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Let Them Know You’re Grateful: Teacher Appreciation Week Ideas

by Shannon on May 9th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Life

Toddler boy can’t wait for school tomorrow. It has nothing to do with his amazing teacher or the wonderful things he’ll learn. He has a gift for his teacher, a.k.a. “MY Miss Amy!” and he can’t wait to give it to her.

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We worked together to build this poster today and it reads: Ms. Amy, you are the “highlight” of my school day. “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” this summer. But, I’ll “perk up” when I see you again in the fall. Love, Alex

In place of the word highlight, we have a cutie patootie flower highlighter with five different colored inks. For “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” we’ve inserted a Books-A-Million gift card so his dear teacher can treat herself to some summer reads. And for Alex’s “perk up,” we’ve attached a Starbucks gift card.

We’ve prepared this special gift because this week, May 6-10, is National Teacher Appreciation Week.

We’ve also been busy preparing surprises for Kindergarten girl’s teachers. She has two teachers in her classroom and we decided to send in a small token each day of this week to let them know how much they are appreciated. Here’s the plan for the week:

  • Monday – the aforementioned flower highlighter attached to a small bouquet of flowers with a similar quote, “You’re the highlight of my school day!
  • Tuesday – a Starbucks gift card with the message “Perk Up! Only 17 more school days!
  • Wednesday – an assortment of binder clips, paper clips, rubber bands and other miscellaneous office supplies with a note “Hold it together just a little longer!
  • Thursday – tomorrow our note will read “You’re at school all day…you deserve a HOT LUNCH!” and we’ve attached a Chik-fil-A gift card. We chose Chik-fil-A because it is the closest quick-service restaurant to Kindergarten girl’s school and one the teacher’s might actually be able to get to during the school day.
  • Friday – we will send in some wonderful glass cookie jars I found at my local discount store filled with a combination of store-bought and homemade cookies. The note will read, “Though these cookies have plenty of sugar, they are nowhere near as sweet as you!

And of course, each note wishes them a HAPPY TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK 2013.

teacher appreciation collage

This week is both teacher and nurse appreciation week. Please let special educators and care givers know how much you value them.

Shop Kohl’s for Mother’s Day!

by Maureen on May 7th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Fashion & Beauty, Shopping, Style

The Northeast Girl White Eyelet Shirt
It’s The Northeast Girl back again to help you find that perfect Mother’s Day gift!  While I know we all find our own ways to show our moms just how much they mean to us all year long, I still think it’s wonderful that we continue to take one specific day and make it all about them.  I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra attention and pampering?!  Being a mom to Ava for the past 4+ years has simply been a privilege.  She’s taught me so much and my love for her is just unconditional.

g'boro pic

(Image Credit: T.Lohse Photography)

In our house, we always make sure to include Ava in our holiday preparations and celebrations so when I went to Kohl’s this weekend to see if we could pick out the perfect gift for my mom and mother in law, I took my little sidekick right along with me.  She’s pretty sure her Grandmom and her Mimi would both love either a new barbie or a hot pink watch, so while she might not be quite ready to really pick the presents, it was still fun to take her with me for the day.

Shopping Kohl’s for Mother’s Day

I went to a Kohl’s that was only a few miles from my home and I think no matter which store you stop in to this week, they have got you covered!  There are plenty of displays and pre-picked ideas ready and waiting to help make your decision easier!  Kohl’s has a department for just about anything you’re looking for to try and show mom see how much you appreciate her.  Does your mom like jewelry?  They’ve got something for every budget and most, if not all of it, is on super sale.  Does your mom like to stay fit?  They have an activewear section and athletic shoes at door busting prices.  Does your mom love having the perfect loungewear ready and waiting for her after a long day?  (This would be me…).  Well, Kohl’s has everything you need from pajamas, slippers, and comfy lounge clothes.  Let’s see, does your mom like to keep up with the trends all while keeping an eye on her budget?  Well, Kohl’s has some high profile designers with some great lines at great prices already in stores ready for you to check out.  They also have bags, accessories, make up, perfume, jewelry boxes…and the list goes on!  I’ll also show you some of my top pics for things in the home and kitchen department.  Kohl’s was stocked full of something for everyone!

Below I’m going to share with you my picks to help you navigate your way through Kohl’s this week when searching for that perfect gift!  While I was walking through the store, I also noticed that a lot of their gift options are already pre-packaged so nicely and have so much appeal even before you wrap them.  Which reminds me, Kohl’s also has a gift bag, wrapping paper, and card section in store!  They also have item scanners in most departments where you can price check your items to double check everything you chose.  There was plenty of staff on hand to answer an questions I had and give me any advice or extra help if I needed it.

Best Mother’s Day Gift Ideas from Kohl’s

So sit back, and take a look down below and see all the great things that caught my eye while I was in Kohl’s this weekend!  This, my friends, is only the tip of the iceberg and there’s plenty more out there for you to see.  I hope you enjoy my top picks and let us know what you pick up when you’re there!  The deals on these top brand names are just too good to pass up!

Have a great week and thanks for checking in with me again!

Spring Fashion at Kohls

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Kohl's Handbags and Accessories

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Sunglasses at Kohl's

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Lounge Wear and Pajamas at Kohl's

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Jewelry Boxes and Watches

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Nike Active Wear at Kohl's

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Stylish Shoes at Kohl's

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Mother's Day Gift Ideas at Kohl's

(Items listed from top to bottom, left to right)

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Shop! It’s not to late to shop for Mother’s Day! Visit your local Kohl’s to shop for these and other great gift ideas.

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We are delighted to include Kohl’s in the Mother’s Day Gifts Galore giveaways. Enter the Every Day Extraordinary giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Kohl’s gift card.

Great for Girls Easter {Basket Gift Guide}

by Kate on March 13th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Our final Easter Basket Gift Guide is for the girls. (And, frankly, we think they’re all perfect for boys, too. It’s rather silly to separate into a Boy’s Easter Gift Guide and a Girl’s Easter Gift Guide, but it was an easy way to group our favorite picks for baskets.) From handmade to artistic to stylish accessories, we have a sweet collection of gift ideas that will create lots of squeals and no cavities.

Easter Basket Gift Ideas for Girls

1. Hand Knit Doll (Sophie & Lili, $45)

2. Slide Whistle (The Land of Nod, $4)

3. Necklace (Juniorbeads, $22.50)

4. Sunglasses (Old Navy, $6)

5. Bookplates (The Fox and the Teacup, 18 or $12)

6. Watercolor Palette (Kiwi Crate, $8)

7. Personalized Magic Easter Box Book (Frecklebox, $20 save 20% with code EASTER)

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Filling more than one Easter basket? Check out all of our Easter basket gift shopping guides:

Baby’s First Easter
Easter Basket Ideas for Boys

Best for Boys Easter {Basket Gift Guide}

by Kate on March 13th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

Is the Easter Bunny filling the basket of a lucky boy in your house? We’ve got you covered. This Easter basket gift guide focuses on the boys. We know you can get sweets and candy at your local stores but we’re hoping to provide some ideas for gifts that will last beyond the holiday.

Easter Basket Ideas for Boys

1. My Very Own Pirate Storybook (ISeeMe, $25)

2. Mini Automoblox (Amazon, $10)

3. Cubebot Toy (Amazon, $15)

4. Timing Bookmark (Mark My Time, $10)

5. Easter Slinky (Chasing Fireflies, $6)

6. Harmonica (The Land of Nod, $8)

7. Ugly Buddies (UglyDoll, $22)

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Filling more than one Easter basket? Check out all of our Easter basket gift shopping guides:

Baby’s First Easter
Easter Basket Ideas for Girls

Happy basket shopping!

Baby’s First Easter {Basket Gift Guide}

by Kate on March 12th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

We are excited to share our first Easter Basket Shopping Guide of 2013. So, naturally, the first to launch is all about baby’s first Easter. We’ve gathered some great gifts perfect for filling baby’s basket.

Baby's First Easter Basket Gift Ideas

1. Woodland Bunny Nightlight (The Land of Nod, $10)

2. Click Clack Rattle (Haba, $9)

3. Mustache Hat (Little Hip Squeaks, $19)

4. Personalized Bunny Plate (Preppy Pickle, $20)

5. Key Toys (Kleynimals, $24)

6. Lark Teether (Little Alouette, $14)

7. Roller Toy (PlanToys, $9)

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Filling more than one Easter basket? Check out all of our Easter basket gift shopping guides:

Baby’s First Easter
Easter Basket Ideas for Boys
Easter Basket Ideas for Girls (coming soon!)

Happy basket shopping!

New Disney Collections by SwaddleDesigns

by Kate on March 4th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

SwaddleDesigns has partnered with Disney to create a darling collection of baby essentials. We think the swaddle blankets, burp cloths and lovies are so sweet that you don’t have to be a Disney super-fan to find something you love.

The fabrics include Walt Disney and Mary Blair’s iconic sketches on the modern materials designed to comfort your baby. The Classic Disney Collection includes images of Mickey and Minnie and the It’s a Small World Collection evokes the innocence and joy of the ride by the same name.
SwaddleDesigns ClassicDisney

Click through to see the fabulous Classic Disney Collection by SwaddleDesigns.

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Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Mickey - Gray + Blue with True Blue Trim
Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Mickey - Gray + Blue with True Blue Trim
Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Minnie - Taupe Gray on Pastel Pink
Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Minnie - Taupe Gray on Pastel Pink
Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Little Mickey - Pastel Blue on White with Pastel Trim<
Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Little Mickey - Pastel Blue on White with Pastel Trim<
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Minnie - Gray + Pink
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Minnie - Gray + Pink
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Mickey - Taupe Gray on Pastel Blue
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Mickey - Taupe Gray on Pastel Blue
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Classic Disney - Little Minnie - Pastel Pink
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Classic Disney - Little Minnie - Pastel Pink
Baby Burpie Set - Mickey - Gray + Blue & True Blue with White Dots
Baby Burpie Set - Mickey - Gray + Blue & True Blue with White Dots
Baby Burpie Set - Minnie - Taupe Gray & Pastel Pink with White Dots<
Baby Burpie Set - Minnie - Taupe Gray & Pastel Pink with White Dots<
Baby Burpie Set - Little Mickey - Pastel Blue with White Dots
Baby Burpie Set - Little Mickey - Pastel Blue with White Dots
SwaddleDuo - Classic Mickey - Blue, Gray URB + Pastel Blue Little Mickey MSB
SwaddleDuo - Classic Mickey - Blue, Gray URB + Pastel Blue Little Mickey MSB
Swaddle Duo - Taupe Gray Minnie on Pastel Pink URB + Taupe Gray Sparkler MSB
Swaddle Duo - Taupe Gray Minnie on Pastel Pink URB + Taupe Gray Sparkler MSB
Baby Lovie - Minnie - Gray + Pink with Very Berry Satin
Baby Lovie - Minnie - Gray + Pink with Very Berry Satin
Baby Lovie - Mickey - Taupe Gray on Pastel Blue with Taupe Gray Trim
Baby Lovie - Mickey - Taupe Gray on Pastel Blue with Taupe Gray Trim
Baby Lovie - Little Minnie - Pastel Pink
Baby Lovie - Little Minnie - Pastel Pink
Disney Minnie Gray & Pastel Pink SwaddleLite (Set of 3)
Disney Minnie Gray & Pastel Pink SwaddleLite (Set of 3)
Disney Mickey Taupe Gray SwaddleLite - Pastel Blue (Set of 3)
Disney Mickey Taupe Gray SwaddleLite - Pastel Blue (Set of 3)

Visit SwaddleDesigns to see the entire Classic Disney Collection.

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Click  through to see some of the sweet pieces from the Disney’s It’s a Small World Collection by SwaddleDesigns.

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Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Disney It's a Small World - True Blue Hello!
Ultimate Receiving Blanket -  Disney It's a Small World - True Blue Hello!
Ultimate Receiving Blanket - Disney It's a Small World - Very Berry Suns + Lambs
Ultimate Receiving Blanket -  Disney It's a Small World - Very Berry Suns + Lambs
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - It's a Small World - Children of the World
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - It's a Small World - Children of the World
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket - Disney It's a Small World - Very Berry Hello!
Marquisette Swaddling Blanket -  Disney It's a Small World - Very Berry Hello!
Baby Burpies - Disney It's a Small World - True Blue Hello!
 Baby Burpies - Disney It's a Small World - True Blue Hello!
Swaddle Duo - It's a Small World - Very Berry Hello! + Children of the World
 Swaddle Duo -  It's a Small World - Very Berry Hello! + Children of the World
SwaddleLite Disney It's A Small World - True Blue (Set of 3)
 SwaddleLite Disney It's A Small World - True Blue (Set of 3)

Visit SwaddleDesigns to see the entire Disney’s It’s a Small World Collection.

We love this short video with SwaddleDesign’s founder about what sets SwaddleDesigns apart and the partnership with Disney.

What do you think of the new Disney collections for SwaddleDesigns? Do you think you have to be a super Disney fan to appreciate them or do the baby products appeal to everyone?

Shop! NOW is the time to shop the brand new Classic Disney and Disney’s It’s a Small World Collections as everything is marked down!  

  • Ultimate Receiving Blankets are normally $28,  currently $18.
  • Marquisette Swaddle Blankets are regularly $18, currently $10.
  • Baby Burpies are regularly $20, currently  only $10
  • SwaddleDuos are regularly $45,  currently $32s
  • Set of 3 SwaddleLite blankets regularly $48, currently $30!

SwaddleDesigns Classic Disney & It's a Small World Collections

Little Giraffe: Luxury Baby Gifts Beyond the Blanket

by Kate on February 7th, 2013  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

little giraffe blanketsLittle Giraffe is the celeb-favorite source for luxury baby blankets. But, the brand has expanded well beyond their comfy, cozy blankets. The expanded product selection is part of Little Giraffe’s mission “to provide consumers with the most luxurious, exclusive, and hassle-free children’s … accessories on the market.” Check out some of our favorites beyond the blanket and let us know what you think.

Little Giraffe Baby Gifts

Scroll through to see some of the luxury baby gifts available from Little Giraffe.

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Box of Socks Infant Socks
Box of Socks Infant Socks
Dream Sack Chenille Sleep Sack
Dream Sack Chenille Sleep Sack
Fun Fur Hat & Vest
Fun Fur Hat & Vest
Leggies Leg Warmers
Leggies Leg Warmers
Little G Plush Giraffe
Little G Plush Giraffe
Muslin Swaddling Blanket
Muslin Swaddling Blanket
Splash and Dry Washcloth & Hooded Towel
Splash and Dry Washcloth & Hooded Towel
Square Meal Bibs
Square Meal Bibs
Starter Kit with Gown, Hat & Blanket
Starter Kit with Gown, Hat & Blanket

Shop! Little Giraffe products are available directly from their website and from our affiliate Layla Grayce

Gifts for Breastfeeding Mamas {Shopping Guide}

by Kate on December 12th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

1. Rebecca Minkoff’s Essential Nursing Tank (Bravado Designs, $39). These are the best nursing tanks and the only thing that makes the original better is the design by fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff. Feel good knowing 20% of sales are donated to Baby Buggy.

2. Suede Embroidered Clog Slippers (Lands’ End, $59). These comfy slippers will keep feet toasty during all those middle of the night feedings.

3. Hooter Hider Nursing Cover (Bebe au Lait, $35). Even the most experienced breatsfeeding mama might find comfort in going undercover with the Hooter Hider.  Savings tip: many styles are currently less than $25 on our affiliate Amazon.

4. iPad Mini (Apple, $329+). Us breastfeeding mamas spend a lot of time sitting and feeding and cuddling with baby. But sometimes it can be a little boring. Catch up on news, play games (one-handed), or add an eReader app so you can read books.

5. One Hot Mama: The Guide to Getting Your Mind and Body Back After Baby (Amazon, $11). The first book you should add to your eReader? One Hot Mama! Our friend Erin Cox offers guidance, support and a plan “to lose unwanted pregnancy pounds and create an exceptional life”. Yes, please!

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Looking for more gift ideas?
Check out our Gifts for Moms Shopping Guide and
the Best Toys for the Holidays 2012.