Baby's First Briefcase

We bought this when the Doodle was born.

It has places for a birth certificate, doctor's visits, a thank you note tracker and lots more.
We keep his social secrity card, coupons, info that comes with toys and the crib etc.
It is great to have one go-to spot for all his stuff.
You can buy it online from the DoulaShop

Baby Photo Thank You Cards

It is obvious that we love personalized things.
These are sweet baby thank you cards printed with your tots photo!
Custom Printed Baby Photocard

$125 for 50 From Chelsea Paper

ColorForms!

Such a classic.
A great way to entertain your kids on long car trips (glass windows!)
in hospitals (glass windows!) at restaurants (glasses and tabletops!)or at home (lots of windows!)

Buy them from romp

Hip Eats

These days it isn't too hard to find cool baby plates.
Melamine is dishwasher safe and unbreakable!
French Bull was the first that we know of.
I gave this design as gifts a few years back


Well guess who got into the game.
That's right..Miss Perfect...Kate Spade
Her stuff is cute...but for $75...a little dear.


Even hip-er
I love this LINKS design snack set

Available at our favorite Sparkability

And then comes baby.....

Baby Carriages - perhaps the most costly piece of baby equipment next to the crib.
With literally hundreds on the market...how to choose.
Style, function, gadgets galore...
Strollers.com offers advice on how to choose.

A few of our favorites:
I am in love with the Queen B by Bumbleride

It is perfect for a newborn with a bassinet feature and then converts to a double stroller with a toddler seat.

Buy it here

If money is no object and you want the Mercedes of strollers, opt for the a Bugaboo

The Bugaboo Cameleon comes in 32 color combinations. It includes a bassinet that can be used separately and and comfy mattress so your little darling can rest comfortably. Perfect for those shopping trips when the baby is little. After 6 months you'll use the seat which converts and contorts so your baby will be comfortable and stylish.

Get real with an afforable travel system by Graco!
We like this one:

The baby carrier lifts off, clicks into a carseat base or the stroller. The stroller itself is lightweight yet sturdy. Easy to clean, easy to fold...this one is a winner.
It is the Alano in the Rise and Shine Pattern

Sweet Furniture

Gotta love hand-painted furniture for tots.
Bebe&Bacups has great finds.
While they have some cutesy stuff they also do modern
with their LUCKY MING line.



Table and Chairs $335
Toy Box $300

A Baby Book for Parents

Ok, I'll admit it.
I am secretly in love with Lane Foard. (Third to my darling husband and Matt Lauer)
I'll also admit I am kind of a dork when it comes to crushes...but hey....
I stumpled into his booth a few years ago at the National Stationery Show to show a friend his incredible collection of copy-heavy witty greeting cards. Standing there talking to her and picking up every card in the booth laughing out loud she said to me, "Melissa, turn around." I turned around to come face to face with the cards creator - Lane Foard and I blushed.
I blushed.
I never blush.

Anyway, I digress.

Ths book is fantastic and I have given it quite a few times as a shower gift.

The New Parents' Book of Firsts
Finally, a keepsake book for new parents, not just their babies -- because Mom and Dad accomplish something new every day, too.

Jot down the first time you kept your shirt clean for more than 10 minutes, keep track of the first time you engaged in saliva-based hygiene, and paste in a memorial photo of yourself as a well-rested person.

$10.95 at DUE