Do you remember those first few days of summer vacation when you were little? Those mornings when you were so happy you didn’t have to get up and get ready for school–that you could stay in bed and sleep in? Those were the best. That why we love the idea of giving her a little summer-vacation present: a lovely set of pretty sheets. This Simply Shabby Chic True Blue Stripe Sheet Set is ideal.
We are in love with the Simply Shabby Chic collection. Everything from sheets and bedskirts to bookcases and comforters. The 100% cotton, 250 thread-count sheets are cozy-soft–but can withstand multiple washings. The light stripe print isn’t overpowering and the bright but subdued color adds a dose of cheer. They’re the kind of patterns that can take her into her teens–no baby themes here! And at a reasonable $39.99 for the set, you’ll get your money’s worth. Bonus: They’ll work equally well in a guest bedroom and will work with almost any decor.
The quickest way to becoming the favorite mom in the neighborhood? One word: Popsicles. Every kid loves them. And if you’re a culinary master (or experimenter), why not try making your own this summer? I personally have attempted and succeeded at some fab strawberry slushy popsicles. And “kitchen underachiever” is an understatement, so if I can do it, so can you. Step 1: pick up some fun popsicle molds.
The classic ring pop gets a cool makeover with the Tovolo Freezer Jewels. Each set includes six individual popsicle molds that come in fun, different gem shapes and a base that helps keep your pops in place, preventing any tips and spills while in the freezer.
Make your own push-up pops with these Kinderville silicone sleeves. The tapered design allows the popsicle to be pushed to the top to enjoy, and the fluted rim helps any residual liquid go back into the mold and not over little hands. Less mess! (Hopefully…)
P.S. Looking for inspiration–or just some dependable pop ideas? Check out recipe book, Pops! Icy Treats For Everyone.
Along with the bathing suit, a good cover-up should be part of the fun-in-the-sun arsenal. In addition to the sunscreen, towel, flippers, goggles, and other assorted toys, a cover-up should also make the list. When an hour in the pool turns into an all-afternoon event, tossing a cover-up on will lessen sun exposure and risk of sunburn. We found a cute options that we’d wear, if they came in our size.
This Xhilaration Kaftan Coverup ($9.99) is a steal! It has a Tory Burch, Miami-Beach designer feel, and the lightweight cotton is perfect to protect delicate skin. It comes in magenta and turquoise; we’d scoop up one in each color now before they sell out.
This terry Fire & Nice Coverup ($38) will dry her off and keep her fashionable all in one. The chevron pattern and three-quarter-length sleeves are, shall we say, stylish? Oui. Very French Riviera.
Looking for fabulous swimwear options? Consider our recent post, “Alternatives To the Skimpy Bikini.”
Maybe it’s our fascination with the Wild West. Maybe it’s that we really need a ranch vacation. Whatever the reason, we’re currently obsessed with the rough-and tumble Western horse trend. We’ve found it on everything from shorts and rompers to the end all be all: the Mustang bed. What a perfect bed for either a boy or a girl. Add calico bedding for a boy (red or blue would work) or a soft pink for a girl’s room. Absolute perfection.
No need to stop at the furniture for wild horse-themed products.
These Soffe Horse Shorts are a steal at $8.99. Super soft and comfortable, they’ll easily become a summer staple.
These Sara’s Prints pajamas are too adorable to pass up. Even though summer has officially arrived, long-sleeved PJs are a year-round essential.
Real leather for $15? Yes. And it’s also awesome, super-cool leather. We predict your little guy will love these “Jumpshot” sneakers from The Children’s Place. And here are a few reasons you’ll love them just as much: the genuine leather, perforated for breezy comfort; a cushioned footbed has anti-bacterial treatment to keep his feet fresh; the non-marking resin rubber outsole has texturing for traction.
Originally $25, these have come down a cool 40%. So even if back-to-school shopping if far, far out of your mind (you have to get them out of school, first!), these might be worth going to that place in your mind for two minutes and scooping up a pair now before they’re all gone.
Tip: I’m actually considering picking up a pair for my 2.5 year old daughter. These would look pretty great on a girl, too. Can’t you see them with a tutu or flouncy skirt and little graphic tee or even a sundress? (Magic fairy wand optional.) She can tear up the playground just as well as the boys can, Right?
We love the bright colors and imaginative characters on every piece of Baby Einstein equipment. From the Discovery and Play Activity Center (an infant essential) to books and teething toys, this brand has gotten infant toys right.
From the age of five months until she was over one year old, my daughter loved her Einstein activity center. there are a few options, with varying price points, but we went for the standard/basic model and we definitely got our money’s worth. She bounced, spun, and wiggled in it every day. In fact, at 2 years old, she still tried to climb into them when she sees them at friends’ houses or at our neighborhood playspace.
We also dressed up our infant car seat and stroller with various teething toys. (We had a handful and swapped them every few weeks to keep things interesting.) She loved the textures and cheery smiling faces. The crinkly animal ears and squeaky wings were just as entertaining as the nubby feet were delicious.
Bonus: they’re durable enough to hang on to for baby #2. Should that ever happen.
We all like the idea of the baby food pouch. It’s easier to take on-the-go. It’s easier to store. Plum Organics is, as you can tell from the name, organic. What’s not to like? Well, up until now, the fear of “pouch squeeze.” Similar to the unfortunate “juice-box squeeze,” the pouch problem occurs when said contents are forced out of the container. On to you. And/or the baby you’re trying to feed. It stinks. And with grabby hands, it’s virtually impossible to avoid.
Fortunately Boon has partnered with Plum Organics to offer a screw-on food-dispensing spoon. It creates a controlled flow of baby food and makes one-handed feeding a breeze (for all you multitaskers out there). Now your pint-sized gourmet can enjoy flavors such as apple-carrot, pear-mango, and pumpkin-banana. (You’ll love this baby food, btw: It’s contains no high fructose corn syrup, no trans fats, no artificial ingredients, and comes in BPA-free packaging.)
It’s dishwasher safe and recommended for 6+ months. See, now everyone’s happy!
You can’t deny it: a baby in a romper is cute. When the rompers themselves are adorable, and then you pair them with a chubby little girl, it will melt you. Little rolls spilling out from a bubble of fabric? Absolutely irresistible. This summer, Baby Gap rompers are absolutely beyond adorable. The fabrics are light and airy, the shapes are easy, and the patterns and colors are a sweet-stylish combo. Here, a few of our favorites.
Floral smocked one-piece, $27
Sunburst Printed Romper, $25
Metallic Striped Bubble Romper, $23
And let me tell you: When your little one had long outgrown these summer pieces and you find them packed away after a year or two, it’ll make you want another. I recently visited my father’s house, which has become the repository for all outgrown clothing. And every time I visit, I go through it. I love remembering. But when I get to that summer wardrobe, I want another one asap–not another romper, another child. That’s just how powerful The Romper can be!
Sure, Dora is great. But do you really want her splashed all over everything? There is a time and a place for “the Explorer,” and we happen to think the bedroom is not one of those places. We like to think of a girl’s bedroom as a quiet, serene space. Which is why we immediately think of Serena & Lily when our friends ask for decorating tips.
Serena & Lily Scallop Queen Sheet Set
Serena & Lily Penny Dot Sheet Set
The design aesthetics are to die for–strikingly adult patterns in soft color palettes–that we wish we’d had as kids. And as expected, the thread counts are way up there, the quality is top of the line. These versatile sets even pinch-hit as guest room bedding if last-minute guests come calling.
Serena & Lily Mosiac Sheet Set
We can see bedding sets like these as the kind that grow with your little girl, stretching into teenage territory. Because Dora’s just a phase…hopefully.
When we heard that high-end fashion designer (and mom) Stella McCartney was designing a children’s line for Gap, we got all excited. Gap’s clothing is great to begin with; add an awesome designer and who knows how good it could get. Well, we found out last fall, with the arrival of little band jackets and tulip dresses. Almost everything sold out immediately. McCartney added a spring line, and it has been equally sweet and stylish. But fortunately for us, a number of pieces have been placed on sale. So while we didn’t love the kind-of high price tags that originally accompanied the line, the sale prices make it worth it. The sale items make the beautifully constructed pieces totally worth it.
Here are a few of are favorite pieces and deals for both boys and girls, tots and babies:
Anchor Sweater Dress is 50% off: now $40. She will be beyond cool.
Raglan Tee is 11% off: now $25. For that awesome little boy in your life.
Crochet Shift Dress is 56% off: now $30. So adorable.
Sweater Leggings are 29% off: now $20. Save up for next fall!
Shop for Stella McCartney on sale at the Gap.
