Serena & Lily + Hanna Andersson = Sweet Dreams

I've told you before how much I adore bedding both for children and adults by Serena & Lily. The company's trademark patterns are subtle, elegant, and modern. Now, you can enjoy these same patterns in infant sleepwear designed exclusively by Serena & Lily by none other than Hanna Andersson. The luxurious organic cotton sleepers are available in sizes all the way from 0-6 mos to 24-36 months and cost $36 each. My favorite pattern: Orange Star (check out the star crib sheets, too).

Green Egg Tees

Another New York International Gift Fair find I want to share is the eco-friendly appliqued tees by The Green Egg. This Boston shop makes soft, organic tees (and onesies and lap tees for babies) featuring ecospun felt appliques made from recycled plastic bottles. Everything is hand-stitched and one-of-a-kind. You'll find your standard kiddie graphics (giraffes, elephants, cars, and rocketships) as well as some more offbeat ones (the Earth, a fishbowl, or a cheeseburger). Custom or personalized tees are available, too. The quality looked very good in person and, really, each design is a winner. Can't go wrong with this as a baby gift--especially at a price of about $28 per tee (not bad at all for organic). Visit The Green Egg.

Noli Noli Baby Toys

At the New York International Gift Fair I picked up a press kit for Noli Noli, a new NYC company founded by Ken Como, a local dad and design engineer who wanted to make all-natural toys for his newborn son. Noli Noli (which is a Japanese expression of exxcitement) toys are made of all natural materials ("no finish, no paint, no worries") and are made here in the USA. And they are totally adorable. Shown top to bottom: "Car Series" (different woods), mahogany "Boat Series" (check out the eyes), and "Rattle Series" (with wide open or sleepy eyes). They're not available for retail yet, but I'd expect to find these on store shelves soon. Or, in the meantime, e-mail Noli Noli to find out how to buy them.

Perfect Fall Dress

My six-year-old loves the ease of comfy cotton dresses that slip right on over her head. We've never tried Garnet Hill's best-selling knit tiered dress but I think we might this Fall. I love all three patterns they are offering this season- Brown Dot, Aqua Floral, and Chocolate Butterflies. The rib-knit dresses are made of eco-friendly Green Cotton and have extra girly touches like an empire waist, lettuce-edges on each tier, and picot trim. $36 each (two or more for $31 each) in sizes 2T-6 at Garnet HIll.

An eBeanstalk Coupon Code for You

I have a coupon code for eBeanStalk.com that I am not using; I'm not sure how many times it will work for other people, but it's worth a try! It's "THANKYOU15%" and it saves you 15% on an order before September 1, 2009. Wondering what you'd buy? Here are two ideas:

I just spotted eBeanstalk's Pushing Car ($159.95) by Haba. How much fun is this?? If you've got two kids, one can push and one can enjoy the ride, then they can switch (yeah, right). There's a two-position adjustable handle, seat cushion and removable fabric pockets for toting little treasures, too. And the rubber wheels won't destroy your floors!

Setting your sights a bit (s)lower? How about this super-cool, eco-friendly Pirate Ship by Plan Toys ($54.95)>? My sister gave this to S. for his birthday and it is a hit with both of my kids (in fact, I like playing with it too).


Visit eBeanStalk.com and try out coupon code "THANKYOU15%" for 15% off orders placed by September 1, 2009. Enjoy!

Pencils Smencils

It's not on any back-to-school supplies lists, but Smencils make an awfully nice treat for any student this time of year (R's cousins gave her one along with her 6th birthday gift and she loves it) . If you haven't already heard of them, Smencils are scented pencils made from recycled materials- each has a light fragrance that keeps its scent for up to 2 years if you keep it in its original tube (good luck with that, right?) This Set of 10 Gourmet Scented Pencils includes bubble gum, cherry, grape, tropical blast, chocolate, cotton candy, watermelon, orange, very berry and root beer scents with corresponding colors. $14.95 for the set at Target.

Bargain Alert: 50% Off Everything at Hatley.com Today Only

There's a fantastic offer at our affiliate Hatley.com today--50% off absolutely everything, no coupon code needed (prices already marked down). As I've mentioned here before, I buy my kids' PVC-free rainwear here, and also comfy, snug-fitting pajamas. So these are the kinds of deals you can score today (note that each pattern is often available in other styes--for example, there are also Elmo raincoats and rainboots, and Farmer Jack PJs):



Farmer Jack Boys' Raincoat (now $24.19)





Red Elmo Loves You Infant Coverall and Knot Cap (now $14.99)





Visit Hatley.com today while the deals last.

NYIGF Winner: Manny & Simon

Of all the products which won Best Baby & Child product awards at last week's New York International Gift Fair, the top winner was an eco-friendly California-based company called Manny & Simon, which won the "Blogger's Best" award for its pink wooden stroller ($150) and wooden vehicles (about $36 each for helicopter, tow truck, fire truck ,and dump truck). You'll also spot Manny & Simon products everywhere from Giggle to Barneys. These not only are fantastic, high-quality toys, but make beautiful nursery decor, too. Visit Manny & Simon.

A Penguin for Preschool

I'm on a penguin kick today, I guess. One of S's favorite birthday gifts is this penguin Zoo Backpack, a brand-new product by Skip Hop . Sized for preschoolers, the backpack is BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and PVC-free, but full of modern style. Four designs are available- dog, monkey, mouse or penguin. Each costs a cool $20 at Skip Hop. A great summer or autumn birthday gift for preschoolers (thanks, Ben & family- S. is wearing his around the apartment all the time!).

Bubble Newcomers

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it to the Bubble kids' trade show here in NYC a few weeks ago, but I checked out the websites of some of the first-time exhibitors. The exhibitor list was leaner this year (a sign of the times) but I did find several stand-outs including many eco-friendly clothing and toy lines. Here's a look:

Cute 100% organic croquet pants for your little mister by Little Eesop, a new shop that updates vintage looks with organic fabrics.


Organic cotton onesies (love this blue swirl design) by Barley & Birch, a company I first learned about on Twitter.


Handmade dolls by Jess Brown Design, a California mom who makes dolls from primarily recycled cotton muslin and linen.

Adooka Organics is another mom-launched business featuring organic baby clothes; "Adooka" was the founder's son's first word for "duck."


Not organic, but I love this Hana Dress ($66) by Benny & Moon, a new Chicago-based clothing line for children ages 2 to 7.


For more Bubble exhibitors, click here.

Cashmere For the Rest of Us

While browsing Etsy I found a shop called Cashmere Deja Vu that "upcycles" 100% cashmere sweaters and remnants into new clothing. How cute is this High Heel Princess Cashmere Hoodie? Check out the sweet accents like rhinestone buckle on the shoe, and a pink heart applique on the back hip. It's available in size 3/4 for $45, but you can also contact the shop owner for another size. There's upcycled cashmere creations for moms, too--take a look at Cashmere Deja Vu.

Back to School at Mighty Nest

If you're interested in healthy, non-toxic products for your family, you should check out our newest affiliate MightyNest.com. This site offers safe, non-toxic products for the entire family, from newborns to Mom & Dad. And as you're starting to think about packing all those lunches again in September, Mighty Nest is a great site to scoop up safer lunchboxes, thermoses, and more. Take a look at my favorite picks:

"Dieter the Monkey" Insulated Lunchbox ($34) by Beatrix. These insulated nylon lunch boxes by Beatrix (a popular brand with celebs) are an adorable option for toting lunches and snacks to school. They're machine washable and PVC/phthalate/lead-free. Plus there's a name tag and handy back zipped pocket for additional storage.


Lunchbot Duo Stainless Steel Food Containers ($17.95). I actually love the look of these Lunchbots just as much for grown-ups. It's much healthier to store your food in stainless steel than in plastic, and both the lid and divided container are made of the highest quality stainless steel. It's also dishwasher safe and BPA, PVC and Phthalate Free.



Butterfly Waste-Free Lunch Set ($44.95). This is not your old tin lunchbox set. All of the components are (recycled cotton sack, napkin, stainless steel beverage bottle, food kozy, and stainless steel food containers) are reusable and waste-free. The pretty fabric comes from India, and other patterns are available too.




Kids Konserve Thermos ($19.95). If your kids prefer warm lunches (mine brought lukewarm hot dog pieces to camp this summer!), this leakproof 12oz stainless steel thermos is your answer. Food will stay warmed for hours, so you can pack that leftover mac 'n cheese, soup, or hot cocoa without worry. Three colors are available.



Take a look around MightyNest.com for other healthy products for the whole family. The site offers automatic free shipping on all orders over $50, and flat-rate shipping of just $5.95 on all other orders.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Linaloos

Boston mom Jennifer Malone founded Linaloos when she started receiving compliments on the hand-made barrettes she had created for her baby daughter (who has twin older brothers). Jennifer started selling some of the barrettes and now Linaloos is sold in boutqiues throughout New England. The sweet hair clips and pins are handmade using vintage sweaters (so they are eco-friendly and "upcycled") with added felt and embroidery. Most designs can be ordered as a baby barrette, little girl barrette, elastic hair band or pins.

What I especially like about Linaloos designs is that in addition to the usual pretty pink barrettes you'd expect, there are some more unusual but equally attractive (and clever) ones. Check out the Peanut-Free Zone barrette, or the Red Sox Nation barrette, or the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle barrette, to name a few. Each costs $8.

It's also worth mentioning that even as a small business, Linaloos feels a responsibility to give back to the community. Linaloos has partnered with the Childhood Leukemia Foundation and donated hair accessories to them for their Hugs U Wear program, which collects donated hair and uses it to make wigs for children undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Each purchase you make from Linaloos is matched by a donation to the Hugs U Wear program so that a child can receive a special hair clip to wear in their new hairpiece.

Note: Linaloos is offering MyMomShops readers a $1 discount per barrette if they mention "MyMomShops" in the "notes to seller" section at checkout. Please note: after you do this, choose the "pay later" option so that Linaloos may first send you a revised invoice reflecting your discount.


Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win her choice of 3 barrettes from Linaloos (total retail value: $24). Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating which 3 barrettes you'd choose (click here for all of the choices).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Thursday, July 30th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, July 31st.
4) NOTE: If you wish to be contacted by e-mail if you win, please include your e-mail address in your comment. Otherwise you must check back on Friday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

Zulily Hits It Out of the Park

Forgive me for gushing, but some days at Zulily are just amazing. Today is one of them--every sale is pitch-perfect, with something for everyone. I know that these deal-of-the-day sites have sprouted up everywhere, but, in my opinion, Zulily still takes the cake whether you are shopping for a new baby or a bigger kid (or even for yourself). Look what's on tap today (and scroll to the end for a coupon code!):

Sofi "Preschool Rocks" Dress ($19.99; was $30) from the Back to School Boutique. Doesn't get more perfect than this for her 1st back-to-school photo op.


Wildkin Astronaut Sidekick Backpack ($15.99; was $30) from the Back to School Boutique. Wildkin makes high-quality, fun-patterned backpacks at reasonable prices.


Petunia Dress ($29.99; was $56) from the Zaza Couture Sale. This Dallas-based designer makes colorfully patterned girls' clothing based on the latest European trends.


"Sister and Brothers" hardcover book ($7.99; was $16) from the Book Boutique. A super bedtime choice for my own kids.


Dino Camo Organic Pajama Set ($14.99; was $28) from the Agabang Sale. I'm thrilled to find these boys' pajamas that are not only organic, but also go up to bigger sizes (10).

Jenny Golf Shoe Socks ($11.99; was $30) from the Trumpette Sale. Trumpette socks never go out of style, and make wonderful baby gifts.


Quick--head to Zulily while supplies last! (Shopping tip: Zulily sales go live at 8am EST every day; make sure to shop in the morning before the best goodies sell out).

p.s. Guess what- you can use coupon code "COUPREF3559" for 10% off orders over $30 at Zulily right now. I used it yesterday and think it should still work today. Enjoy!

Safer Sleep

I'm about to take the plunge and transition S. (who is turning 3 in a few weeks) from a crib to a big boy bed. I've been researching organic mattresses ever since I read this very informative New York Times article and chart on the subject last January. A month later, I heard about the CPSC banning the use of phthlates in crib mattresses. For S's new bed, I've decided to go with a popular brand called Naturepedic. I do not always "go green" when it comes to furniture or bedding, but given my son's developmental delay I figured it couldn't hurt to make sure that the place he rests his head every night is as free of toxins as possible. I'm springing (pun intended) for the Quilted Organic Cotton Deluxe set which includes a twin mattress plus boxspring for $999. It's the most expensive purchase I've made in a long time, but if it gives my little boy sweet and safe dreams, it's worth it. I did find a free shipping coupon ("NOSTORE") at CouponChief.com, though, so that saves a bit of money. Check out all of the crib, toddler, and regular-sized mattresses at Naturepedic.

Moving Sale at Craftsbury Kids

Craftsbury Kids, a charming shop featuring (you guessed it) hand-crafted toys, accessories, and decor for little ones, is having a moving sale and you can save big-time (up to 70%) on beautifully designed products like these:

Zid Zid Kids Lion Table Set (reduced to $227.50 from $325). I've seen this set in person and it is gorgeous (p.s. there is one set left in stock that has a slight imperfection, which accounts for the discount).


Classic Work Bench (reduced to $18.20 from $26). You can never go wrong with this toddler toy as a birthday or big sibling gift.


Sock Monkeys Birthday Skirt Outfit (reduced to $85 from $100). This outfit is by Liliputians, whose birthday outfits I have bought for my own kids each year!


Sweetbeets Four Dominoes Card (reduced to $2.75 from $5.50). I've long admired Sweetbeets' kid-themed letterpress cards; the number series works individually as birthday cards or together as framed nursery art.

Check out more goods on sale at Craftsbury Kids.

Tane Organics

I'm starting to preview the websites of some of the exhibitors at next month's Bubble New York trade show, and I think I am already in love with Tane Organics if for no other reason than the gorgeous baby photography on their site. Don't you just want to eat these kids up? I'm guessing the clothing is a winner, too. TANE (which means "seed" in Japanese) offers a collection of 100% certified organic cotton layette items with modern, spare designs and practical details. It ain't cheap (a kimono-style long-sleeved onesie will set you back $46), but would make a mighty thoughtful baby gift for an eco-minded mom. I'll check it out in person at the Bubble show next month. In the meantime, ooh and aah at Tane Organics.

I Wanna Be a Pirate

My little boy's 3rd birthday is just a few weeks away and I am starting to buy him some gifts. One item I have my eye on is this Pirate Ship by my favorite wooden toy designer, Plan Toys. I spotted it in a local toy shop and it looked fantastic. The set includes the ship, cannon, barrels, anchor, treasure chests, sails, crew, raft, and, of course, the obligatory gangplank. I included the detail photos because I think you can tell the quality of this toy from those close-up shots. The set costs $54.95; shop around at eBeanStalk.com for other items while you're there and enjoy free shipping on orders over $65 with code "FREESHIP$65". Ahoy, Matey!

Feel Less Sick

Speaking of the flu, check out these Feel Less Sick postcards I saw at Etsy. The front has the greeting, the back has a thermometer and space to write. It's printed on recycled paper using soy based inks, and not only does it help save the environment, it helps save your money- a postcard costs just 28 cents to mail. Buy one for $2 or 6 for $10 at the Etsy.com shop Prism Pop.

Cute Onesies for the All-Important "Quick Check"

Every now and then I go through my list of Twitter followers to scan for cool new kids' products. This is how I found Peekinz, a mom-launched Canadian shop that makes eco-friendly baby wear that allows you to do a quick an easy diaper check via a "pocket" without disturbing baby (or risking a mess). The designs are adorable (I especially love the ruffle bum sleeper for girls and also the hooded rompers as a baby gift). Bonus: each garment is made of soft bamboo fabric. Onesies cost about $18 and go up to size 18mos; shipping is free on all North American orders over $50 (otherwise it's a flat $5 rate). Go take a peek at Peekinz.