Toy Cleaner

Flu season is definitely upon us and some say that this year is going to be a hard one.  My son's exposure to the flu will be limited to those that come into our home or to those that we visit.  I am sure all of you have had tiny guests with the sniffles or cough visit you at some point...you know how it is.  Sick kids may put toys in the mouth, cough on them, etc...and the possibility of contagious germs being left behind for a short period of time is realistic.   In the past, we have used a very diluted mixture of water and clorox to wash toys down.

I recently found Fields Organics toy cleaner.  It is perfect for any non-porous surface in the home including all of those plastic and wood toys.  Simply spray directly onto surface and wipe.  The solution is organic and non-toxic.

What a clean idea!

Reusable AND Attractive Gift Bags

It is hard to believe the amount of trash...namely shopping bags, boxes, wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, etc...our family creates around the holidays.  Multiply that times the number of households in America and it becomes an overwhelming amount of trash.

I found these online by a company called Living Ethos.  They have some gorgeous designs and you can select your design especially for your occassion.  The bags come in 4 different sizes, are made of 100% cotton, and the ribbon is made of recycled PET.  Their fabrics are printed using fiber reactive dyes, one of the most environmentally benign type of dyes on the market.

These are the perfect bags for the holidays.  When your family has unwrapped all the presents, you can launder (if needed) and store for the next use.  Your gift wrap will definitely be one that keeps on giving!

How eco-friendly is that!

Play Forever Toys

My nephew is obsessed with anything that has wheels.  In fact, before he goes to bed, he picks out his "wheels" and carries them to his room so they can sleep with him.  He chooses different wheels each night and when he awakes, he is still often clutching onto them!

I think I may just have found a perfect holiday gift for him.  Pictured above is the motorbike, but they also make a roadster and an aeroplane...and they come in a few different colors.  They are made by a company based out of the UK and will be available in limited quantities.  I love to give gifts that are not mass-produced.  The toys are almost indestructible and would be perfect for a kid of any age!

How cool is that!

Phil & Ted's Traveller

 With the holidays fast approaching and busy travel plans to visit family, I found this great travel crib/cot from Phil and Teds.  We have taken several trips since our baby was born and we have been lugging around a 25 lb pack n' play.  Not anymore, this travel bed weighs 6 lbs without the self-inflatable mattress (which adds another 3 lbs).  This crib is also small enough that it can be packed into a suitcase.  I am so excited to be able to use it during Thanksgiving!

How portable is that!