Etsy's Handmade Blog
Guest Curator: Baby Shower Picks with Cookie Magazine's Crabmommy
Story by crabmommy
Published on January 28, 2009 in Spotlight 		Photo by

crabmommy

Crabmommy is an Etsy buyer and also writes a humorous motherhood blog for Cookie magazine with a monthly Etsy feature. She divides her time between motherhood and complaining about it.  

I ruffled many mommy feathers when I dissed baby shower registries on my blog. I'm not against baby showers--just registries themselves. Registries — in my not-so-humble opinion — are tacky, dull, and presumptuous, and I pledge to never, ever purchase some Buy Buy Baby hideous automated mobile off a dang list, much less recommend such an act to my mom-readers! Thankfully, with such a splendid abundance of Etsylicious offerings available, one can ignore those pesky registries and easily find exquisite, lovingly crafted, original, and memorable gifts to be treasured, which is what giving is supposed to be about.


Mellon Slippers by bellaserababy

Etsy's baby bootie booty is an embarrassment of riches. I just love the creativity in Etsian handmade shoes. I have a bit of a thing for easy-to-put-on and certain-to-stay-on crossover-style baby shoes, like these from bellaserababy.


Magic Jewel Bears - Limited Edition Print by zukzuk

One-of-a-kind nursery artwork is the present that lasts forever. Frankly if someone had given me one of zukzuk's bear or soon-to-be-relisted logland prints for my babe, I would have made him or her a godmother even though I'm an atheist.


Algiers, 1932 by tollipop

Ditto with tollipop's delectable bunny print. Its strange, compelling title — Algiers, 1932 — makes me feel intellectual and well traveled.


Felt Balls - Custom Letters by kneek

What could be more thoughtful than a customized baby present? I am so digging these brilliant custom-letter felt balls for the babe room — way cooler than those ho-hum store-bought blocks spelling out baby's name. At only $7 a ball you score even more if baby's name is Cy or Pax!


Natural Wooden Doll Bodies by goosegrease

If you're artsy, start with goosegrease's wooden dolls and paint your mom friend's new family (convo with the seller to customize).


Wooden Grabbing and Nursing Necklace by stonesofhealing

For a practical pick that is also eco-fabulous, this nursing necklace from stonesofhealing is genius. A gorgeous tactile birch ring, it distracts baby from pulling hair or biting Mama.


Eco modern baby cushion circle by boopalinabebe

Continuing the eco theme, you can't go wrong with boopalinabebe's chic mod multi-purpose baby cushion/mat/changing pad, made from organic bamboo fleece and cotton. Swanky!


Sweet bird bib, burp cloth & changing pad by jenniferladd

I'm totally in love with this scrumptious bib, burp cloth, and changing pad set by jenniferladd in heavenly mod bird-patterned fabric. Seriously ad.or.able.


Play Mat Vintage Apples by mimoo

Etsy really is the place for baby play mats. mimoo's awesome selection includes this vintage apple-themed number. Yummy!


Little Jasper by rosieok

My hands-down fave baby presents are those that could easily be for mom too. For me, that's amigurumi crocheted dolls and animals. My babe was given a tiny crocheted duck as a newborn. I promptly stole it away for myself. I would have done the same had my newborn been given one of rosieok's custom-crafted boy or girl dolls — and her pandas and teddies are equally charming.


Crochet Pattern - Ruby in a Strawberry Costume by Owlishly

Note: Owlishly (and many other Etsyfabulous sellers) lists her own amazing amigurumi patterns for purchase. Me, I'm far too lazy and intimidated, but maybe you're not. If you're up to it, why not tackle this dear strawberry creature (pattern is geared towards beginners), or else convo to price out a custom order.


Beige on Beige Cranberry Piped Smocked Dress by darlasclothing

If your mom-friend is expecting a little girl and traditional retro-fabulous baby clothing floats your boat, then what could be sweeter than a smocked frock?  This romper is so screamingly adorable it *almost* makes me want to reproduce again.


Soiree Dress by rockerbaby

rockerbaby's darling bow and spotted dresses (from newborn up) are equally striking, updating vintage looks for the mod tot.

I hope you enjoyed my new baby findings and that you'll stop by my blog at Cookie magazine for more chitchat. In amongst talking smack about motherhood in general and poking fun at others and myself, I like to showcase quality affordable design for kids and moms. Sellers, feel free to convo with me if you have something cool in the $20 and under range for my monthly feature!

 Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive.

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Baby Gift Guides | Children's Category | Handmade Kids Series | Gift Ideas

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Tags babies, baby bootie, baby showers, bellaserababy, boopalinababy, children, Cookie magazine, crabmommy, darlasclothing, goosegrease, Guest Curator, Handmade Kids, illustration, jenniferlad, kneek, mimoo, owlishly, prints, rockerbaby, rosieok, shopping, Spotlight, stonesofhealing, tollipop, zukzuk
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87 comments     Login to add your own!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. daisylouise

yay for unique baby presents!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. rikrak

lovely finds!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. 4TheSparrowsNest

I can't wait to have a kid or two so I can dress them in lovely handmade things. The soiree dress is so cute..I'd like a version in my size, haha!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. pupa

some really cute ideas (loving the rocker baby dress) :)

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. rockerbaby

I really want to thank you so much , it is a pleasure to be part of so many talented designers

Thanks so much:)

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:11 p.m. stonesofhealing

Thank you so much for including my grabbing ring. What a lovely assortment you have picked!

Etsy is certainly the place to go for amazing baby shower and children's presents!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. tinahdee

these are very cute picks. Thanks for sharing!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. BabbidgePatch

Such great finds~ Love stonesofhealing product, too!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:17 p.m. norajane

I love that nursing necklace. I need one badly!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:20 p.m. EpicBones

oh nice! yeah I love the eco-fabulous stonesofhealing ring. My sister keeps getting all these plastic things for her baby, and I wonder if it's good for her or the baby or the planet? I keep meaning to do some research on eco-friendly baby toys, seems like wood is pretty safe. Thanks for this article!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:32 p.m. AlloverArt

I want to have a baby just so I can buy those tiny shoes!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. kunklebaby

cute cute cute!!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:44 p.m. babycheeks

Great picks!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. CositasSeriasVintage

wonderful article! i agree 100%.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:48 p.m. odiliafu

Oh, so cute!!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. cravejewelrydesign

Everything is just adorable! I love it :)

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:56 p.m. sweetshorn

Gosh, I want most of these for myself.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. zombuki

Love these! Especially the bear!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. IcingOnTheCupcake

Thank you for supporting Etsy sellers with handmade baby gifts, I appreciate it!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. jenniferladd

What a great idea to buy handmade for baby! Thanks for including my sweet bird gift set!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 4:29 p.m. etaletc

this is wonderful. just wonderful.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. MonPetitAcorn

Oh these are all so very cute!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. wearpurlsandsmile

I'm totally in agreement that registries are the most impersonal and generic ways to give gifts! I think they stink of entitlement and seem to say "I don't trust you to pick me out something I like. You don't know me at all. I don't know why we're friends."

Jan. 28, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. crabmommy

wearpurlsandsmile,
my sentiments exactly. Sellers whom I featured up here: thank YOU. It's inspiring to come to Etsy and see what you're all up to. It is so great to be able to prove to my readers that registries SUCK and going original is so NOT difficult when you have Etsy to guide you.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5 p.m. thepatacakebaby

beautiful, unique items that any new mom or baby would love!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. nightowlcraftworks

Gorgeous!!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. breanneangelo

I hope to get some of these great gifts at my baby shower on March 1st. Lovely items!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. deebeale

Great finds.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. soulflower

I wish my friends had know about etsy when i had my baby girl. I wish I had known about etsy too!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. prettypeardesigns

Wonderful, bright collection! This is the place to shop!!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:34 p.m. TheWovenSpoke

Lots of really pretty & unique items for sure! Good job :)

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:37 p.m. voleurdebijoux

very sweet and lovely...great picks! :)

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:44 p.m. BabyNest

Super cute!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 5:51 p.m. Odannysgirl

Great shower gifts!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 6 p.m. FlanneryCrane

this story scratches the baby itch...too cute!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 6:06 p.m. bombshellstudios

This is my favorite Storque article, the photos are all gorgeous and I love all the items!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. GoldenPearArtStudio

Oh My! This is so funny and true! Why does someone presume I want even go to Babies R Us, let alone buy something from there! I will buy handmade and local everyday!!!!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 6:36 p.m. AureliaandAnnalise

I love crabmommy and her blog!!:)

Jan. 28, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. JoyandWhimsy

Thanks Crabmommy - please support out of print, vintage children's book titles. Thanks!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. crabmommy

joyandwhimsy--I ADORE vintage books and write abut them often at Crabmommy. Will be sure to stop by yr shop.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 7:10 p.m. timesandchimes

crabmommy has amazing eyes!!!

These items are all so superb that I wish I had a little-one in the house!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. breadandroses

Wonderful collection! Love the kneek's felt balls in saturated jewel tones.

Jan. 28, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. worksofwhimsy

crabmommy has excellent taste. I wish I could have found wonderful, colorful stuff like this 15 years ago when I had my little girls!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 7:29 p.m. MimiMakesMemories

Your article was a homerun...the items you featured were all really precious

Jan. 28, 2009 at 7:49 p.m. Xenotees

Such a great thing to promote the amazing baby gifts on Etsy!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 8:52 p.m. Owlishly

crabmommy, thanks so much for the feature, it's such a pleasure being included in such a fabulous list!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 10:02 p.m. IndigoRain

Yay for originality! Love these picks. There is indeed an abundance of exquisite crafts and art etc. right here on Etsy. Go Etsy!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. nakedpeggies

I have bought from Owlishly and LOVE her super cute patterns!
These items are all great!
I LOVE ETSY!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 11:02 p.m. RaeGun

I love all of these so many of my favorites here

Jan. 28, 2009 at 11:15 p.m. holly

Fabulous picks!

Jan. 28, 2009 at 11:29 p.m. LaireMarie

Seriously, could these be any cuter?!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 12:43 a.m. meeabee

I love the idea of giving baby art. I personally love ZukZuk (featured above). I have a few SarahJane prints ready to give this year as baby shower gifts (sarahjanestudios.etsy.com).
Gorgeous finds!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 2:01 a.m. BluCille

Nursing necklace! What a great idea.

Jan. 29, 2009 at 2:51 a.m. joycetruck

I am new to Etsy, but LOVE everything here! What a wonderful place! I am glad someone suggeested it to me.

Jan. 29, 2009 at 2:59 a.m. pogoshop

I hope the idea of having Etsy baby registries catches on. Can you image how fun it would be to go to a shower and watch a new mom open fantastic Etsy orginals? We also have some wonderful pastry shops that would supply lovely refreshments made to order. What a super shower!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 3:13 a.m. theaxx

I love the illustrations here, and especially love the themed feel of all the choices.

I also agree with pogoshop re the baby registry, such fun to see all the inspiring little one of a kind gifts...

www.forthevisionaries.tumblr.com

thea.
xx

Jan. 29, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. EclatDesigns

This is giving me great ideas for a friend of mine.

I'm also considering this, and others should too: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?...

Jan. 29, 2009 at 8:11 a.m. TheCottageCheese

Love jenniferladd's stuff! And I really want that rocker baby dress in my size!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. passthelasso

fabulous finds!
a new generation of mommies man!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. eclecticquirky

These are some great finds. Love the melon baby shoes. I wish my "baby" {whose just over a year} could wear little shoes like that. Now she's just growing and growing!

Jan. 29, 2009 at noon jodieflowers

Lots of unique baby shower gifts in here! I just love etsy!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. babsandme

I laughed out loud when I saw the grabbing ring necklace. So simple and so perfect - holding onto something stable can only increase baby's sense of security. Bravo!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. littlealouette

love it all thanks to one of my fave bloggers!!!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. mamafamilias

The necklace is perfect! And the Soiree dress makes me want to have a girl! And I think my niece needs her initials made out of felt balls!

Jan. 29, 2009 at 8:29 p.m. BDOODLES

Mom to three, I never went with a registry, and would have been tickled with just about any of the handcrafted baby 'things' found within Etsy. Always a bounty of 'green'and beautiful options.

Jan. 29, 2009 at 11:16 p.m. MizKake

I am so glad that someone agrees on the whole registry idea! I would much rather give thoughtful items.

Jan. 30, 2009 at 12:39 a.m. lynnetteart

Very adorable and unique baby gift ideas.

Jan. 30, 2009 at 6 a.m. rosieok

i just wanted to say thanks so much for including me in a group of so many wonderful etsians :D

Jan. 30, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. circlesareforever

Baby items are my favorite.

Jan. 30, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. rabbithorns

Thanks for these. I am buying a pattern from Owlishly because I found her stuff right here!

Jan. 30, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. Darklingsboutique

Excellent finds, makes me wish mine were still babies! (but only for a few seconds!lol)

Jan. 30, 2009 at 5:04 p.m. kingofmythrone

Beautiful and unique gifts for the beautiful and unique child.

Jan. 30, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. shopgoodgrace

FABulous finds!! I think I found a new blog - great take on being a mommy. :)

Jan. 31, 2009 at 2:35 a.m. yummyink

T H A N K S for sharing! Colorful selection!

Jan. 31, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. analoukopoulos

Great stuff, love them all!!!

Feb. 1, 2009 at 10:07 a.m. LollyBopBaby

I agree...handmade baby all the way!
Cute items. I love making baby things!

Feb. 1, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. SusysBibs

Thanks for featuring such talented crafters. I've checked many of them out. I'm all about well made and handmade.

Feb. 1, 2009 at 8:10 p.m. cloud9designstudio

cute ideas! my shop has angel wing onesies that people LOVE to buy for baby shower gifts!

http://cloud9designstudio.etsy.com

Feb. 2, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. wildstrawberry

I love "Ruby in a Strawberry Costume", and I wish I had the wooden nursing necklace right now for me & my little one.

Feb. 2, 2009 at 7:53 p.m. polkadotstrawberry

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Fantastic ideas!!!! Especially love the patterns from Owlishly :) ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Feb. 4, 2009 at 5:57 a.m. wickedchilddesigns

Great selection - love the playmats at Mimoo !! xo Teneale

Feb. 4, 2009 at 11:43 p.m. artdecadence

All gorgeous picks...just the thing for the modern mum and her modern bub...and sure to sporn a whole new creative generation!

Feb. 5, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. BarracudaDesigns

Fantastic things!!! It's so amazing to see what's out there...

Feb. 28, 2009 at 1:27 a.m. ruby2gogo

Go go Mimoo - great to see agorgeous BrisStylette featured! loving those vintage apples and especially that photo - what a peach..oh sorry apple!

xh

Feb. 28, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. ahandmadechildhood

wow...so many great ideas...my head will burst!!!

March 7, 2009 at 4 a.m. HouseHoldWords

ahhhhh

March 8, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. lisagorno

my my my.....aren't handmade things just grande! Lovely, indeed.

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