Gifts For Children

ECO-FRIENDLY GIFTS FOR KIDS

I recently discovered an Australian gift and clothing website for babies and kids that I thought was worth a mention.

Modern Little Munchkins has loads of eco-friendly and organic clothing, gifts and accessories for babies and young children. If you are looking for a gift for a new mum... or for the new baby, there's plenty to choose from. And they've got an end of year sale on at the moment (June 2009) so there are bargains to be had.

These BabyJo Bamboo blankets are a great gift and look really snuggly.

They are made from 70% organically grown bamboo fibre and 30% organic cotton. They're soft, luxurious and can be used as either a wrap for newborns, a cot blanket/throw or as a pram blanket. 

Great for warm weather in summer, as you can still wrap baby, yet know that the blanket is breathable and thermo regulating - keeping baby cooler, or use it in winter to keep the heat in and bub warm and snuggly.  There are three colours to choose from and they are a generous 90cm x 85cm.

Modern Little Munchkins also also have a great range of organic t-shirts for babies and kids, bamboo nappies, natural skincare for bub and cute swimwear.

There are loads of gift options there... especially for new parents who are keen to keep the environmental impact of their new baby to a minimum.

ORIGINAL BABY AND MATERNITY GIFTS

If you don't have time to run around finding original baby gifts or a present for the new parents, then Sprogbox may be the answer.

This UK gift company has a great selection of original and very funky baby gifts, pampering new mum gifts, treats and ideas for new dads, fabulous maternity gifts and baby shower ideas, not to mention lots of toys for toddlers, siblings and first birthday presents.

You can buy individual items or choose gifts to make up your very own personal gift box, or you can find a range of pre-packed baby gift boxes. This is VERY helpful if you are in a hurry, or if you're not sure what to buy. The huge range of contemporary and very funky baby gifts includes baby books, baby cds, designer baby clothes, baby shoes, nursery gifts, changing mats, baby blankets, bibs, baby toiletries and lots of gorgeous cuddly toys, bright rattles, baby activity toys and teethers. Their range of new baby gifts changes all the time and they regularly add original new gift ideas to their collection.

Go Belly Go maternity necklaces

GIFT IDEAS FOR GIRLS UNDER 2 Years OLD

Are you searching for an unusual or original gift for a new baby girl? Or perhaps your little princess is about to have her first birthday?  If so, you're in luck!

I've been searching for new and funky gift ideas for girls under 2 years old and here's the shortlist.

1. The Monogrammed Linen Shop do a great range of clothing and gifts for girls under 2. You can either choose one of their linen sets, which can be individually monogrammed with the baby's name or birth date. Or how about these beautiful porcelain tooth mugs. They've been hand painted in silver and would look very sweet in a baby girl's nursery.

2.  Dragons of Walton Street in the UK specialises in hand-painted wooden toys and gifts. This beech wood baby's hairbrush is a great alternative to the plastic baby brushes that you see everywhere. This original gift will be really cherished by the new parents and could even be handed down through the generations.

3. Tree House Blue has some of the cutest gifts around for girls under 2. Their soft toys are so cute, you'll want some for yourself.

Check out this Lila Mouse - a fantastic gift idea for girls under 2 year old.

And this small girl mouse is adorable as well.

There are plenty of other gift options on the website including organic baby clothing and accessories. The only dilemma you'll face is which gift to choose!

4. If you want to give clothing as a gift and are looking for something original, you can't go past Sue Hill Hand Knits. They have a great range of beautiful clothing and cashmere accessories. This jacket and hat gift set will make any little girl look like a princess.

There are lots of gorgeous gift ideas on this website, so have a good look around.

5. Cath Kidston has beautiful gifts for baby girls, such as bibs, romper suits and blankets. Her style and colour palettes are very distinctive and you can find her products in select gift shops around Australia.  Her bibs, in particular, are very hardwearing and the designs are bright and original, which will make mealtimes more enjoyable for both baby and parents.

Happy gift hunting

GIFTS FOR BABIES AND BOYS UNDER 2 YEARS OLD

There are a growing number of websites that cater for babies and children. While it gives shoppers a greater choice of gifts, it can be quite daunting to pinpoint a gift for very specific age groups - such as buying presents for girls and boys under 12.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be doing an overview of the latest gift ideas for boys and girls under 12 ..... but broken down into specific genders and age groups - to make it easier for you!

Let's start off with boys aged 0-2 years.

1. First is Pitta Patta. Their gentle range of organic skincare is so natural it's almost good enough to eat. It was developed by a naturopath - and mother - for her son. A moisturising cream or massage oil from the 'Welcome to the World' range for newborns is a great gift for a little baby boy.

2. Little boys never get tired of building blocks, wooden trains and trucks. The UK's After Noah has a large range of quality children's gifts... inlcuding a good selection of wooden toys such as this carpenters tool belt.

3. To rug up for the cooler weather, these cute Scottish cashmere baby Inca hats from Brora are charming. Brora designs give classic Scottish cashmere a contemporary twist... and their range includes a wide range of unique patterns and colours. A great gifts for boys aged 0-2 years.

4. I don't know about you, but I can't resist a cute teddy bear... and most young children (and the young at heart) have a favourite teddy. This French Histoire d'Ours Ivory Mohair Bear would be a great addition to any baby boy's room. You can also buy him in brown and he comes in his own keepsake box.

5. KIDSEN has a range of original gifts from Scandinavian designers, as well as great toys and nursery items. It's based in the UK and you can't buy online. However you can can order over the phone and they will deliver to Australia. There are lots of choices for boys aged 0-2 years... including a very stylish Automoblox C9 yellow and wood car and a selction of brightly coloured Brio wooden cars. 

All the gift websites above sell a a range of great presents for boys aged 0-2 years, so happy browsing.