Etsy Faves

Is there a website that you can just spend hours on? Well for us, it’s Etsy. We’re obsessed. We love supporting local designers, small business and crafty ladies - all reasons why we LOVE Etsy and the designers they feature.

Sweet Little Shop: Hootiebee’s

From woven headbands, bows, toddler sets, ponytail holders, bottle cap necklaces and woven headbands with detachable bow – Hootiebee has it all along with great customer service and superior quality. You are sure to get happy faces when your box of goodies arrives from Hootiebee. The quality hair bows for affordable prices are mostly high quality grosgrain ribbon but you will occasionally see some satin and velvet ribbon. And don’t worry about fraying – all bows are heat sealed so it won’t become a problem. We love the variety they offer for every age. You can see the designer’s passion and how her hobby of making bows has turned into a business we are very thankful for this holiday season.

Creative Finds: HappyBabeeandBeeyond

HappyBabeeandBeeyond is the perfect shop for finding unique items for the little babe in your life. With a great selection of Crayon Roll Ups, bibs and Tummy Time Support Pillows you are sure to find something that best suits your needs. We LOVE the “123 Sesame Street” Crayon Roll Up because it is small enough to easily fit in a purse or diaper bag but also convenient for your little one to tote around. For only $5.50 we suggest picking out a few from the adorable fabric collection. Another fave in the shop – the “Pears and Apples” Bib ($7) was like something we have never felt before. Soft is an understatement. The chenille fabric is to die for and your little one will be happy to put it on day after day.

Cutest Crochet: Mimi’s Babies

Since getting two very special customized beanies in the mail from Mimi’s Babies, two little girls have hardly taken them off. We just can’t get enough of the Flower Crochet Beanie Hats for $12. They are super soft yet oh so chic to keep your little ones warm during the cold months. Shop around for other cute little findings.

Need a Stocking Stuffer? We got the perfect gift!

We love anything that is eco-friendly fun so when we came across a great product from a preschool teacher from Manhattan's Upper East Side we couldn't help but share.

Miss Brittany's Organic Preschool Fun Dough is perfect for any crafty guy or gal on your Christmas list. It is a sure hit wrapped up under the tree or stuffed in a stocking. So great that even Brooke Shields and Marcia Cross have picked it up for their little babes for the holidays. We are sure you will LOVE it too!

Try the gift set for hours of fun! The deluxe play dough makes the perfect non toxic eco-chic present for children ages 2 and up. The Fun Dough Gift set includes three 7 oz containers of Miss Brittany's Organic Preschool Fun Dough, a 100% organic toddler apron (perfect for pretend play) featuring the logo "Organically Awesome!", a child sized made in the U.S.A. wood rolling pin, and four wooden shape stampers. A perfect gift for under $30!

If you're looking for more of a stocking suffer opt for the Fun Packs or add the additional colors to build your deluxe kit. Each fun pack contains two 7 oz containers of Organic Fun Dough ($14.95) in two color combinations.

So what ingredients are used in the dough: filtered water, organic flour, mediterranean sea salt, organic canola oil, kosher cream of tartar, organic vitamin c, and nontoxic USA made liquid watercolor. All orders of Organic Fun Dough are handmade for you in Chicago, Illinois.

We also suggest picking up a Make-a-Mess Eco Playdough Mats. The nonstick durable activity mats ($15) are perfect for using Organic Fun Dough products and TONS of other art projects. The best part - they are made in the USA from 100% recycled rubber tires!

We are sure your crafty kids will love Miss Brittany just as much as we do - especially how easy it is to clean up!

these are a few of our favorite things........

Pottery Barn Kids is a brand every chic-mom is sure to be familiar with as they bring classic beauty to our homes. Over the years they have helped us bring well-designed classic chic furnishings and textiles into our home. Now they are furnishing playrooms to help inspire an imaginative place for our little one’s mind.

Classic toys made out of wood are timeless favorites for all – this is why we love the Pack & Go Farm ($39). It opens to reveal a farm, tractor, corral fencing, tree and four animals for hours of pretend play and imaginative fun. A momma friendly toy (not to mention one of our all time favorites) making for easy clean up as everything can be stashed inside the farm after play and tucked away to look cute just sitting on the shelf. It can easily fold for simple carrying as well. Just to top it off – the farm is crafted of eco-friendly tea wood and engineered wood – only the best for yours.

For the girls in your life, the Polka Dot Doll Pram Stroller ($79) is anything but your average “toy” stroller. Designed after vintage English prams in a soft polka dot pink print, the sturdy (easy to assemble) stroller is perfect for taking leisurely walks in the park. It is well crafted with metal tubing and features an adjustable rubberized handle for those a little shorter or taller – perfect to fit many ages. The little girls who reviewed it for us loved “shopping” with their doll as it features a shopping basket below for all the little things they picked up on the way. The large rubber wheels are perfect for the not so perfect sidewalks and easily accommodate bumpy rides. If you have a tight space, don’t worry, as the stroller easily folds flat for a simple way to store.

When they are all finished playing for the day the Hybrid Anywhere Chair ($39-$90) is the perfect place to curl up in their own corner with a book. With the all new eco-friendly insert ($80-$90), the popular chairs are better than ever. We love how lightweight the chair is making it simple, with a handle for toting from room to room. The insert (sold separately) is made in the USA (always a plus) with recycled foam containing up to 30% soy-based materials. Moms love the machine-washable zip off slipcovers ($39-$59) for easy cleaning and the durable twill, denim or canvas material – it is tough enough for any tot. They are a sure hit in any room.

To get more information on our favorite items to spruce up any play room click on the links above or check out Pottery Barn Kids. Happy Shopping!

BIBI & MIMI WON THE CREATIVE CHILD "2009 SEAL OF EXCELLENCE OF THE YEAR AWARD" FOR BABY SOCKS

Bibi & Mimi was the proud recipient of "2009 Seal of Excellence of the Year Award" in the baby apparel category from Creative Child Magazine last week. CG Gurkan, the Vice President of the company, said "We are extremely honored and happy about the award as a young company who is establishing itself in the baby accessories industry as a solid brand. It is also a great satisfaction to see that our hard work, attention to detail, packaging, quality, and value of our shoes is being recognized."

Creative Child Magazine Award Program has all products reviewed by moms, moms-to-be and child educators. Participants are asked to sit and review all products individually so that each product is given multiple reviews. Forms are to include written comments and a score value based on criteria that corresponds to the product's category to establish award winner. Only one "Seal of Excellence of the Year" winner is given per category.

Socks: Sets of six in an adorable gift box with ribbon handle, sets of three in clear gift box with ribbon bow or individuals. More than 17 sets or 30 individual designs to chose from. Also 6 different designs 3 pack are available. All cotton blends, fits most 0-12 months babies. Set of six pairs wholesale for $9.50, set of three pairs wholesale $7.00 and singles for $2.00.

About Bibi & Mimi;
Located in New York City, NY, Bibi & Mimi is a newborn in the baby industry. Founded in January 2007 by CG Gurkan, the company which started with a single one-piece design has blossomed and now offers baby gifts, accessories, shoes, socks, apparel, leg warmers and diaper bags. First adored by local stores in NY, now enjoys a great following in retailers around the country and the world. High quality, innovative design, comfort and unique packaging of soft-soled leather shoes, socks and one-piece made Bibi & Mimi one of the fastest growing brands in the baby industry. For more information on how Bibi & Mimi can fit into your publishing schedule, please call (718)383-1452 or visit www.bibiandmimi.com

Top Pick --- So Smart! (plus a giveaway, well 5 giveaways!)

The multiple award - winning So Smart! brand has become one of our favorites when it comes time to entertain our children, especially when making a conference call. In 1997, Alexandra Tornek, an early childhood researcher and artist collaborated with her husband, a media producer to make the simple stories, adorable characters, and catchy songs come alive!

What makes So Smart! so great? Many little things.

We found that when watching So Smart! dvds they even engage the youngest of babes with their simple images, bright colors and classical music – but still will occupy your toddler and older siblings.

We loved the slow, easy-to-follow pace that encourages your child to interact and participate by clapping, dancing, laughing or “talking”. The specially-selected classical music or original music scores are not just enjoyable for little ones but relaxing for parents too! And the adorable characters and original artwork are engaging for the appropriate age group.

With over 20 DVDs ($15.99) to choose from for babies to ages 3 and up you have plenty to watch! Here are our top picks:

Baby’s First Word Stories: The brand-new DVD line from So Smart! is created especially for 1 to 3 years olds who are beginning to explore the rich world of language. In these DVDs, So Smart! friends Edward, Iggy, Larry and Dee Dee will first introduce little ones to simple words, and then build sentences and stories around them. We found we were pushing repeat quite often when it came time to watch HOUSE and PETS.

Baby’s Beginnings: These bright, bold DVDs provide babies 6 months and up with an exciting introduction to the world around them. They are each filled with gentle animation, soothing music, and engaging imagery. Our fave? Letters.

King Otis and the Kingdom of Goode: For those young children ages 3+ you learn valuable life lessons like sharing, respect and patience through catchy songs, lovable characters and captivating stories. Make sure you check out all the titles.

The So Smart! award-winning classical CD collection ($6.99) was a big hit too! The baby music collection is performed by live, world-class symphony orchestras. We suggest taking a listen to all three – playtime, sleepytime, and cartime!

So Smart! will quickly become a favorite for you and your little ones. Can’t wait to get shopping? So Smart! is giving our readers an exclusive discount on your entire order from SoSmart.com (offer valid util 12/23/09) so get shopping! Code:Cupcake

In the meantime we are giving FIVE lucky readers a chance to start their own So Smart! library!

Giveaway Details: Enter our giveaway to win your own So Smart! DVD of choice!

So Smart! is giving 5 lucky readers a chance to start their own So Smart! library. All you have to do is visit So Smart! here and comment below by telling us what DVD title your little one would LOVE! Then take a quick second to become a fan of So Smart on Facebook by clicking here. As always make sure you are a Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles follower too!

*All comments must be received by Friday December 11th, at 11:59 EST. The winners will be chosen randomly and emailed the following day. Open to U.S. residents only.*

TravelKiddy Exclusive Promo in Honor of Our New Blog!

In honor of our newly launched blog, Sprinkles the lovely and kind owner of TravelKiddy is giving an exclusive discount for our readers!

From now until December 12th, you can receive 10% off your order with coupon code CUPCAKE10!

All TravelKiddy products make perfect gifts for the holiday especially for those planning to travel!

In case you missed it check out our review on Cupcake Mag and Sprinkles just a few weeks ago to find out just why we LOVE TravelKiddy!

Don’t delay, start shopping today – just click here. Don’t forget to check out the TravelKiddy blog for great travel tips too!

TOP TEN FROM ALEX TOYS

With the holiday season in full swing we wanted to give you a heads up on what is hot this season from Alex Toys. From your babe to your tike to your creative child with a great imagination – we wanted to make sure you have everything you need under the tree.

Ready, Set, School: For those who love to be creative the skill building set ($29.99) for pre-school children is full of fun and activities that will last for hours. The 15 pages of learning fun with stickers, drawing, cutting and stencils is perfect to pull out on a rainy day or to play school with your child. We loved the easy wipe away learning pads complete with wipe away marker. Teach your child to tie with tie my shoe lacing. Scissors and stackable finger crayons are also included.

My Wall Easel: A perfect addition to any play room – the hanging easel ($64.99) turns any wall into a workspace or display area for your child’s art. It includes a paper roll, safety cutter, and four multicolored cups to keep your paint and supplies organized. Your artist will just adore this easel. We also love the fact that is comes already assembled and ready to use!

Mix, Stack & Farm: This is a great toy for your tot and the price is right – only $14.99. As your little one stacks the pieces to create a scene they are taught simple identification and counting while improving manual dexterity. The nine chunky, double sided wooden beads complete with a wooden base is a must have for your toddler. Check out the Mix, Stack & Splash and Mix, Stack & Beep! All are sure to be a hit.

First Snaps: The brightly colored, textured snaps ($17.99) with faces make for a great push pull motor skill game for infants. They can be tucked away in a stackable jar for easy storage. Our little ones were entertained for hours!

My Giant Floor Puzzle: With many awards under its belt we can see why it is a big hit. The 36” soft round mat ($32.99) is also a giant 17-piece floor puzzle. The puzzle pieces are big and simple making it easy for children to learn and put them together.

Round The Farm: Until now, we really didn’t know balls could be so cute. We love how you learn motor skills through catching, rolling and grabbing the super soft toy ($26.99). Roll the ball around and you hear the sounds from ‘Round The Farm’ as it features four farm animals in one. As you press the right ear of each animal you child learns their sound – Bark! Meow! Oink! Ribbit!

Sew Fun: We just can’t say enough GREAT things about this product as you discover the delights of sewing with this EASY to use sewing machine ($69.99) - perfect size for little hands. Be creative by making your own clothes and accessories as it comes with everything you need to start sewing right away! We were shocked by how simple it was to use – completely hassle free. It features adjustable stitch lengths, easy drop-in bobbin and two speeds that allow a safe and easy introduction for young sewers. The sewing machine is super lightweight and portable – it can easily be carried from room to room to find your inspiration to sew. You can use the included AC adapter or battery operated. It all easily tucks into a carrying case for perfect storage. Try making your own wrap around skirt with the 2 yards of floral fabric and ribbon trim included.

Spiffy Spa: The complete pedicure and slipper decorating kit ($21.99) for your little one who loves style. Decorate a pair of slippers with precut felt shapes that slip on over buttons. With 30 shapes included, 3 bottles of kid-friendly nail polish, 2 toe separators, over 100 nail stickers and a nail file – your girly girl is sure to have a good time.

My Art Case: This goes perfect with My Art Easel! Your artist can get to work with everything they need in one place. My Art Case ($19.99) includes 12 crayons, 12 colored pencils, 18 broad tip markers, 18 watercolors, 24 oil pastels, paintbrush, glue, scissors, white paint, ruler, pencil, erase, sharpener and sponge. It is great to carry on the go too!

Sweetheart Café: Little girls will love this 40-piece Let’s Play Restaurant set ($34.99) with lots of pretend plastic food for serving. They will love the convenient carrying case for take-me-along fun. They will have lots of fun dressing up with the waitress apron and hat. The guest check pad & pencils, credit cards, menus, cloth napkins, place mats, plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons are included for hours of pretend play.

For those who aren't familiar with ALEX – we wanted to give you a little background.

About ALEX (taken from Alex Toys website)

ALEX's mission is to provide children with quality creative products that foster personal expression and build self-esteem. The best children's activities provide lots of fun and they open a child's mind to new skills, new ideas and new worlds. We started ALEX in 1986 with a line of high quality basic arts and crafts products for children. Over the years, ALEX has grown and today produces over 1,000 items in expanded categories of toys: imaginative and dramatic play, fashion and jewelry, whimsical children’s furniture, Rub A Dub® and Tub Tunes® bath toys, ALEX Little Hands® preschool products and ALEX Jr.®, developmental, plush and bath toys for baby! Our attention to quality and design has not gone unnoticed. Many ALEX products have received the most prestigious honors in the industry including over 300 awards from toy review organizations and leading consumer magazines. ALEX products are currently sold in over 80 countries worldwide in the upscale specialty market through a myriad of retail stores, catalogs and websites. ALEX is a lifestyle. ALEX helps start children on a lifetime of learning and discovery. It all begins with a brushstroke... It all begins with ALEX!