Conversation Starters

So the other day I saw these Expression Pacifiers and I thought they were just a brilliant playground conversation starter for $14! Here are my favoritesAnd the ultimate, ridiculous, something-to-talk-about pacifier? The It's My Binky The Diamond Pacifier priced at a mere $17,000.

Making Music

So try as I might, I am still a terrible, terrible pianist. Hours of practice get me nowhere - let's face it I'm not musically inclined. For little ones who, unlike myself, are musically inclined these Schoenhut Children's Pianos take the cake! They rang in price from $144 for the Classic Baby Grand to $2,999 for the Pro Baby Grand String Piano.

Etsy Love

I have to rave about Etsy. Just like most people who have used this site, I love it! Lately one of my favorites have been the little things that remind me of yesteryear. For example, these bookplates by Oiseaux, at only around $15, are a beautiful way to personalize a child's library. They make such beautiful gifts too!

Janie and Jack Birthday Tees

Janie and Jack's beautiful website makes manic mornings and last minute gifting easy by putting together adorable outfits, all just a click of the mouse away. They even have the most adorable birthday tees which could easily become a family tradition!
For girls, starting at $24.99For boys, starting at $20

Olive Juice School Supplies

Aside from adorable clothing, Olive Juice Kids manages to offer an array of fun gifts for kids of all ages. Even if you are not a Francophone, these adorable cahiers are perfect for a fresh school year for only $3.95I also love these chic colored pencils that come with their own little case to stand on a tabletop. Easy to stow away, these are as beautiful as they are practical and at $10, not too shabby!

Little Stitches

More craftiness! I love the photos in Amy Butler's book, Little Stitches available at Amazon.com for $16.47. The book is so inpiring, even if it is just for eye candy!photo by Planeta Amigurumi

Old Fashioned Blocks

Because I'm an auntie, I love toys and less-than-practical gifts! Lately I've been admiring really finely made blocks, here are two of my favorites:

The first are these beautiful Pastel Blocks made with entirely nontoxic finishes. They are available through Babybox.com for only $21. My other favorite are truly old fashioned. These beautiful, embossed blocks , available through Star Bright Kids Company and their storefront on Amazon.com, are $34.

Hand-Knit Hats

Perhaps premature, fall is just around the corner. I love the little knit hats at Poshtots.com, how adorable! Just look at this Organic Striped Hand-Knit Hat for $30
I love this Blue Sweet Pea Hand-Knit Hat for $30Finally this adorable Neapolitan Hand-Knit Hat is $30, how fun!

Sophie Giraffe

I have noticed that Sophie is making a comeback recently and everyone seems to be talking about her! A great option in the teething toys, she is soft and makes a gentle squeak. They have been around since 1961 and I even had this little French toy when I was younger. I remember that she did not have that plastic toy smell either which probably also encourages children to chew on her. As I got older she moved in with my Breyer horses! You can find her at Magic Cabin for $19.98

Hot Air Balloon Mobile

This comes from LilSugar's "Pimp Your Crib" section but I love what they found! These classic, realistic Large Royal Aero Hot Air Balloons would be beautiful in any nursery and come in a variety of colors. This one will run you about $72.99 but they do have other size and color options at even smaller price points!

Peter Rabbit Gifts

Beatrix Potter is certainly seeing a come back. I can't figure out what would bring on the sudden return to a classic, but I'm not complaining! Here are three adorable Peter Rabbit gifts for little ones.

Let's start with the biggest, shall we? The Peter Rabbit Nursery from Pottery Barn Kids is perfect for either gender and will remain timeless enough for siblings and/or generations. Prices vary from $26 to $199.I love this cuddly, not to mention wallet friendly, Peter Rabbit and Story Book set from Red Envelope, on sale at $29.99.Finally, this adorable and practical Enchanted Forest Step Stool is to be found at Posh Tots for $276

Corolle Babipouce

While we're on the topic of classic dolls, how can you resist the Corolle Babipouce Dolls. Corolle is a French company located in Loire Valley that has been making dolls since 1979. They are priced at $34 and can be found through Elegant Child and come in a multitude of ethnicities.

Raggedy Andy & Raggedy Ann

Created in 1915 by Johnny Gruelle these two dolls have become a classic for any American child. I think they've been long forgotten in an era where Barbie drives a Ferrari but it is time for a revival of these two sweeties.I think my favorite pick is the set from Raggedy Land made by Madame Alexander priced at $65If you are really looking to invest, I love these Pastel Keepsake Dolls from The Elegant Child priced at $470

Posh Pacifier Clips

These adorable pacifier clips, or "minders" as my grandmother would call them, from Cunill are so sweet. You can order them through Silver Gallery, another keepsakes favorite source. Of the assortment, my favorite is the Sterling Silver Bunnies Pacifier Clip which retails for $32 I also adore this little Sterling Silver Moon Pacifier Clip which retails for $34

Non-Diaper Diaper Tote

I used my LL Bean tote as a child, holding my beach gear, picnic gear, etc. Even in college, I used the very same bag for books. When my sister-in-law gave me a much overdue replacement, I couldn't help but think how handy these totes come in for just about anything. They would even make a great, personalized, non-diaper, diaper bag! LL Bean has a variety at $17.95-$30.95. They come in all colors and can be personalized with pockets, zippers, the works. And each season they have limited edition designs with fun pictures and embroidery!Also, as a great budget pick, I love the personalized ones from the Nest shop. They are presently on sale for only $11.99

Nest Shop

So continuing the idea of gifts for soon-to-be parents, I love the very popular Nest websites' online store. They even have these great city-specific guides for $16.95How about this adorable Lu-lu Pregnancy Journal? Its only priced at $49.95 and I could see this as a mother to daughter gift.

Baby Bee Gifts

So recently a couple of friends have found that they are expecting! I decided to investigate good mommy-to-be gifts and yesterday's candle is only the tip of the iceberg. So some present moms have told me this was a pregnancy favorite as their bellies were growing. Two different brands have been cited so I'll tell you about both and you can decide for yourself! First is the Bella B Tummy Honey at $19.95The second version was the Burt's Bees Mama Belly Butter for $11.19Lastly, what a great gift basket for a new baby, the Burt's Bees Bundle of Joy Basket at $24.99

Woodwick Green

Recently I've been addicted to these long lasting, wonderfully scented soy candles. The Woodwick candles always have that namesake wooden wick which sounds like a calming crackling fire. I've been on a all natural soy candle kick after reading that artificial fragrances and candles can cause hormonal imbalances. Even if my information is incorrect, these candles smell so good and burn for 100 hours, they're well worth it! My favorite scent is, by far, "lavender hills." These would make a great relaxation gift for a new mommy or a mommy-to-be!

Well Appointed House

It is no secret that Well Appointed House is one of my favorite retailers for everything under the sun. I just love their children's line; look at these adorable nursery inspirations.They remind me of that nursery from Father of the Bride 2 which had such beautifully captured light! Thanks http://hookedonhouses.net/ for the photo!

Sailor Suits

A couple weeks ago I was visiting with a good friend. We had a laugh about how our parents used to dress us up as sailors. He said his parents thought that Victorian little boys' hair cut with the bangs and bob was fashionable! I couldn't help laughing at my old sailor dress, which I loved because I thought I was that cartoon character Sailor Moon! Those photos look timeless and sweet, even if they are good for a laugh. We joked that our children just have to endure that right of passage! If you really look into it, the sailor suit is a classic. Just look at Prince Albert Edward, later to be known as King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
I was thrilled to see Best Dressed Child's huge selection of sailor suits. Starting at just $20.99 this little Carriage Boutique romper is a classic for your little prince! I am also very impressed by the selection at Wear Me Out Boys, look at these off the wall options such as costume-looking Captain's Suit for $49.99. Or the very classic Short Set for $45
Last but not least, this adorable little Nautical dress for $45