HANDmade for the HOLIDAYS! Holiday Gift Guide - Part ONE!

This season we LOVE shopping HANDmade! Not just because we LOVE supporting small companies but because we love that they are made with love & so unique in every way! Our list of HANDmade LOVE is quite long but we had to showcase a few must-haves on our Holiday Gift Guide list. Check out our favorites and get shopping, HANDmade!

{click to enlarge and look a little closer!} 

{1} Imagination Kids on Etsy gives us hours of play with their hand-crafted toys. We are just in love with the Wooden Cloud Stacker! {$25}

{2} The Playful Table is one of our newest faves! The back to basics toys are bright & cheery! Your little will love them - especially the Bean Bag Balls & with a price of only $12!

{3} We inspired the Cupcake backpack from TravelKiddy so of course we are partial to this design. However, the TravelKiddy kits are amazing for doctor visits, car rides and anything else when you need to keep your little quite. We don't leave home without them! {Backpack, $30}

{4} Oh so cute! Sophie & Lili are the cutest dolls around. There isn't much to say besides - the are the one & only HANDmade doll - perfect for the sweet girl in your life. {Prices range}

{5} Lehla Shop is the place to go for personalization! They specialize in Graffati Sneakers (As seen on Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood) -- one of the most unique gifts around! Just tell Lehla Shop what your little loves & the shoe will be covered with their faves! {$40}

{6} The perfect step stool from KT Steppers! Another great way to make a gift personal with a step stool they will be sure to love! {Prices range}

So, what are you waiting for? Get shopping!

The Perfect Party Dress!

We searched high and low for the perfect dress and we found it! Have a little girl to dress up pretty? We are obsessed with this red & white floral party dress from Crazy 8! Check it out here, the price is perfect and it has just the right amount of cheer for all those Holiday parties you have coming up!

We are guessing someone wants a doll for Christmas! 

The Perfect Stocking Stuffer (and a giveaway!)

We are just dying over the latest Cozy Toesies from IsaBooties! IsaBooties Cozy Toesises are the super-snugliest shoes around! The little one in your life with just love you for them! They are lined on the sole and around the ankle with extra-thick, super-soft and we mean super Polartec fleece! No more cold toesies! Your little will be warm and toasty all winer long. And PS -- they are eco-friendly! 

Well guess what? Need a last minute present for the little in your life? We are giving away a pair of IsaBooties Cozy Toesies ($29) to one lucky reader! You choose the color and size and they will be gift wrapped and on their way! Also, shop now through December and use the promo code cupcake25 to get 25% off your order! 

Giveaway Details! 

Ready to win the best holiday gift you can give? Then please Comment below. This comment is mandatory. You also must be a follower to CupcakeMAG & CupcakeMAG for Littles. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win!

Leave a separate comment below letting us know you have done the following. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win! 


1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter



2. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page.



3. Make sure you "LIKE' IsaBooties on Facebook! 



4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!



5. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. 
Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 



6. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.



The winner will be selected by random.org on Monday, December 6th after 11pm. Please make sure you live us your email in one of the comments as well!



Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love.

Check out the IsaBooties site & "LIKE" them on Facebook too! 

TEASER ALERT for Our Buyers Guide: Most Wanted, Hottest Toys of 2010!

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Happy Monday!  We are kicking this week off with a teaser for our Buyers Guide: Most Wanted, Hottest Toys of 2010.

We chose Calico Critters from International Playthings to be our teaser because we here at CupcakeMAG for Littles™ love Calico Critters and knew that all of you, our amazing readers, would also adore these sweet toys.  There are countless families, twin babies, homes and environments to choose from. 

Each Critter family comes with a Mom, Dad, brother and sister.

These sweet babies come individually in a Mini Carry Case; they are a perfect stocking stuffer!

Cozy Cottage

The perfect way to start a Calico Critter collection! This cozy cottage comes fully assembled and ready to play with everything you need for hours of pretend play fun. With over 10 furniture pieces and accessories including Bell Hopscotch Rabbit, bed with matching sheets, round table with chairs, kitchen counter with sink and oven, moveable ladder for easy access to each floor, cookware and yummy food! The Cozy Cottage, measuring at 12” x 10.75” x 8”, is for ages 3+ and retails at MSRP $49.99.

Imaginative play is such a wonderful thing for children to experience and we think that Calico Critters will absolutely spark your little one’s imagination!  

A Must-Have from Pottery Barn Kids

{click to enlarge and view the beauty up-close}

The Sabrina Toy Chest ($99) is something every Little should have in their room, nursery or playroom -- or all! You can do so many things with it and it's absolutely a must-have. From a storage bench to a toy chest to even a night stand - it gives you that shabby chic simplicity we love. 

Add in a custom liner ($19) to make it scream perfection. 

It is the perfect stylish storage option - even perfect for all those family spaces too! The study rattan chest features a FABulous lid to keep toys, dolls, and everything in between tucked away and hidden - ahhh, instant organization. So, we ask you, what's not to love? Once again we are thanking Pottery Barn Kids for this beauty. 

Featured Etsy Shop: Informal Elegance

A few months ago we set out to find the perfect little jewels for our littles. What we didn't know is what a FABulous shop we would come across on Etsy? HANDmade. ADOREable. PERFECTion. Only a few words to describe the sweet necklaces & bracelets we received perfectly boxed with a bow!


We have to say - these are the perfect little gift for your little ones stocking or if you have a little girl in your family who just loves her accessories - this shop is for you!


The girls necklaces are so cute & you won't believe the HANDmade goodness! We just drooled over them! Check out our favorite Girl's Necklace here and don't forget to make it a set with a bracelet! We LOVE this one. A gal can never have enough accessories in their life! 

We also love the cute goodies they stock for boys. Or shall we say handsome. 

Oh! Don't forget to shop for yourself too! 

May we suggest a few we are just lusting over? Check them out!

Bright Pink Jewls!

Modern Pearl Earrings

About the super-sweet Designer: I have always had a love for creating tangible ‘things’. My background includes a degree in Fine Arts, and I have always felt a desire to create jewelry. 

Growing up, I found I had an allergy to nickel which I discovered isn’t that uncommon. It was difficult to find jewelry that was affordable or safe to wear. My options were either shopping at high end stores, dressy jewelry stores, or finding fun, casual jewelry that would guarantee me a terrible skin reaction.

Since I had such a hard time finding jewelry that I could safely wear, I started becoming my own jewelry designer, and since I knew many other people were in the same situation, I decided to give others like me more choice in their jewelry selection.

I love being able to not only create something that I can wear, but also something that is feminine, has a lot of character, while still being soft and delicate. I use a lot of natural colors/materials to create sophisticated jewelry, hence INFORMAL ELEGANCE. A lot of the materials I work with are natural and may vary slightly in color and shape due to their inherent qualities. This also gives them personality, since perfection doesn’t have much character.

The findings (closures, earwires,etc.) are always sterling silver or gold filled. I hope you enjoy my shop and stop by again, as I’m looking forward to converting fresh ideas into a larger jewelry selection.

Note: Right now you get FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING and FREE GIFT BOXING ON ALL ITEMS!!! Your purchase will arrive in a pretty GIFT BOX, with a bow tied around it-ready to give as a gift or to reward yourself with something special!


Head over to Informal Elegance now and also "LIKE" (well LOVE them on Facebook!) 

Phil & Teds brings us the NEWEST Explorer (Plus they are giving YOU one!)

Phil & Teds is not only one of our favorite companies to work with but they bring us great products for the modern parents. They recently introduced us to the world's favorite inline that just got better! Is that even possible? Yes! We will tell you why!

It is one system from newborn to to toddlers. It is so easy to maneuver and with the size being like a single stroller you won't be knocking down any racks at the mall! Celeb moms are pushing this baby all over town!

Check it out for yourself:



The newest features on the explorer  ($479) which we just can't get enough of is the one hand fast fold, large sunhood to keep your littles skin safe, a double kit (the 2nd seat) which also has a sunhood and new Seat Performance System (TM). It also now has a car seat adapter! They also have given us interchangeable colors, and an easy-to-use pedal brake.  

Whew! Can we catch our breath? We really could go on and on with all the highlights! But, we figured lets just let you see for yourself! Thanks to Phil & Teds we are giving ONE very lucky reader their own Explorer in Black/Navy! (pictured below)

Ready to win our very own Phil & Teds Explorer? Then please Comment below. This comment is mandatory. You also must be a follower to CupcakeMAG & CupcakeMAG for Littles. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win!

Leave a separate comment below letting us know you have done the following. The more you comment, the better chance you have to win! 

1. Follow cupcakeMAG on Twitter

2. Follow Phil & Teds on Twitter

3. Make sure you "LIKE" us on our NEW Facebook page.

4. Subscribe to our updates (top right corner above) - just sign up with your email!

5. VOTE for us on Top Mommy Blogs here -- just select "click to vote" -- you don't have to register - just a simple click.

6. Tweet about this giveaway and include @cupcakemag -- you must tweet, not just follow. Also, make sure you tell us YOUR twitter name. 

7. Tweet about this giveaway and include @philandteds -- you must tweet, not just follow.

8. Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and send us the link.

The winner will be selected by random.org on Monday, November 29^th after 11pm. Please make sure you live us your email in one of the comments as well!

Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen on the date above. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. Phil & Teds sent us this item to review. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love.

Current Obsession: Urban Munchkin!

By Jenny Ford, Contributing Writer 

I always knew that organics are better IN your body, but for the longest time I couldn’t figure out why you’d choose organic cotton products to put ON your body.  So I took it upon my oh so inquisitive self to find out.  Aside from it being super soft, absorbent and breathable it’s just better for the environment, and the people in it, to use a product that the earth sustains.  Am I sounding crunchy yet?  (I ask, as I down dog)

I love natural baby products – seriously, your skin absorbs everything - so why wouldn’t I put Oscar in yummy organic clothing too.  I found Urban Munchkin to have the CUU-TEST line of comfy little clothes for my little man.  I was drawn in by their bright colors for boys and girls. The online boutique is bright and cheery so I was thrilled to get a package of my own (ok, for Oscar, but I snuggled it a little).  YUM!  So soft, so stretchy, so colorful.  Let me tell you a little about my fave piece – the yoga pant!  They look so comfy on my little yogi as he hangs out at home, he’s got them in Sahara Grey.  He’s also a fan of the Short Sleeved Tee in Lotus Green.  IF only he could sit still long enough to sit in a Lotus pose, he’d be totally stylish doing it.

Now that I go back to their site and check it all out again, I notice they’ve got a bunch of new goodies!  I’m starting my list now (and checking it twice of course).  Oscar wants more yoga pants, the sleeveless hoodie, the city romper…ok, nevermind, he will take one of each (except the dresses of course – which are completely adorable, however my husband frowns upon me putting them on our boy).  I’m serious when I say I am in love with this line.  And I love their commitment to the environment too – they only use certified organic cotton, their products are all certified fair trade, they only use low impact dyes, and they strive to use as many recycled products as possible.  They’re creating good karma for themselves.  And to them I’d like to say “Namaste” J

Follow Urban Munchkin on Facebook

Tweet Urban Munchkin on Twitter

Shop Urban Munchkin online

PS - when choosing Urban Munchkin shirts, I found O’s 6-12 month to be a little on the smaller side (he’s 10 months), you may want to size up when ordering.  However, the pants fit great and were roomy and true to size.

Tyler Trends: Adorable, Fun Clothes For Your Kids!

By Contributing Writer Jenny Ford

We’ve got tons of nicknames for Oscar – chubbers, lil man, big guy, toots, sir squeaks-a-lot, pasty, munchkin, O, and many more.  So many that I am wondering if he is actually going to know his first name.  But the one that we call him the most is Monkey.   And it’s fitting too, because he is EVERY-WHERE!  Since about 6 ½ months he has been on the go  and now he’s even taken a liking to opening cabinet doors and getting into trouble…like a little monkey.

That’s why I’m going bananas over this adorable Monkey tee by the Norwegian company Tyler Trends.  The prints are all super cute and come in the kid-friendly variety - ladybugs, giraffes, panda, tiger, polar bears, oh my.  I was even really impressed by the quality of the screen print – that baby is NOT coming off in the wash.  Oscar is donning the 6/12 month size and it fits purrrr-fect, even his little head doesn’t get squished when putting his shirt on.  It’s the important things that matter here, folks.  And, if you so choose, they’ve even got a line of organics for your little ladybug or tiger.  Talk about eco-fun!

I clicked over on the Inspiration page of the website expecting to see some jungle animal pics.  What I found was a sweet story of the founder’s precious children both born prematurely and overcoming such amazing obstacles.  I encourage you to go read the story (but grab a handful of tissues first).   

My boy doesn’t monkey around…. Check him out on the phone; he’s got lotsa monkey business to handle.

Thanksgiving Forecast

A chance of cream pom-poms and a splash of ruby fair isle is in the stars for our Thanksgiving gatherings this holiday. 

What will your Littles be wearing for Thanksgiving? Ours will be head-to-toe Gymboree. Stay tuned for our winter wonderland shoot with more of our Gymboree picks of the season - the BEST of the BEST. Until then - get shopping or head to your local Gymboree. It isn't too late to do a wardrobe change. Check out our favorites on Gymboree.com now. 

• Baby Girl Cable Sweater Dress
• Kid Girl Fair Isle Double Sleeve Dress
• Stripe Shirt 
• Boys Skinny Pant

Posh Tots? They have it all.

Previously known as Cutie and Patootie - now newly, Lollipoop Moon is the perfect place for those trendy items you just need in your littles life. We were beyond excited to open the sprinkling of goodies they sent us. Lollipop Moon is also the perfect place to find unique shower gifts, birthday gifts and to get your holiday shopping on. We could cruise their site forever; it is just filled with adorable things. What we love? The items they showcase you don't see everywhere. That is always a plus! 


We just can't get enough of the trendy tops & tanks! 

Perfect for the heart breaker in your life! 

Check out the Silver Peace Sign Sequin tank & one of our all time faves is the Cheetahlicious Heart Tank Top -- to die for with cuteness!


Is a friend having a baby? We suggest the Ajo. Bebe Le Petite Wipes Case -- they are the perfect little gift that they will treasure forever. LOVE the not your average wipe case.


One of their new items which we think every little fashionista needs is the Heart 2 Heart Bracelet Collection -- the cutest accessory for that little wrist. These are great for stocking stuffers! 


Of course we could go on and on and on -- this shop is just so precious and our wish list is a mile long. Head on over now and start yours! But first, let us help you get started -- enter to win a $25 gift certificate to start your shopping. 

To enter you must follow cupcakeMAG & cupcakeMAG littles. Please leave a mandatory comment below as to what you would spend your $25 on!

Baby Buds Ballet Baby Slippers 

Details: Giveaway winner to be chosen Wed., November 22nd, 2010 at 11 PM EST. You will have 24 hours to respond if you are the chosen winner. Another winner will be chosen if you do not respond within this time period. Open to US. Lollipop Moon sent us these items to review. The opinions expressed in this review/feature are strictly cupcakeMAG opinions & we were not paid to show our love.

Gymboree Circle of Friends - 30% Off Everything Starts Thursday!

Gymboree Circle of Friends starts Thursday, just use code GYMFAMILY at checkout!  

The Winner Of Our PlayPants Giveaway Is......

By Shasta Moczulski, Fashion & Beauty Director

Our reader "Coolkids" is the winner of our PlaypPants giveaway!  Thank you to all who entered, commented and tweeted about these fabulous bloomers!