A new mom’s top 6 Christmas gift suggestions
/As my son gets better with napping, I put together this list of gift suggestions for Modern Mississauga. Feel free to chime in with your own great gift suggestions!
Petit Nordique
Andrée, founder of Petit Nordique, makes some irresistibly cute toques. There are four collections to choose from: The Solids (one colour), The Petits Coeurs (main colour with accent colour for hearts), The Aztec (main colour with accent colour for pattern) and The Fair Isle (three colours).
What I love – possibly most – about Petit Nordique is the ability to really customize and make it your own. You not only have four different collections to choose from, but also 16 rich, deep colours and three pom poms (which she also makes herself) to mix and match into your own creation.
There are lots of sizes for you and your minis. Design your own warm, chunky toques this winter – or better yet, your friends’! This would make a seriously great gift for any loved one this holiday season. Children’s toques are $25, adults are $30.
Follow them on Instagram at @petitnordique or check out their website www.petitnordique.ca.
Mixtiles
Mixtiles is a relatively new app, founded by David and Eytan a couple of years ago.
The square prints are 8 X 8 and just under an inch thick. They’re super lightweight with excellent adhesives, meaning no issues sticking and re-sticking even for the daintiest of customer. It’s also the perfect gift for those who struggle to make up their minds about the arrangement of their photos, get bored easily, or move often/rent.
It’s also really user-friendly. To order, you just download the app and then select photos from your Gallery. The app is currently only available for Apple, but I’m told they’re working on an Android version as well.
For $59 for the first 3 photos, then $12 for each additional one, this is a steal of a deal. What better way to convince yourself of your Insta-talent then to print your masterpieces onto canvases like a pro?
This makes for a thoughtful, original and well-loved gift idea.
Mixbook
If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, this one is perfect. Mixbook is ideal for those asking what to get for someone that has everything. It’s incredibly intuitive to use and requires very minimal creativity or tech knowledge from the user.
Mixbook has beautiful template options for all occasions. You can choose to make one special for the holiday season, or select a more general theme, like for travel, family or year-in-review. Once you have decided, you have full creative control on the way it turns out. You simply upload your photos and drag and drop them into the outlined photo spots. It’s also easy to change any of the wording or quotes if they don’t fit your vision. If you’re on the tech savvier side, you can even go so far as add your own graphics.
Photo books start at $21.99 and are worth every penny. They are excellent quality and definitely a thoughtful gift for that special loved one this season.
You can also check out some of their other offerings, like their cards, calendars, home décor and photo prints.
Simply String Designs
Kristen, owner of Simply String Designs, came across the idea for her signs on Pinterest when searching for DIY projects for her son’s nursery. She created her very first one and received so many compliments that she started accepting orders.
Your options for a customized sign are endless. From home décor and marriage (last name with the year of marriage), to kid’s rooms and businesses, you choose the details.
Prices vary by size, but can range anywhere from $15 to $45.
Follow them on Instagram @simplystringdesigns.
Black Lemon
Be the saving grace of a new parent this holiday season by gifting them with the 4-in-1 cover by local crafter Amy, of Black Lemon.
Her idea for a shop evolved from the difficulty she encountered when decorating her daughter’s nursery. Unable to find anything unique that suited her tastes, she started creating her own stuff. Eventually, friends and family were asking for orders and her business naturally took off from there.
The 4-in-1 cover reigns supreme in a nursing mom’s life. It not only shields your little bundle from powerful winds or the blinding sun, but also provides the coverage needed when nursing in public. Choose from a variety of colours and patterns for just $30.
Follow them on Instagram @blacklemon726 and check out all of her other handmade offerings (fitted crib sheets, fashionable bibs and more!).
Tiny Empire
Local entrepreneur, Sarah, created her shop Tiny Empire after researching which products on the market would be best for her baby. Specializing in pacifier clips and teethers, Sarah sources unique colours and shapes from around the world. She even designs her own!
Boy or girl, these are some must-have accessories. Offered in some beautiful pastel colours, the handmade pacifier clips are fashionable, while remaining practical for your little one. There are different textures for them to chew on, whether it be silicone or wood, allowing their drooling mouths to explore more than just their little pudgy hands.
You can take comfort in knowing that all items adhere to the same or higher safety standards set in Canada.
Pacifier clips go for $17, while the teethers are around $16. Plus, use code SAVE10 to save 10 per cent off on order over $30.
Check them out at www.tinyempireca.com and follow them on Instagram @tinyempireca.
