Now What Baby

Beba Bean + Giveaway

2009-12-04T12:48:00.003-05:00

I recently discovered Beba Bean and instantly fell in love with their beautiful products! Their Sweater Socx are just what every little foot deserves! They do a wonderful job of keeping toes toasty and at the same time oh'so cute! Their made with 100% cotton (except the sole) and can actually be tossed in the wash! The adjustable tie at the top makes it possible to get a fit that stays put. They come in several styles and colors (the rugby is my favorite)! This would make a really cute holiday gift for a wee one, as would their bamboo swaddling. They are perfect for any season because bamboo keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. It's easy to wrap baby in it's comfort thanks to the clear instructions that are thoughtfully included. It's an eco-friendly gift that baby is sure to appreciate. You can even purchase a matching bamboo hat to add to your gift bag! Make sure when your browsing the adorable selection of items at Beba Bean you take notice of their clothing. It is so truly gorgeous. I cannot wait to have someone small enough to fit in the knits! You can save 20% when shopping at Beba Bean using the following code: NWB11/16/09

Wrap it up: Anything from this unique shop would make a beautiful present. I can picture is so sweetly packaged in a gift box with some delicate paper. You could always toss a stuffed animal inside to add to the baby appeal!
Age: 0+
Price Tag: $17+
Where to Buy: Beba Bean

One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to use at Beba Bean! To enter to win visit Beba Bean and then comment back sharing the answer to the following question: What is your favorite item from Beba Bean and why? The deadline to enter is December 16th at midnight EST. This giveaway is open to US Residents only. You can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby. Just enter your email address:

Mighty World is a mighty good toy + Giveaway!

2009-12-04T12:34:00.004-05:00

I am constantly raving about the products from Mighty World and this review is going to be no different. These toys are just impressive. The detail is impressive. The quality is impressive. The way my son loves them is impressive. We have a lot of toys. I mean a LOT of toys. It is a safe assumption to say they are pretty spoiled at our house. In addition to the products we are sent to test, they are also the only grandchildren on both sides - so you can see how we have more toys than we can handle. The amazing thing about Mighty World is that out of all those toys - they just keep coming back to it. I can guarantee that at the end of the day I will see the many, many pieces that go with each fun set spread across my living room floor. They never get bored with it and are still coming up with fresh ways to play. It's easy to continue to add to your collection and all of the sets mix so well with each other. The most recently added set to our collection is the Complete Construction Set. Again the detail makes even me think "wow". It has over 70 pieces, even scaffolding! The set comes with things like a construction truck, flatbed trailer, bobcat, cement mixer, cinder block, and the list goes on and on. While the little pieces are much to small for my youngest he loves to just play with the characters. He is usually carrying one of them around and for some reason putting them in & out of the vehicles accounts for countless hours of entertainment. This is one of those gifts they will remember!

Wrap it up: You can purchase a complete set or by the various pieces separately.
Age: 4+
Price Tag: $15.99+
Where to buy: International Playthings

One lucky reader will win their own Mighty World SUV Truck! To enter to win visit International Playthings and comment back sharing which Mighty World product is your favorite and why? The deadline to enter is December 16th at midnight EST. This giveaway is open to US Residents only. You can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby. Just enter your email address:

Beauty-ful Stocking Stuffers

2009-12-04T12:08:00.002-05:00

The options are pretty much endless when it comes to great beauty products at The Body Shop. I tried to narrow it down for you but I was only able to get it to 7 products. All of these are worthy of stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, best friend gifts, even grandmother gifts. The Define/Sparkle Liner is just right for achieving sparkling eyes. One end contains special effect mascara and the other liquid liner. The liner was easy to apply with the brush and the perfect line didn't budge all day! The Eye & Cheek Palette comes in 2 different color options and contains all that you need for a gorgeous winter look. There are 4 eye colors, 1 cheek color, a mirror, and a duo ended applicator inside each cute magnetized case. The shadow applies flawlessly and can actually be applied wet or dry (it's adds more drama when applied wet). One of my absolute favs is the Iced Body Powder!! It not only makes you face & skin have a subtle gorgeous glow but it also smells delicious and seriously tastes delicious too! The Lip Balm comes in the cutest little tins and is perfect for toting in your bag. It has a tiny hint of shimmer and it leaves your lips feeling so soft. The colder months are just the time to give your lips so extra help in the moisture department. You can get it in 3 great scents - Nutmeg & Vanilla, Black Velvet Apricot, and Merry Cranberry.
There is more to love for your lips from the Body Shop. The Shimmer Gloss is begging to be worn to all your holiday events! The light shimmer and subtle color are universally flattering. It even has a hint of Black Velvet Apricot scent and the shine is something to be marveled. The Lip & Cheek Stain works overtime keeping your cheeks and your lips looking flushed with a healthy glow. I love how quickly the gel based formula dries and how well it stays put. It's also surprisingly easy to blend and hydrating instead of drying like most stains I have used. Lastly, I am impressed with the Hi Shine Lip Treatment. It lives up to it's name and leaves your lips glimmering. The fruity scent is lovely but the non-sticky, high shine & moisture filled formula is the real selling point. A great lip shine can be tough to find. This one is definitely a winner!

Wrap it up: Although I didn't do the best job of narrowing down the options, on the plus side you know that you have lots to choose from when shopping at The Body Shop. It should be easy to fill a stocking or load a gift bag with goodies. My favorite friend gift is to buy a cute makeup pouch and fill it with great little makeup products!
Price Tag:$7+
Where to buy: The Body Shop

100% Recycled Recycling Truck

2009-12-04T11:54:00.002-05:00

How cool is this? This adorable Recycling Truck was actually made from 100% recycled milk jugs. It's so perfectly fitting that a toy that advocates recycling be made from recycled materials. Although this appeals to me - my sons don't know the difference. They just know that it is fun to play with! My youngest loves to push around this durable truck and pretty much ram it into everything. It's a tough one and has yet to show any wear regardless of how hard he tries. The truck comes complete with recycled cardboard images of bottles, cans, and paper. My 4 year old loved cutting out the images ( he is going through a cutting phase) and then being able to sort & insert them in the appropriate slots on the truck. He would use one of his batman characters to pretend to load the truck. Then of course it has to be unloaded at his pretend recycling center. Lots of fun for both children....if only they could share.

Wrap it up: Check out the other great toys from Chocolate Cake Club while you are adding this one to your shopping cart. If you are giving it to a family with two closely aged boys...it might be best to get one for each of them. This is going to be a popular plaything!
Age: 2+
Price Tag: $24.95
Where to buy: Chocolate Cake Club

Shi Shu Style

2009-12-04T11:38:00.004-05:00

We featured the Shi Shu Style Baby Blanket before and were absolutely thrilled with the beauty of it. This holiday season we would strongly recommend their classic weave throw. It is truly beautiful, so much in fact that it was the premier gift at the 66th Golden Globe Awards! This 60% cotton and 40% bamboo blanket is not only 100% natural but it is also handwoven. The result is a soft and insanely beautiful throw you will be proud to have in your home. I think this is a wonderful gift for mothers, your mother, or your grandmother. My best friends would be thrilled to have one as well. It would also make an impressive gift to a future mother-in-law. Available in either stone, classic, or malibu shades (all of which are timeless). Visit Shi Shu Style to learn more and make sure to check out the baby blanket version for that wee one on your holiday shopping list.

Wrap it up: Put it in a beautiful gift box and expect "oohhs" and "aahhs" when it is opened!
Price Tag: $198
Where to buy: Shi Shu Style

For the golfer in your life

2009-12-04T11:15:00.004-05:00

If there was one thing my husband wanted this holiday season, it was a pair of golf shoes. He didn't know exactly what pair he wanted but once he tried on the new Adidas Tour 360 Pro 4.0 - his mind was made up. I don't know much about golf so I thought I would let my husband share why he thinks they are so amazing. He plays golf as much as possible and actually was the recipient of a golf scholarship. In the words of my husband:

"The shoes feel like they form a perfect contour to the shape of your feet. For me it is pretty hard to find a golf shoe that is comfortable while still maintaining it's strength during the golf swing. It is a necessity for me to have a shoe that can to handle the driving force of the lower body without the structure of the shoe breaking down. This shoe is a tremendous improvement from the look of the 3.0 version. These are very affordable for top of the line golf shoes. My boss also bought a pair as soon as he tried them on."

Here is a little breakdown of the specifics that make the shoes so special. They use a 360 wrap technology to make them the most stable Adidas golf shoe EVER. They also have cool features like X-STATIC fibers in the lining that help regulate temperature and they are even waterproof. The lucky wearer will be wrapped in comfort due to the FitFOAM sock liner that provides heel to toe cushioning and support. The adiPRENE provides enhanced impact absorbtion to your heel which adds to the comfortable appeal of the shoe. It has also been engineered to keep the foot closer to the ground which gives the wearer more stability and allows for more consistency in ball striking. The ThinTECH cleat gives an impressive grip no matter what the ground conditions. All in all, this is one impressive golf shoe. My husband & now his boss both love it!

Wrap it up: Just add the bow on top or you could always give a few golf balls to accompany it!
Price Tag: $180
Where to Buy: Adidas Golf Shop

DJ Hero

2009-12-04T10:32:00.003-05:00

I have always loved the way DJ's mix music together. I have even tried to do it myself and quickly discovered it was not an easy task to do. Thanks to DJ Hero I can get closer than ever before to mixing some really great beats. I have been seriously enjoying this game and so has my husband! This came as a shock to me because he typically hates any type of video game. DJ Hero lets you use an authentic turntable controller. You push the colored buttons on beat with the screen and you have to scratch the board as directed. It is not as easy as it sounds but it is certainly addictive! If you get far enough into the mix without a mistake you get to pull the turntable back and rewind. It is a major goal of mine to rewind as much as possible! As you get past the easy setting you actually get to cross fade the songs too. There are more than 102 songs made into unique mixes. Some of my favorite artists are mixed in a way I've never heard before. Artists like Eminem, 50 cent, Marvin Gaye, The Killers, Weezer, 2Pac, Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill, and the Black Eyed Peas. Some of the tracks even allow a guitar to join in a play along! The mixes are so good I wish they had a soundtrack I could take in my car. With beats like that, it's the perfect way to get a party going - you can even set up a party playlist. If you have another turntable, you and friends can mix together! Everyone who notices it in our home wants to play and soon becomes hooked. It's pretty much impossible not to enjoy the music at the very least. I love it. My friends love it. My husband loves it. I think this is a gift that is sure to be appreciated this holiday season!!

Wrap it up: This is one of those fantastic presents that don't even need a bow. Once opened they will entertain for hours to come!
Age: Teen+
Price Tag: $99.99+ (we found the $99.99 on Amazon)
Where to buy: Target, Walmart, ToysRUs, GameStop, Best Buy

Check it out in action:

Discover this car

2009-12-04T10:20:00.003-05:00

Umm....if the cuteness factor attached to this car doesn't sell you then perhaps all of the adorable features will. The cuteness factor got me before I even knew what it was about. I'll confess, I frequently purchase toys based solely on how cute they look on their shelf. Lucky for me the Discovery Car has more than just good looks. It's just right for your little one that is just starting to explore their senses. It has lots of textures and sounds to explore. You can actually open up the doors to reveal a road. Once opened it looks as though the car has just begun a journey. The mirrors, sounds, and ability to open/close create a great way to encourage early sensory development. Although this is recommended for ages 0 -1, my 15 month old loved playing with it. He mainly liked to open/close the doors. He was basically playing peek-a-boo with the car and would laugh hysterically whenever he opened the doors. He also really liked the mirror. He is intensely fascinated with his own reflection. The Discovery Car makes a great developmental gift for your little one, plus it's too cute to resist!

Wrap it up: All this needs is gift wrap but if you are looking for another toy to wrap up with it. Check out the other options at the Chocolate Cake Club - they won't disappoint.
Age: 0 -1
Price Tag: $27.95
Where to buy: Chocolate Cake Club

PLAYMOBIL + Giveaway

2009-12-04T09:44:00.003-05:00

PLAYMOBIL is a wonderful way to give toys that inspire imagination and creativity. I am amazed with their huge selection of options when it comes to fantasy play. Pretty much any dream situation has a playset to match. While I'm drawn toward the Circus sets and the Fairy World, my boys like the adventure sets. The Nautical Expedition line was right up their alley. We got the chance to review the Deep Sea Diving Bell and my son (age 4) was captivated. It can actually be submerged in water and the cabin will stay waterproof. The diving vessel has cool features like a retractor arm, turning fans, lights and air tanks. You even get to lower the vessel with a crank rope (totally my son's favorite feature)! The set also comes with a headgeared decked out ocean diver, ocean foliage, and a golden idol. We fill the sink with water and just let him enjoy. It also makes a fabulous bathtime toy and I have a feeling it will be a big hit at the pool this summer! I love to watch the creative things he says and does as his imagination takes over during play. He is really into spies so the deep sea mission is usually something to do with a four year old's perception of spy duties. Any set from PLAYMOBIL would be a hit with the child on your shopping list. Their catalog is impressive!

Wrap it up: I would pick a category and then include several of the coordinating sets to give them the maximum play experience!
Age: 4+
Price Tag: $7+
Where to buy: Online at PLAYMOBIL and ToysRUs also has a great selection

We have 2 PLAYMOBIL sets to giveaway! One lucky reader will when the Divers in a Tropical Reef Set and the other will win the Shark Diver set. To enter to win visit PLAYMOBIL and then answer the following questions: 1)How would you (or do you) use PLAYMOBIL toys to create teaching moments during playtime? 2)Which of the 2 sets would you want to win? The deadline to enter is December 17th at midnight EST. You can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby - just enter your email address:

Something worth chewing on + Giveaway

2009-12-04T09:28:00.003-05:00

I'm constantly looking for something for my little guy to chew on that is actually meant to go in his mouth. He will pretty much chew on anything (even table corners) but for some reason most teethers don't appeal to his gums. The new Teethers from LifeFactory have won his approval! My table is safe again! He loves the easy to hold shape and the various ribs & nubs are fun for him to chew on. I'm assuming it feels better than his usual non conventional teething devices since he has since left them behind. Perhaps it's how soft & easy it is to hold or that it can go in the fridge/freezer to provide even more soothing power. Whatever his reason; I know mine! First of all, I know that it is safe for him to put inside his mouth. It's USA made with medical grade silicone and without any harmful bpa, phthalates, pvc, or latex. I can toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning but since it's designed like a bracelet it is easy to use with those toy tethers, so it spends much less time on the floor. This would make a great gift for your one-toothed munchkin!

Wrap it up: Just the right size for a stocking stuffer or try getting one in each color (raspberry, sky, & yellow) and wrapping them together with a ribbon.
Price Tag: $6.99
Where to buy: LifeFactory

3 lucky winners will win their own teether! To enter to win visit LifeFactory and comment back sharing which LifeFactory product you would most like to have and why? The deadline to enter is December 16th at midnight EST. This giveaway is open to US Residents only. You can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby. Just enter your email address:

Borghese's Holiday Mini Kits

2009-12-04T09:00:00.002-05:00

Difficulty finding a stocking stuffer? Searching for an affordable gift for your gal pals? These can be two tough categories to shop for during the holiday season. I'm loving Borghese's Holiday Mini Kits. New to the world of Borghese nail laquer? Here are some things that set make their polish stand out from the rest - they use micronized gemstones to add brilliance, have a really easy to be precise dual curve tip brush, and they have an exclusive Acqua de Vita complex that actually helps restore moisture to your nails. It's long lasting and nail strengthening! Now you can get a Holiday Mini Kit with 4 great shades inside. They come available in 2 different options: Allegra (warm, sparkling color) and Serena (deep & luxe colors).

Wrap it up: They already look super cute packaged inside their case. If it's a gal pal gift try putting a big bow on the package or for stockings - just insert.
Price Tag: $9.99
Where to buy: Drugstores nationwide

Peacekeper Causemetics + Giveaway

2009-12-03T11:22:00.005-05:00

Lets just start out by letting you know what an incredible company Peacekeeper CauseMetics is - they give ALL, yes, all of their after tax distributable profits to urgent human rights issues and women's health advocacy! How many companies can say that? On top of being a very generous organization, their products are stellar. So when you shop at Peacekeeper CauseMetics not only are you getting a really great product but you are also helping contribute to some very important causes. I had the opportunity to try out some of their beauty aids and I loved, well, all of them! Their natural nail polish has been rated the safest paint based natural nail polish and the colors are lovely. Their natural lip stick goes on smooth, creamy, and it left my lips feeling ultra moisturized! Lastly, their natural lipglosses were not sticky but creamy & light. I was completely impressed with the quality, prices, and color selection from Peacekeeper CauseMetics. All of the shades that I tried were not only flattering to me but also to my sister & friends who helped me try them out. This is a company worth buying from and a great place to purchase holiday gifts.

Wrap it up: They are wonderful stocking stuffers but a little bag of their products would be great for friends or teens.
Price Tag: $9.98+
Where to buy: Peacekeeper CauseMetics

3 Lucky winners will win their own set of products! We have one set of 2 nail polish (tranquil & stunning), 1 set of 2 lip sticks (truthful & healthy), and 1 set of 2 lip glosses (stillness & eternal). To enter this giveaway visit Peacekeeper CauseMetics and comment back answering the following questions: 1)Describe your definition of real beauty 2)Which product set would you like to win? The deadline to enter is December 17th at midnight EST. You can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby. Just enter your email address:

Now I can scrapbook without my scissors!

2009-12-03T11:08:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows someone on their holiday list that loves to scrapbook. Serif's Digital Scrapbook Artist makes scrapbooking so simple! It takes the difficulty out of the process and leaves you with beautiful realistic pages. It's extremely easy to use and the process is quick. It has built in photo editing, so you can get rid of red eye or add tints/special effects without needing additional software. You can scan special items like ticket stubs or programs and then cut them out to make them a part of your page. The page making process is simple. You choose the fabric or paper you want to use from your large library. You can then cut or whole punch the paper, even choose from a selection of 24 different scissor edges to cut with. The creative options are impressive: 75 different fonts, the ability to fray edges, add shadows, even create the appearance of stitching. While it comes with lots of options, you can add to your collection by purchasing additional digikit collections. Thus your scrapbooks will always be filled with fresh content! Plus once you are finished you can just print or even email them to friends/family. I think it would be really cool to create your whole scrapbook and then have a photo book printed with your pages. That way you would have a one of a kind scrapbook but it would be possible to duplicate it for others or in the event your little one decides to practice their scissor skills. If you have ever seriously gotten into scrapbooking then you know how expensive it gets. This software is not only much easier to use but it will also save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Wrap it up: I would give the software with a gift certificate to have a photo book printed somewhere online.
Price Tag: $49.99
Where to buy: Serif

Calendar Charms that celebrate your special day

2009-12-03T10:55:00.002-05:00

Not Just Any Old Day has the perfect item to commemorate that special day in your life. Whether it be your wedding day, your child's birthday, even your birthday. Everyone has a special day in there life and this is the perfect way to highlight it. I love the beautiful Calendar Charm Necklaces. The antique feel of the skeleton style key appeals to me from the first glance. You can put the swarovski crystal of your choosing on the date that matters to you. The end result is a stunning piece of jewelry that you will treasure. I was lucky enough to have one created for the special moments in my life - all of which took place in August. My wedding and the birth of both my sons were all in August. They were able to put 3 swarovski cystals on my calendar charm to show each date! I get so many compliments and questions about this one of a kind necklace. I think it is the perfect gift for any mother or grandmother. It would also make a touching present for a new bride. I am beyond impressed with the craftsmanship and quality of the necklace. It is truly beautiful. You can get yours in sterling silver or if you want to go all the way, you can purchase one in 14k gold with a diamond!! You can also get calendar charm bracelets, cuffs, even key rings!

Wrap it up: If you are buying for a lady - the bow on top of the jewelry box will be more than enough. If you are buying for a gentleman - try the money clip, cigar tube, or business card case. They are all gorgeous!
Price Tag: $95+
Where to buy: Not Just Any Old Day

Julie Hewett's Holiday Palettes

2009-12-03T10:45:00.002-05:00

Finding the right makeup colors for the holidays can be a little tricky. The beautiful palettes from Julie Hewett take the guess work away. They had me before I even opened it to reveal the gorgeous colors. I absolutely love the black & white packaging! The Noelle Palette lives up to it's outer wrapping. It has the 3 shadows needed to give you a sexy, sultry eye. They are perfect for shading or quite beautiful on their own as well. I absolutely love the delicate pale white Pola shadow. I will be wearing it long after the holiday season!! The palette also has a vivid raspberry cheek color that does double duty as a lip color! All that you need for a fabulous face is in this chic, easy to tote palette!

Wrap it up: You can't go wrong giving this to your best friends or as a stocking stuffer. I have a feeling my younger sister might discover this under the tree (so hopefully she isn't reading this)!
Price Tag: $42
Where to buy: Julie Hewett

Photo Fabulous!

2009-12-03T10:29:00.002-05:00

We all want to look our best in photographs. With the help of Serif's PhotoPlus X3 Studio we can enjoy some of the advantages celebrities have. You can easily brighten your eyes, whiten your teeth, even smooth out some wrinkles in the Makeover Studio. PhotoPlus X3 Studio will also make fixing your photos a breeze. You can crop, resize, brighten, even adjust shadows, and so much more. You can get in touch with your creative side by trying out the different artistic styles, adding special effects, you can even warp or animate your images. I loved the easy to use cutting tool that allowed me to remove the person or object from a photo - then place them into a different image or solid background. I spend lots of time editing photos and I was really impressed by this program. It was very simple to use and the how-to menu made it even easier. I learned how to do many things just by watching their video tutorials (which I also found inspiring). The images I have created using this program are my favorites. They are the photos that will be appearing the Christmas calendar that I give out to grandparents and on our Christmas card. They are the photos that fill my brag book. If you know someone who loves to take pictures or fiddle with images, even just someone who likes to be able to crop & remove red-eye, this is a great gift for them! I'm addicted and I have the fabulous photos to prove it!

Wrap it up: Why not package this software with a photo album or if you are going for a bug impact - add a digital camera to the gift box.
Price Tag: $59.99
Where to buy: Serif

A band that will let me join!

2009-12-03T09:49:00.003-05:00

I'm sure the rest of the world has already stumbled unto the fun of Guitar Hero but for me Band Hero was my first experience. I had NO idea how additively fun it would be! Seriously, don't be surprised to see me rocking out after midnight after my family has gone to sleep. The Band Hero Kit comes with the microphone, drums, and guitar that you need to get your band up and running. This is so much fun for the whole family! My husband and I will play an instrument and then watch my 4 year old become the singing star. Seeing as how he doesn't know any songs but Johnny Cash he mostly makes up the lyrics but it is so fun to watch. The game allows you to set the difficulty level for each player, that way our son can be on beginner and we can play something a little more challenging. This is destined to become a party favorite too! We can't wait to have friends over and play Band Hero. With cool features like Sing Along where 4 players can easily jump in and sing just like karoake (no scoring) and Party Play where you can join in & out of songs with the click of a button (no worry of failing), this is the perfect game for friends & family nights!! You can even add another guitar to the mix, increasing the size of your band. You can actually use any combination of instruments - even 4 microphones, making the ultimate karoake style showdown or your new boy/girl band. We have the whole family over for Christmas Eve and always wear ridiculous pjs and play games. This year I can't wait to see my grandpa singing along and my mom attempting the drums!

I loved the selection of songs on this game! It had so many of my favorites like Evanescence, Taylor Swift, the Bravery, Hinder, Dashboard Confessional, No Doubt, even Duffy. With 63 songs by 63 artists - there is sure to be something for everyone. You can get it on Playstation 2 & 3, XBox360, Wii, or Nintendo DS. If you have it for both Wii and DS then you can actually link up during play for roadie battles, freestyle, and to create a playlist. We have the Wii version and it was very easy to use. All we had to do to use the drums or guitar was to plug in one of our remotes - then we were cord free! I love the guitar and am learning (slowly) to play the drums. The drums are much harder than I anticipated. I guess it just further proves how uncoordinated my hands and feet are when used together. Band Hero is a holiday gift that will not disappoint anyone on your shopping list - dads, (even my dad), teens, college kids, and mom too!

Wrap it up: Already have some instruments? You can purchase the game separately and then play with the instruments you already own.
Age: 10+
Price Tag: $179.99 (Wii, XBox360 & Playstation 3), $159.99 (Playstation 2), and $27.99+ for the game only
Where to Buy: ToysRUs, Walmart, Target, Gamestop, Amazon, Best Buy, and Costco

Elegant Blocks for Elegant Babies

2009-12-03T09:32:00.003-05:00

My oldest loves to build and his little brother loves to destroy. The vast majority of the time the outcome of them playing together is easy to guess. Currently we have come up with a solution that works. Separate blocks (and my oldest must build on the table). Blocks are a classic toy that has been around forever. There is strong possibility that all of your children will play with them during their childhood and eventually even your grandchildren. They never get boring because the possibilities are endless in the hands of an imaginative child. My youngest son is playing with the Wooden Baby Block set from Elegant Baby. I love the bright colors and the vivid alphabet on the blocks. This 36 piece block set is perfect for playtime as a baby! Once your child gets a little older they become a great learning tool. They are just right for working on their ABC's and spelling. There are even triple vowels included in the block set. The sweet set comes packaged in a clear drawstring bag, making it easy to store & tote.

Wrap it up: I think this is perfect with a ribbon tied around it. However, if you want to add something to the package, Elegant Baby has lots of sweet options to add to your gift. I adore the ducks!!
Age: 0+
Price Tag: $32
Where to Buy: Elegant Baby

The Organic Pharmacy + Giveaway

2009-12-02T11:46:00.003-05:00

The Organic Pharmacy has something for every female on your shopping list. They have a fantastic range of skincare and makeup products! I am completely enamored with their Liquid Shimmer Highlighter. The holiday season is the perfect time to add a little shine to your beauty routine. This chic product is a jack of all trades. You can use it on your eyes, your cheeks, even on the bridge of your nose. A little shimmer can go a long way and just adding some to your cheek bones is beautiful! It also makes the most subtly gorgeous glow to your eyes and it's just simple enough to use daily. You can choose from three shades or try all three. These would make great stocking stuffers or gifts for your friends.

If you are looking for high quality skincare than look no further than the line from The Organic Pharmacy. I can't do anything but rave & RAVE about the Rose Plus Brightening Complex. This magic in a bottle took my dull skin and revived it. Using it in the morning and at night has not only brightened my skin but it also made it smoother. The complex uses ingredients like marigold, hibiscus, papaya, and cucumber seeds to work it's wonders. It does so many things to improve your skin like exfoliating, increasing elasticity, and even promoting cell renewal. I am always looking for something that can get my skin looking fresh without needing to apply makeup. This product has given me great strides towards that goal and I think with continued use I will be there soon!!

You can enter for the chance to win an amazing product from The Organic Pharmacy. One lucky reader will win the Carrot Butter Cleanser worth $59.90!! To enter to win visit The Organic Pharmacy and comment back sharing with us the product you would most like to see in your holiday stocking & why. The deadline to enter is December 15th at midnight EST. This giveaway is open to US Residents only. You can double your winning chances by subscribing to Now What Baby. Just enter your email address:

Out with the frizz

2009-12-02T11:27:00.002-05:00

If you like having straight, frizz-free hair this is the straightener for you. Ken Paves Nano Silver Tourmaline Ceramic Professional 1 inch Styling Iron is as impressive as it's very long name. If you think all styling irons are equal, one try with this will destroy that belief forever. I'm sorry but my $29.99 bargain bin straightener is no match for what Ken Paves has created. It takes me a third of the time it once did to tame my frizz. Even better than the time saved - my hairstyle lasts and does not revert to it's naturally messy form once I leave my bathroom. It also leaves my hair without heat damage, nor does it grab onto a piece and pull it out. Saves hair and time! The slim size makes it easy to do a variety of styles like flipping, curling, and waving your hair. Thus it is not a one hit wonder. It can actually heat up to 410 degrees and it can do so super fast. It lets you set the temperature to your preference and when you are done you can toss it in the included thermal lined travel pouch. This styling iron has free floating ceramic plates that evenly distribute heat and are also very gentle. I love this styling iron. It makes getting ready less of a hassle and thus I am much more likely to make the effort to look my best. If you think about how many styling irons you have bought and replaced because they were not up to par - it's actually cheaper just to buy one that really gets the job done. Plus during the holiday season you get to ask for the spoiling type of gifts you would usually feel guilty buying for yourself!!

Wrap it up: If this is for you - just put it on your wishlist. However if you are buying for someone on your shopping list you could always put some Ken Paves styling products in the gift bag to put it over the top!
Price Tag: $99.99
Where to buy: Ulta or Folica

Art is in the House

2009-12-02T11:13:00.004-05:00

Recently my son has decided that he is really interested in drawing. I was instantly thrilled that finally there was something I could relate do with my little guy that didn't involved constructing train tracks!!!! We spend a lot of time doodling and coloring but when we discovered the Art House DVD it was so perfect for developing his new interest. Volume 1 of Art House takes basic shapes (which my son is learning to draw at school - so perfect timing Art House!) and teaches children how to use them to draw animals. The process is shown really simply and it makes it easy for your child to watch and draw along. I was really impressed by how quickly his squiggly lines became something I could identify as a monkey. Nice to be able to say "Wow that is a really cute dog" without getting the hurt response that it was actually a drawing of his little brother. I have learned the hard way that you should always say "tell me about your picture" before commenting. In addition to the helpful drawing tips, this cool DVD is packed with fun music videos and animation. It will quickly become a favorite with your budding artist. Surprisingly, my little one, who has not earned the trust of using a marker, loves to watch the DVD as well. All around it is a unique video that does a wonderful job of making art fun!

Wrap it up: Add a sketchpad and some colored pencils in the gift bag with the DVD to start them off with everything they need to draw some adorable animals!
Age: 3+
Price Tag: $8.34
Where to buy: Amazon

Stockings Stuffers made just by you

2009-12-02T10:56:00.003-05:00

There are so many sweets during the holiday season. It is almost impossible not to gain weight. Even your stocking comes stuffed to the brim with candy. This year I am recommending that we do ourselves and our mates a favor - stuff the stockings with products from You Bar. I'm not suggesting this for your little ones but it would definitely be a appreciated change by most adults. You Bar offers something that I have never seen before. They let you create custom nutrition bars, protein shakes, trail mix, cookies, and chocolates. If you stuff most of the stocking with nutrition bars, trail mix, and protein shakes - then you won't feel so bad about adding a few custom sweets! Instead of getting a bag of trail mix and picking around the ingredients you are less than crazy about you can create one with only items that you enjoy. I am beyond impressed by the huge amount of options they give for customizing their products. Some even let you pick the butter. It's insanely addictive. This is so perfect for people will allergies or just picky eaters. You even get to have the name you choose printed on your custom creations. Wouldn't it be cool to get a stocking stuffed with "your name" nutrition bars? Even if you don't want to customize the products you order from You Bar, they have a great selection of ready made popular products just ready to be put in your shopping cart. I had the opportunity to try out a few of their bestsellers and was thrilled with them! I am not much of a healthy eater but this stuff was seriously yummy. This is definitely one of those gifts that people don't expect but they will remember for years to come.

Wrap it up: I have so many ideas for You Bar!! If you are not looking to go the stocking route - what about creating a signature customized product and then it with some holiday goodies to your friends, family, teachers, etc..? You could also order one of their popular products and then give it wrapped up with a gift certificate so that the recipient could create their own custom product.
Price Tag: $32.37+ (But that includes 13 of the item)
Where to buy: You Bar

Make them say Ooohlala

2009-12-02T10:44:00.003-05:00

A quiet hot bath is probably one of my favorite ways to relax. It is rare to have the time to actually fit into my schedule but it is definitely a special treat when it does. Ooohlala of Beverly Hills has a Shea Butter Beauty Bomb Gift Set that will take your relaxation to the next level. These beauty bombs are impressive to say the least. This gift set comes with 6 beauty bombs - 3 in Starlet and 3 in Sweet Dreams. Both will leave your skin feeling insanely moisturized! The Sweet Dreams has a delightful lavender scent that helps your body unwind from the day and sink into relaxation. The Starlet is so unique in that it leaves a subtle iridescent shimmer on your skin. I have never seen a beauty bomb like it before. It is just right for getting ready for a special date night or basically begging to be used before a holiday party (New Years!). This limited edition gift set is certain to please any lady who enjoys taking a pampering bath. The adorable packaging is just icing on the cupcake!

Wrap it up: Just add gift wrap or you could include some Peppermint Foot Butter for an afterbath treat!
Price Tag: $39
Where to buy: Ooohlala of Beverly Hills

A hamster, duck, and turtle walked into a school...

2009-12-02T10:27:00.002-05:00

Lets just start off by saying how much we like the Wonder Pets at our house. My 4 year old gets some serious enjoyment out of watching this little hero's rescue animals from trouble. The theme song is permanently playing in my head. Now that they have teamed up with Mega Bloks, the Wonder Pets can save the day in your home. My boys are having so much playing with the cute sets! They love the Wonder Pets Buildable Fly Boat. If you are familiar with the show - this is the vehicle they use on their rescue missions. It's basically their batmobile. The big blocks are easy to build with and even my youngest (15 months) was able to play. He really loves putting the characters into the boat and then zooming it around. Of course to really get the full experience of a day in the life of the Wonder Pets - you need their home (aka the hideaway). The School House Bucket is filled with blocks to build onto the outside of their school house. It even has a cute little vehicle inside (my little guys favorite part). My oldest liked to pretend that the inside of the bucket was their cage and that they sleep there at night. This worked out really good because he wouldn't give me trouble about putting the pieces back inside the bucket, although he was very particular about how they were arranged. I like the new take on superheros and I think these cute sets are a wonderful way to combine the fun series with imaginative building. They are perfect for younger children who are just starting to build with bloks!

Wrap it up: It would be super cute to give one or both of the sets with a DVD of some of the Wonder Pets episodes. They could reenact them as they watch!
Age: 2 - 4
Price Tag: $20.99+
Where to buy: ToysRUs

Organic Pampering for your man

2009-12-02T10:12:00.003-05:00

Shopping for my husband is the hardest part of my holiday gift list. He is never clear about what he wants, hates for people to spend money on him (especially ours), and rarely shows any excitement about a present. It's kind of a losing battle. Every now and then I get lucky and stumble upon a gift he does appreciate. While he would be hesitant to admit it - he does care a great deal about his skin. The Organic Pharmacy has an ultra pampering Men's Grooming Gift that includes 2 products to get his skin glowing. This is just one of those things most guys won't buy for themselves but they will really love having. The Deep Cleansing Face Wash will cleanse, protect, and decongest. The gentle formula will remove the days gunk from his face and leave it feeling soothed and moisturized. It uses ingredients like aloe, seaweed, green tea, and even vitamin C. Inside the gift is also the Ultra Light Moisture Gel (which I secretly love to use). It leaves your skin feeling refreshed, revived, energized, and hydrated. It works quickly and the antioxidants in it's formula will protect his skin from the elements throughout the day. It even has a bit of licorice in the gel to soothe his skin. If you purchased the two items separately it would cost you almost $100 - when you get the gift set it saves you $10 plus it comes wrapped up in a pretty gift box!

Wrap it up: This gift set does all the work for you!
Price Tag: $90
Where to buy: The Organic Pharmacy