Congrats to my sister-in-law and brother-in-law for bringing a big, healthy, beautiful baby boy into the world last night! His name is Braydon Matthew. I waited 9 months to find out if I needed to buy pink or blue gifts and then another 24 hours to learn if Braydon was to be spelled with an “en” or “on”. After “Googling” in anticipation, I learn that Braydon had 6 spellings and ranked #64 on the boys 2007 list. So it got me thinking about baby names and personalized gifts…

I own a few books with titles like “100,001 Baby Names”. Totally unnecessary considering that I can look up anything online these days. But I thought I would share my favorite “Little Book of Baby Names” that entertained me in the office (b/c it was small enough to hide in my purse) thanks to an old work colleague named Jenny!

Now onto the gifts now that baby’s name has been announced! Something Personalized = Something Special. Here are a few fun, personalized ideas that will also personalize baby’s room!

1. Forget the little blue box - that was wedding. Red Envelopes‘ red box is just as nice for baby. This personalized snow globe makes an elegant, inexpensive keepsake for baby.

2. The stool is a must for the toddler years but buy one early from The Cubby Hole. Playing with a wooden puzzle while learning his or her name starts a lot sooner than later.

3. The personalized baby blanket is given but mom should also throw one over the rocking chair not only for display but to prevent the back of the chair from getting dirty. We really enjoy our wonderful initialed two tinas blanket and we think you will too!

4. The growth chart is just fun and there are so many sweet designs to choose from at Land of Nod.

5. You’ll be surprised how quickly you will carry a lunch box for your little one when eating out or at the park. These personalized Warm Biscuit boxes double as great display and storage for cards and crayons.

6. Back to the rocking chair: Mommy’s back will also enjoy a beautiful, contemporary custom pillow from Mimi and Lola.

Tags: Books, Gifts, Names, Personalized

We all know moving is stressful. Between the movers, packing, unpacking, change of address, new town, new routine - I am getting anxious just typing this post. Both Pam and I made our respective cross country moves last year and it often feels like we are still settling in.  What’s important to remember however, is “How does all the craziness associated with a move affect a child?”

Enter Opus, a Golden Retriever happily living in Boston.  “Opus is faced with the disruption of boxes, taxis, and a long plane ride taking him away from the things he loves the most - his bear, pizza and his red chair. All of his routine creature comforts are packed away on a large truck and he is left in an empty house.

Opus and the Red Chair helps parents ease the tension and prepare their children for the transition by sharing Opus’ journey though the eyes of a sweet pup. 100% of the net profits of Opus and the Red Chair will benefit the non for profit Animal Cancer Foundation.

Foggy Day Books founder, Alice Koesterich wrote Opus and the Red Chair in loving memory of her dog, Opus, who died of cancer at 5 years of age in May 2006. She teams up with talented illustrator Sara Kahn.  Readings and signings are currently taking place in the SF bay area.

WIN IT!

1. Win a signed Opus and the Red Chair book by sharing with us your tips for preparing your child or pet for a move OR a fun moving story with a comment on this post

2. Extra entries are counted by 1) posting on our chat room forum (up to 5) 2) subscribing or commenting that you are a subscriber and 3) blogging about our giveaway

3. The winner will be selected at random by using random.org

4. Contest ends Friday, October 24th, 11:59pm pst

CONTEST CLOSED - Congrats Gina Stratos!

PS: And just because our focus is kid design, here are some fun, modern shelving ideas to host Opus and the Red Chair for when you get into your new home!

The DwellStudio Junior Elephant Bookshelf at Design Public ($170)

The Cub Stacker by David Netto at modernkid ($300)

Ecotots’ Big Kahuna Bookcase at 2modern ($335)

Tags: Books, Giveaways, Modern, Shelves

When my son turned one, I thought it would be extra special to have a photo album on display at his party to showcase to the world his first, joyful year on earth. Oh, but wait! Life with a child is crazy and this was simply not an option. Funny I should say this now. After all, I am a “SAHM”, right? I thought putting my career on hold would give me all the time in the world to be on top of crafty projects such as these. Funny, that it isn’t at all the case.

I also can’t remember the last time I had photos printed so how am I ever going to get baby’s first year book together? Project Nursery subscriber and NYC career mom, Kelly Cahill shared with us a brilliant solution: How Fast They Grow, created by self-proclaimed “Scrapbook dropout” and MomCathy Bennett

How Fast They Grow is a one of a kind “Digi-scrapbook®”: A drag and drop digitial scrapbook with over 270 templates to choose from. Even better, How Fast They Grow has just unveiled 54 new design templates from Pincushion, a new company founded by Aimee deLongchamp of the San Francisco Bay Area. Aimee, a renowned Bay Area textile designer, brings over a decade of experience designing for leading children’s fashion and home companies like Pottery Barn Kids, Esprit and the 2008 Gap Nursery collection to these adorable new templates.

So if you are just as impressed as we are, you have until July 3rd to get it together (check out the step by step demo). Be sure to mention “projectnursery” at checkout and receive 20% off your entire order. And if you are headed to a baby shower or in need of a gift for a recent arrival, give a How Fast They Grow gift certificate and you’ll make mom’s job a whole lot easier! A truly modern take on the baby book for modern families.

Tags: Books, Gifts

Just last year I sent a customized storybook to a friend’s child and thought “How cool! It includes her name and birthday.” Little did I know that this was just the tip of the iceberg and I was missing out on a way better product. Meet that product: The First Adventures of Incredible You by the award-winning personalized storybook company, “Custom Made For Kids“.

Custom Made For Kids offers over 20 places in The First Adventures of Incredible You where details about a child, his/her family, friends, favorite places and family traditions can be seamlessly incorporated into the rhyming verse in the book. There is also a dedication page so they will always remember that this special gift came from you! Appropriate for boys, girls (up to 8yrs), all ethnicities and family structures, the Custom Made For Kids book comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Relish in your child’s cherished memories during story time. It will warm your heart. Take the virtual book tour to see for yourself. If you love it or know of someone special who will, write us a comment and one could be yours in our featured weekly giveaway. You know the rules…

Tags: Books, Discounts, Giveaways, Personalized

My fabulous Aunt Esther always told me that it’s essential to surround yourself with great books because they are filled with magic and wonder. You really have to listen to a high school English teacher who now facilitates book groups in lovely Greenwich CT. Check her out in action featured in the NY Times. So choosing a place to display your child’s first collection of books is almost as important as choosing the books themselves. This modern design by Oeuf is sure to hold an expansive library for any little Dr. Seuss fan in the making. Click here for a list of every book the great Dr. wrote!

But it’s these adorable little wood Q Collection Stella Star Stackables that have my heart. You can arrange them in many different configurations depending if you want open or closed storage. Add a basket and mix the cool color palette of white, blue and orange to customize the look. The simple design and inexpensive price tag make these a stand out in the nursery. What fun it would be to display nursery classics like Pat The Bunny, Do You know How Much I Love You and Goodnight Moon!