by Contributing Blogger Robyn Krugman
Recently Babesta(66 West Broadway, NYC (212) 608-4522) and Babesta Cribz (56 Warren Street, NYC (646) 290-5508) hosted their first Hip Holiday Top 20 party. The stores, practically right across the street from one another, are adorable family owned shops for your little ones. The staff hand picks every item that goes into their stores and their goal is to make your shopping experience fun, manageable as well as connecting people with products that fit their lifestyle. Between the two stores you can find anything ranging from what a staff member called “the Goldman,” a blue shirt-sie button-down with a white collar and white cuffs, to NYC themed books and toys and everything in between. Babesta allows their clients to shop online and either pick up in the store or have their goodies shipped anywhere in the world. Another perk, for those looking for unique items for a birthday or holiday gift, you can also create a registry at www.babesta.com. (Read More after the jump).
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, we need to think about great gifts for the little people in our lives. Babesta has put out a great list with items for every budget, style and interest.
1. ESP No. 1 Jeans This line is all about modern, unisex looks. These come in lots of the popular colors in “new neutrals” that mix and match with just about everything. $72
2. Mini Rodini Undies: Undies as a gift? You are probably thinking that is a terrible gift… BUTWAIT UNTIL you see these adorable undies and you will change your mind. I wish they made them in my size because they are so cute! These adorable underthings feature the illustrations of artist and head of the company Cassandra Rhodin, that find inspiration from her family’s circus heritage. $22 for 2-pack.
3. Snow Globe by Seedling Kids: Winter is approaching and there are likely to be a few days when your little one needs an indoor activity other than the television. Seedling Kids has perfected the snow day activity, with a make your own snow globe. activity. You mold the clay, bake it like a shrinky dink and then let it set. Later you add water and glitter and voila! Let your kids creativity shine! $28
4. Loog Guitar: I love a good start up! This guitar started off as an academic project in 2010 by designer Rafael Atijas (his master’s thesis). It was launched via Kickstarter, with a goal to raise $15,000 and they raised $65,618. People were excited about the product. The three-string guitar makes it fun and easy for kids to play music. Rafael believes that building the guitar is an integral part of the experience–to be a real guitar hero you have to build it. Kids at the event LOVED this toy. I watched multiple children gravitate to this guitar and rock out on the floor of Babesta. $149
5. Sublime tee by Rowdy Sprout: SOFT, like your husband’s old tee shirts. Awesome graphic tees that kids and parents love. $37
6. Starry Sweatshirt Dress by Bobo Choses: Can I have my 6 month old boy wear this? Oh my…I need to have a girl baby, because this is too cute! The Bobo line incorporates stars, faces and cats and features simple lines. Snatch this up while you can because Babesta is one of the few U.S. boutiques that carries this brand. $72
7. Cardishirtigan by La Miniatura: Ok, I love boy clothes too! Project Runway’s Jeffery Sebelia was the rebel of the show and that rocker attitude shows through in his line of cool boys’ clothing. This cardishirtigan is half cardigan half button down shirt and is super cute and comfy. $104
8. A for Apple Fair Aisle sweatshirts. Are you tired of your child wearing the same thing as every other child? Tired of seeing seas of grey, blue and black? Grab one of these trendy and unique Fair Aisle sweatshirts by Hong Kong based A for Apple. Your little one will definitely be a trendsetter in these!. A for Apple has excellent quality, washes well and these sweatshirts are very thick and soft. $82-$88
9. Indie Button Factory by Chronicle: Kids love to bring a little flair to their book bags, coats and shirts. Making their own buttons is a fun way to express themselves. Great DIY for boys or girls. $18.95
10. Smash Scrapbook and accessories kit: This is a great gift for kids, tweens, teens and even adults. There are even “baby book” versions for mom! What a great way to capture all of your family memories. Grab your photos, your ticket stubs and bring your creativity.
The rest of the picks are:
Yoshitomo Nara My Sweet Dog Pull Toy by Vilac: Although this isn’t brand new, it is a hot seller for the design conscious clientele. Vilac has been manufacturing toys in France for over 80 years and has some of the most innovative designs. Smoothed, sanded and lacquered by craftsmen. Nara is a super-groovy pop artist from Japan who came on the scene in the 90’s. $92
Coco to Go by Bloom This is the most versatile bouncer on the market. The soothing vibration calms babies. 3 in one lounger, rocker and seat. Folds up almost flat, making it ideal for travel. $19
Caravan Crib & Dresser by Kalon Studios: This crib and dresser set made me want to redo our nursery. These cribs are made in the U.S.A. are made of materials that are renewable, eco-friendly, bio degradable and sustainably forested. You can customize the look by choosing one of the many color options that can be combined with the raw finish. In the store, the set shown was with teal slats which I absolutely adored! Each piece crib $895 in color (can come plain for $695); dresser $1395 plain, $1495 in color.
Facebook by Chuck Close (Abrams) Artist Chuck Close is an American painter and photographer who achieved fame as a photo realist. Close suffers from facial blindness (can’t remember faces) and has found that when he paints portraits he is better able to recognize people. This book is dedicated to such portraits. Having suffering a spinal artery collapse in 1988, he is paralyzed yet continues his art and continues to inspire. $18.
Crowded Teeth Wall Art: When decorating our nursery, I poured over every wall decal and artwork I came across to find the perfect fit. I wish I had known about this Etsy superstar, Michelle Romo. Her whimsical style, bold graphics and great sense of humor are wonderful!$30-$60
Auggie Robot March Bedding: Who doesn’t love Robots? The Auggie line is for those parents that want to decorate in a fun way that is not too over the top. The line is 100% cotton and made in India. crib sheets $45, shams $40, toddler duvets $115, twin duvets $145, sleep sacks, everyday blanket $78.
Bugaboo Cameleon Stroller C3 Neon: When I saw this, I wanted it so badly. Bugaboo is a great line that has a high resale value. The stroller not only offers function but is cute to boot. The neon wheels, stitching and the metallic blue frame are sure to make a statement. $1059
Low Temperature Bunting by 7AM Enfant: Baby its cold outside! Bundling a baby is tricky. How do you get them into the car seat? Will they be warm enough? Will they be too warm? The amazing 212 blanket by 7AM Enfant, is the perfect solution. Bundled in this your little one will be ready for any weather. $138 (0-6M); $158 (6-18M); $178 (1Y-3Y)
Gummi Bath Toys by Jellio: The design house Jellio works out of Red Hook Brooklyn. They recently came up with these cavity-free bath toys fashioned after kids’ favorite treats. $28
Unicorn Head by DFC: Do you want to make a statement in your child’s room? This customizable unicorn head is definitely a statement piece. Chose from any color and glitter combination. Custom made, from $750.
MY PICK: 7AM Enfant Stroller Hand Muffs: Anyone who is about to face the cold weather NEEDS these. These super cozy stroller muffs Velcro right to the handlebar. Trust me, you won’t ever want to take your hands out of these babies! $44.
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