There’s a virtual party going on in the blogosphere this week sponsored by 5 Minutes for Mom. You don’t need to be a blogger to participate – just click on the image below for information on how you can get in on the fun. I’m hoping to find some new, must-read blogs and that some new readers will decide they can’t live another day without reading The Shopping Mama. (If you do happen to decide you can’t live another day without reading, consider subscribing via email or in a reader so you never miss a post.)

And now for the introduction: Hello. I’m Kate. And I’m a shopaholic. An online shopaholic, to be exact. I love shopping (and buying) for my two little ones. Toddler Boy was born December of 2006, he has beautiful blond curly hair, likes cars and “dinoshores” and is fiercely independent. (“No, mama. I do dat.”) My sweet Baby Girl was born in November of last year. She has kissable chubby cheeks, beautiful blue eyes, wannabe-curly brown hair and loves to watch her big brother play. You can read more about me and how I developed my addiction here.

Take a look around, read about my favorite Easter finds, some awesome mom crafters and enter a giveaway or two.

Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again and enjoy the party.

There are lots of prizes up for grabs in the UBP, and my top 3 choices are Ergo Baby Carrier (#7), $50 Target gift certificate (#19 & 21) and $50 gift certificate to Paperlicious (#50). I’d also love #50, #3, #77, #79, #118.

Admittedly, Baby Girl will not know if she receives a lump of grass for Easter let alone an adorable basket full of sweet little things just for her. None the less, I couldn’t resist finding some great goodies to stuff the baskets of the wee babes of the world.

This soft, cuddly bunny is the PERFECT Easter gift for a baby. The Minky Bunny by Morgan Nichole is made from Minky fabric and stuffed with non-allergenic poly-fil. It’s available in blue, white, pink or yellow and it only costs $7.50.

As practical as it is pretty, this burp cloth is like mixing business with pleasure. If your little one is anything like Baby Girl, you definitely need a burp cloth. I like this cloth from Sprout Boutique for a wee babe’s basket because those cute little birds give it a springly, Easter feel. Sprout offers a wide variety of burp cloths with great designer fabrics for $7 each.

Want a show stopper? How about this absolutely gorgeous Shabby Chic Sensory Quilt? (It will be a miracle if I haven’t already purchased this before I post about it.) Peach Blossom Crafts has marked down prices until March 31 so this beauty is only $10! The quilt is 19 inches square with quilt fabric on the front and ivory chenille on the back and an adorable little ruffle all the way around. If you’re stuffing a basket for a boy, Peach Blossom Crafts also has a brown and teal version.

Happy shopping!

First, I have to get this off my chest: I am really annoyed with a certain children’s store for switching up their fabric Easter basket options this year. They totally changed the design so I couldn’t buy the same shape and size for Baby Girl as the basket we bought Toddler Boy 2 years ago. Then I went to buy the basket I had settled on for her and it’s no longer available. Ugh.

After shopping around, I feel much better because I found some options that I absolutely adore. The best part about all of today’s finds: each shop is offering a discount to Shopping Mama readers!

I just love the Easter baskets from Polka Dot Market. The baskets are white cotton with a colorful fabric circle to showcase your little one’s initial. Girl baskets also have sweet ribbon bows – polka dot, of course – on the handles. Each Polka Dot Market basket is custom made so check out the pretty fabric options for a boy or a girl and design it just the way you like. Sally at Polka Dot Market is offering Shopping Mama readers 10% off – use the code “FRIEND” at checkout.

Blue Morpho Designs has lots of sweet basket options to pick from (and if you don’t see something you like you can even chose your own fabric) for only $12. Each basket is padded and made of two coordinated fabrics making it reversible. Blue Morpho even offers a set with a pinafore dress to match the Easter basket. And, all you moms of boys should check out the truck basket with coordinating dots fabric – it’s a great otion for your tough little guy. Contact Rebecca on Etsy prior to ordering and mention you saw Blue Morpho on The Shopping Mama blog for 5% off your purchase!

Today’s final suggestion is a different, but perhaps more versatile option. This galvanized bucket is decoupaged with pages from the book The Tortoise and the Hare. In fact, all items in the tiny giraffe shop feature scenes from old books. How clever and totally fun is that? If you’re not looking for an Easter basket, this pail is a sweet little decoration for your home and can even be used as a spring flower planter. To add to the cuteness, it even comes with a little shovel and seed packets. Mention The Shopping Mama blog for a 10% discount at tiny giraffe shop!

Happy shopping and don’t forget to mention The Shopping Mama sent you.

If your kids are like most, you will encounter a few social events around, or related to, Easter with an informal dress code. In other words, you’ll probably hit up a play date or preschool or story group where a fancy dress or tie is a tad “inappropro” but you still want your kids to look festive. Here are some of my favorite finds for those occasions.

This adorable custom creation by Sweet Couture will be the envy of all the other playgroup moms. Anna uses a variety of cute fabrics to create each one of a kind shirt with your kiddo’s name. I love the clever use of shapes as letters and that it’s great for a boy or a girl.

Another cute option from Sweet Couture is the darling Easter bunny onesie. Because each item is custom made to order, Easter orders must be placed by March 30.

I think this cute two piece outfit from Little Bo Peep is pretty affordable – it’s only $20 for smaller sizes and $30 for larger sizes.

If you’re looking for a little accessory to round out an Easter outfit, this felt egg clip from Little Fortune Cookie is perfect. Isn’t it sweet? The clip would also be a fun addition to a little girl’s Easter basekt.Let me know what you think about today’s finds. I’d love to hear from you!

As usual, like the total dork that I am, I searched for matching (or at least coordinating) outfits for the kiddos to wear on Easter. I seriously looked everywhere I could think of and I can now safely say my kids will be the best dressed little ones EVER come Easter Sunday. (And when I take them to get portraits taken. And then make them dress up a few times just so I can admire their outfits.) My kids will be wearing coordinated outfits from Trendy Sisters.

Easter is fast approching and as far as I’m concerned that means it’s time to get shopping. (Before you run and check your calendar it’s Sunday, April 12.) This week I’ll be showing you everything you need (and I want) for the holiday. From fancy clothes to basket goodies to festive onesies, The Shopping Mama has you covered. Check in daily for lots of Easter-y ideas for your little ones.

BabyBug Design, the shop featured in today’s Sunday Spotlight, is generously offering you the chance to win one pair of shoes!