Gifts for Babies

Burt's Bees We gave a variety of Burt's Bees Products to our tester to review and all the comments came back the same -- "We highly recommend all the products!"  Our tester loved the smell, they didn't dry our their baby's skin, they loved that it wasn't overly scented or cause their skin to break out.   They particularly loved the "Head to Toe Bar."  Products range in price from $5.00 and up -- and are all natural!

Nail Clippers with Bear Files (Tweezerman)  Probably the worst thing for a new mother to do is clip nails -- that's why this kit is so nice.  There are nail files for when you're not ready and the clippers when you are.  The clippers are sturdy an big so your fingers won't slip and the blade cuts without tearing! 

Instant Forehead Thermometer (Oregon Scientific) There is nothing worse that a child with a fever and you never want to wake them up to check it!  This is a great tool that allows you to check your grandchild's temperature on their forehead.  Trust me it's better than your hand or lips to gauge temperature.  It measures body temperature in seconds and it has a bright LCD reading.   It's a great gift for parents or to keep in your own home! $59.99.

Open Wide / Sweep Pea (Metal Morphosis) These awesome pewter spoons  were created by Kaycee Binns - an artist whose work is inspired by her grandmother and all the imaginary worlds and characters she created for her during storytelling times.  We gave these spoons to a new mother whose son was just about to start solids and she was thrilled!  She loved the intricate design and lettering and said the size was "just perfect."  Since they are pewter they are completely safe! They are made in the USA and cost $20.00 each.

Sterling Ball/Ring Rattle (Boardman Silversmiths, $150.00)

It may seem like a stereotypical baby gift, but nothing soothes a baby's gums better it seems than a silver rattle.  They stay cool, can be held easily and make a wonderful jingling sound.  Our tester, a grandmother of four, gave this to her newest grandchild and she just loved it. She reported that "the design is beautiful, the handle was easy to grasp, the silver cooled her aching gums and the jingling sound was wonderful." 

Pastel Pancake™ Security Bear (North American Bear Company) If you'd like to get your grandchild a "lovey" then this may be the ticket.  This teddy bear is soft and cuddly, however if you're like our tester you'll want to have about ten of them on hand -- because watch out if you loose him or he gets dirty!  This extra soft teddy is also an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Winner. Availalbe in Pink, Green and Yellow.  All ages, $20.00

White Hot Safety Duck Tub (Munchkin, $14.99) 

This tub is inflatable, padded and safe. It has a safety disc that turns white when the water is too hot and a textured bottom to prevent slipping. It's easy to pack and easy to inflate. It's perfect for children 6 months to 2 years who are old enough to sit upright unassisted. Our mom-tester loved it. She used it for her baby son, and her daughter, age 3, loved to make it quack!

Whoozit Activity Galaxy (by Manhattan Toy Company,  $13.95)

Our 7-month-old teether just loved this toy.  With the Whoozit smiling face to the rubber rings, bright colored fabric - who wouldn't love it.  Both mother and baby agreed this was one great toy!

Discover and Play Activity Set (Baby Einstein) According to our new mom tester her 3-month-old son "did not really like it at first but he seemed to have caught on. Now he loves to lie on the floor mat and look at each of the objects hanging above him and he studies them.  He especially loves the birds!   He plays with them by pulling and sticking them in his mouth (everything goes into his mouth these days).  We often used it during the tummy time and he likes to look at the animals on the mat."  Recently she reported that she couldn't live without it!

 IQ Baby My-Oh-My-Octopi (Small World Toys)
The giant purple octopus is large and sturdy enough for our 4-month old tester to lean against. According to his mother, "I can wrap some of the tentacles around and he touches or studies the pockets, mirrors, beads and teethers. The underside of the octopus is covered in different patterns, some black and white and some colored. What really gives this toy a boost is the baby octopus puppet that comes along with the big one. An adult can wear the puppet on one hand and mesmerize a tiny baby with the moveable tentacles. Although this is an expensive toy, I think it is worth the investment because of its versatility. At 4 months my son is just starting to enjoy the large octopus, but the baby puppet has been intriguing him for much longer." Ages Newborn to 36 months, $70.00

Baby's First Christmas Bear  (Vermont Teddy Bear) Celebrate your grandchild's First Christmas with this beautiful bear.  It's a great gift that your grandchild will love for years!  They are soft and snuggly and will undoubtedly become companions for those overnight visits!  The First Christmas Bear comes with a bib, velvet diaper and Santa hat!  It will be delivered in Vermont Teddy Bear's special box that has an air hole, chocolate and a gift card. $72.95

Ollie™ Dog Mobile (North American Bear Company) I just love mobiles, but this one is extra special because it has cute little dogs chasing tails!  Our newborn tester seemed to really enjoy gazing up at the dogs.  His mother liked the fact that it played a nice tune the "Children's Marching Song."  She also liked the fact that it didn't startle her son like some other mobiles can.  Ages Newborn to 5 months.  $50.00

Silly Sounds Stackers (Munchkin): This toy is ideal for babies aged six months plus; young babies would find it difficult to play with by themselves. This toy is very colorful and makes great scrunchy sounds, however the sounds of the toy are loud and could frighten a sensitive or younger baby. Ages 6 months and up, $9.99

Float n’ Fun Bath Time Mirror (Munchkin): Bathtime will never be boring again! Our testers loved checking their reflection while washing off the soap! Ages 2+, $7.95. Available at most major retailers.

 Melody and Motion Activity Toy: (Baby Einstein) Our 3-month-old tester just loved this and so did his grandmother. The baby loved the sounds the beads make as the toy rotates and the grandmother loved the fact that it plays "Fur Elise" by Beethoven.  She said " it's construction is solid and it is a real music box!"  A real winner!  Ages 0+, $9.99.

Bath Puppets (Baby Einstein) Our 4-month-old tester just loved this and so did his mother.  Our tester is already a fan of the Baby Einstein videos so he really loved taking a bath with characters he knows.   They are soft and gentle on the skin and our mother loved watching her son giggle during tub time! Ages 0+, $9.98. Available at most major retailers.