Think Organic When Buying Baby Gifts This Holiday Season

For babies this holiday season, think non-toxic and all-natural. With so many recalls over the last two years, moms are more health-conscious than ever.

"Organic" items make up much of the list for this holiday Gift Guide. Even the CD of the season has organic sounds from the womb.

And local store owners had some sound advice for those with babies on their holiday shopping list.

Lori Kowalski and Marlene Perez-Santalla, owners of the unique children's specialty store, Poppyfields Home, said practical items make great gifts. "Try to buy something fun but usable," said Kowalski.

She added if you personalize for just a few dollars more, "everybody likes that." Typically personalization is about $10 to $15 more, so factor that into the price of what you're buying. "Make it a keepsake."

If you're shopping at Poppyfields Home, expect 30 percent off storewide because the store is moving to a smaller office/showroom at the end of January. Special orders are 20 percent off and furniture is 40 percent off.

Kowalski also added "shop early for the best selection."

Gina Pugliese, owner of Pumpkins & Petunias, Westfield, agreed that shopping early, especially in boutiques, is an important piece of advice. "It's not late in the season for holiday shopping, but it's late in the season for clothing," she said. "I'm already getting spring stuff in." She said sizes go quickly, so don't wait until the last minute.

Pugliese has a Facebook page to keep customers in the loop: it's "Pumpkins Petunias." All you have to do is "friend" her.

Pugliese said if someone asks her advice about a baby gift, she likes to find out "what style the family is," edgy or trendy versus more traditional.

She also asks what birth order the baby is. "If they're a third boy for example, they get a lot of hand-me-downs," she said. "So I suggest something personalized."

Local inventory and store owners, along with some of the renown top toy guides (i.e. www.about.com & www.toyportfolio.com),  helped us comprise an extensive list of great gifts for babies this holiday season.

Infants & up:

 Teethers & Toys

 Vulli Sophie Giraffe Teether:  Sophie is a teether toy made of natural rubber materials and non-toxic paint. Sophie also squeaks. $22 Seal & Co, Summit

 Giggle Fruit Teethers & Tote:  These fruit shaped teethers are 100% Organic cotton, and come in a travel tote. The company makes sure to mention there are no pesticides or chemicals used in the production process. $30 www.giggle.com

 Sassy Phone of My Own: Because every baby needs his/her own flip-style cell phone …the talking (bi-lingual) device also has buttons, a black and white teether and a quiet bell. $5 at Babies R Us, Springfield.

 Push Along Hybrid Car: The car is one piece of rubber wood with two holes on top for little fingers to push it along. Imagiplay also makes a push along Duck, Cat & Dog. $14.95 (average price) from www.ecotoytown.com

 Wooden Baby Walker from Plan Toys: Babies can practice their walking and stacking skills all in one. It is made out of preservative-free Rubberwood and non-toxic, water-based dyes are used.  $75 at toys.planethappytoys.com

 Tonka Wheel-Pals Round-About Railway: Soft, squeezable trains weave in and out of a colorful track. $18 & up, sold at most major retailers

 Step 2 Basic Rhythms Piano: Brightly colored keys with ABC's, allow children to make their own music or play notes over a song.  Recommended 18 months & up. $20, Babies R Us, Springfield

 Bibs, etc. with some style …

 Patricia Ann Designs: Burp cloths, baby blankets, moses basket's, lovey's …you name it, she's got it and celebrities like Heidi Klum, Denise Richards and Gwen Stefani are all buying. "Cozy, soft …great designs and style to them," according to co-owner of Poppyfields Home, Westfield Lori Kowalski.  $20-$60 (30% off through January), Poppyfields Home

 Bebe Au Lait Reversible Double Bib: The 4-in-1 bibs have two panels that can be reversed and reversed again. They have a magnetic closure and unique, whimsical and colorful patterns. $24-$44, Seal & Co., Summit.

 Things to cuddle …

 Taggies Toss the Taggie New Colours Ball: The ball is an updated version of the one that emerged two years ago, with brighter colors. It's a fabric ball with lots of ribbon "taggies" to grab. $19.95, Seal & Co., Summit.

 My First Doll by North American Bear: Rosie Cheeks Baby Doll, $31 Musical First Baby Doll, $25, both at Poppyfields Home, Westfield

 Personalized Doll Accessories:  Cradles and high chairs especially for "My First Doll." They can be personalized for the doll. $44, Poppyfields Home, Westfield

 BlaBla Huggable Dolls & Rattles: These soft, cuddly items are made of all natural fibers grown in Peru and knitted by Peruvian artists. They are multicultural and come in many varieties. For the month of December, $5 from each baby doll sale will be donated to an Atlanta Women's shelter, according to the website www.blablakids.com. $29 and up.

 Angel Dear Lovies: These soft, washable blankets with animal faces attached are a sure bet for babies. They're soft and cuddly, and often stay with the child through their toddler years. $13 ($23 embroidered), Pumpkins & Petunias, Westfield.

 Sleep Aides …

 Twilight Sea Turtle: An al "turtle" tive to the night light! The stuffed turtle projects stars onto the walls and ceilings of the child's room. It automatically shuts off after 45 minutes to conserve energy. It includes a story book, to discuss endangered animals and a star guide for older kids. $32.99 Learning Express, Westfield.

 Sound Sleep for Babies CD: Using actual recordings from the womb, the sounds baby hears are familiar and calming. It is soothing to both babies and toddlers. Best price was $12.59 from www.justkidsstore.com

Personal Touch …

Personalized Step Stools: Small benches that can be personalized with baby's name $70, Poppyfields Home, Westfield

 Rockers: Flat or spindle rockers for little ones come complete with a pint-size cushion. They can also be personalized. $95 to $120, Poppyfields Home, Westfield

 Baby Style …

 Eco-conscious Clothes by Lola & James: What a unique and intelligent idea!This children's clothing line recycles fabrics and materials and even cashmere blankets to make custom vintage kids clothing. From infant to 10 years old, the items are special order. $80 & up (custom) at Pumpkins & Petunias, Westfield.

 Very Excellent Baby onesies: It's all about the Rock baby this year. These clever, graphic onesies boast everything from guitars to a bottle that looks like an NYC coffee cup with a nipple attached. $28 at Pumpkins & Petunias, Westfield.

 Urban Smalls onesies: The all-cotton creations don clever sayings like "Nobody puts baby in a corner" and "Poops I did it again." Some will put a smile on the parent's faces too, with sayings like"My dad's a hunk" and "My mom's a fox."  $24 at Pumpkins & Petunias, Westfield.

 Extra Spending $$ ….

Don't forget to gather up your Baby Einstein videos from your older ones and send them in for your refund. The company agreed to offer parents a refund of $15.99 for up to four videos bought in the last five years. Bad publicity and a class action lawsuit against the company resulted in the refund.  

Returns can be made to : The Baby Einstein DVD Guarantee/Upgrade Offer, P.O. Box 3200, Neenah, WI 54957-3200. Print out an official claim form online. www.babyeinstein.com for details.