I just found out about a great site full of natural products for hip, earth lovin’ moms.

It’s called Cotton Mamma and they’ve got tons of earth-friendly baby and kid gear like cloth diapers, organic crib bedding, and organic clothes and toys. They’ve also got plenty of stuff for adults as well, and not just parents. They have a really nice selection of things like organic cotton towels and washcloths, vegan soaps and lotions, all natural feminine products and homeopathic remedies.

The site is really well laid out and easy to use, and it’s a small family owned business run by the husband and wife team of Krystyna and Jeff. They’ve also got a showroom where they live in upstate New York, so if you’re in the area, be sure to pay them a visit!

Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

Looking for an alternative gift idea for the little ones in your life? What about an eco-friendly plush toy created from recycled and remnant fabrics?

The stuffed animals made by Melbourne, Australia based Real Toys are a great alternative to mass-produced toys, and since each one is crafted individually, these toys are as unique as the child who receives them.

I love this colorful elephant, but there are plenty of other animal friends to choose from, including horses and giraffes, monkeys and monsters, and more.

Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Accessory designer Jules Sherman just released the most adorable hand-painted princess and fairy barrettes for little girls. This is the newest addition to her yosi girls line, which includes plenty of cute barrettes, clips and hair ties for little girls and their big sisters.

Jules also designs modern, funky hair clips and barrettes for adults as part of her other line, Yosifa-Penina, which also includes belts, pouches and luggage tags. Jules graduated with honors from the Rhode Island School of Design, and both of her lines feature bold graphic designs on a fun and flexible rubbery base.

Both collections are available for purchase in the online retail store at Smashing Darling.

Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Felicia from Fluffy Flowers is a frequent commenter here on MissMalaprop, and she’s also the creator of some truly adorable recycled creatures.

She crafts these one of a kind critters from old gloves, mittens, socks and sweaters. She just added a bunch of pirate sweater kitties to her Etsy shop (check them out, they’re so cute), plus she has a bunch of Halloween themed creatures available, including this awesome vampire rabbit.

All of her creatures are super affordable, so if you fall in love with more than one, you can easily adopt multiples!

Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

OMG, can I just say how excited I was to stumble across this adorable printed onesie after clicking through to beanchild’s shop from Etsy’s main page?

Not as though I’m currently in the market for baby gear (although I did just get some baby gift purchasing accomplished recently), but the seahorse design! OMG! And then…upon further inspection I found this octopus print t-shirt. Anyone who knows me knows how obsessed I am with both animals… I have this whole dream sleeve tattoo piece envisioned featuring both creatures in full color.

I just contacted the shop owner about a custom order featuring both prints on the same shirt. An octopus AND a seahorse? It’s like my dream tee, seriously.

Uncategorized | No Comments »

I like the fabric of this messenger bag, made by Bliss By Heather. It’s simple & neutral, yet sort of crazy and eyecatching, all at the same time. Is that even possible?? Well, I guess so…

It’s big enough to hold textbooks, or if you’re like me and have a 12-inch Apple laptop, you could tote your computer around in it too. You could even use it as a diaper bag… Heather also makes baby gear (aka Baby By Heather) and offers a hands-free diaper pouch in matching fabric.

Uncategorized | 5 Comments »

Tell me this isn’t the cutest baby bib you’ve ever seen? I love the brightly colored retro rocketship kids…they’re too cute! And there’s even an adorable baby blanket to match.

Both precious items are brought to you courtesy of Sugar Chic Baby, who recently celebrated their one year anniversary of selling on Etsy.

In addition to handmade baby gear such as bibs, burp cloths, and blankets, there’s also cute stuff for your head, like ponytail holders and reversible fabric headbands.  All in super fun fabrics and made to last!

Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Spring has definitely sprung…it seems like every time I turn around I hear about another friend of mine who’s just found out they’re pregnant. Now, I’m not a huge kid person, but even I can admit how cute they can be at times. Especially in super precious handmade baby gear.

The baby hats from glitzconcepts are too cute for words! Available in sizes for babies from 3 to 18 months, these hats are both super cute and super affordable (everything in the shop is under $15 and most is under $10). Dress your baby up like a tiny bug, bear, moose or even a little unicorn!

If you’re looking for clothes that will make your kid the coolest on the block, make sure not to miss Eeny Meanie for adorable handmade dresses, jumpers, shirts, pants and sets. I love the halter and capri sets for spring and summer…too cute! And since everything is made by hand, custom orders are a possibility as well.

Finally, for the sweetest kids gear the other side of the Atlantic, check out Nixie Clothing’s new spring collection. Nixie Clothing uses only sustainable and recycled fabrics in their kid’s clothes, which are all made by hand in the UK. I first mentioned Nixie back in December but now that spring is here, there’s all sorts of new stuff to love!

Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Exploring the Mr. Pickles website has me cracking up laughing. Created by Ohio siblings Jack & Rita, the site features not only Mr. Pickles but also a flying hamburger, a nerd ghost, the Scurvy Friends, and a rotten apple.

It’s random, weird humor at its finest. You can learn more about each of the characters here, and then enjoy some of their adventures in the Masterpickles Theatre.

There’s also plenty of free fun, games and downloads, plus of course you can shop for your own Mr. Pickles merchandise. The Scurvy Friends t-shirts make me smile. Available for men, women, and children, they read “Friends don’t let friends get scurvy”.

Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Still searching for the perfect gifts for moms and little ones? There are tons of great independent & eco-friendly companies offering gifts, clothing, and accessories for kids. Here’s just a few:

Pink Olive Boutique serves up plenty of great gift ideas for kids, babies, and moms-to-be. Everything here is so precious, it’s hard to pick just one thing to feature. I’ve got to admit though, I absolutely adore this handknit ladybug backpack. There’s also a puppy and a frog backpack just like this one. Their cuteness makes me want to squeal!

Pink Olive Boutique isn’t just about kids & baby though, there’s also vacation gear, candles & soaps, accessories and knick-knacks, including some very pretty rings.

Nixie Clothing crafts adorable children’s clothing out of recycled materials. Designer Nicole Frobusch creates clothes for both boys and girls out of vintage fabrics and recycled wools. Everything in her collection is so cute! Sweaters with angel wings, butterfly sleeve dresses, shorts, and legwarmers… Everything here takes its inspiration from nature, and since the clothing is all recycled, you can teach your little ones about helping to protect Mother Earth when they wear their new duds.

Finally, a really unique twist on children’s shoes that’s also eco-friendly is Inchworm Shoes. These shoes are adjustable and grow a size as your child’s foot grows. So you end up buying less shoes and making less waste. Plus there are plenty of cute styles for boys and girls. I wish I’d had these pink Crawlers when I was a kid.

Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Ichabod’s, a great company from New Orleans, just launched their new website, featuring TONS of original t-shirts for guys, girls, and kids, as well as hoodies and messenger bags.

I first mentioned Ichabod’s in my Labor Day edition of Etsy Finds, although Ichabod’s has since closed their Etsy shop to focus on their own website.

All of the t-shirts are individually dyed and printed right here in New Orleans, using only American made, super soft vintage style shirts. The cotton messenger bags resemble vintage army bags and have plenty of room to tote all of your gear. My co-worker has an Ichabod’s bag and she loves it.

There are so many great designs that it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite. Although I have to say, the I want to be a dinosaur kid’s t-shirt is pretty amazing.

Ichabod’s is a great company not only because of their huge range of fun designs but also because they believe strongly in giving something back. Ichabod’s donates 10% of all proceeds to charity, and they even let you pick which one you’d like to support when you order, so you can feel good and do good when you shop at Ichabod’s.

Uncategorized | No Comments »

Wow, today is one of those days when I really wish I had a pair of fun rain boots. It’s been pouring since before I woke up and now I’m dreading walking through the French Quarter to get to work later. Rain boots are one of those things that you think you don’t really need. Well….until you need them, that is.

One of the coolest independent companies around making rain boots is Plueys. They produce limited quantities of boots for both kids and adults in fun and original prints like Origami Me and Puppy Love. Plueys also offers umbrellas as well as gift certificates.

Right now Plueys is running a fantastic sale: order two pairs of Plueys in the same order before December 24, and get another pair of Plueys for free. Now that’s a deal that can’t be beat. Too bad I can’t order any in time to walk to work…

Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

With the holidays quickly approaching, I know I’m certainly wondering what to get the little ones in my life (or the not-so-little, as they’re becoming). How do you shop for kids who’ve become quickly assimilated into a hyper-tense world of video games, the internet, and R-rated movies?

The CajunBagLady on Etsy brings to your little one’s stockings Crayon Caddies, such as the My Little Pony one featured (as I do love me some ponies). What could be more perfect for your toddler to tote around while accompanying you to post-holidays crafting sessions? Featuring designs with cars, Carebears and the Incredibles, you’ll be wishing these hip little bags were around for your artistic tools when you were a kid!

Inspired by MissMalaprop’s own Christmas list, I’ve been tempted to pick up animal adoptions through WWF for those closest to me in my life. Adoptions are available in a mixture of donations; for $25 you get a formal adoption certificate, a full-color photo and Species Spotlight Card– double that and for $50 you get a cute stuffed animal of your adopted species.

The best part about a gift like this is your ability to teach children the importance of enviromentalism and animal protection, as each adoption “donation will be used to fight threats like habitat loss and poaching faced by critically endangered species and to support WWF’s worldwide conservation efforts.” (And since holidays are about giving, I may just adopt myself a sweet little orangutan.)

And for the baby boy or girl in your world, this crocheted little dino is sure to be a bedtime cuddle buddy for years to come. Made with Tender Lovin’ Care by WigglySee, you’ll want to pick up some of his buddies like the Donkey and the Martian for an intergalactic bedroom zoo of your own!

Uncategorized | 3 Comments »