Natural Presents: Great Organic Gift Ideas for Both Parent and Baby
My son, Owen, is seven months old. He has no idea that the holidays are approaching. He has no idea that mountains of gifts are soon to be thrust upon him. And he doesn’t care. He is much more concerned with things like trying to grab the spoon full of banana mash before it gets to his mouth. When it comes to buying a gift for an infant, you are basically buying something for the parent to use. Here are a few great organic gift ideas for both parent and baby.
I love dressing Owen up in cute little outfits, but for the most part, I just want him in something that’s easy to get in and out of and doesn’t slow down the diaper changing process. Be sure to consider the ease and function of the clothing you choose. Complicated outfits that lack snaps in the crotch are asking to stay in the drawer. Clothing companies like Under the Nile, Pure Beginnings, and Patagonia make beautiful organic cotton clothes that are sure to be passed on. In addition to organic cotton, Patagonia is home to PCR (Post Consumer Recycled), their fleece clothing line that uses recycled plastic bottles, keeping thousands of soda and sparkling water bottles out of landfills. My favorites include long sleeve and short sleeve bodysuits from Pure Beginnings, $12.99 and $11.99 respectively. They come in beautiful colors such as natural, lavender, seafoam, and powder pink. I also love Patagonia’s Baby Synchilla Bunting ($64.00). Made with PCR fleece, it provides easy in and out access and plenty of cold weather protection for head, hands, and feet. It is sure to keep your babe warm throughout the cold months. Available in sizes 3M (three month) through 3T. Look for Patagonia gear at your local outdoor sporting goods store. If you need help finding an organic cotton retailer near you, check out www.organiccottondirectory.net.
When it comes to opening a gift, Owen tends to be more interested in the paper the present comes wrapped in than the final product. Regardless, there are some great organic toys out there that are lots of fun. Organic toys are typically made out of organic cotton, hemp, and wood. Companies like Germany’s Haba and Selecta make beautiful wooden toys, painted with bright non-toxic, non-chip paint or treated with natural oils such as linseed oil. Organic toys are light and easy for babies to grasp with their little fingers. In addition to the above mentioned brands, Under the Nile and Pure Beginnings also make lovely organic toys, such as stuffed frogs and dragons. All of these toys support the development of motor skills, ease aching gums, and encourage an active imagination. My favorites include Selecta’s Ambrina rattle ($19.99). This brightly colored string of beads is made out of wood and works as both a rattle and a teether. It also has two semi-precious amber stones set into two flower beads. I also enjoy Haba’s triangle rattle ($6.49). Two wooden triangles interlock to form a simple and fun toy that’s easy and interesting for a newly grasping baby. If Owen has taught me anything, it’s that simpler is better. If you are looking to spend a little more, check out Selecta’s beautiful Pontino Baby Activity Gym ($97.99). This gorgeous wooden arch encourages your baby to reach up and explore. Look for these brands at your local children’s specialty store or check out www.organic-gift-shop.com.
You might want to consider giving diapers as a gift idea. I would love to receive diapers on Owen’s behalf. But wait, a healthy disposable diaper? Brands like Seventh Generation and Tender Care make chlorine, latex, and fragrance free diapers. Unlike conventional diapers, chlorine-free diapers are non-toxic and help keep bottoms rash free. Buying diapers might not be the most exciting gift you can think of, but considering the fact that a newborn can go through as many as ten diapers in one day and my seven month old still whips through six or seven, you can be sure that this gift will be put to good use. A bag of diapers, depending on size and brand, will run between $10 and $15. Be sure to know the weight of the baby before hitting your local natural food store, or be on the safe side and buy big. Regardless, they’ll get used up.
If the baby you have in mind wears cloth diapers, you might consider introducing Mom and Dad to a diaper service. Diaper services come to your door, pick up dirty diapers, and drop off clean cloth diapers once a week and commonly supply diaper covers. Not only do diaper services relieve the pain of scrubbing diapers at home they cost comparatively the same, if not less, than disposable diapers, breaking down to about $.20 per diaper. Diaper services can be found all over the United States and gladly provide gift certificates. Your mother surely would have loved this. The National Association of Diaper Services (NADS) can help you find a service in your area at www.diapernet.org.
In addition to diapering a baby bottom, you might think about complementing your gift with natural baby wipes, talc-free baby powder, non-petroleum jelly, diaper ointment, or organic/all-natural soaps and lotions. All of these items can be found at your local natural food store. Look for brands like Burt’s Bees Baby Bee, Healthy Times’ Baby’s Herbal Garden, and 100% organic Babecology. There is truly nothing like the smell of a baby, but if Owen’s smelling a little less than fresh, I just smear a little Sweet Violet Lotion (Healthy Times’ Baby) on him and he sweetens right up. Consider putting together a theme package consisting of diapers, baby wipes, diaper ointment, and powder or a package made up of shampoo, baby wash, baby bath, and an organic cotton towel and wash cloth. Two products you shouldn’t pass up are Burt’s Baby Bee dusting powder ($5.75) and Avalon Organic’s un-petroleum multi-purpose jelly, I use it on Owen every day ($5.99). If you are not feeling up to the task, Pure Beginnings offers their Pure Bath Gift Set, a 100% organic set that includes a hooded towel, wash mit, tie kimono, Babecology Shampoo and Bodywash, and Babecology Serenity Balm ($71.99).
Happy Shopping!
