Smrt Lernins

My children received many, many wonderful gifts this year. After all, they had my parents, Officer Daddyman’s mother, and my grandparents here to make sure they reached their maximum holiday capacity. The snow (the kids’ first white Christmas) and the fulfillment of their wish lists led Tank to randomly and passionately exclaim, “Best. Christmas. EVER!”

Tank’s favorite present was a giant wooden yo-yo. Captain Science’s favorite was a Fushigi anti-gravity ball. Babypie’s favorite gift was her Bitty Baby.

A little back story on the Bitty Baby: During the summer, we attended a friend’s birthday party. One of the other children in attendance had the blonde Bitty Baby. Babypie grabbed a hold of that thing and carried it around the entire party, protesting vigorously when the doll was extricated from her grasp (and by “prostesting vigorously,” I mean, “shrieking ‘Mine! MIIIIINE! MY BABY!’”). When Nana received an American Girl catalogue, Babypie pointed her chubby little finger at the Bitty Baby page and again stated, “Mine!” She specifically wanted the dark haired baby.

Well, Christmas rolled around, and of course, Nana gave Babypie the dark haired Bitty Baby. Babypie loves her baby. Loves, loves, loves her. She named the baby Water (because of Baby in the Water, also known as Ponyo, I’m sure). We change Water’s clothes (for bed, for waking, for leaving the house) and her diaper (sometimes ten times in a row, with Babypie checking it and declaring “Boop!” in between), we give her ninnies (sometimes I “nurse” her, sometimes Babypie “nurses” her). Water is carried around everywhere. I made a special bed for Water using an empty gift basket, a flannel doll blanket, and the doll quilt Nana made to go along with Water (matches Babypie’s quilt).

Everything about Water is awesome and perfect and good, except…

Her eyes close. And it freaks Babypie out.

It didn’t bother her at first. She was fascinated by Water’s opening and closing eyelids, kept poking her in them. Some time yesterday, however, Babypie decided that Water’s eyes must never close. Not ever. Not even a little bit. “Do you want to put Water to bed?” now results in a screamed, “No! No! No!” I have to ask if Water needs to go to bed sitting up (“Yesh.”) and position her so her eyes don’t close. Water “sleeps” with her eyes open.

I don’t know what to say about that, except that babies are weird.

Babypie. Water in a basket. Cuteness.

Here’s a little something you should know about my family: we’re serious about holiday-related recycling.

We reuse bows until they’re smashed so flat that they’re no longer bows so much as crumpled-up bits of ribbon. A frequent exclamation heard about my house now and growing up, “Hey! Don’t throw away that bow! We can get another year out of it!” Bows must not be trashed, even after the sticky stuff has worn off, because tape can always be doubled over and used to attach the bow next year.

We save tissue paper — the colorful kind used to wrap gifts inside of gifts bags and the white kind for wrapping shirts and putting them in garment boxes. “Is this tissue paper too ripped to save?” is a common question as we do Christmas-morning clean up. Let me tell you: the tissue is almost never too ripped to save.

Gift bags. Oh, yeah, we reuse gift bags. We have gotten many years out of some of the bags in rotation. It’s always sad to see them finally succumb and be rendered unusable.

Our real recycling area of mastery, however, is in the saving of boxes. A decent box is not to be ripped, smushed, or ever, ever, ever thrown away. We still have boxes from Godchaux’s. Don’t remember Godchaux’s? That’s because it was a regional department store, localized primarily to Lousiana, that folded some time in the 90s. We moved away from Louisiana 26 years ago. Our Godchaux’s boxes came with us.

Next year, I’m going to up our use of reusable wrapping materials and cut down on our paper consumption, because we don’t currently recycle wrapping paper. We aren’t that loopy. Yet.

“Yet,” being the operative word here.

Here is the third in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions, for those of you looking for The Big One. This list will help you find that one awesome gift, the central focus of your child’s holiday extravaganza, that “best thing ever” item that your child will be talking about for months, maybe years, to come. Of course, kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy opening that one special gift on Christmas, so I’ll be sure to include gifts for the big, big kids on your list, too!

You can read my previous list of gifts $25 and under and stocking stuffers to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!

Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. 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

• Imaginative play doesn’t require batteries. It doesn’t need flashing lights. All it takes is that perfect toy to help spark your child’s creativity and get that little imagination going. Help your little one imagine an exciting fishing adventure with this colorful fishing set from Bright Life Toys (fabric/felt, ages 3+, $45). Currently out of stock, but likely to be back in time for Christmas, is the popular campfire set (fabric, ages 3+, $35). Pair the fishing and camping sets with a mini pop-up tent and create the ultimate imaginary outdoors experience!
• Every child needs at least one well-made, beautiful doll. I think Waldorf dolls, with their all natural materials, wool stuffing (warms to your child’s body temperature), and simple faces make a wonderful companion for any child. They’re worth every penny, as each one is carefully handcrafted and unique. Here are a few of my favorites: 16″ Lea (ages 3+, $189) or 20″ Marina mermaid doll (all ages, $135) from Polar Bear Creations; 15.5″ Madeleine (no age listed, $175) or 18″ Phoebe (no age listed, $180) from Wool Creations (who also has custom slots available; 13″ Snuggles (age >3, $50) from Willow’s Nestings.
• For your little ones who love toys that move and go, a handcrafted wooden double decker car hauler or construction set ($38.50 each) from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys could be just the ticket. These things are indestructible and absolutely lovely.
• If you have a husband, boyfriend, father, older son, or any other man in your life who uses a bladed razor to shave, spoil him this holiday says with this Sky shaving set or Embers shaving set (acrylester, chrome, nylon bristles, $94.00 each) from Thornbush Pens. Sets include razor, brush, and a stand to keep them in perfect position. Consider pairing them with one of the shaving soaps ($4/bar) from Country Soaps by Marlene and a green stoneware shaving mug ($28.50) from Virginia Wyoming Eclectic Pottery studio for a thoughtful gift.
• Got a crafty knitter mama on your gift list (or maybe you’re a crafty knitter mama and need to point someone in this direction)? A good project bag is a must for an on-the-go knitter — it prevents tangling, protects your projects from kids and pets, keeps you from losing all those pesky stitch markers, and just makes the whole shebang a lot more portable. For the sock knitter, this pink anime Kipster Knitting Project Bag ($34.50) from Zoe’s Bag Boutique is an adorable way to tote an in-progress pair. For larger projects, like longies or a child’s sweater, this pink flowers Chaco Project Bag ($27.50) from Chaco Creations can hold 2-4 cakes of yarn and all the tools you need. For full-sized projects (and the full-sized patterns that may come with them), Chaco Creations also offers the Santa Fe Backpack ($55), large enough to accommodate even the biggest projects. Fill that bag with pretty multi-colored stitch markers ($3/set of 5) from Paty’s Loveys, some festive Candy Cane yarn ($20/skein) from DiscoBabyKnits at Tiny Lady Cooperative, and a Namaste circular needle case ($20) from Nurturing Threads.
• The perfect gift comes in many colors. Pair all the part of this Rainbow After the Rain set (all ages) from Beneath the Rowan Tree and your little gift-receiver will get to enjoy all the colors of imagination. The set pieces are listed individually and include a wooden rainbow stacker ($12/five pieces), a set of 6 11″ “fairy silkies” (handkerchief sized playsilks) in a rainbow spectrum ($16.50/set of six), and a set of 6 35″ playsilks in a rainbow spectrum ($55/set of six).
• This Lotus Flower Family Garden Necklace (sterling silver, $48)from Anna Ourth Jewelry is a beautiful way for a mother to commemorate the births of her children. The lotus blossom pendant comes with three stamped name charms (additional charms can be added for $5 each) with birth stone crystals. A classic, lovely gift for any mother or grandmother.
• Maybe Santa is bringing your child or grandchild (or godchild or…any child!) a new play kitchen. What could be a more perfect gift for the budding chef than this Little Baker Cookie Set ($40) from Nana’s Toy Box. A festive gift box comes filled with a gingerbread apron, a wooden rolling pin, a sheet of pretend rolled dough and uncooked cookies, and four decorated play gingerbread cookies. A “delicious” treat!
• If your child is more interested in the pastoral than the pastries, this beautiful wooden farm set ($40/11 piece set) from Anne Moze All Wood Toys could fill up his/her barn! This hand-carved, hand-painted set includes a farmer and his wife, a milk cow, a goat, a rooster and hen, a goose and gosling, a sow and her piglet, and a little dog, too!

These are just a few samplings of the wonderful WAHM-made items available at sites like Hyena Cart and Etsy. Give yourself time to search and explore; you might find something even better than what I’ve listed here!

Here is the second in my series of WAHM-made Christmas shopping suggestions. You can read my previous list of for gifts $25 and under to get an broader idea of what craftsparents have to offer your family this Christmas!

Standard Disclaimer: None of these recommendations are solicited in any way. 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

• Whether you have a toddler who loves his play kitchen, a child who enjoys imaginative fairy play, or a teenager who is into Super Mario Bros, you’ll find a great home for this assortment of rainbow mushrooms (washable acrylic yarn) from Jody’s Designs. At only $12 for a set of 6, that’s a “one up” you can feel pretty super about. If mushrooms aren’t your thing, Jody’s Designs also offers a set of rainbow muffins ($12/set of 6, acrylic yarn).
• Make getting clean fun this Christmas with cotton candy animal soaps from The Rumor Mill Soaps ($6.50/bar). Also available in a toy soldier variety ($6.00/bar).
• Portable and reusable: two words that parents love to hear! Mini I-Spy Chalkmats from Aliah’s Creations ($7, chalk cloth, print fabric, and denim) at Wonderland will roll up for an easy fit in a stocking or in a “go bag” for car travel.
• Playsilks are one of the most versatile playthings in the toybox. They can be uses for dressup, for carrying a dolly around, as scenery for playing with dinosaurs or cars. They come in a wide array of sizes and colors. I like these mini playsilks (11″ x 11″) from Vivid Tribe ($3 each), this Rainbow Playsilk (35″ x 35″) from Earth Store ($10), and this elemental set of three (35″ by 35″) from Beneath the Rowan Tree ($35.50/set of three).
• Speaking of Beneath the Rowan Tree (and I often do), they’re listing several adorable sets of natural toys (available on November 19th) that would fill up a little one’s stocking perfectly, like this Moondrop doll, wooden teether, and mini “Bitty Bu” comfort blanket set ($35). You can see all the sets available on the Beneath the Rowan Tree store. Talk about one-stop shopping!
• For the readers on your shopping list, you might consider a beautiful beaded bookmark by Adorn ($14-16, stainless steel and glass or clay beads) at WAHM Nation or a Trio of Kokeshi bookmarks from Becky’s Paper Creations ($5.50/set of three, laminated paper with yarn/ribbon tassels).
• One of my absolute favorite stocking stuffers is an “I Spy” Bag. These awesome little bags hold hidden treasures and come with a reference card for searching for them. Choose your own fabrics and special theme items (including name beads) with these custom treasure bags ($4 for small, $9 for medium, $12 for large) from Corinne’s Treasure Hunts at Creative Mamas.
• The knitters on your list deserve some goodies, too. You can never have too many sets of stitch markers and they’re a perfect gift to sneak into the toe of a stocking. If you’ve got clothdiapering knitters to shop for, try these EviePants AIO Stitch Markers from EviePants Wool that indicate the beginning of a round, the left and right hips, and center back for knitting longies/shorties/soakers ($4/set of four). Sock knitters will enjoy these delicate silver bullet sock stitch markers from Pitterpat ($3.75/set of 8). For your loved ones who knit large projects, these Rowan Tree large stitch markers from Pitterpat at Bitty Fluff are stunning.
• My kids love the simplicity of wooden cars. The Speedy Duo from Cars from Papa ($16/set of two) or this set of “Smart” vehicles from Grandpa John’s Wooden Toys ($18/set of three) would fit just right into most stockings and will provide endless hours of creative play.
• Encourage the art of handwriting with this beautiful butterfly stationery set from Becky’s Paper Creations at Necessitae ($6/10 sheets & envelopes) and this elegant holly slimline pen from Thornbush Pens ($11, wooden case with optional engraving available for additional cost).
• A gourmet lip balm is a nice stocking stuffer, but you know what’s better? An assortment of gourmet lip balms! More specifically, a Happy Birthday Cake lip balm collection from Clear Hills Honey Company ($13.95/set of four). Yum!
• Knockout Lotion from Frost Fish Cove Soaps ($10 for 4oz) is the best lotion ever in this whole world. Smells delicious and really well help you, your kids, and/or anybody else to whom you’d like to gift a bottle settle into a gentle, easy sleep. Put this in a stocking and reap the benefits! I recommend the vanilla lavender.

Ok, I think that’s a long enough list for now! Go, shop, enjoy!

I don’t actually mind a compromise in most areas. That’s what makes marriages and friendships work, right? I do hate having to compromise on a vision of perfection, however.

I had planned on getting Dinosaur Island for Tank for Christmas. It is absolutely the perfect gift for him. I love the simplicity of the design and the images. He wanted dinosaurs. He loves wooden playsets. He needed a large central present from “Santa.”

Behold! The awesomeness!

Dinosaurs? Check. Wooden (to make a naturally-minded Mama happy)? Check. Appears durable (he is named “Tank,” after all)? Check.

Available in the United States? *sigh* Uncheck.

No success in finding the damn thing anywhere in the country. It’s roughly $99 US no matter where in the UK I find it and I will have to pay who knows how much on top of that for shipping. For the 15lbs or so the playset weighs, I might end up paying $25+ in shipping, which ends up with this one item being the entirety of Tank’s Christmas budget. One dealer in the UK (runs a hobby train shop) and one in Ireland are sending me pricing for shipping tomorrow; if it’s reasonable, we might go ahead with this, the perfect gift.

I have been directed to an alternative wooden dinosaur playset, Dinosaur Park from Constructive Playthings. It’s comparably sized, less expensive, but less well-made, than Dinosaur Island. It’s available in the United States. The images are printed onto particle board, rather than painted. The wooden segments are thinner and the only review I could find only gave it 3/5 stars (but did say that if the playset was constructed and then left, rather than constantly taken apart and put back together, it would likely hold up better). The “less expensive” and “available in the US” aspects make this a reasonable alternative…but my foot-stamping inner 2-year-old doesn’t want an alternative. I want what I want! *stamp stamp*

It’s just so…American, isn’t it? Simple is never enough.

Of course, for the price of Dinosaur Island (without even considering shipping), I could order the Dinosaur Park and the ZipBin Dinosaur Playset to hold everything and provide a play base.

We do love bins around here.

So here I am, having a hissy fit because it makes more sense to buy the less expensive, domestically available item(s) and get more for my money, but it isn’t what I want. I know, I know. I’m a little old for that sort of behavior, but I had a vision of the perfect Christmas gift and I can’t make it happen for the price and ease we need it to be. I know Tank will be thrilled either way and I should just think of it with that perspective, but I will know he’s not getting the coolest thing out there, and that makes me all grumpy and such.

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).

Christmas lists, apparently.

Tank, perhaps as a stall tactic to avoid going to sleep, just rattled off his Christmas list. He would like the following:

• A magnifying glass
• Dinosaurs. [Big dinosaurs or small dinosaurs?] Both. Big dinosaurs and small dinosaurs. Dinosaurs from movies and maybe people from movies, too, you know, like Wow Wow Wubzie. And the dinosaurs.
• The games [from Gamewright, our favorite game company, Feed the Kitty and Bzz Out]
• Pretend bombs
• Doodle Track
• No, instead of Doodle Track, a book about how dinosaurs lived and a book about how trees grow

Quite a list, no?