Yes, I realize it’s only April 5 and Mother’s Day isn’t until May 10, but I don’t think it’s too early to start thinking about your Mother’s Day wishlist or to start shopping for friends, sisters, mothers or yourself, for that matter.

Every day this week I’ll be bringing you gift ideas for the Mamas in your life that are very affordable. So affordable, in fact, you won’t feel bad when you decide it’s “one for her, one for me.” (Do I sound like I’m trying to justify something?) And, even if you aren’t ready to shop for Mother’s Day just yet perhaps you can win a thing or two in the great giveaways lined up.

Happy Mother’s Day shopping.

If you read this blog, you know I’m addicted to Etsy. Just love it. While preparing and searching for participants for the Support Military Moms event I came across the Etsy Homefront Team: a group of military spouses who sell on Etsy. There are some seriously great shops involved in this Etsy team (and you’ll learn more about many of them in May)!

The Homefront Team has a charity event on Etsy going on now through July 1 – all proceeds from participating sales go to The Fisher House. Here’s how to shop for a good cause: go to Etsy. search “Homefront Charity” and all the results should be participating listings. Buy a handmade good that suits your fancy and the proceeds go to a great charity that supports military families. A win-win situation as far as I’m concerned.

It just so happens The Fisher House is one of three charities set to benefit from Support Military Moms on The Shopping Mama in May. You’ll hear more about it, The National Military Family Association and Snowball Express closer to the kick-off May 16. If you know you’re going to be here, you can let all your friends know with an RSVP on Facebook.

Here’s my weekly round up of some current sales, coupons and discount codes so you can shop to your heart’s content while saving a few bucks.

Sales
* Pottery Barn Kids: Easter sale, save up to 60% online and in stores
* Crazy 8: Spring sale, save up to 50% and Earn $20 Crazy Cash on every $40 you spend – Ends April 5
* Stride Rite: Buy One Get One 50% Off In Stores Only – Ends April 5
* Carter’s: 50% off Easter sale – Ends April 7
* Gymboree: Earn Gymbucks now through April 12

Coupons & Discount Codes
* The Crazy Dazy: 10% discount code “SHOPPINGMAMA” – No expiration
* Child to Cherish: save 10% with code “tsm10″
* Bugaloo Shoes: buy 2, get one free with code “get1free” – Expires April 6
* Tea Collection: save 15% with code “T4MT15″ – Expires April 15 (Thanks, Momtrends!)
* Best Baby Organics: 25% off organic clothes purchase over $25 with code “Organic25″ – Expires April 17

Updated April 6 to add
Gap, Banana Republic & Old Navy: 30% off new items with code “New30″ – Expires April 9

I’m feeling like I want a new diaper bag. I certainly don’t need one, but at the moment I’m just not loving the one(s) I have.

After some looking around, I’ve come up with a few bags I’m considering. (Obviously there are others out there but I just can’t justify spending much money on a new bag considering I have hundreds of dollars worth of diaper bag sitting right in front of me.) I need some help deciding and clearly the Husband is no help because, for some reason, he thinks I don’t need a new one. Hmph.

Option 1: Large Pleated Bag from Bags by Collette. I love the fun fabric, the slouchy style and that it’s a unique one of a kind bag no one else will have. I don’t like that I’ll have to wait a while to get it. (I AM all about instant gratification.)

Option 2: Vera Bradley Morgan Bag. I have to say I’m not sure I’m a Vera Bradley mama. I mean, this bag seems like a great option (nice shape, pockets, etc) but I don’t know if it’s me. Friends have Vera Bradley bags and love them so I think it’s probably well made and will last a while.

Option 3: JP Lizzy Cate Diaper Bag Tote. I’m drawn to this bag because it doesn’t look like a diaper bag. But, I’ve never heard of this brand and I have no idea what it looks like in person. I’m afraid that because of the fake croc it could look super cheap and cheesy.

So, what do you think? What diaper bag do you have that you love? Help me out here, ladies. I want to get my shop on.

Child to Cherish products are a great place to start when shopping for a unique, functional and super sweet keepsake gift. Founded in 1986 by mom Patrice Lowe, Child to Cherish offers a wide variety of products that are very affordable.

The initial Child to Cherish product, the Handprints Tower of Time is a perfect gift to celebrate the birth of a new baby. It includes five tins so you can make an impression of a little one’s hand every year from ages 1 to 5. It’s so easy to forget how tiny out kiddos hands are – this is a cute and fun way to see how much your little one has grown. If you’re looking for an inexpensive but thoughtful gift, Child to Cherish also sells a single handprint kit.

I love the Pink Crayon Apron for a girl’s birthday or just because gift. The apron is cute and conveniently holds crayons so your little one can play dress up and create art at the same time.

Child to Cherish also has a variety of banks, any one of which would be a fun keepsake gift. Toddler Boy received the adorable “Markie the Turtle” bank from the Bank with Bug Keeper line. At first I wasn’t quite sure what the bank plus bug holder was all about, but it’s so cute! As you can see from the photos, the bug holder doubles as the protective packaging around the bank. (Isn’t it the sweetest little thing?) I love that there is a practical and fun use for the plastic packaging so your little one can play with it and not dump it in the trash. The bank itself is adorable, with great painted detail. It’s a nice size for a toddler and won’t take up too much room on a bookshelf or dresser. The bug holder is a hit with Toddler Boy because it has a handle so he can fill it with toys and carry it around. It has holes on the top and is clear so you can see little critters inside – it’ll be perfect for catching and watching lightning bugs this summer.

Some of my other favorites are the Buttermilk Farm Box Set, Stitched Ceramic Frame and Birthday Bowl Cup and Plate Set.

Shop! Check out http://www.childtocherish.com/ for the complete selection of Child to Cherish gifts. Use the code tsm10 for 10% off your purchase!

The líllébaby EuroTote is not your average baby product. It combines stylish Scandanavian design with easy-to-use functionality and is a serious multi-tasker. The EuroTote can be used as:
· Cradle carrier: sturdy hidden carrier board protects baby’s back, allowing you to look at baby while carrying her;
· Car seat bunting: fits in most convertible car seats with openings to fasten 3-point and 5-point harness directly around the child;
· Stroller bunting bag: fits directly into bassinet strollers and has openings to fasten stroller harness directly around the child;
· Play blanket: unzips to lay flat, perfect for an impromptu soft play area;
· And, travel bedding.

Think of the EuroTote as a lighter, easier to carry Moses Basket. It weighs less than a pound and the straps are long enough to go over your shoulder. I found it to be quite easy to wear and felt secure carrying Baby Girl around. I really liked that I could look down at her and see her big goofy grin when she watched me. The EuroTote comes with two bunting covers: one for winter months and one for warmer weather. The mesh warm weather cover is perfect for keeping baby secure in the carrier but not too hot. As summer approaches, it’s a great way to carry baby around and then have a place to let her rest and play without dragging along 87 different baby things and blankets.

Even its numerous and varied functions, the EuroTote is very intuitive and easy to use. For instance, without reading the thorough instruction booklet, my husband was able to switch it from the baby carrier to the play mat with no trouble. (And, trust me, I usually have to beg him to read the instructions that come with baby things.)

Another must mention feature of the EuroTote? It’s machine washable! Hallelujah. Already had to throw it in the wash after one of Baby Girl’s famous spit up episodes. The EuroTote looks nice and I want it to stay that way so it’s nice to be able to throw it in the wash. (You can see just how great it looks in the pictures. Baby Girl and I had the opportunity to try the Whole Latte Love – latte with cream lining – one of five great color combos available.)

Why Buy? I think the EuroTote is ideal for travel – definitely something to consider with spring break and summer vacation season approaching. Think about it, when you have a young baby in a hotel where do you put her to play and sleep? I’d rather NOT let Baby Girl roll around on dirty hotel floors or sleep in a borrowed travel crib, thank you very much. The EuroTote packs up very small and is so light that it barely adds to your luggage. It’s a comfy, cozy place to sleep and unzips to make a great play mat.

Why Not Buy? I honestly cannot think of any particular improvement that would make the EuroTote a better product. I’ve never seen or used anything quite like it. The only hinderance might be price, but when you compare the cost of this one product to the 3 or 4 it can replace, it is pretty much a bargain.

Shop! For more information, including a great demo of all the features, and to find a list of retailers, check out the líllébaby website.