Remember a couple of weeks ago Mama told you it was the baby boom of 2010?! Well it continues. Now Mama is scrambling to put together my signature Mama Baskets filled with Mama, Lily-girl and Baby Boy’s favorite baby items. Although, it is nice to throw in a few never-before-seen items that are sure to “WOW” the baby shower crowd that “ooohhs” and “aahhs” anything that comes out of the shiny, wrapped box that Mama-to-be opens. And sometimes another box of diapers doesn’t deserve an “aahh!”
Mama turned to her Etsy.com to find the cutest and most deserving baby gifts for all of those “ooohhs!”
Forget Sophie — the most popular teething giraffe needs to make room for another giraffe, Lia. Handmade with love by Starbright Baby, the giraffe is made with 100 percent pre-washed cotton fabric and filled with eco-friendly fill. The fabric is BPA and all natural — great for baby to gum on! There are 13 fabric designs to choose from all with a different, loveable name. Available at Etsy.com, $15.
Bow to it — Mama wishes someone would have told me about these fantastic little bow holders for girls. It would have saved Mama from a huge freak out over lost barrettes and bows all over the bathroom. Most of them can be personalized but if the parents are yet to reveal the name, Mama loves the Owl one seen here. Available at Etsy.com, $8.95 with free hair bow too! OR look at this GEM, $39.95 — great for a modern nursery!
Start the college fund — your friend has bought everything this baby could ever need and want and then some. Be a good Auntie and start a college fund for the babe with a personalized piggy bank. People are so creative so there is so much to choose from but Mama loves the designs from Andrew and Ella Designs. Just look at that Dr. Suess piggy bank! Don’t forget to feed the piggy a 20-spot! Available at Etsy.com, $31 as a set with matching door hanger.
An apple a day — encourage the baby’s healthy eating habits early with this adorable Apple Natural Wooden Teething Toy, $14, at Etsy.com. 
Hats off– there is nothing cuter than a baby in hat. In fact, Mama was determined to knit a hat for Baby Boy before he was born…it was a disaster. Mama couldn’t get past step 2 and there was no Friday Night Knitting Club to help Mama out. Etsy was the next best thing. Buy 2 or 3 styles and take lots of photos! Mama loves these: Newborn Teddy Bear Earflap Beanie, $29 and Marsha the Owl Beanie, $18.99.
What is your go-to baby gift?
My philosophy is simple: just because you're a mom doesn't mean you have to forgo style or your life. You can do it all with a little help from Mama. Mama makes life easier by doing all the shopping, crafting and ranting for you because really...what Mama has the time for that?! Mama will not lie, I can bake but if you're looking for cooking tips you might be better off going someplace else!
That is such a great idea and much better than the outfit from GapBaby that I usually resort to!