10 Fun Gifts for Your Registry
You’re definitely allowed to include some non-essentials on the list. Come on, people love to give cute, fun (and yes, frivolous) gifts. Avoid having to deal with other people’s interpretation of “cute, fun” by including the stuff you like on your registry. (Use our online registry service to add the items, of course.) These are also all great options if you’ve been given permission to go off-registry for an expecting friend.
BEST OF THE BEST
Here are the top fun, stylish, and original gifts, all of them just as delightful for you as for baby. After all, pregnancy is tough. So go on, give yourself a treat.
**
** Dante Beatrix Baby Tote
There’s no way around it — every mom winds up lugging around wads of wipes, a variety of bright rubber chew-things, and baggies of goldfish crackers. But that doesn’t mean your can’t sling it all over your shoulder in style! This tote is hip enough to swing from play date to business lunch without wasting a second. Extendable handles, a variety of pockets, and a matching changing pad make it both practical and luxurious. Even if you’ve already picked out an everyday diaper contraption, the Baby Beatrix still makes great addition to your gear… especially for those occasions when you don’t want to be seen fishing for your wallet in a diaper bag. $175, Dante Beatrix
**
** Suzanne Myers Sterling Name Charm Necklace
Nashville teacher-turned-designer Suzanne Myers’ pretty charms dangle from the necks of celebrities like Sharon Stone and Faith Hill. The sterling coin-like charms etched with baby’s name and colorful stones make for a chic alternative to the average “mom necklace.” If you already know baby’s name, this is the ultimate personalized shower gift. (If not, you can always personalize after baby comes — the necklaces are just that cute.) $120, Suzanne Myers
**
** Lucky Jade Cotton Cashmere Blanket
Known for luxurious cashmere baby gear, Lucky Jade’s new cotton/cashmere blend blankets are just as soft as the originals, with the added bonus of machine washability. Key. And yes, you’ll get tons of blankets, but these ones are different… snuggly and breathable, with totally adorable and unique designs. $68, Design Public
**
** Tea Collection Organic Hoshi Jacket Set
This two-piece set is a perfect starter kit for baby’s first days as a fashion icon. We love the understated, delicate pattern, and the organic cotton is incredibly soft an warm. The vintage Japanese-inspired patterns offer a cute spin on the traditional newborn gift set… you’ll definitely have the most sophisticated newborn around. $45, Tea Collection
**
** Blabla Veggie Rattles
Made by expert Peruvian artisans, Blabla’s super-cute fruit rattles are unique playthings and great for development of motor skills and color-recognition. Since the rattles are knit from natural fibers, there’s no need to be concerned about possible lead paint content. And, they support a good cause - all Blabla products are fair trade. (That, and they just make you smile.) $35, Blabla
BEST OF THE REST
Once you get beyond the usual gift destinations, you’ll find a goldmine of products that give a chic, refreshing spin to traditional baby goods.
**
** Dwell Studio Bib and Burp Set
A fresh, modern bib makes for a fun baby-cessory and a great conversation piece. Dwell’s bib and burp set has an extra-soft lining with incredibly cute prints on the organic cotton front. We love the gio print, which features huge animals in two color combinations. No matter what pattern you pick, though, you’ll be sure to feel like a stylish mom right from the start. $37, Dwell Studio
**
** Binth Baby Book
Going green? The whimsical illustrations in the Binth Baby Book are printed on recycled stock and offer a stylish way to keep up with baby’s memories and milestones. There’s a keepsake box to protect the cloth cover from dust (and spit up), and for a few extra bucks, you can have baby’s name embossed on the journal. And, the evergreen color is perfect for a boy or a girl. $110, Binth
**
** Aden + Anais Muslin Wrap
The lightweight muslin wraps from Aden + Anais are not only breathable (keeping baby warm, not sweaty), but the fabric also grips against itself nicely to help swaddle the little one in nice and snug. Muslin wraps have been the rage in Australia for decades and are just starting to make an appearance here in the US. There are a ton of adorable patterns and colors to choose from, and you’ll love them even more after you find yourself catching a few more zzz’s than expected. $44 for 4, Aden + Anais
**
** Noodle & Boo Honey Child Gift Set
Why not give ask for something that’s a treat for both you and baby? The Noodle and Boo Honey Child set comes with Sugar Mama Honey Scrub, an uber-moisturizing and yummy-smelling exfoliant for mom, and the sweet and gentle Sugar Mama Honey Bar for you and baby to share. Noodle & Boo also donates 20 percent of profits to charity and wraps products in 100 percent recyclable packaging. $35, Noodle & Boo
**
** Minimink Bootees
Now, you wouldn’t want baby slip-sliding around in these once she finds her feet, but for the early days of lying around, there’s nothing more plush and lush than (fake) fur booties. You probably wouldn’t buy these for yourself, but the unexpected poofs of softness on baby’s tootsies are sure to inspire some oohs and ahhs from your early visitors. $30, Cute-ture
