakes.blogspot.com/2011/12/football-themed-cupcakes.html

Pillow Pups

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:00:06 -0500

I LOVE a gift that gives back, and these adorable pillows do just that!

Pottery Barn (Teen) has teamed up with the ASPCA so when you purchase one of these pillows, $5 of your purchase goes back to the ASPCA.

They are currently on sale for $29.99. Choose from: Beagle, Lab, French Bulldog, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, and Cat.

http://www.pbteen.com/products/pet-pillow-collection/?catalogId=18&bnrid=3783101&cm_ven=Shopping&cm_cat=Gifts.com&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Gifts.com