Gifted Gift Giving for the Younger Set

Monday, October 26, 2009

Name in Lights


I want to reiterate strongly that I am not a fan of the monogram. I've always found them stuffy and silly in virtually any permutation. But when it comes to kids, all bets are off: they need to develop a love for letters, especially their own.

And what could be a better (and sneakier) way to throw a little ABC into their little lives than through this fabulous light fixture? Created by artist (NOT actress) Amy Adams, each little light shines a different letter of your choice. You could suspend these in a corner, with a lone first initial. You could spell out a three letter name in a staggered arrangement (for cost purposes, I wouldn't recommend anything longer). Or, you could go for the simple ABC, CAT or DOG. So many lighting options!

The light's bisque color also gives you tons of latitude in terms of kiddie decor. Check out the letter light at www.rompstore.com. At $110.00 each, these lights aren't exactly cheap, but what price would you place on literacy, anyway?

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Sleeping in the Fall Foliage


Fall is a great time to do an overhaul on the little details at home, like pillow sham colors, sheets and accessories. And if your kid (or a kid you know and particularly like) needs new sheets, may I suggest these for the fall season and beyond?

Fact is, I loathe most "kids'" bedding. It's usually a themed disaster, merely a marketing tool at worst, or a juvenile visual cacophony at best. But these are modernist, classy, and boast some staying power. Boodalee's "In the Trees" sheet set is a simple wood grain print on lovely crisp bedding. It's fairly unisex, mostly because it's orange, a color that mixes equally well with blue, brown, or even pink (for the ecologically minded girly-girl). And because these are "good" sheets, as opposed to those pilled-up, threadbare messes from bargain stores, they'll actually last as long as good sheets should (which, depending on child-level punishment, could mean years of use).

You can find "In the Trees" at www.velocityartanddesign.com. And if, for some reason, orange doesn't float the decor boat, they have many other kiddie bedding choices, none of which are lame.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Send In the Clown


So you must remember this toy. The Bozo bop bag, in all its ugly glory. And oh, it is an ugly thing, but some toys become classics for a reason.

Because, let's face facts: you can teach the kid non-violence all day long, but every once in a while, they really need to cut loose on something. That something might as well be Bozo. First because he's a clown (I really, really HATE clowns; they're nastier than any monster), and second because this is harmless good fun. Bozo bounces back. Bozo takes no offense. Bozo takes all the abuse. And, once the kids have gone to bed, you can whale on Bozo's indestructible frame, too. Wow, good fun for the kids and therapy for you, all for under thirty bucks (well, maybe a little more, since you might want to spring for an electric pump to plump Bozo up to fighting form).

Summon Bozo into your life by going to www.backtobasicstoys.com. And the next time your child is beyond frustration, just send in the clown.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Wild Thing


Not only is Halloween rapidly approaching, but the movie "Where the Wild Things Are" is finally ready for release. When these two things collide, your child's "Max Suit" is born.

Take, for instance, this Canis Lupus ear warmer. It's warm and furry and obviously very wolfy. In fact, when paired with a white union suit, it could approximate a Max outfit, but with a ton of panache. Although the ear warmer is around 30 bucks or so, a union suit is cheap (and anyway, have you gotten a look at costume prices these days? Who's making them, Versace?).

One of the great things about this item is that it goes way beyond Halloween, into the longer term world of the make believe, or even where wild things still tread. Check it out at www.etsy.com.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Sailed Into Town For Candy


Ah, Halloween. The magic night approaches. And are you prepared? If your little boy still doesn't have a costume, here's one that might float his boat.

Say an ahoy to this sailor costume. It's so cute. The adorable blue jumpsuit (so easy) includes a slightly muscular torso appropriate for a deck swabber. The little cap perches rakishly on his head. And that's it. No fancy makeup to apply, no sweaty body begging for a hydration IV halfway through your candy route. It's military, which might appease your tyke, but boasts no guns, camouflage, or war insignia, which might appease you. Who doesn't like a guy who's in town for a little fun, or a lot of sweet candy haul?

Plus, this costume might get repeat wear in the dress up pile. What could be better? Find it at www.costumersupercenter.com. It's a great way to take him on the town.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

These Boots Were Made for Abuse


I don't know about you, but in this household we have a serious problem with children's shoes. No, it's not the fashion touches, the colors or the fit. It's the fact that, within about two weeks, my daughter can reduce a perfectly respectable pair of shoes to a demoralized, shredded mess.

I honestly don't know what little kids do to footwear; I suspect they carry their own tiny garbage compactors around and run their footwear through it daily. Luckily, with these Timberland Asphalt Trail boots, I think I've managed to stop the Shoe Shredder in her tracks. Hopefully, these extremely sturdy motorcycle-ish boots would fit the bill for your hard walker as well. The soles are thick and impervious to wear. The leather is a bit stiff, and of the kind that actually looks better with a few scratches and scuffs. Yet, they're still stylish enough to match with a cute dress, tuck skinny jeans into, or pair with leggings and a tunic. I think these Timberlands walk all over those fancier European shoe brands, with their fey suede appliques and delicate sensibilities (you know who you are).

At about $90, the Timberland Asphalt Trail boots aren't exactly cheap. But having to buy replacement pairs every two months would cut deeply into your monthly nut, too. Just imagine: a single pair of boots per season. Try living the dream and order a pair at www.zappos.com.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Lady Made in the Shade


Sometimes, when searching for appropriate girl gifts, it's really handy to have an actual girl on hand to vote yay or nay.

Take, for instance, this very lovely "Bohemian" parasol. At first glance, it looks like something any little girl would love. It completely adds a new element to her dress up routine. It shades the sun from her little face. A grouping of them (priced at $24/each, actually affordable) could be arranged as a makeshift creative shelter. And each and every parasol is different from the colors to the patterns. After much perusal, I showed this find to my discriminating little girl tester, and she confirmed its brilliance. Now, of course, she wants one (indeed, she's having delusions of grandeur and thinking she's "Head Tadpole").

Order the parasol for any little girl and watch her squeal with delight. Just don't let her sing in the rain with it; it isn't waterproof. Available in all its multicolored glory at www.wisteria.com.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Baby Art That Endures




It's not often that I repeat a blog entry, but since this item was featured on Find A Toad months ago and this is Find A Tadpole, I decided to make an exception. Meet the baby shower or first time baby visit gift that's completely unexpected and original: artist Susan Arena's print series, Joseph's Alphabet.

Arena is a working artist in Los Angeles, educated at Harvard and Yale with many shows under her belt. Her Alphabet was inspired by the birth of her son (and also inspired by simple practicality: it's easier to work on many smaller pieces than huge ones when you're a first-time mom). Each letter boasts a visual representation done "Arena style," with whimsy, humor, and just a little bit of delightful creepiness. Order one which corresponds with the Baby's first name, and I guarantee you have yourself a winning gift. This is real art that can hang in a nursery (or on the kid's bedroom door as she grows), for years to come.

I've posted a couple examples of her work here, but really you should hit her site at www.susanarena.com to have a look at the entire series. If you really like the Baby in question, you could even spring for the entire Joseph's Alphabet as an art/educational investment. Check it out! It sure beats handing over another "receiving" blanket.