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Links
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Alex & Me - Although
this catalog carries clothing for all ages, it features babies'
clothing that protects against the sun's harmful rays
- a good age to start protection: hats, shorts, shirts, outfits,
footwear etc. with a link to a dermatology site.
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Baby Catalog of America:-
First quality products are at a guaranteed lowest price. "Baby
Bargains" guide recommends it as a great one-stop source
for
first time parents (and grandparents!). If you're near their
New Haven, CT. store you can, in most instances, pick up
the
purchases.
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Baby Heirlooms
- Classic, familiar toys, bedding, and products centering on
familiar characters such as Paddington, Madeline, Pooh, Curious
George and Babar. A full line of well made (though occasionally
pricey) wooden toys, such as Kouvalis: sorter boxes, color cone,
lacing beads, pull toys, Noah's ark, rattles, plush toys etc.
Mustela Baby care products.
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BabyStyle - The quality
of the items, including maternity outfits, baby clothes,
beautiful toys, furnishings, and equipment is high. They've
increased the number of items for sale, so there's quite a
lot
to choose from now.
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Books of Wonder -
Based in NYC, this online shop sells the "latest in children's
books, classics from the past, the joys of the world of Oz, or
great children's book art." Check those children's books
you've been saving or picking up at used-book-sales as many
have increased in value, most especially if they still have
book jackets
in one piece, or book jackets at all. Shop for popular illustrator
original editions or, more realistically, at the poster shop.
Shop by the character's names (Alice, Olivia, Eloise, Miss
Spider); subject matter (Great Scary Stories); or for their
sale books.
- ConstructivePlaythings - We've just ordered a couple of birthday presents for our grandson from this 50 year old company. There's also a School Division section of the site as well as Magic and Novelty sections. The selection is wide and inclusive of both genders although we subscribe to the idea that gender doesn't determine interest or skill.
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FlyingPig -
These gifts arrived quickly from the UK and they're an inexpensive
ways to entertain and engage children. Here's the concept:
Animated models for you to make. A unique range of animated
models for you to cut out and make. From Skiing Sheep to Ruminating
Cows and of course the Flying Pig; all the models come complete
with clear, fully illustrated instructions, just cut out and
glue together! We ordered Bewitched, Flying Pig, Cat Walk,
Exercising Fool and others from this company for a few pounds/dollars
apiece and they're not just for children. Enjoy.
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FreshAsPaint - A
New Jersey firm we found at a craft fair with lovely children's
clothes in a very soft cotton material, dyed and painted with
motifs suitable to these young ages. Dresses, bloomers, shorts,
shirts, hats in vivid colors.
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Galison - Years ago I ordered a number of museum puzzles from Galison. The line is still going strong with the addition of Mudpuppy, their children's line of puzzles, journals, seal and send stationery, miniprints, dominoes, children's books and plush toys. Imaginative and well made products.
- HamptonsChild.com - Although many of today's childrens clothing concerns produce extremely colorful and wildly patterned pieces, this website carries a more sedate, classic and preppy selection up to size 6X. There are hair accessories for girls as well as a monogram collection.
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Hanna
Andersson
- A consistently reliable, high quality clothing line from birth
on with some clothing for Mom.
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InsectLore.com
- Most of our toy buying tends to be that of constructed materials
and we so often forget that children are intrigued by nature
and its wonders. This site stocks live butterflies, ladybugs,
worms, silkworms and other insect kits for education and home
use. Aquatic and pond creatures (hermit and fiddler crabs, fish
hatchery), projects such as an Undersea Encounter, delightful
'accessories' such as ladybug and butterfly wings, a Fishy Fish
set (three soft and squishable nesting fish) are available.
Many other low-cost items are learning-designed for children
who receive toys that often remove any sense of adventure or
exploration.
- Kaplan Early Learning Center - We found this company's site while searching for a sturdy combination water and sand play table as well as science oriented playthings. Many are school oriented in size and scope but you'll find interesting possibilities for family gifts, too. It takes a while to navigate the various sections of the site (such as Primary Learning and Dramatic Play and Social Skill) but persevere. Shipping costs are a consideration.
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Land of Nod - This catalog
online (the printed catalog carries many more items and should
be ordered for the full range) carries items well made and imaginative.
The text is sophisticated, although we disagree with the gender
assignment (blocks are designated for a young Howard Roark,
a nod to Ayn Rand's Fountainhead hero), the subject
of one of our sightings. There are decorative objects not
generally seen at other children's sites/catalogs such as the
reproductions of French perfume labels, a desk that holds a
keyboard drawer, good looking furniture hardware and vintage
advertising signs. The Wheeling, IL based business is now in
partnership with Crate and Barrel, planning to open some bricks
and mortar stores in the future. The printed and online catalog
smartly includes an activities section for children, brain teasers
called Nod-o-Grams.
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Lauren Celeste
- InStyle Magazine included this firm in their magazine
and the products, somewhat limited in number, appear to be well
made. Cardigans (including a cardigan layette set), jackets,
tops, pants, hats, overalls and dresses all in 100% organic
cotton. The site also includes a shop finder.
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Little
Moon Jumpers - Ah, publicity. InStyle featured this
company and they're a solid hit. Eight different designs of
personalized, colorful fleece blankets 26" (plus trim)
square.
- Maukilo - Once we moved on from the Haba food supplies for a kitchen and a ball-tilting block set, we were taken with the Style section (we're graduating from having a crib and youth bedroom combination to a trundle setup for grandchildren). Maukilo is a Vista, CA based site that features HABA toys as a primary supplier. We've bought a number of Haba block sets from other suppliers but hadn't seen the considerable stock in that particular brand on other sites.
- LucyBingoGames.com - We picked up our first bingo game (Ocean) at The Exploratorium, I believe, and recently ordered a raft of new ones for another grandchild and to be given away as gifts. Children of three can play and it's a simple, though gentle, means of competition. There's dinosaur, US states, wildflower, birds, Lewis and Clark and other themes used in an age-old form of bingo.
Mimi Maternity
- This is a thoughtful site in that it includes those things
you really need... like sweaters. Trying to get those coats and
sweaters from 'your former life' around that tummy at the end
of the pregnancy is difficult. They also include some clothes
that could be used for nursing, another choice many sites overlook.
Attractive, simple and flattering.
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MimiTheSardine
- A farmer's market in California's Marin County is where we
spotted these bibs, splash mats, aprons and tote bags, all perfect
for our grandchildren. They also have place mats, tablecloths,
cloth by the yard, aprons for adults, all made from Swedish
cotton prints that have been treated with an "environmentally
sound' coating to make them permanently water and soil proof.
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Mini
Boden -
A London-based firm now with an outpost in Boca Raton, Florida.
Breezy, colorful clothing for children beginning at a 12 month
size up to teenage years ... the kind that usually cost more
by known designers but with flair and style. When you arrive
at the site you'll realize that there are sections for grownups,
too. Lots of trimming and details for both the boys and girls
outfits. The copy is entertaining as well as informative, complete
with cleaning instructions.
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MomsNightOut
- This firm concentrates on dressy evening wear ... always difficult
to find under the most unpregnant of circumstances, much less
when you are. The bridal collection goes a step farther in the
'what do I wear when I'm pregnant' category and provides flattering
silhouettes for the pregnant woman...smart marketing and realistic
today.
- Museum Tour - We've been pouring over this catalog in order to choose some holiday gifts and the selection from museums around the country as well as the company's own picks are intelligent, useful and imaginative.
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Naissance
Maternity - There might be a pregnancy in the family (or
it's you!) and the field is widening on the web for good-looking
maternity clothes. The styles are good looking, fun, a bit funky,
practical and well-priced. This L.A. shop carries newborn fashions
and also sports a fitness studio on the premises but shop on
the web for the clothes, taking advantage of the sales area.
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Natural Baby Catalog
- We've used this catalog company, which has gone online,
even before our grandchild was born. Not only known for the
purity of the clothing products, but also for it's nursing bras
and wooden toys, books, baby furniture, health remedies, shoes,
'padders' and bedding.
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Oliebollen.com - A
great site for grandchildren (or children of friends, nephews,
nieces and your own child): well designed, making it easy to
navigate and purchase. Baby to young teen selection of clothes,
toys, room decor, stuffed animals, party sets, nightlites, furnishings
and a choice of wonderful books.
- OliveJuiceKids.com - We found these clothes to be classic, familiar styles from our own youth and that of our children's. Fair Isle and Matilde collared sweaters, schoolgirl and sailor pants, suspender skirts, double breasted sweater jackets are appealing and easy to mix and match, a concept long overlooked in the children's wear field. The catalog states that these clothes are 'sophisticated but meant to be played in,' the perfect combination of style and durability. Select boys styles go up to size 8. There's also a "Manners to Go" kit to teach children etiquette basics.
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One Step Ahead -
This is a catalog we've ordered from a number of times for our
granddaughters. Toys and activities selected with a focus on
learning with high quality construction and appropriate choices
to children's ages. They also include childproofing items such
as breast pumps, booster seats, gates and clothing.
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Peanut
Tree Designs - A company that specializes in bedding and
accessories for the younger set ... birth through 4T. Charming
embroidered and vintage quilts, nursery decor and furniture,
toys, gifts and other items and chenille items.
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PoshTots - In spite of
the fact that this site has been referred editorially as a site
for rich kids and for the baby who has everything, there are
no excuses given nor deserved. Linens, furniture and accessories
are standard items but with unusual designs and finishes to
inspire the talented do-it-yourselfer. There are playhouses,
rockers for adults and computer desks. Listings can be scanned
from least expensive to most and there are sample display rooms
by theme.
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Rattle
& Roll - A selection of some unique furnishings for
children as well as familiar brands. Wallpaper, rugs, dish sets,
a bassinet on wheels and CDs are welcome additions to the expected
stock for a site of this kind, but trusted companies such as
Manhattan Toy, Belly Basics, Baby Bjorn are also in evidence.
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RightStart - From babies
to children aged 12 , this site pretty much covers the block
in products — from strollers to books to apparel. Shop
by price category, brand name search and age appropriate sorting.
There are articles helpful to parenting as well as sections
such as ask the doctor and the librarian as well as a product
watch. There are a number of bricks and mortar stores you can
visit if you live nearby their locations.
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Sensational
Beginnings - The site is divided into toys for educational
purposes, holiday items, outdoor activities, 'characters,' furniture,
travel, safety and child care. It's a thorough selection from
a wide ranging array of companies and items to choose from for
infant stage through preteen years.
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Tim's
Tin Toys - A collection of windup toys and the more
traditional playthings.
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Wooden Toys -
Full selection of beautiful wooden toys, including dollhouses,
dump trucks, European wooden train set as well as a ride-on
train and a rocking B-2 biplane.
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Young Explorers
- From a lamp in the shape of Mother Goose to the book series,
Everyone Poops, this is a winning site. The company concentrates
on learning games and toys with hard-to-find items that are
usually drowned out by the dominance of 'action' toys on other
sites. The value of the games are shown up in the detailed paragraphs
explaining the intent and operation of each item.
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