Big Kid Gifts

As your kids start getting a bit older, the birthday party invitations start rolling in. One year, two years, three years... but what to take? You don't want to gift the same thing everyone else is giving. So, here are a few ideas! You can find them all in the shop right now, but don't forget to check out our gifts online, too!

Lollacup is perfect for toddlers, with the weighted straw, easy open/close, and excellent leak-proof mechanism! Plus, it's super cute.

Nightlights in general are a great gift. Speaking as a parent, you can never have too many, and the ones from Oopsy Daisy are super cute!

Speaking of nightlights, don't forget the Twilight Turtle - he's adorable. Both a friend and a nightlight, kids can watch the stars until they fall asleep - and he's so portable he's great for vacations, too!

A new addition to the store, the Mini Micro scooter works for young toddlers on up to age 5 or older!

Books are always a great gift, of course...

This Press Here book? Is about the cutest thing I've ever seen. Try it. You'll like it.

Don't forget the puzzles - great for toddlers!

The magnetic shapes are great for any age - I still love spelling words on the refrigerator :)

Do not forget these sweet backpacks! They come in all sorts of adorable little animals, and they're great for any age child! Not just for school, little ones can put their toys in, pull them around on the wheels - and they do carry school books just as well!

Big Kid Birthday?

Some of our kids aren't really babies anymore, and as they transition past babyhood and toddlerhood and into the pre-school and elementary years, birthday parties become a little less about parents celebrating survival of a year (or another year) of parenthood, and a little more about our not-so-babies! So, how can we do this without creating a debacle we never want to try again? Here are a few tips from seasoned moms:

• Less. Just- less. I spent more than I needed to on things that didn't matter, and that the kids didn't notice. (Nancy, mom of a 5 year old)
• When you are expecting 20 people and you go to order food, do not order enough for 50 people! (Cathy, mom of 2)

Ever is 3! What a big girl!

• Make sure to plan for unscheduled play time. Don't have everything scheduled out. Make sure you allow/expect time for the kids to just play and be kids because in the end, that is what they will do anyway. (Janet, mom of a 15 year old and a 5 year old)
• Pick a place that does everything for you (food, goodie bags, etc.) It costs about the same with no clean up. (Nina, mom of 2)

These pennant banners are so cute and so popular!

• When planning a party pick a theme and colors that will coordinate. It is much easier to plan around the party and get ideas on Pinterest. If you can, get a friend or hire a photographer to take pics for you so you don't have to stress about pictures. If you are going to make things yourself, do it little by little because you don't want to be stressing the day before the party with party preparations. (Vanessa, mom of 2)
• Do themed gifts or ask party-goers to donate to a child's favorite charitable cause. The kids glow knowing they've done something for someone else. Decorate a small space, so it looks very "done up" in pictures,and take pictures in the decorated spot. This saves a lot of headache! If you're buying table cloths, use plain colors so they can be reused. Plain colored paper products, too. If you don't want the trouble of serving a meal, schedule your party right after a meal time. (Nickie, mom of twin 5 year olds)

Ever's first big girl party

• If you are going to do a "loot" or "goodie" bag, keep it simple. A little book is nice. (Tabitha, mom of a five year old)
• It's tempting to invite more, but to avoid meltdowns, limit the number of friends to the child's age. (Mary, mom of 4)

Don't forget to check our Pinterest board for birthday ideas, too!

Best Baby Shower Gifts

Do you have a baby shower coming up? How about a Bris? Maybe just a friend or acquaintance who is expecting? Or you're going to visit the baby for the first time? So many times you might want a gift! And what to do? There is so much out there, and you really want something unique and fun. Maybe she's registered with us, maybe you really just want to get something nobody else will get. Either way, come on in and let us help you find the perfect gift!

Spring has sprung, and in Bethesda that means it's totally time for the preppy, summery baby things to come out! Check out our current favorites:

 Stripes are in right now, and Toobydoo does stripes like nobody else. Their classic sailor look is so cool, and just right for a little girl or boy.

 The Cushy Closer keeps you from waking baby by opening or closing a door - the elastic bands means it fits over any size door, and the wide variety of patterns means it fits with your decor, too!

Egg Baby by Susan Lazar is a favorite in the spring - their Winter things are cute, but the little rompers? Just the sweetest!

 If you're wondering about the lightest, softest, sweetest, most popular swaddles, look no further than Aden & Anais. Their muslin swaddle blankets are just the right size and they're perfect for swaddling, draping over strollers or car seats, laying down for tummy time, and super absorbent!

 Which lovey will become a child's favorite? That's always a difficult question, but you wouldn't believe the number of times a mom has come in, panicking, because her child's Angel Dear lovey was missing! Which, obviously, tells us one thing... you definitely need one.

And now for something completely different! We're now carrying Ajalor shoes - these sweet little handmade soft sole shoes can be dressy or casual, and they're just the thing for a stylish babe! Come in and check them out!

Don't forget that we gift wrap - that sweet ducky with the ribbons? Daisy Baby! And of course, we can always ship for you. We'll get the gift sent via priority mail within one day! So even if you're shopping last minute for a friend in NYC - we're here for you. Just make sure you have the address, and leave the rest to us!

Spring Fashion for Moms

Hello beautiful mamas! Guess what? We have an event soon with the fabulous Lani Inlander of Real Life Style - 8 Pieces Every Mom Must Have! In that vein, Lani has agreed to do a guest post for us - Spring Fashion just for you!

Why You Should Go Shopping (and what to buy!)

One of the most frequent fashion conundrums I'm asked about is whether or not to buy new clothes during transition times - such as after pregnancy, or when you've gained a few pounds from stress. It is natural to think you would be wasting money by purchasing new clothes when you think you will fit back into your "regular" clothes within a few months. This would be a mistake. You are actually wasting time not feeling good about yourself when you DON'T buy yourself some new clothes. Lest you think I'm being extravagant, I have a strategy for you!

1. KEEP IT CHEAP AND CHEERFUL. Shop at stores like H&M, Old Navy and The Gap, where you can get the most fashion for your money.

2. BUY WHAT YOU LOVE. If your post-baby belly is making you blue, cheer yourself up with a bright top or scarf. Yes, you should get a basic black and white tee, but you should also get a hot pink striped one if that is going to keep you excited to get dressed each morning.

3. MAKE IT FLEXIBLE. Boxier tops will still look good with skinny jeans when you are skinnier, a cotton maxi skirt will shrink with you, and a scarf always fits!

4. INVEST IN ACCESSORIES. Wearing good shoes, a pricier bag, and an expensive pair of earrings will up the perceived value of any outfit. And best of all, they'll always fit!

5. GO FOR THE TRENDS. If you aren't spending much you can reasonably assume the clothes won't last forever, so why not embrace the trends this season? Trends exist to keep us excited about shopping and buying new clothes. Go with it!

Taking the Trends Home

Speaking of trends, here is a sampling of the latest trends for Spring/Summer 2014 and how you can take them home.

Sport Chic: If you love to stay comfy in sweatshirts and yoga pants, this will be your favorite trend. Imagine your favorite pair of sweatpants made out of a slouchy crepe material that glides over your legs and tapers at the ankle. Picture the running sneaker and the forever-loved Birkenstock making a huge fashion comeback. Sounds too good to be true? It is if you don’t do it right! When shopping for this trend you’ll want to make sure that your track pants and hoodies are fitted and not frumpy. Look for a leather sports sandal to replace your Adidas slide and a leather hoodie vest to wear over your cotton terry sweatshirt. The key to looking put-together in Sport chic is fit and fabric. You have to throw some luxury in there and nothing can look or fit too sloppily. 

Key Piece: The sneaker. Fashionistas are now reaching for their Nike Frees over their Manolo Blahniks. Pair your sneakers with jeans and a casual blazer for a totally on-trend outfit.

 

Nike Free - these are so trendy right now!

Ethnic Elements: Vogue called this spring the “season of maximal embellishment.” When looking at the runways of Emilio Pucci and Valentino, this couldn’t be more accurate. These designers covered their clothes with beaded accents and fringed hems, taking inspiration from a number of different cultures. It’s all about mixing and matching different prints and textures that inspire you. A kimono jacket with wide sleeves may speak to you, so pair it with tribal printed pants. The combinations are endless. 

Key Piece: Anything with a bold print. Whether that be a fun pair of shoes to wear with a little black dress or an embellished jacket, your key piece should be something that stands out and makes you feel good.

 

A piece from Emilio Pucci's Spring 2014 collection

Painterly Prints: Clothes are taking the shape of paint palettes this spring with prints inspired by works of art. Think stripes, swipes, graffiti, and watercolor florals in the colors that work for you. Michelle Obama was recently spotted at New York’s New Museum wearing her brushstroke skirt with a burgundy long-sleeve top and tall black boots.  If it’s good enough for the First Lady, it’s good enough for me! 

Key Piece: A Watercolor Skirt or Dress. This trend is elegant and beautiful and you’ll want to wear it for your next special occasion.

 

Michelle Obama in the brushstroke skirt

Pastels: These shades inspired by Jordan almonds are the perfect spring colors. Yellow, mint, rose, lilac, and powder blue were seen on everything on the runways, from lips to purses to coats. Either throw yourself into the trend with an entire outfit of pinks and blues or contrast the candy shades against black and white for a totally chic look. 

Key Piece: A Pastel Purse. Totally wearable and stylish, you’re sure to find a purse at your budget in one of these hues. Choose to either invest in a pink leather satchel or start with an affordable mint clutch.

Louis Vuitton Biface in Magnolia

If you enjoyed reading these tips from Lani, make sure to come see us at the Mama's Night Out!