The next time you're considering sending flowers to welcome a new baby, why not think outside the box and send a Baby Bunch?

While a traditional bouquet of fresh flowers is wonderful, these bouquets are a thoughtful alternative as they are equally beautiful and longer lasting. They're made of rolled up, organic cotton baby clothing items including a onesie, t-shirt, bib, hat, and pair of socks. Wooden and recycled paper flowers add to the realistic presentation, as does the packaging- choose from either a reusable gift box or a pretty metal pail. 

The Baby Bunch is available in a variety of colors and sizes and would make a great baby shower present or centerpiece, or of course a unique, functional, and gorgeous gift for any new parent.

$29.95-$69.95 at Amazon.com

In honor of National Puppy Day (which was March 23rd), I wanted to share this great wooden dachshund puzzle. It’s made of handpainted plantation-grown Rubberwood, which is a sustainable wood that doesn’t splinter. The colorful paint is completely non-toxic and child friendly, although the toy itself is recommended for ages 3 and up. It’s totally handmade by fair trade artisans, and is heirloom-quality so it’s made to last and provide years of entertainment for your little puppy lover!

$13.99 at Amazon.com

Grab those leftovers! No, I’m not talking ham and deviled eggs. I mean the eggshells and empty egg cartons you were going to throw in the trash.
Here are a couple ideas for some creative kid crafts that make great use of materials you’d otherwise just throw away.

Eggshell Planters

You’ll Need… Eggshells, potting soil (or dirt), bean or grass seeds, egg carton or cardboard, markers or tempera paints, or glue and glitter.

Egg Carton Critters

You’ll Need… An empty egg carton, markers, crayons, or tempera paints, pipe cleaners (or similar), googly eyes (if you have them).

Airplane, fish, dog and cat Mobiles

Detailed, printable instructions and mounds of more crafts can be found at EnchantedLearning.com and eggs.ab.ca

It’s Fair Trade Friday!

Super cute and super soft, these unbleached, organic onsies from CircleTees are good for baby and Mother Earth. They’re printed with water-based inks and eco-friendly, low-impact dyes, and feature earth friendly messages including “Treehugger”, “Love your Mama”, “Think Green”, and “Flower Child”.

100% American made according to fair-trade standards. That means no sweatshops were involved and you get great handmade clothes for your child that weren’t mass-produced, so everything about them actually stays true to the messages printed right on them.

Sizes 6-18 months.

$20 each at Fair World Gallery

For thousands of years, Cambodian mothers have adorned the feet of their babies with silver-belled anklets. It’s traditionally believed that the delicate jingling sounds protect young children by warding off bad spirits. They also serve a functional purpose by providing auditory clues to children’s activity or whereabouts.

If you’re looking for a thoughtful, unique gift for a new baby or shower, these baby jingle anklets fit the bill. Actually, all the products at Sterling and Pearls would make excellent gifts. They can be personalized, come in sibling or mother-daughter sets, and are all beautiful. And since safety is their #1 concern, you can breathe easy while selecting jewelry meant for little ones.

They use only real freshwater pearls, sterling silver, and Czech crystals, which means absolutely NO lead. Did you know that Swarovski crystals, while popular, contain 30% lead? I was surprised to find that nearly all jewelry targeted at kids and even newborn babies are made with products that have high lead levels - and not just the cheap stuff, either. So if you are in the market for jewelery for a baby or child, even an ID or medical bracelet, keep safety in mind.

Sterling silver baby jingle anklets (with free gift wrap and story card) - from $27 at SterlingandPearls.com. A portion of all sales goes to a local battered Women & Children’s program in Asheville, NC.

For more info about lead and toxins in children’s jewelry, bibs , and more: CEHCA.org