Pinwheel

New from Anthropologie

Rebecca — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:00:38 +0000

Anthropologie may be best known for its girly, bohemian threads but their housewares division stocks plenty of kid-pleasing treasures. Here are a few from the new catalog.

This is a much less messy way for the kids to enjoy a cone. Ceramic ice cream cone, $6 a piece and available in blue, yellow and coral.

Library letters, created from vintage hardbacks, $20 a piece.

Impress at a slumber party with this upscale sleeping bag that will show up those the One Direction bags. Florabunda Sleeping bag, $188.

Sales This Weekend

Rebecca — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:00:34 +0000

Don’t forget that Father’s Day is Sunday! Check Monday’s post for a list of gift ideas.

Cargo 4 Boys (Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-849-4000) holds its biggest sale of the season with up to 60 percent off all clothing brands, including Wes & Willy, Mini Shatsu, and Mish-Mish.

Have a Thomas & Friends fanatic in your family? Both locations of Building Blocks Toys are here to help. The Wicker Park location at 2130 W. Division St. hosts a party on Saturday, June 15th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Lincoln Square location at 3306 N. Lincoln Ave. hosts their party on Saturday, June 22nd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both parties feature balloons, giveaways, 15 percent off all Thomas and Friends toys, and an opportunity to buy Day Out with Thomas tickets (coming up in August at the Illinois Railway Museum) without online service charges.

Guys and Co. (827 Waukegan Rd., Deerfield, 847-940-4897) holds a Father’s Day sale through Saturday, June 15^th—take 30 percent off all fashion dress shirts and 20 percent off sale merchandise.

Local maternity and nursing wear line Majamas (909 S. Lombard Ave., Oak Park, 888-625-2627) has revamped its Web site. Take a peek here.

Take a Seat

Rebecca — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:00:19 +0000

I’m a sucker for kid chairs, and these models at Twinkle Twinkle Little One are pretty impressive—the perfect blend of adult style and kiddie sizing.

Muse child sofa, $1,039

Luxe child sofa, $1,019

Parker child chair, $599

Ava toddler chair and ottoman, $399 (+$139 to $189 for ottoman)

Happy Birthday, Maurice Sendak

Rebecca — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:00:46 +0000

Yesterday would have been Maurice Sendak’s 85th birthday. In honor of his most famous book, check out this Where the Wild Things Are crown by Oeuf NYC, $38. (And check out Fresh Air’s tribute to Maurice Sendak, including a very emotional final interview with the ailing author, here.)

Father’s Day Gifts

Rebecca — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 19:11:35 +0000

Still looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift? Here’s an article I wrote for Bellafind that offers 13 options to please any pop. Check it out here.

Alphablocks

Rebecca — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:00:08 +0000

These alphabet blocks are artistic and educational, made from mahogany and pine. Alphabet blocks, $72 at Areaware.com.

Feeling musical?

Rebecca — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 12:30:38 +0000

I recently came across these two great products for the musically-minded. The first is the new Grand Piano ($80) from Giggle (2116 N. Halsted St, Chicago,773-296-6228), which encourages tiny fingers to plink away and also looks adorable in the playroom. The second is the DIY Ukelele Kit ($45) from Sprout Home (745 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, 773-225-5950) that older kids can decorate themselves—think of it as a more whimsical precursor to plastering stickers all over an electric guitar. (Bonus: Old Town School of Music teaches ukelele lessons so your little one can learn to play his or her new creation. Because who doesn’t need more Israel Kamakawiwo’ole tunes around the house?)

Where Can I…Get Rid of Car Seats and Cribs?

Rebecca — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:00:49 +0000

There’s a certain freedom that comes when kids outgrow baby gates, car seats, and cribs and most parents can’t wait to get that stuff out of the house as soon as they become unnecessary. The problem? It’s hard to find places that will take them. Sure, that old Burley bike trailer or jogging stroller can usually find a second life on Craig’s List, but other items are harder to offload.

The best option is Sharing Connections in Downers Grove where the mission statement is “tonight everyone eats at a table and sleeps in a bed.” They accept gently used furniture and household items and give them to families in need. (Items should not be broken, ripped or soiled). They accept:

-Non drop side cribs

-Pack n Plays

-Car seats less than six years old

-High chairs

If you baby gear is in rougher shape than this organization can accept, try the Great Trade-In Event at Babies R Us (usually in the winter) when you can trade in used baby gear (in any condition) in exchange for a 25 percent discount on a new product.

Lunch On the Go

Rebecca — Thu, 30 May 2013 14:00:42 +0000

What little boy wouldn’t love this lunchbox car? Just remove the orange elastic band and place the lunchtime treats inside. Available for $18 at A+R Store.

Kid-Friendly Art from a Local Designer

Rebecca — Wed, 29 May 2013 14:00:09 +0000

Local graphic designer Marjie Best of Studio Best Design has created an adorable line of limited edition prints and pillows that integrate elements of original art and collage to perk up any kid’s room.

“I draw each image with meticulous attention to detail, then color, texturize and shape the images with carefully chosen sections of imagery and photos taken throughout the world,” Best says.

The prints are high-quality glicée on archival quality paper with no more than 25 printed of each design per size, all numbered and artist-signed.

The organic cotton pillow covers are created in eco-friendly inks and created with allergy-free inserts.

Prices range $40 to $75 for unframed prints and $45 to $65 for pillows at StudioBestDesign.com or at Lincoln Park shop Fortunate Discoveries (1022 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773-472-2220).