Awesome Christmas Gifts for the "Green" Toddler

We can't wait for the holidays this year. Let's be honest, 2 years old is when things just get cooking. I can just picture the smile on his face. 

Here's a list of some things you can get for the toddler in your life that also benefits the planet. I found everything on Zulily which is a "daily deals" site for parents - but you have to have a log-in username and password to see the deals.

A ride-along: Nothing could make Oliver happier than an afternoon at Chapter in their children's section. Although I love the idea of grabbing a Starbucks coffee and enjoying a book while he scoots around on one of their public ride-alongs, I do feel bad that we almost never purchase anything from Chapters. A ride-along is an awesome alternative to the new, high-tech Jeeps and powered cars that so many kids want. They are just unnecessary electronics that will eventually break. This is foot-powered and easy to bring anywhere!

Wooden toys: I have a tractor pictured here - because they are Oliver's current obsession - but any wooden toys are a sure-hit. They reduce the Earth's build up of plastic and look great too.

Art supplies: This kit by Glob is made from 100% post-consumer materials. It uses vegetable-based inks, and encourages harvest vegetables and fruits too!

Along the same lines, these paints are all natural, they are so very natural that they are food-grade, and they smell like what they're named! Yum!

 

Tea set: Is it just me or do kids love pretending to drink tea and coffee? This is absolutely not a girls-only gift, Oliver is always up for a tea party - although he calls his a hot-cocoa party.

Sorry if I'm excited WAY too early, but we all know that online shopping can be an awesome way to find a deal, and with that comes planning ahead for shipping times and what not. I'd suggest having a look and seeing if anything fits for someone on your list this year!

Shop for toys, books and more at zulily this Holiday Season!
(This is an affiliate link. It will take you to a new page.)

Best of the Foodie Web: December

1. These guys are selling their bacon jam in mason jars for the Holidays, but you can make it yourself using the recipe here.

2. Ashley from Not Without Salt taught us how to make hot buttered rum which prompted me to want to invite 30 friends over immediately.

3. On to Baby featured a family photo shoot inspired by the farmers market. Too cute.

4. Sara Forte (who has a new book out) posted a brownie recipe on Sprouted Kitchen that will make any mouth water.

5. Also with the new cookbook out, the folks at Golubka posted a spiced hot chocolate recipe. Hipster food did too - with hazelnuts instead of spice.

6. Kinfolk promotes the age-old art of gathering over food. Volume six is available now. In the photo below my dear friend Adriana is enjoyed it over a mug of coffee.

7. Minimalist Baker suggested I make raw Mayan truffles. It took me 4 seconds to start pulling out ingredients.

Good Christmas Gifts for the "Natural" Toddler

The Holidays are just around the corner. Did I just say that? Have I become my husband?

Even though my birthday is Saturday and I really should be making a wish list for that I am instead thinking of my little tornado who is currently trying to figure out if his piece of cheese will fit in the XBox. So many commercials and paper flyers circulating now are marketing toys for his age group but I can't help but pray that he won't be given a heap of them. Our home only needs one Elmo!

So here's a list of really nice things that you can buy for a 1 - 2 year old that Mama will be happy about.

Wooden toys

Eco friendly craft supplies

Mini garden tools (and mini versions of other things like kitchen tools)

BPA-free bath boat

Eco friendly training pants

The Thrifty Preggo: How to Save Money + Have a Baby

If there's one time in your life you wanna practice money-saving, let it be during pregnancy. Okay, maybe upon being proposed to also. Not that I believe the popular notion that babies are expensive (they are not! in my experience) but I do think being prepared for whatever your new journey throws at you is best.

There are plenty of ways to get ready for your little mini-on-the-way without breaking the bank.

Make a list. Of everything you need and everything you want. Then pick your pen back up and get ready to scratch things out.
1. Do you already have something that serves this purpose? (A change table and a changing-station-addition to your pack n play? A carriage and a stroller that your car seat fits into? A co-sleeping side car and a moses basket?) Cross it out.
2. Will the need for this item not arise for six months? (Baby gates for crawlers? A lego set? A bath tub insert for babies that can sit up?) You can buy it later, with gift cards... or, at six months reevaluate all the things you have and anything you don't need that still has a tag on it, return!
3. Are you being realistic with amounts? A baby that can't walk can probably cool it with the snazzy shoes. Most babies choose 1 or 2 teddies that they like and the rest sit there. Also blankets.

Next, where to get it.

1. Buy it used. Try Kijiji or consignment stores.
2. Hint at generous family members.
3. Add it to a registry.

We've found that adding Oliver to our family has been a real pleasure and no financial strain at all. It just takes some thrifty-thinking!