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.

20% off Back-to-School at Children's Place

While ordering some new school uniform jumpers (on sale for $18.71) for R. at The Children's Place, I stumbled onto some cute items for S. And with a 20% off coupon (minimum $75 order) from Retail Me Not, I saved a bundle:



Awesome Bro Graphic Tee (already on sale for $7; $5.60 with additional coupon)



Racer Maverick Shoe ($22.95 originally; $18.36 with coupon code)





Striped Rugby Shirt ($24.95 originally; $19.96 with coupon code)



Use code Y4E2011 at The Children's Place for 20% any order of $75 or more. Limited time only.

Melissa & Doug Canvas Creations

I first previewed these cute Melissa and Doug Canvas Creations at the 2011 Toy Fair last February. They're now available at Amazon.com and at about $5/$6 apiece, make an easy gift (or party favor) that both parents and kids will appreciate. My favorite is the Fire Truck canvas. Each kid includes a canvas with outline, six bright (washable) paint colors, and a paintbrush. Browse the selection at Amazon.com.

Sweet Barrettes on Sale

I got an e-mail recently about these pretty barrettes at Etsy.com shop Sweet Babykins. They look cute and while I can't vouch for the quality (haven't seen them in person), they seem like a good deal- this Pink Cupcake set of 3 alligator clips costs just $4.50 and you will get an additional 10% off (refunded through Paypal) after you make your purchase. Visit Sweet Babykins.

Chasing Fireflies Birthday Tees

I know that lots of you love that Chasing Fireflies catalog, but not its prices. But, the Fall catalogue has a couple of items that I think are not-too-pricey and worth the money. One is the Long Sleeve My Name and Age Tees in various colors--available in age and size of choice (up to size 12 years) and in 5 colors (orange, lime, blue, hot pink and red). I am thinking of ordering these for R. (who will turn 8 next week) and S. who just turned 5. They're cotton, machine washable, and cost $38 each. Perfect for sibling photos! Buy them at Chasing Fireflies.



Want to see a less expensive alternative? Check out the birthday age shirts I've bought in the past from Etsy shop Happy Family.

Young Artist at Work

I stumbled onto this Little Artist Frame Kit at cute boutique Munchkin Designs. It's a fun activity for kids which they can then display in their rooms, or I think it would also make a sweet grandparent gift (let your child decorate the frame and choose a picture, then present it to Grandma or Grandpa). Each kit contains a 5 x 5 frame, paints, and crayons, packaged in a reusable clear paint can. Available in 5 designs- airplanes, cars, circles, crown, simply dots, or "I heart U." $20 apiece at Munchkin Designs.

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!

Brother/Sister Halloween Clothing

I loved browsing the brother/sister Halloween outfits in my latest CWD Kids catalog. Some of you may scoff at the idea of matching holiday clothing, but I'm not talking about your grandma's Christmas sweater. These are stylish outfits by top brands, and your kids will enjoy wearing them everywhere from pumpkin-picking to Halloween parties to school. At least, up to a certain age. I have a feeling R. (almost 8 years old) may be boycotting matching her brother this year!

For those of you with kids who are younger and/or more willing, here are my favorite Halloween ensembles for boys and girls:

Halloween Tie-Dye Outfits by Mulberribush. Girls' dress $42, boys' tee $30, boys' pants $34.

Wizard Kitty and Spooky Skull Tees by Flap Happy. Girls' tee $25, girls' leggings $26, boys' tee $24, boys' pants $27.


Personalized Halloween Pajamas ($39 each) by Sara's Prints.


Does anyone else besides me like to dress their kids in coordinating Halloween clothing, or clothing for other holidays? Let me know in the comments.

Big Deal for Big Sibs

I just stumbled onto a great deal for these Big Brother/Big Sister Sibling Gift Sets at Hip & Little. They are currently 50% off (reduced to $13 from $26) and each set includes a sibling tee (fits sizes 2-4T) and a coloring book, packaged in a clear tote with handles. Stock up on them now at Hip & Little.

MyMomShops Giveaway: The Little Experience

My kids and I stayed with my best friend and her family (her husband and three children ages 4, 6, and 8) when we travelled to Boston last month for my college reunion. I wanted to bring some fun, crafty activities for our total of five kids to work on together, but one that would not make a total mess. I decided on the kits from The Little Experience which I had spotted at last spring's Bubble show. The Little Experience is British import (now available Stateside) offering a range of adorable all-inclusive craft kits for kids. Each package includes all you need (ex: paint brushes, fabric, scissors) to make the craft from start to finish. Some of them even have packaging that unfolds to become a backdrop or set for the craft. There are "girly" projects, boy-friendly projects, and projects that appeal to all (grown-ups, too...I kinda wished I had bought one for myself). Ideally, they are for children ages 5 and up, but younger kids can get crafty too with the help of a big sib or parent. These also make unique party favors, depending on your budget.

Cattiwampus, an online kids' boutique I've mentioned here before, sells some of The Little Experience's best-selling kits including Build Your Own Rocket ($7.50), Enchanted Castle ($15.00), and Stitch-It Dolly Kit ($15.00), all shown above.

Cattiwampus is giving away two kits by The Little Experience for this week's giveaway (each winner gets to pick their kit of choice). And everyone else will get to enjoy a 15% storewide discount with code "COOL" (the code does not apply to sale items, except summer dresses- hooray!)

Win it! 2 MyMomShops reader will each win a The Little Experience kit of choice (a $7.50 or $15 retail value) from Cattiwampus. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating which kit you'd choose (click here for all of the choices).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST Sunday, July 19th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on Monday morning, July 20th.
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 Monday to see if you won. Unclaimed prizes are forfeited after 72 hours.

Good luck!

Olive & Ollie

I was searching for the perfect 3rd birthday T-shirt for one of S's little friends, and decided on this Custom Appliqued Shirt in Pink and Yellow Fanfare ($23) by Etsy shop Olive and Ollie. It arrived and it is darling- I love the cap sleeves on the American Apparel tee, and the stitching is very high quality. It runs a bit small so you should order a size up.


While you're at Olive and Ollie, check out their top-selling Sibling Onesies and Shirts ($25) available in long or short-sleeves in sizes up to 6T.

Browse all of the hand-sewn clothing at Olive and Ollie. And, since both my kids' birthdays are coming up in August, stay tuned for more birthday apparel.

A Gift Hero Rescue

My daughter has been home from camp all week with Influenza A (that's a nicer way of saying swine flu). And now my son and I are sick, too. To say we're going stir crazy during our "quarantine week" would be an understatement. So I want to give a shout-out to my friends at NYC-based Gift Hero, who thoughtfully dropped off this Create Your Own Pop Up Books Kit ($20) in their signature gift bag for R. at a time when I was just about to lose my mind. Winner of multiple toy awards, this gift includes all the ingredients your kid needs to make 2 hardcover pop-up books. The books, stickers, markers, and pop-up designs are all provided- your kid just adds imagination, drawings, photographs, and text. There are two books (one big, one small) included so a younger sib can even get in on the action. R's tome is shaping up quite nicely. And has rescued me from my thousandth game of Chutes & Ladders. Thank you, Gift Hero!

Out of This World: Three Tees for the Price of Two

I've written before about the clever onesies and tees by Pluto Kids, and I'm just one of many admirers of this Chicago-based designer. In fact, Violet Affleck (Ben and Jen's older daughter) was famously spotted wearing a Pluto Kids Big Sister tee this past April. Pluto Kids is now offering a special deal where you if you buy two shirts, you will get a third (of your choice) for free. Just write your choice of third tee or onesie in the "notes to seller" box when you purchase 2 shirts at Pluto Kids, and you'll receive a 3rd tee/onesie free of charge. Great opportunity to dress sibs in style. Check out all of the current Pluto designs here.

P.S. I'll be posting lite for the next day or two. . . my daughter is home from camp with suspected swine flu. She's OK but I am busy trying to entertain an irritable (almost) six-year-old!

UPDATE: OK, now all 3 of us are sick...both kiddos and me. I'll try to post again tomorrow.

40% off at City Threads

Here's a July 4th weekend shopping deal that is still good through today, July 5th. Trendy clothing site City Threads is offering a generous 40% off sitewide (no exclusions!) with coupon code "MADEINTHEUSA". City Threads is well-known for its sibling tees (shown left), city tees, thermals, and hats, and punk-flavored two-fer long-sleeve tees. My kids have a few of these pieces and they are favorites in their wardrobes. Visit City Threads to use the coupon before midnight!

The Very Classic Puzzle

Here's another 40th anniversary this year- the publication of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Check out Galison/Mudpuppy's The Very Books Blocks Puzzle for kids ages 3 and up. This award-winning toy consists of 9 blocks that toddlers and preschoolers can rearrange to form 6 different puzzle pictures (The Very Quiet Cricket, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Lonely Firefly, The Very Clumsy Click Beetle, and The Very Busy Spider, plus a bonus sun). They're neatly packaged in a sturdy box with a sliding drawer, so storage is easy. It's a classic, fun, and affordable birthday gift at $14. Buy it at Galison/Mudpuppy.

My Book About Me

R. and her friends are into a busy spring/summer season of 6th birthday parties, and I'm considering giving some copies of this Dr. Seuss-style My Book About Me as gifts. R. completed her own copy recently (I think it is ideal for ages 4 to 7). On each page the child gets to fill in something like the number of teeth they have "upstairs" or "downstairs", their favorite foods and colors, or more silly questions like how many windows are in their house (R. loved counting that out). There are places where the kids draw or even trace their little hands. It's fun for kids to do, and a very sweet momento for parents to keep. And, it's very affordable- it costs just $10.17 in hardcover (normally $14.97) at Amazon.com.

Bargain Alert: Glug Baby at The Mini Social

Items are selling out fast, but I highly recommend the Glug Baby clothing sale going on right now at The Mini Social. I especially love Glug's sibling tees (shown at left: Little Sister Tee, reduced to $16 from $32; sizes 12-18m, 18-24m, and 3T remaining). There are also shirts with designs ranging from bicycles to gorillas to lollipops to paper dolls. Find something you love at the Glug Baby sale.

Not a member of flash sale site The Mini Social yet? Use this invitation to join right away.

Barrette Cuteness

Perhaps because my four-year-old daughter steadfastly refuses to wear anything in her wild, curly hair, I am besotted with cute barrettes even more. Like these charming 100% wool felt barrettes from Shop Maya Papaya. Love the cute flowers with button centers, and the tiny watermelon barrette, too. The designer can also turn any of these designs into ponytail holders. Each barrette costs about $6 at Shop Maya Papaya.

National Stationery Show: Galison/Mudpuppy

One booth I always look forward to visiting at the National Stationery Show is Galison/Mudpuppy. I adore their grown-up stationery/desk accesories line (Galison) and their products for kids (Mudpuppy). Here are some photos I snapped at their display last month:

Monogram Sticky Notes. Love 'em, love 'em, love 'em. $10 per pad which includes 480 various size sticky notes.


"Notes & Things" collection of office supplies, based on illustrations by Julia Rothman- business card holder, memo box, social notes, pencil holders, and more...


Kids' "Around Town" collection including sticky notes, pencil holder, and pocket folders.


And more kids' desk accessories...love these new designs!


3-Compartment Money Banks ($13), with Spend, Save, and Share, plus padlock and keys.

Browse more lovely Galison/Mudpuppy products for paper-philes of all ages.

MyMomShops Giveaway: Chase's Treasures

I am soooo pleased to present today's giveaway, which is a generous $100 gift certificate for one lucky winner to our newest sponsor's shop, Chase's Treasures. Recently launched in New York City, Chase's Treasures is an online boutique with gifts for kids and moms, specializing in personalized gifts, unique toys, and kids' decor. The shop is owned by one of my dearest friends, Jessica Pickholz. Jessica and I met when our older daughters were in "camp" together as 2 1/2 year olds, and now they are kindergarten classmates and best pals. Jessica, who has an impressive background in retail and business, has an incredible eye for gorgeous products. So I'm not surprised that Chase's Treasures includes some of my all-time favorite gifts, including some I've featured on this blog before. Here are some of the goodies for sale at Chase's Treasures:

Personalized ABC Typography Print ($50). One of my all-time favorite nursery prints, this art by Jennifer Ramos spells out your child's name (or a word like "love") with the colored letters.


Play and Go Backpacks ($35). These have been a top seller at Chase's Treasures. Perfect for road trips, visits to Grandma, or just quiet play at home, each backpack includes10 washable double-sided markers (thick & thin tips), 1 activity book with sticker sheets and a removable pouch for storing all the "extras" that kids accumulate. There are several retro-style designs available; I like "Piggy Pirate" best.


Personalized Long Sleeve Uniform Lap Teest ($32). Call these "gas station chic." These soft cotton shirts by Blume are celeb favorites (Tori Spelling's kids have them). The appliqued patch accommodates names or words up to 10 characters. Available in sizes 6-12mos, 12-18mos, 18-24mos. They can also be ordered as thermal tees in larger sizes- just ask.


Personalized stickers ($3.95 for 3 sheets of 4 stickers). At this great price, these make a fun and easy personalized party favor. I think the Wild West stickers are especially adorable, but other popular designs are princess and cars.


Crayola Doodlebugz Crayon Apron ($17). No more crayons rolling away! A perfect big sister gift, or birthday gift, this apron comes with a pad of paper and 24 crayola crayons. Personalize it for an extra $10.


Use code "momshops20" to enjoy a generous 20% off of your order at Chases Treasures. Valid on all items except personalized stickers.

Win it! 1 MyMomShops reader will win a $100 gift certificate to Chase's Treasures. Here are the contest rules:

1) To enter, please comment on THIS post (click on "comments" below), indicating what your favorite item from Chase's Treasures is.
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST, Thursday, June 4th. One entry per person, please. US addresses only.
3) One winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday morning, June 5th.
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!