Puppets Make the Perfect Christmas Present

You want them to learn to use their imagination and develop their creativity, so why not give a gift that helps them do just that? A puppet is perfect.

Puppets let kids be kids - and through role playing, someone or something else. They encourage imaginative play and are flexible - they can be played with alone or with others. Whether the puppet is based on a familiar story like Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood or even Eric Carle's The Hungry Caterpillar, or whether it's generic like a wizard or pirate kids can both act out stories they've seen and heard, or create something that's entirely their own.

We strongly believe that puppets are a valuable toy for kids and have been on the hunt for some for a while. Just in time for Christmas, we found two very different types that we absolutely love - and hope you do too.

The first is a line of 100% natural wool puppets handmade in Nepal with fair trade and fair wages. Because the wool is natural, the colours are amazingly bright and the detail is truly impressive. These puppets are primarily wet felted in one piece so there's minimal stitching (except for detail), making them stronger and more likely to last longer. The story and finger puppets also come in lovely handmade gift boxes.
This range includes hand puppets like the quirky pig and dog, story puppets that include a hand puppet plus 3-4 finger puppets and then sets of 4 adorable finger puppets, like the Princess and the Pea or generic Pirates. The unique Hungry Caterpillar story puppet set includes 2 hand puppets plus about 16 pieces of food. These puppets make great gifts and stocking stuffers - at a great price.
This is a photo of the sewing room in Nepal where all the stitching detail is done by hand.

Most recently, we picked up a range of upcycled puppets made here in Canada. The characters are unique, adorable, full of colour and perhaps most interestingly, each one is unique. While we do carry 4 different animal designs: monkey, dog, frog and giraffe, each one is slightly different as they're made by hand from a variety of soft, reclaimed wool sweaters.
We consider handmade products mini works of art and more often than not when they're as well made as these are, they become treasured favourites for years to come.

Check out our full range of soft toys and gifts at Lavish & Lime where you'll find great Christmas gift ideas that are good for the whole family - and the planet too.

Does your child have a favourite puppet? Did you when you were growing up? If you have any thoughts or ideas about puppets, we'd love to hear from you! Just leave a comment below.

And the winner is...

Baby Mmm - you're in the limelight!

WINNING PHOTO: 'Mmm...educational and tasty', Ava R, Vancouver

(Featured product: Wooden Blocks)

Congratulations to Ava R of Vancouver who won our Limelight Photo Contest with the lovely picture of her enjoying her wooden blocks from Lavish & Lime. After a two weeks, the poll closed yesterday and Ava received a whopping total of 33 votes, narrowly beating Samantha M (28 votes) with her 'Glam Lunch on the Go' shot.

Our other finalist photos submitted by Tina M (8 votes), Katie S (4 votes) and Krista P (2 votes) were also enjoyed by all.

Thanks to everyone who placed a vote for their fave photo over the last two weeks and we're sure Ava thanks you too. She's won a $50 credit at online boutique Lavish & Lime.

A special thanks to all entrants - without you there would have been no contest!

Watch this space for more exciting Lavish & Lime contests to come.

Today's Deal: Baby Care Kit

Our Daily Deal today is truly a must-have for any Mom.

We like to call it Baby Care 101 in a box - everything you need to take care of baby's health needs in one handy place.

We've reduced the price by 40% for today only, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Baby Care Kit
Was: $32
Now: $19.20
SAVE 40%

BUY NOW
This all-in-one kit is packed with essentials necessary to keep baby in tip top health. The kit includes a rapid-read digital thermometer, medical measuring spoon, nasal aspirator, water-filled teether for chilling, safety grip nail clippers plus a comb and soft bristle brush. A great gift for new moms. Equip her with all the necessities she may not know she needs. Packaged in a handy clear plastic case - perfect for everyday use and for travel.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: Baby Necksaver

Our Daily Deal today is for babes and the moms who can't stand seeing them sleep with their heads at a 90 degree angle.

Help baby develop better posture, rest better and WAKE UP HAPPIER by properly supporting his/her neck in a car seat or stroller - think jogging stroller bumping over curbs, rocks, etc.

For today only we've reduced the price by 40%, and only while stocks last. Simply click below for more information and to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Baby Necksaver
Was: $16
Now: $9.60
SAVE 40%

BUY NOW
Ergonomically designed to cradle baby's head and prevent flopping or slumping, this award-winning necksaver provides the proper neck support crucial to young babies in the early months when their skeletal structures undergo the greatest development.

Whether in a car seat, high chair, swing or stroller, this uniquely designed neck support helps babies develop better posture, rest better and wake up happier. Particularly useful as a shock absorber in jogging strollers during bumpy rides. Differs from the popular infant headrest insert for car seats as it stabilizes baby's head rather than simply cushioning the sides.

A winner of the 2007 JPMA Innovation Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the juvenile products industry.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: Natural Baby Gift Pack

Today's Daily Deal is for the wee ones out there.

A great shower, baby, first birthday gift, this sampler pack of paraben-free, all natural body care products is certain to be a hit with any babe - and any Mom.

Not only are these products ideal for baby's sensitive skin but they're 100% naturally made here in Canada.

For today only we're offering this lovely gift pack at 50% OFF and only while stocks last. Simply click below to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

Natural Baby Gift Pack
Was: $40
Now: $20
SAVE 50%

BUY NOW
Five different body care products - all free of preservatives - plus an organic cotton washcloth are presented in an attractive frosted gift pack tied with colourful raffia ribbon. The pack contains Smooth as a Baby's Bum Balm (35g), Sweet Dreams Foaming Baby Body Wash (60ml), Oh Baby! Massage Oil (60ml), Bottoms Up! Baby Bum Spray (60ml), Sweet Cheeks Baby Bum Powder (5g) and a washcloth. All products are paraben-free and not tested on animals. Made in Calgary, Alberta.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Today's Deal: ABC Photo Album

Capture those adorable moments the old-fashioned way with today's Daily Deal - a gorgeous keepsake album for baby.

Hurry, it's on at an amazing 60% OFF for today only, and only while stocks last. Simply click below to purchase.

Today's Daily Deal is...

ABC Photo Album
Was: $34
Now: $13.60
SAVE 60%

BUY NOW
Silver plated ABC's and classic baby icons adorn the front of this timeless photo album. Holds 80 - 6"x4" photos and features a pearlized style spine. Makes a great gift for baby's shower, birth, Christening, Baptism or first birthday.

For more great deals during our winter sale, check out our sale shop at Lavish & Lime. And be sure to check back here again for tomorrow's Daily Deal.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Kids

We want them to learn to respect nature and live in an environmentally conscious manner, so why not lead by example and encourage them with the gifts you give this Christmas?

Here are our five top green gift picks for children.

1. Soda Can Robug Kit
Build, recycle and create a unique robot that is as much a science project as it is a toy. The robug emits a buzzing sound like a real bug and moves across the floor. Great fun from a recycled can. Dynamo Torch and Windmill Generator kits also available. Age 8+

2. Pirate Ship
Let their imaginations run wild with this ship featuring one-eyed blackbeard and a dastardly crew of four, with lifeboat and hungry croc. Made from replenishable rubberwood which is preservative free and processed naturally. No harmful additives or coloring are used and all paints are tested for safety. Age 3+

3. Organic Cotton Play Ball
A super soft, easy to grasp rattling ball that baby can try to catch and lift up. Made of pesticide-free naturally organic cotton and stuffed with lamb's wool by German toymaker Sigikid.

4. Geo Beads
The creative combinations are endless with this unique set of brightly coloured, geometrically shaped beads made from replenishable rubberwood. Includes two strings that can be attached/detached plus nine wooden beads in six different shapes and colours. Great for developing dexterity skills and imagination. Age 2+

5. Naturebag
Encourage them to explore the outdoors and connect with nature through the hands-on activities contained in this charming little shoulder bag. Made of fairtrade, certified organic cotton, Naturebag contains all the tools needed to enjoy the year-round activities laid out in the step-by-step activity guide. Age 3-12

For more eco-friendly and other great gifts for children and babies, visit Lavish & Lime.

Let it Rain

We know it will. Rain that is - especially here on the wetcoast, which is probably why we fell in love with these hats.

Made locally in Vancouver by a brilliant mompreneur, our new kids' rain hat not only looks fabulous but puts to rest the seemingly endless hood struggle.

Think about it. How often have you chased your kids around the playground saying (shouting?) 'put up your hood'? How hard is it to see sideways with a hood on? And doesn't it seem like your hearing takes a little nose dive with a hood up?

Then there's the times when they look up at you with drops of rain hanging from their eyelashes and little button noses, even when they're dutifully wearing their hoods.

This wide brim hat actually keeps rain off the face and the velcro chin strap keeps it firmly on.

Made of 100% cotton fabric coated with waterproof polyurethane and lined with super soft organic cotton with bamboo, it's easy to wipe clean or, if necessary, hand wash in cold.

The hat comes in four fun and colourful patterns: flower power, spring bloom, paisley and boy blue and in sizes fitting 12 months up to 6 years.

Trust us, this one's a winner. Once your child wears it once, she won't want to leave the house again without it, even if it's not raining.

The kids' rain hat is available at Lavish & Lime.

WIN WIN WIN a Paisley blue/brown rain hat for your little puddle jumper. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post before midnight PST November 1.

My Daughter Loves Her Sigikid Toy More Than Me

I know she loves me. Really, I do. It's just that I thought it would be different with our second.

Lucy is almost two. She runs. She falls. She cries. She holds up her arms so I swoop her up for a cuddle and then it happens. She says, 'Sigi'.

I don't mean to be needy. I just think that at this point something along the lines of 'Mommy' might be nice. Is it possible to be jealous of an inanimate object?

Sigi is an organic teddy bear snuggly given to her at birth by her older sister as part of the second baby process. Everyone told us to have Polly give Lucy a gift to ensure Polly still felt secure, loved and to curb any feelings of jealousy. We didn't really think about the effect this toy would have on us - jealousy? Surely not.

Like Polly did - and still does at the age of five - Lucy learned to fall asleep with her Sigikid toy. Sigi is her comfort, like the blankie or dolly most of us had as kids. Sigi was easy for Lucy's little hands to hold so it was one of the first things she could grasp and now that she's walking, one of the easiest things for her to carry around with her. Lucy's third word after 'Dada' then 'Mama' was 'Sigi'. And why not? He's super soft, cuddly and her constant companion.

Sigi has recently gone awol from the stroller a couple of times but with a bit of backtracking down the aisles of Safeway, he's been found, thankfully. What would a night without Sigi be like? I hope never to have to find out because it might be me sleeping with Lucy rather than him and right now - with much thanks to Sigi - I'm enjoying my eight hours. (Touch wood.)

- Louise Campbell, Lavish & Lime Co-founder

Sigikid is an innovative German toy company new to Canada but established in Europe for over 40 years. Lavish & Lime is the first Canadian e-tailer to offer Sigikid products online. Shop our Sigikid collection of organic and other toys here.

Tips for Buying the Perfect Baby Gift

It may just be in our world, but it seems there are loads of babies around at the moment. Naturally, this means the need for lots of baby gifts – whether for baby showers, births, first birthdays, baptisms or christenings.

The question is, what to buy? If you want to give a gift that will be well-liked and even cherished, one that’s a little different from all the rest, then consider these tips.

The cute factor
Everyone thinks ‘cute’ when they think ‘baby’ so if this is the angle you’re leaning towards, you really can’t go wrong. Just be sure your gift is over-the-top adorable and in this eco-friendly climate, organic, to ensure it stands out from the crowd. Consider an organic mouse snuggly or organic bear snuggly. Super cuddly and easy to grasp, these little guys have every chance of becoming baby’s one and only won’t-sleep-without-it favourite.

First baby
Often new Moms don’t know exactly what they need, no matter how many books they read or websites they scan. Give a gift that will undoubtedly prove critical to baby’s health and safety: a baby care kit. Packed with everything from a rapid-read digital thermometer and to safety grip nail clippers, this gift is good for baby and great for Mom. Another gift to consider is a baby necksaver. Made with soft, hypoallergenic zebra print material, this ergonomically designed, award-winning travel neck pillow helps support baby’s head more effectively than a car seat insert and can be transferred to a stroller – great for running Moms. Remember a quality baby gift for the first will keep on giving as it’s passed from child to child.

What Mom’s into
Taking into account Mom’s lifestyle or interests too is key to giving a baby gift that’s cherished. For example, if she’s into music, or Dad’s in a band, then a bag of rock n’ roll bath squirties is a guaranteed hit. Or is she into greener, organic living? Consider giving a paraben-free natural baby gift pack with chemical-free body wash/shampoo, baby bum spray, balm and more. A BPA-free snack set or feeding set are also good options and so is a non-toxic 100% melamine dish set. And if she’s Canadian or at least the baby is, then a red/white organic onesie printed with ‘100% Organic (made in Canada)’ is sure to bring a smile to her face.

Another important factor to consider is the occasion you're buying for.

Baby shower: practical gifts are always popular as are those that are helpful to Mom. Try a clever Canadian-made baby bath apron that not only keeps Mom dry during bath time, but prevents her from losing her grip on a slippery baby. It makes bathing a stress-free breeze and comes in velvety soft pink/blue velour or cool green gingham (pictured above). Two more great shower gifts are a must-have diaper bag and a European baby sleeping bag, guaranteed to help baby sleep through the night and let Mom get her much-needed rest.

Birth: your friend/cousin/sister-in-law has just had a baby and you’d like to take a little something with you when you meet the wee one or send a gift in the post. A three-pack of brightly coloured organic onesies would be a welcome gift as would a set of adorable organic socks printed with ballerina shoes or Converse high tops. Another thoughtful option is a super soft and super green organic frog rattle or a teddy sculpture packaged in a lovely feather-top bag.

First birthday: a great opportunity for either a playful gift like an organic play ball and animal bowling set or something slightly more memorable like a silver plated giraffe bank. A lovely organic teddy bear is also a winner. It has undeniable classic appeal but the green twist makes it a modern must-have.

Baptism or christening: generally people think about traditional keepsake gifts at this occasion – something that will be treasured for years to come. For a contemporary twist on the classics, check out this silver plated baby comb & brush set and the matching first tooth & curl set - because the alternative envelope stuffed in a drawer just doesn’t seem right! Photo albums are always something to consider too – whether featuring classic silver plated ABC baby motifs or a suede teddy bear style.

Whatever you choose, a little thought can go a long way to making your gift one that is not only liked, but loved and well-used for years to come.

For a baby gift that's different, check out our selection of stylish keepsakes, toys and essentials at Lavish & Lime.

5 Money Saving Tips for Road Trips

Have a road trip planned for August? Even a weekend getaway? Don't let the rising price of gas jeopardize your chance to relax.

According to a recent poll by the Hotel Association of Canada, 22% of respondents cited the price of gas as a reason for traveling less, compared to just 3% in 2006.

Keep your road trip plans alive with these money saving tips.

1. Look for gas-rebate incentives when booking hotels. For example, the Sheraton in Ottawa has a 'Drive and Stay and Save' summer package that includes a $10 rebate nightly. Some Marriott properties also offer gasoline-related deals.
2. Take the time to plan your trip and find the most direct route. Consult with your local Automobile Association, ie. CAA, BCAA, for a planned travel routing.
3. Do some advance research on gas prices and although you might not remember the names of the stations, you just might remember the towns. Check for Canadian prices at gaswatch.org
4. Snacks are big budget killers on road trips - racks of chips and chocolate bars can be irresistable at gas stations and convenience stores. Wheel into a grocery store and pick up cheaper snacks in economy bags for roughly half the price and load up a cooler with water, juice, pop.
5. Follow these gas-saving tips while driving: turn off the gas guzzling AC and the four wheel drive; coast to a stop and be mellow when starting - burning rubber burns gas needlessly; don't speed - it wastes gas and just one ticket can put a serious dent in your budget.

Organized travel means happy travel. Check out our kids' car organizers to help keep the backseat both tidy and quiet and for the sleepy wee 'un with the floppy head, there's our ergonomically designed, award-winning baby necksaver. Reduce the risks associated with plastic water bottles with our aluminum Laken bottles and keep the bugs at bay with our all natural, paraben-free and non-sticky insect repellent.