Mother-daughter bracelets have been taken to a new level. Thought not actually intended for that purpose, when I saw a mini bracelet in designer Yas Niktash's collection, I created my own set. The bracelets are made from braided African fabrics, in a variety of colors. A charm such as a heart, stars or sand dollar is attached to each one. The bracelets don't get ruined in water, so they are literally fun an functional! Though not available on her site yet, one quick email and they can be yours.  ~ What kinds of accessories do you and your kids share? ~

I like to shop. And plan. And plan to shop. And shop for things that are planned. Following are some of our favorite gifts to give for new babies, moms, homes and at any time! Hope you get inspired to shop, and support a growing business in the process. 

Featured here is a personalized pennant I had customized for a friend's new daughter. Somehow they captured her mom's style perfectly without even knowing it!



Kids
Funny Girl Designs 
hair accessories and clip holders

Giddy Giddy 
hair accessories and clip holders

Pee Wee Patch Kids 
shirts and pants sets for new crawlers

Playful Chef 
real mini cooking tools for the pint-sized chef

Swim Zip 
zip-front swim shirts sets

Will Heron Designs 
tees with witty images for the whole family


Moms
Annie & Isabel 
stylish and secure hospital gowns 

Bird & Vine 
cool & comfy lounge wear

Showerista 
rock 'n roll shower caps


Accessories
Anne Kiel 
sweet sayings

Ornamental Things
retro relevance

Tasty Jewelry 
playful pieces

Yas Niktash 
sparkly splash  


Home
Ilo Collective
personalized pennants

Blue Monkey Frames
fabulous frames


Sweets
Chuao Chocalatier 
creative combos

Oh Brownie 
bold batters

~What are your favorite gifts to give?~

You always wanted a balloon animal. The only problem was they never lasted. They always broke up into pieces, little by little, like a junior high romance. Well, this Callooh & Callay Balloon Poodle Necklace is the most committed form of puppy love there is. The engraved acrylic pink poodle will stay, sit and lie down when it’s told. Loyalty on a chain, and a new leash on life.

I was late to get on the "wear your child's name on a charm" bandwagon. I just hadn't found I liked yet, but thanks to a good friend, I was set on that path with a beautiful charm from etsy.  All on my own, I bought an adorable charm from Anne Kiel stamped with "Mon Bebe" for Tiny for last Mother's Day.  I have also been a long time fan of her initial charms which friends and family both young and old can attest to! And it looks like literally defining ourselves by our jewelry is here to stay. So I decided to ask Anne about her new Mother's Endearments and Romance Language lines. I was curious about whether women are buying these for themselves, or hinting about receiving them as gifts!  She said she had so many custom requests for gifts for new moms that she started the separate mothers' line. She said that moms are also "definitely buying the Endearments and the Initial Necklaces on their own to 'celebrate' their own kids." ~ Parents: Have you bought or received such personalized jewelry? ~

I asked my friend Mindy Turk, owner of Beadazzled by Mindy, what kinds of accessories make the best gifts for little flower girls. She made necklaces for my four two-year-old flower girls so she should know!  She said that bracelets, necklaces and hair accessories make great flower girl gifts.  Hers can be made to match the dresses exactly, and are reasonably priced and heirloom quality.  She feels that even the youngest of girls are deserving of Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls, sterling silver and 14k gold!  She loves to see photos of the flower girls to custom make something exactly right for each child.
~ Parents: What gifts did you give the young members of your bridal party? ~