San Francisco can be a strange city. I’m not talking about the drum circles in Golden Gate Park. I’m referring to the weather. It was a gorgeous 88 degrees here this past weekend and our SF “summer” seemed to be chugging along. So, with this balmy weather in mind it just seemed odd that holiday music was playing in all the stores. Already? Is it that time of year? Really? I guess this means only one thing. The gift buying should begin!

To get us in the spirit, I present some classic gifts that will get your creative gift buying juices flowing. All can be found at world famous FAO Schwarz. Lincoln Logs created by John Lloyd Wright are the classic building set for the budding architect.  Have you got a young dancer or musician in your house. The Design Your Own Tutu Couture studio lets you create your own tutu for the little ballerina. The Baby Grand Piano by Schoenhut is so cute it doesn’t need to be hidden in the toy closet. And, if you have wall space to fill in your playroom, the giant USA Map is a terrific way to teach the kids about America. Added bonus, FAO is running a 20% off sale on orders over $120 through today.

Tags: Gifts, Play Rooms, Playroom, Toys

I haven’t found the right playful picture of the kids to have blown up on canvas but I really love the idea. Now, I have even more reason to find that perfect picture to convert into a piece of artwork. Chic Canvas has teamed up with our friend and stationary guru Erin Condren to introduce a line of canvas keepsakes.  With details such as Erin’s trademark Stripes and Candy Lace designs, the canvas can be totally customized. Those holidays are just around the corner and these beautiful canvas works of art would brighten up the nursery, toddler room or play room. Sizing runs from 8 x 10 for $79 to the oversized 36 x 48 for $319.

Want your house to be extra jolly this Christmas? Erin has just introduced the darling “Oh Christmas Tree” canvas print for $112.  With the holidays around the corner this print is a bright and cheerful way to welcome your guests at this year’s holiday party. In fact, you can coordinate your invitations and gift labels to match the canvas. Now that’s getting in the spirit!

Tags: Gifts, Wall Art

Looking for fresh, innovative designs for your holiday cards this year? We found them at Minted! No really, while we say nice things about all that we post because we post what we like, we are super excited about “quality obsessed” Minted.

Because I love to cook with and for family & friends, I am partial to the cool Recipe card. I think this one is guaranteed to make everyone’s kitchen fridge!

Forgive me if I offend, but who really wants to read the old school two page brag letter for the family update. Minted’s clever, concise and contemporary take on family milestones by way of the ‘Yearline” card is simply brilliant.

How do we know they are unique? “Our luxe, customizable holiday photo cards were specially gathered through design competitions held on our site.  Hundreds of the best independent designers from around the world entered the competitions, and our site’s visitors voted for the best designs to be sold on Minted.  We’re offering more than 100 unique customizable photo card templates, including a variety of designs from favorite recipes to hand-illustrated toys.  All of the cards are beautifully printed on matte, heavyweight cardstock that is also 100% recycled.”

Here are some helpful tips from Minted for when selecting your holiday card this year….

1. Order complimentary address labels (they look great on the envelopes and stand out)
2. If possible, use professional (or high quality) photos
3. Choose close-up photos
4. Be different! Go with a limited edition card or a Yearline card that showcases highlights from the year.

WIN IT NOW! One lucky Project Nursery reader will win a set of Minted cards of their choice…

1. Comment on this post with your favorite Minted card. So many to choose from!

2. Extra entries are counted by 1) posting on our Project Nursery Forum (up to 5x) 2) subscribing or commenting that you are a subscriber and 3) blogging about our giveaway. Don’t worry, we track it all!

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

4. Contest ends Friday, November 14th, 11:59pm pst

PS: Go beyond holiday if you have another present arriving in the near future. Minted lalso offers fantastic baby and kid designs!

CONTEST CLOSED -

Tags: Announcements, Giveaways, Holidays

Happy Halloween PN readers! I have to admit I didn’t do the best job of planning all my decorations, treats and costumes this year. It’s especially difficult when my daughter changes her mind on her costume every other minute. We have started a whale costume, a spider costume and a chef costume all to fall back on old faithful, Princess Belle. The mind of a three and a half year old. The good news on getting festive for those feisty trick or treaters is, its not too late! Check out these creative ways to spruce up those pumpkins you haven’t carved yet. Glitter, lollipops and a power drill, Ms. Stewart never fails us….

Have Fun and Be Safe….

Tags: DIY, Holidays

We are always on the hunt for unique, one-of-a kind baby gifts. Sure, giving layettes and booties are sweet (and necessary) but there’s some pressure on us now since running a baby blog! PN subscriber Carla tipped us off to a terrific gift for a friend’s or family’s next arrival worth giving: Personalized baby blocks from Memories & Milestones. 

Each personalized block is hand sanded and hand polished in solid maple. One block can include a Preferred Initial, Full Name, Date, Time, Weight, Length, Parents Names, Day, City, State of Birth, and Special Gift Message. Blocks are $18 and include free shipping.

Like many of us, Mom and owner Erika, thought to herself “What would be a feasible career/business with three, (now four) small children in the house?” She quickly realized “that preserving memories became a priority and necessity”.

Erica’s blocks are also ideal for preserving other milestones such as graduation, baptism and wedding to name a few. We appreciate these blocks as they will not only remain a cherished keepsake but look great on display in your child’s room!

Tags: Gifts, Holidays, Personalized

If someone would have told me 5 years ago that my Catholic-self would be celebrating Passover and proud, I wouldn’t have believed them. So far, I’ve survived 9 tours of Seder dinners with my New York family. Last year, I got a bye due to a C-section. Whew! An extreme, but viable excuse.

This year I am especially panicked. Although, I don’t have the same worries as I did in previous years such as:

1. Will I get stuck with the passage that reads “Rabbi Eliezer, Rabbi Yehoshua, Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah, Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Tarphon were reclining [at a seder] in B’nei Berak?” (I suggest that all Gentiles try reading it aloud in front of 20 people after four glasses of Kosher wine).
2. Should I admit that I saw where they hid the Afikomen or find it and then take $20 bucks from my father-in-law even though I am over 30?
3. Will they notice that I already ate dinner before the meal?
4. Will someone mention Mel Gibson at the dinner table?

No, 2008 is much more serious…How in the world am I going to get my son to sit through Passover Seder Dinner? Oy Vey!

For those of you who don’t know, Passover Seder Dinner takes place on the first two nights of an eight day holiday and starts with a ritual reading before the meal that could potentially go on for hours. One way to let your little one play with their food and learn about Passover Seder along side you is to provide them with their very own Seder plate. KidKraft makes wonderful toys and even religious ones too. I found the best deal on Furniture Buzz where play Seder Sets are on sale for $29.00 with free shipping until April 21st.

No portable DVD’s players allowed here (nor should they be). Instead, try good old fashioned coloring. Download the free Passover Coloring Book and print 20 pages of the Passover story from Chabad.org.

If your child isn’t one to sit still, add some theatrics to your Seder presentation. You’ll not only get their attention but everyone elses. Super goofy but after all, Seder is all about parents teaching their kids about the Jewish tradition. Find these puppets at Oy Toys.

You may get some funny looks, but all of these toys should work wonders at Mass too! Wish me luck Happy Passover Everyone!

Tags: Gifts, Holidays, Toys