Baby gifts on a budget

There’s no doubt families across America are taking a closer look at their personal spending and tightening wherever possible these days.

I, for one, have been by watching my spending by passing over inessentials at the store and better planning my errands to get the most out of a precious tank of gas.

But as the old clichés go, the world keeps turning and life goes on. And thank goodness beautiful babies are still born every day!

Getting a thoughtful and unique baby gift doesn’t have to break the bank. And buying on a budget doesn’t have to mean skimping on style either. Here are a few tips for getting the most bang for your buck, and also a few of my Giggles & Coos favorites at various price points:

Add a custom monogram to a receiving blanket, bib or lovie:
Nothing says high-end and personal more than customization. And every proud mama loves a gift adorned with her new little one’s initials. For a few extra bucks you can create a truly one-of-a-kind baby gift that will surely get a slew of oohs and ahhs at the baby shower. Giggles & Coos personalized baby gifts start as low as $12 for a monogrammed bib, $25 for an adorable Angel Dear lovie or $42 for a personalized Princess Linens Rick Rack Dress with matching diaper cover.

Buy things that are essential, but also that have great style:
This way mama is getting useful day-to-day goodies, and you feel like you’re giving her indulgent, designer items. Solana Babywear makes the best baby swaddling blankets. They are a very light weight cotton and have a stretch to them. This makes them very easy to use!! Cuddlebee makes ultra hip bibs and matching burp cloths in fabulous fabrics and combines them with super soft chenilles. Cuddlebee products are all hand-made in the USA. You can pick up a baby swaddling blanket for $20 or a matching bib & burp cloth set for just $30.00.

Shop sale racks and off season items:
Just because a baby is born in December doesn’t mean you have to buy sweaters and baby blankets. Purchase spring items in larger sizes that they’ll eventually grow into. The Giggles & Coos sale rack is always loaded with cool baby clothes and unique gift items. My current personal favorites are the Rabbit Moon sundresses as well as last season's Daily Tea styles. These are on sale for $10 or $15 each!! Giggles & Coos is always adding items to our sale rack, so check back frequently. Or sign up for The Monthly Giggle (our monthly e-newsletter) to stay on top of sales and other great offers - gigglesandcoos@cfl.rr.com.

Is it a boy or is it a girl?!?

A few of my friends are pregnant right now however they aren't far enough along to find out what they are having yet. I can remember those first few months of excitement and anticipation wondering what you are having. Going through boy and girl names, and of course, disagreeing with your husband when really there is no need to disagree yet since you don't even know if it is a boy or a girl. So, in honor of my friend's anticipation, I thought I would post a few of the old wive's tales for determining the gender of your baby! Please let us know if you try any of these and how they turn out.

Old Wive's Tale #1: Gender Prediction Quiz

Here is a link to a quiz that will predict your babies gender based on the answers you give to 15 questions. I took the quiz for my pregnancy with Stanton and it did indeed say I was having a boy!

http://www.babygenderprediction.com/old-wives-tales/index.phtml

Old Wive's Tale #2: Baby's Heart Rate

One of the popular theories on baby gender prediction is based on the baby's heart rate.
The theory states that if your baby's heart rate is 140 beats per minute and above, you would be having a girl. If the heart rate is under 140 beats per minute, then you would be having a boy.

Old Wive's Tale #3: Needle or Wedding Ring Gender Prediction Method

This an easy baby gender prediction method to try. Take a pin, needle, or wedding ring and attach it to a thread or strand of hair. Hold the dangling item over mom to be's belly while she is lying down. If the needle or wedding ring swings in a strong circular motion, you will be having a girl. If it moves in a to and fro motion like a pendulum, you will be having a boy. An alternate version of this baby gender prediction method is to dangle the needle or wedding ring over the expectant mom's wrist instead of belly.

Old Wive's Tale #4: Chinese Gender Chart

Legend states that the Chinese Gender Chart was buried in a royal tomb near Beijing over 700 years ago. The original is allegedly currently in the Institute of Science in Beijing.
Rumors have it that this chart is over 90% accurate when used properly but please remember that this chart is for entertainment purposes only.

The chart uses the mother's chinese age at the time of conception and cross references that with the chinese lunar month of conception.

So, first you need to determine the mother's age based on her CHINESE AGE at the time of conception. Click here to determine your chinese age: http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/CAge2.htm

Second, you need to determine the CHINESE LUNAR month of conception. So, click here to do that: http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/CLunarCal1.htm

After you have that information, you can cross reference it on the chart below! This will tell you if you are having a girl or a boy!!


No way of predicting your babies gender is completely 100% accurate but is fun to try!! Most people wait until after their 16th week to have an ultrasound to predict the gender.

Well, happy predicting!! And let us know if you try any of these out and what the outcome is!

Wooden Growth Charts

New at the boutique this week are wooden growth charts from Stephan Baby. These are a must have for all growing babies! They will also help to keep your doorways free of pencil marks. We have an airplane chart for the boys and a flower chart for the girls. They each hold 3 photos of your child and have a magnetic tracker (a parachuter and a butterfly) that slides up and down the chart. You can also write in the dates with any felt tip marker! These growth charts make a great gift and are only $25.00!!

The Boutique's Return Policy

I just wanted to clarify the Boutique's return policy. Please know that the return policy is also printed on the bottom of each receipt.

Cash refunds and credit card credits will be given within 7 days of purchase when accompanied by a cash register receipt. Refunds will be given in the form paid. Items returned within the 7 days without a receipt will receive store credit valid up to 1 year. Gifts returned without a cash register receipt can be exchanged for a different item or you will receive store credit valid up to 1 year (unless items are a sale purchase). All items being returned must be in good condition and unused. (This does not apply to items being returned because of a manufacturer's defect.) Sale purchases are final. Please inspect items carefully before buying them.

We try to be as flexible as possible with our return policy especially with items received as gifts. However, there are some items that are seasonal and we are unable to take them back. So please be timely in getting into the boutique to make your exchanges.

Surprise! Pediped Spring/Summer 2009 Originals are here!

Sometimes I even surprise myself. Today I received a package from Pediped and was completely certain that they shipped me someone elses order. I was almost tempted for FedEx to keep it and return it to Pediped. However, I thought, let me call Pediped first to double-check. Well, it turns out, that the shoes are in fact my order! I placed a pre-order back in September that I totally forgot about. So, luckily for you, we have an early shipment of the Originals available at the boutique!

Here are the styles that we got in today:

These shoes are so cute!! The catalog pictures just don't do them justice. Stop by the boutique to see for yourself. All Originals are $30.95!!

Pillowcase Dresses!!

Are you looking for something different for your little lovebug? Well, we've got it at Giggles & Coos. Our pillowcase dresses are turning heads...why? Because you can't find them at any mall or any major chain clothing store! They are unique and comfortable.



Our pillowcase dresses are custom made in 3 different size ranges. They are 6-9-12 months, 12-18-24 months and 2T-4T. What is even better is that these dresses fit loose and so they grow with your child. The bow ties can be tied tighter or looser to get the fit you want. And, talk about versatile, these dresses can also be worn with leggings, jeans, pants or tights and also with a shirt or onesie underneath. So, they last longer than one season.



Below are some suggestions of how you can wear pillowcase dresses:
- with a short or long sleeve shirt or turtle neck under them for cooler days
- just like they are with shoes or flip flops
- with pants or bloomers



We just received a new shipment and here are some of the latest custom made dresses:



Turqouise and Chocolate Brown Toile with Chocolate Brown Ribbon




Chocolate Brown and White flowers with Pink Rick Rack trim and Pink Ribbon



Black and White design with Red and Black Polka Dot Ribbon. This dress also has a ribbon and black and white polka dot accent on the bottom.



Pink and Chocolate Brown Toile with Pink and Chocolate Brown Polka Dot Ribbon. This dress also has the pink and chocolate brown polka dot and pink gingham accent on the bottom.


Don't delay in getting to the boutique to pick up one of these wonderful dresses. They tend to sell out quickly!!

JJ Cole Collections

We just added JJ Cole Collections to the lines we carry in the boutique.

Their products include:

The Travel Pod Set - $32.00

The travel pod set is comprised of one of each member of the popular pod family, including the bottle pod, diapers & wipes pod and the pacifier pod all coordinating in color.

• "attach-anywhere" handles

• easy-to-clean laminated canvas

• machine washable

• perfect gift package

The Pacifier Pod - $9.00

With its "attach anywhere" handle, the pacifier pod can be kept on your belt loop, diaper bag, car seat or stroller. With the pacifier pod, your child's pacifier finally has a clean and accessible home.
• easy-to-clean laminated canvas

• keeps pacifier sanitary machine

• washable and dishwasher safe

• stylish prints with coordinating trim

Hooded Towel Set - $18.00

The hooded towel is just the right size to wrap and dry Baby. The corner hood ensures that Baby will be cozy and dry from head to toe. This bath time essential is made of 100% cotton terry cloth for the ultimate in softness and absorption.

• 100% cotton

• coordinating washcloth included

• patterns coordinate with the pacifier pod and the travel pod set

They have some really useful and practical products and they all coordinate! Gift giving can't get any easier!! They have recently come out with new patterns and colors which you will find here at Giggles & Coos! And, better yet, all of their laminated canvas products are PVC and Phthalate free!!!

Our Newest Addition!!

We did it! We just couldn't resist the temptation of expressing our thoughts and ideas through a blog.

We thought we would let you in on our thoughts about starting a business, being a mom, friend, sister and wife! And, of course, we will keep you up to date on the hottest baby and children products available at the boutique! We're smart, sometimes funny, maybe a little witty, but most of all interested in making everyone laugh and smile a little more. I hope we can do that for you with our blog.

Check back often for freebies, coupons and secret deals available only to loyal (and lucky) Daily Giggle readers!