psychoPEDIA: Daily News

January 15, 2008

Shop Guide: Baby Gifts
From the Functional to the Frivolous, What to Buy a Mother-to-Be

With everyone from Nicole Ritchie and Jessica Alba, to Lily Allen and Britney’s little sis boasting a bun in the oven (not to mention high-grossing films like Juno and Knocked-Up showcasing the lighter side of accidental pregnancy), there is no shortage of expectant mothers in the media. While being pregnant has seemingly never been so fashionable, that doesn’t mean shopping for a mother-to-be is easy.

Considering spring is filled with baby showers and births, psychoPEDIA figured it prime time we focused a shop guide on a slightly younger set: newborns. From designer accessories to attractive, yet functional furniture, here is a breakdown of our favorite affordable and (arguably) excessive baby gifts:

Trust Fund Baby Cashmere Hoodie ($189)
The epitome of excess, this Trust-Fund-Baby brand cashmere hoodie is a gift that won’t soon be forgotten. With a hood lined in rabbit fur, the high-end take on the traditional sweatsuit staple is as cozy as baby clothes come. While the price tag may seem a bit high for something a baby is bound to grow out of in a few months, just remember it’ll make for an incredible hand-me-down. It may also mark the first time parents will want to borrow their kids’ clothes.

Hermes Lambskin Booties ($200)
What could possibly top off a Trust-Fund-Baby hoodie? Hermes booties, of course. Made in lambskin and far from your average kiddie slip-on, these shoes are as likely to stop traffic as make any sartorially savvy mom’s day. So if you’re into spending a little more for a truly unforgettable gift, why not go Hermes? Or, if your baby-bearing friends are a bit more bling-y, check out Dior’s slightly more modestly priced metallic leather sneakers ($145). Not into couture-inspired kids clothes? The do-gooder footwear mavens at Tom's Shoes sell children’s kicks ($38) in addition to those for adults. While the simplicity of these espadrille flats are enough to pique most parents' attention, the fact that for each shoe purchased Tom’s Shoes will send another pair to a South American child in need is just icing on the cake.

Peekaru Original Vest ($79.95)
Looking for more feel-good gift options? Don’t miss this slightly bizarre looking fleece vest. Made from 85% recycled fleece (each one keeps approximately 25 plastic bottles from reaching landfills), the Peekaru Original Vest makes a great gift for any environmentally conscious parent on the go. Available in a handful of solid colors, this vest zips over a soft baby carrier, allowing moms and dads to keep both their baby and themselves simultaneously cozy and secure.

Baby Bling Sippy Cup ($175)
Speaking of bling, when it comes to unique baby gifts, few things come close to this Rhinestone Sippy Cup. Embellished with Swarovski crystals, which are all encased inside an acrylic plastic cover for easily handling, this keepsake silver-plated cup is not for actual use. Regardless, it’ll no doubt put a smile on the face of any recipient. Looking to complete your Swarovski-encrusted set? Check out these novelty spoons ($17.00 each), just as blingin’ and available in a variety of colors.

Bella Mama Body Butter & Pregnant Belly Oil ($24 each)
Excluding concern for her baby’s wellbeing, a mother’s worst nightmare is, without a doubt, stretch marks. No matter how excited one is about new motherhood, sacrificing one’s body to the cause is never easy. Therein lies the genius of Bella Mama’s Body Butter and Belly Oil. A favorite with A-list moms like Kate Hudson and Gwen Stefani, this rich cream and spray are perfect for helping mother’s maintain the health of their skin.
*For more miracle cream: check out Greek-based brand Sponge. The company’s tried-and-true Jambes Lourdes leg cream ($110) has proven to help remedy dry skin, blotchiness, and stretch marks.

DaBib Oversized Bib ($12.99)
If there’s one essential baby accessory every parent-to-be can appreciate, it’s an oversized bib. Less mess equals less stress; not to mention you can land these bibs in eye-catching prints for a very reasonable price. Check out DaBib for a variety of super-sized options. Choose DaBib’s Hugs style, which comes with a terry cloth front, waterproof back, “scrunch neckline” and reversible crumb catcher; or try Giggles style, which boasts all of the same embellishments plus a waterproof front.

Handmade Knits Baby Blanket ($59.95 + shipping and handling)
A hand-knit baby blanket is as classic a baby shower gift as any. And, considering the art of knitting seems to have gone out of style, it’s increasingly rare. Thanks to Handmade Knits' customizable baby blankets, now you can give the one-of-a-kind gift without having to pick up a needle or thread. Just order your blanket and allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. And, you can tell your pregnant friend where the blanket came from, or stay mum and take all the credit.

*Just in time for the presidential primaries comes Babesta’s politically charged onesies and baby tees ($20). Perfect for any left-leaning parent-to-be; now’s there’s just the question of Hillary or Barack…

*Want to keep up-to-date on all the latest in baby apparel and accessories? Check Celebrity Baby Blog.




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