Indie giver guide: For the baby mama
You know she doesn't have time to shop for herself, so hook her up with these incredibly adorable items
By Sara Grace McCandless
Published: November 30th, 2006 | 3:03pm
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Baby registries are great place to turn to for ideas when it comes to covering the basics: plastic crib sheets, pacifiers, sippy cups, and that oh-so-magical diaper genie (though quite frankly this contraption has yet to grant me the kind of wishes I’d like to see). But the basics can also be a little…blah. Whether you’ve got a friend or family member facing parenthood for the first time, or one who is a seasoned pro, this holiday season is a fine time to give a gift that will make your favorite mommy the envy of the playgroup.
<img src="http://venuszine.com/stories/hiplittle.jpg" border="0" height="161" width="225" alt="hiplittle.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" /><b><a href="http://www.hipandlittle.com">Hip and Little</a></b>
This darling boutique offers tons of goodies for newborns and toddlers, along with gear to make any nursery rocknroll, plus some treats made especially for parents as well. Check out their Mei Tai Carriers ($68.75 each), a gorgeous alternative to the typical baby sling that allows parents to carry their little one on their front, back, or side. Choose from sage green or black with ivory — both reverse to organic cotton and also feature organic batting with supportive straps. For about $20 more, you can upgrade to the deluxe version which includes optional waist buckles and a folding headrest with invisible magnetic straps — perfect for if and when baby finally decides it’s nap time.
<img src="http://venuszine.com/stories/phrogs.jpg" border="0" height="160" width="225" alt="phrogs.jpg" align="right" hspace="5" /><a href="http://thephrogs.com/"><b>The Phrogs</b></a>
This Brooklyn-based operation offers custom-made onesies featuring Hippity-Hop Phrogs designed by the graffiti and graphic artist known as Tootsie Cornrolls. The influence is clear — at first glance, the cute characters look like they might have leapt straight from the screen of their own kids’ show, but up close, it’s all about attitude. Mic-wielding Phamey loves to rap, Phoebe prefers to dance and paint, DJ Phrancie spins, and with spray can in hand, Phamey is ready to tag at any given moment. The onesies are available in a number of variations — first chose a character and then select from solid color, stripes, pattern, or tie-dye. Sizes run from newborns up to 12 months and costs just $20 a piece. Keep an eye out on the Web site for special super-exclusive hats and tees available for a limited time only.
<img src="http://venuszine.com/stories/mymimi.jpg" border="0" height="160" width="225" alt="mymimi.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" /><b><a href="http://www.mymimi.com">My Mimi</a></b>
Korean artist Mimi Cha spent several years in Sweden before making her way to New York, and this personal history shines through in the design of her hand crafted toys. Her colorful and cuddly plushes are known to sell out quickly, but recent offerings include preppy little fleece argyle puppies ($30) and the uber-cute PipPip, a warm yellow micro-fleece chick with a darker yellow brushed tricot belly ($20). Also check out her limited edition wall clocks, a steal at $15 and a great way for mommy and daddy to know exactly when it’s bedtime.
<img src="http://venuszine.com/stories/sheriffpeanut.jpg" border="0" height="160" width="225" alt="sheriffpeanut.jpg" align="right" hspace="5" /><b><a href="http://www.sheriffpeanut.com/">Sheriff Peanut</a></b>
The sheriff behind the peanut is Norah Utley, who when she’s not handcrafting made-to-order bibs but also handles vocals and keyboards for the Chicago-based band Headache City. Maybe that’s why her goods are so rocking. Choose from a wide variety of funky designs — our favorites include the fried egg and bacon bib and the giraffe camouflage. Each bib is priced at the very pocketbook-friendly $16 each, though it can take up two weeks to get one in your hands, so plan accordingly. All bibs are washable (but avoid sticking them in the dryer) and have a layer of clear vinyl for easy clean up.
<img src="http://venuszine.com/stories/dishyduds.jpg" border="0" height="160" width="225" alt="dishyduds.jpg" align="left" hspace="5" /><b><a href="http://www.dishyduds.com/">Dishy Duds</a></b>
Diaper bags: a must-have for hauling Baby Gear 101, but not always the most eye-pleasing accessory. The selection from Dishy Duds will help keep your mommy friend in the fashion “do” column, with their one-of-a-kind totes made from a collage of unique, bold fabrics. The Bubbly Blue Blossoms bag is a steal at $55 with pockets galore, while the $78 sunny Oh So Dutchy creation features a khaki twill lining and black vinyl bottom. The eco-friendly operation not only uses recycled materials as well as minimal packing supplies, but 10% of all sales are given to humanitarian relief for Darfur, Sudan. Al Gore and George Clooney would be so proud.
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