Smrt Lernins

I like to start my Christmas shopping early. I actually bought one of Babypie’s Christmas presents for this year back around her first birthday. I’m going to post my (in progress) list for the kids here so that a) you can see its awesomeness, b) it’s all written down somewhere for me to look at, and c) so if you see a glaring hole in the list, you can make a recommendation. *Denotes a “Santa” present (and while Captain Science is in the know about the whole Santa thing, he still gets under-the-tree stuff from Santa. SO THERE. OH THE LIES AND HUMANITY!) and ** denotes stocking. Anything else is wrapped.

Captain Science
*Flip video camera (probably one of the older models, like this one)
*Some kind of easy-to-use video editing software
*LEGO Hogwarts Board Game
Black t-shirt w/ cool sprayed-on raven design
**Set of three knitted monster chunks
**LEGO grab bag (got it at the LEGO store in Downtown Disney)
**LEGO figure (won’t know which one until he opens it!)

The Tank
*Dinosaur Island playset (yes, we have to order the damn thing from the UK, but it’s exactly what I wanted to get him and there’s no domestically-available equivalent I can find)
*/**More dinosaurs of various sizes, because one cannot have too many dinosaurs (maybe some neat wooden dinosaurs from someplace like here
*Bzz Out board game
*Feed the Kitty board game
**Orange squishy cup (no monster included, this pic is just for example)
**Knitted monster w/ pocket, but instead of making the baby, I’m going to stuff the pocket full of something else.
**LEGO figure (won’t know which one until he opens it!)

Babypie
*Tea Party Motif play kitchen and refrigerator (got them deeply discounted at Costco.com — $70 for the set, shipping included!)
*The kitchen will be stocked with vegetables, fruit, breakfast, dessert, and kitchen utensils from IKEA. (Hey, I didn’t get the cookware, baking set, or utensils, so I feel like I’m doing ok)
*Ergo baby doll carrier in the Heartrose print (same print as my full-size Ergo — got this half-off at Babysteals.com back in the spring)
**Knitted Daphne and Delilah (monster mom & baby)
**Luna sweater for her babies

I’ve kept a personal blog (on another blogging site that allows more privacy) for the last nine years. For the last few years, I’ve posted lists of my recommendations for the best Work-At-Home Mom (WAHM)-made items for Christmas. I usually break them down into a few lists: stocking stuffers, under $25, The Gift (as in, The Big One), and last minute buys.

None of these recommendations are solicited in any way, though I did get an entry in a contest for linking to the Homegrown Families giveaway (which I found because I was already a fan of Polar Bear Creations, which was going on the list regardless). This list is based solely on items I think are cute or that we have and love ourselves. All of the products are made by small businesses owned by mothers, father, and/or grandparents who are trying to generate an additional source of income. They’re all made by hand (ie. not mass produced) and often of “green” (eco-friendly) materials. Many WAHM-made items are one of a kind or limited production items, so if you love it, snag it while you can! Of course, many WAHMs will gladly make customs, so if you can’t get the item you want, don’t despair. Email them and find out if they offer customs options.

• I absolutely love this Rainbow Pancake Breakfast from Bright Life Toys, Ages 3+, $25. I have a weakness for play food and this set is adorable! Made from micro/polar fleece. Bright Life Toys also offers a more traditional Pancake Breakfast for $20.
• While I’m on a Bright Life Toys kick, I have to recommend Citron the Elephant and Dawn the Elephant at Crunchy Congo, Ages 0+ months, $25 each. Made from hand-dyed cotton velour.
• Waldorf dolls aren’t in everyone’s price range, but the durable construction and natural materials make them appealing to many families. A more affordable option might be the Waldorf-Inspired Doll Mini Baby in purple with animals or brown with flowers from Polar Bear Creations, Ages 0+ months, $19.50 each. Made from 100% cotton fabric and stuffed with clean, carded sheep wool. You can also enter to win a Polar Bear Creations custom babydoll fromHomegrown Families and free is WAY cheaper than $25.
• We love the simplicity of unpainted wooden cars. I have always thought one of the coolest things ever is this wooden puzzle truck from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys, Ages “can sit up alone”+, $24. Made of poplar wood. We have several car sets from Grandpa John’s and Tank and Babypie absolutely love them. Nice, chunky size and shape for small hands!
• These lists aren’t entirely about babies & kids! If you have a knitter on your list (or if you’re a knitter and have family who are better you for ideas), you should consider one of these beautifully hand-crafted yarn bowls from String Bean Ceramics (stocking at Capella), $25. Made from glazed wheel thrown clay with hand-carved designs, these bowls are a great way to keep balls of yarn from getting tangled, rolling away, or falling victim to kids or pets!
• I really enjoy wooden playsets. I like how the pieces feel and that it’s not a giant hunk of plastic that my kids are playing with. I really love these Wooden Pond/Frogs and Wooden Cave/Habitat playsets from Anne Moze All Wood Toys, no age range listed, $20 and $25, respectively. These sets have a wonderful organic shape to them and are made of lightly sanded (splinter-free, but not sacrificing the natural texture of the wood) pine, stained with non-toxic acrylic paint (where relevant), and sealed with walnut oil. Anne Moze also sells a wide array of wooden figurines to go with these playsets, any of which would be great under the tree or in a stocking.
• Ok, so it always comes back to play food. I love play food, ok? My kids love play food. I’m practically giddy over this Wool Turkey with Cornbread Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, and Cranberry Sauce set from Fair Trade Family, no age range listed, $15. Made from wool/mohair blend yarn and stuffed with wool. Since Fair Trade Family is happy to combine shipping, you may as well throw in some cupcakes with swappable frosting (cotton $6.35 each, wool $8 each) or banana split set (cotton yarn, $12).