Christmas Countdown: Cyber Monday

November 30, 2015December 2, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

If you prefer to do much of your holiday shopping online (I do!) and you’re just now catching your breath after Thanksgiving weekend (ahem!), grab a cup of tea and your coziest lounge wear and check out some of the fantastic offerings of this year’s Cyber Monday. I pulled together a few of my favorite links below. Enjoy!

For Her (You)

Ann Taylor | 50% off with code CELEBRATE (these have definitely caught my eye, and I picked these up last month and they’re just gorgeous)

Margaret Elizabeth | 25% off with code CYBERMONDAY (I adore this designer and some of my favorite pieces are from this shop, including this day-to-day staple).

Joules | Up to 50% off, no code needed (definitely recommend this scarf, it is unbelievably soft and makes an unexpected gift)

Kate Spade | 30% off with code SHINE

Nordstrom | Sales in total abundance at every glance, including my favorite Kendra Scott necklace for just $51.

LOFT | 50% off + free shipping with code CYBER50 (I grabbed this office to weekend staple)

For All

J. Crew | 30-50% off with code MONDAY

Boden | 30% off everything with code 7J47

Land’s End | 40-50% off with code CYBER30 and pin: 3101

Banana | 40% off with code BESTCYBER

Mark & Graham | 20% off with code FRIENDS

For Littles

Finn + Emma | 25% off with code TURKEY DAY

Tea Collection | 30% off and free shipping with code SHOPNOW

Primary | Free PJs with code GETPJS when you spend $50

Peppercorn Kids | 20% off with code GRATEFUL

Land of Nod | 20% off and free shipping, no code needed

My Sweet Muffin | 10% off with code HAPPYHOLIDAY

To Support Small Businesses & Artists

Ashlee Proffitt | Up to 50% off, no code needed (I ordered this and I am just thrilled to pieces to get it in the mail).

Emily Jeffords | 15% off with code PAINTTHEHALLS (I have my eye on this one, just pure magic).

Hattan Home | 20% off with code NEONFRIDAY

Paisley + Sparrow | 20% off with code GIFTSWITHPURPOSE

Christmas Countdown: 9 Baby Gifts

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

Christmas Countdown :: Babies :: as featured on Gifts with Bows #giftswithbows #GWBChristmasCountdown #GWB

1. Manhattan Toy Bird House $20.99 | This is one of my favorite toy brands. When Zoe was an itty bitty she received a very similar dog house set that has since been retired, but I’m really feeling this bird house! Zoe and Ari loved filling and emptying the house over and over and these plush little animals are safely sized for teething.

2. Christmas Board Book $4.27 | Both of our babes have enjoyed this brightly colored book featuring big color pops of holiday decor. It’s built tough and ready to be dragged around the tree a few dozen times.

3. Freshly Picked Moccasins $60 | They come in so many colors, work for baby boys and girls, and are the best of the best for leather moccs. Zoe and Ari each have a pair and I love that they are super comfy and match nearly any outfit. And for some reason they work for a stretch of 3+ sizes. Zoe’s size 8s still fit so well even though she’s grown to a size 10. Worth the investment!

4. Jellycat Puppy $22.50 | This guy is just calling out for all the snuggles. A good bet for a go-to bed buddy or a friendly addition to an awesome stuffed animal collection. He’s on Ari’s list!

5. Mushroom Rattles $12.95 | Well they’re just so darn cute, right? Ari has always been partial to toys that make noise when shaken… and possibly a bit disappointed when he shakes and gets silence. Adorable, noisy rattles for the win!

6. HABA Horse Swing $135.55 | Isn’t this just terrific? You can’t beat an indoor swing…unless it is shaped like a horse. Giddy up, babies!

7. Little People Nativity Set $33.99 | What a great way to start telling the Christmas story to your little babe. Little People (and animals) have a been a big hit with both of my kiddos, so I give an enthusiastic thumbs up to this seasonal set.

8. Pom Pom Stripe Hat $16.95 | Because Santa.

9. Radio Flyer Push Wagon $69.99 | Learning to walk is definitely going to happen and this wagon has two hugely awesome features to make it safe for baby and the furniture– a resist feature and a bumper. Plus Radio Flyer is classic, high quality and super cute. Get that camera ready!

Christmas Countdown: Toddlers

November 19, 2015November 23, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

Christmas Countdown :: Toddlers :: as featured on Gifts with Bows #giftswithbows #GWBChristmasCountdown #GWB

1. Corelle Baby Doll $27.99 | This little cutie is the perfect second doll. I’ll be telling you all about the best first doll for babies later on. The other day I mentioned a doll for a slightly older kiddos, but this soft-in-the-middle model is toddler material and ready for snuggles…with the same vanilla goodness. Zoe and Ari each have one and them to pieces. Zoe named her baby Emma and Ari’s is Paul. Sweetest. Thing.

2. Baby Faces Nesting Blocks $19.98 | Stack ’em up and knock ’em down. Repeat. These blocks are a great reminder to toddlers of the many faces and emotions of their younger sibs and serve as a great way to talk about questions like, “Why is baby crying?” Zoe got a set of these when Ari was born from a family friend. She was so fascinated by each expression and played with them constantly for several weeks.

3. Rocking Stallion $69 | Isn’t this just charming? I would not hesitate to keep this sleek ride-on toy in our living room. Such a classic look and definitely heirloom quality.

4. Hape Easel $71.98 | Let’s face it, you need a few bad weather gems to get you through the season, and if your kiddo is into art this easel can take you a long way. Ours is stowed away in the summer, but close to the kitchen once the cold hits. Make it a gift set with drop cloth, paint and brushes.

5. Parum Pum Pum Drum $30.78 | Turn on Rafi, pass out the instruments and get your family jam on. This music kit has all the parts you need to put on a little concert. It’s a go-to in our house and has been for a couple of years now!

6. The Not Very Merry Pout-Pout Fish $9.10 | We adore Deborah Diesen’s Pout-Pout series and littles love their repetitive, silly language. One of our favorites is this one.

7. Bath Crayons $7.90 | Practice letters and shapes, or just got to town scribbling. Our kids love these things, and the crayon wipes away easily. We are also fans of the Hexbug Aquabot for quality tubby time. Just be sure to supervise both well especially if your babe is still putting everything in the mouth.

8. Classic Doodle Board $19.33 | Bring it in the car or to the doctor’s office waiting room. Kids can use it to draw or play games like tic-tac-toe. Mess free, quiet entertainment when you need it!

9. Piggy Purse $17 | Zoe just loves to put tiny toys in purses and bags and bring them with her wherever she goes. This one is absurdly cute. It’s definitely a toddler thing. In fact, if you ever lose your chap stick this should be the first place you check! Take 20% off Peppercorn Kids with code GRATEFUL through 11/26.

10. Play Kitchen $199.99 | So great for imaginative play and will definitely get years of use. And don’t forget to fill it with pots & pans, chef gear, and food! When Zoe go a kitchen for Christmas two years ago from my parents, other family members bought supplemental gifts so she could get cooking right away!

11. Strider Balance Bike $89.99 | Be sure to grab a helmet for your little rider! Even if you’re in a particular snowy location, your kiddo can still go out on clear days. Waiting for spring is just no fun at all! Go for it!

Christmas Countdown: Kiddos 3-6 Years Old

November 17, 2015November 23, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 1 Comment

Christmas Countdown :: Kiddos Ages 3-6 :: as featured on Gifts with Bows #giftswithbows #GWBChristmasCountdown #GWB

1. Waiting is Not Easy $6.35 | We adore the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems (remember the Pigeon books??). This is one of our current favs, but we also recommend this one and this one. But seriously, go nuts and get several because they are all full of excellent lessons and big laughs.

2. Indoor Trampoline $169.99 | This will go down in history as one of the best purchases our family has ever made. Living in Upstate New York means super duper long winters, so with two little kiddos going bonkers for several months straight and our neighborhood park covered in snow, this trampoline is a lifesaver. It is a kid/parent win/win and for sure the Christmas gift that keeps on giving!

3. ABC Mini Cookie Cutter Set $12.95 | These will serve you far beyond sugar cut outs! Think cantaloupe, play dough, jello, you name it…and they can spell their name out with it.

4. Corelle Doll $57.98 | This is our go-to brand for baby dolls for the assured quality and unmatched vanilla scented vinyl skin. I kid you not, these dolls smell like a lit vanilla soy candle for years. Years. It’s awesome. Also in brunette.

5. UNO Card Game $5.47 | I was surprised when I found out that one of Zoe’s three year old friends was already playing UNO. I thought I remembered playing when I was more like eight or nine. But we tried it out with her and she caught on quickly and it has recently become a family favorite for after dinner hang time.

6. Memory Game $15.95 | Well for one it’s a Platinum Oppenheim Award winner, but more practically speaking, it perfect for the time between when you place your order and dinner is served at your favorite family restaurant. It’s simple, fits in a zip lock bag, and the artwork is superb.

7. HABA Building Block Set $74.83 | Not your average set of blocks, right here. Let their creative minds wander as they build the city of their dreams with this vibrantly colored and detailed building set.

8. Piggy Paint Nail Polish $7.99 | This stuff is safe (non-toxic, odorless and hypoallergenic) and comes in a ton of cute colors. Also makes for a cute mini-date: mani/pedi with mama, anyone?

9. Shrinky Dinks Kit $18 | Do you remember these? They are still all the rage in daycare and Pre-K classrooms across the country. And for good reason. So. Much. Fun. Try this fairy one and this vehicle one, too.

Christmas Countdown: Boys Stockings, Pt 2

October 5, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

…for the boys!

See this post for Land’s End gift ideas for the ladies and this one for the guys, and this one for the girls.

Christmas Countdown: Girls Stockings Pt 2

October 5, 2015October 5, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 1 Comment

…for the girls. There are a ton of super cute head bands besides the one shown above, like this sparkly one, and this fabric one, and this floral crown. There are several more, too. They are all so darling that you really cannot go wrong.

See this post for Land’s End gift ideas for the ladies and this one for the guys!

GWB’s First Instagram Loop Giveaway

August 11, 2015August 20, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

I’m hosting my very first Loop Giveaway on Instagram with some spectacular brands and it all starts at 4pm EST today. So jump on over to @giftswithbows on Instagram, read the directions, and enter for your chance to win $350+ in prizes!

One Winner | 12 Prizes

@giftswithbows | I’m giving away a KO Sticks Tetraxis Star (a $26+ value incl. shipping). I recently reviewed these and called them “the most giftable item I’ve ever featured”.

@shop.crmade | Caroline Randall Made is giving away one of her handcrafted personalized mason jar tumblers (a $24.80 value incl. shipping). Monogram it for yourself, your kiddo, or a friend! I just mentioned these tumbler in a July post.

@brettbaker | Brett Baker, a Regional VP at Arbonne, is personally giving away Arbonne’s Makeup Primer (a $45+ value incl. shipping).

@peppercornkids | Peppercorn Kids is giving away a $25 gift card to its store. Choose from delightful kids accessories designed for your favorite girls and boys. Zoe is a fan!

@sewemg | Sew EMG is giving away a $25 gift card to its store. This Etsy shop features modern heirloom quality quilts, baby accessories and gifts for your girlfriends. Also a great spot to pick up a handmade Easter basket— it’s never too early!

@habausa | HABA USA is giving away a $25 gift card to its store. This award winning brand caters to babies and kids of all ages. This is one of our go-to brands for toys.

@ohlittlerabbit | Oh, Little Rabbit is giving away a four piece napkin set in the charcoal birch tree print (a $26+ value incl. shipping) from its eco-friendly screen printing shop that produces perfect host/hostess gifts.

@comotomobaby | Comotomo is giving away a set of two 8oz. bottles and a baby teether from this top notch brand that features next generation baby products. Ari LOVED his.

@arktherapeutic | ARK Therapeutic is giving away $25 gift card to its store that creates a colorful line of special needs toys and tools that are designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA. Ari majorly relied on the Grabber for teething relief!

@athealthfitness |Aubrey Taylor Health and Fitness is giving away a full week of personalized online training. Remember when she guest gifted some amazing gear ideas? Yeah, that was awesome.

@cvoodoo | Charles Voudouris, personal chef to Robert Downey Jr. and family, is giving away a $25 gift card to Sur la table (UPDATE: switched from Williams-Sonoma) so you can cook up a little inspiration in your at-home kitchen.

@candywashington | Candy Washington, actress and fashion/beauty blogger, is giving away $45+ in some seriously fancy Tara Smith hair products.

Enter soon, because the giveaway closes August 13th at 4pm EST. See you on Insta, friends!

UPDATE: Congrats to our giveaway winner, Kristine!

And a BIG thank you to all who entered– get ready for a whole new giveaway soon!

KO Sticks Foldable Star Sculptures

July 14, 2015July 20, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 3 Comments

Six-Axis Star c/o KO Sticks

This foldable star sculpture may just be the most giftable item I’ve ever featured on Gifts with Bows. Why? Well it works for just about anyone on almost any occasion:

It’s office appropriate, making it suitable for work anniversaries and first days on the job.

It’s chic in the living room (gorgeous for newlyweds ready for sophisticated decor and entertaining for families with kiddos), making it a lovely housewarming gift or wedding present.

And yes, even kids can make perfect recipients. Imagine hanging a few from the ceiling in their bedroom or playroom. Or keep them in reach… because these hand made works of art are intended to be explored by hand (see the evidence in the photo story below).

But it gets even better. Not only are KO Sticks Stars a widely practical gift, they come in several sizes and materials. That means you can buy one for $24-170 hitting whatever your appropriate price point happens to be.

Note: KO Sticks is comprised of two great artisans (and mathematicians), Jane and John Kostick. Married for just over 20 years, they met at a geometry lecture and now construct geometric objects side by side. Now isn’t that an equation you’d like to support? Give KO Sticks a follow on Facebook to give your newsfeed a welcomed pop of art.

The other day I took our stars off of the living room bookshelves where they are typically on display (see above). And brought them to the park so that our three year old, Zoe could show them to her friends. Ready to see a few thoughtful and curious faces? And park adventures, too of course!

Photos: The bookshelf and park photos are my own and the product photos are by Design Within Reach, a KO Sticks retailer. A special thanks to Zoe’s pals for making their darling debuts on GWB.

Artist Credits: Featured above with the KO Sticks star, the lantern is Lauren Ritchie and the vase is Jen Gandee.

Little Sapling Toys Review

July 8, 2015July 23, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ 1 Comment

Hailing from Hunstville, Utah, Little Sapling Toys is less than 10 years old and it’s already the front runner in toy sales on Etsy. But what’s really cool about this shop is that it’s a family business focused on more than what they produce in their wood shop. Their concern for the health and vitality of the planet has inspired them to plant a tree for each toy sold. Having said that, they prioritize the quality of their materials and the developmental value of their toys for growing kiddos. Plus, they offer laser engraving so that you can personalize your gifts for an extra special touch.

I picked out some of my favorite toys and teethers in their shop, but there are literally dozens of adorable options and I insist you browse them all. There is a darling selection of teethers and rattles ready for your next baby shower, ride-on on toys and push cars for toddlers, and games for older kiddos.

Little Sapling Toys is offering Gifts with Bows readers a special 10% discount on an order from their Etsy shop until August 31, 2015. Use discount code GFTWBWS10 at checkout!

Play along on social media: Instagram | Pintrest | Facebook | YouTube | Etsy

Oh and FYI: this is not a sponsored post, and as always, all opinions are my own.

Guest Gifter: Elle Hanna on Good Clean Fun

May 21, 2015May 21, 2015 ~ Kate Hammer ~ Leave a comment

Today is a good day, friends! My dear friend Elle Hanna is on deck with super helpful mom-friendly review of Beautycounter’s Kidscounter line. Her darling boy, Tenney, shouldn’t be the only babe to benefit from Elle’s savvy. Put a few of these products in a gift basket the next time you shower a mama-to-be. OK, let’s hear from Elle:

:: Body Wash | Shampoo | Conditioner ::

Summer is (finally) just around the corner and that means longer days of building sand castles, and dirt-filled play sessions (as it should be)! Like most mom’s I worry that my little guy is playing with toys that are safe and non-toxic. I try to buy healthy organic foods to provide him with the fuel he needs to keep moving and exploring his world. I thought I was doing all I could to make the best choices for my family, and my budget. It never occurred to me that the soap I was using to wash the dirt away was potentially harmful. That’s when I came across Beautycounter’s Kidscounter line – Squeak Y Clean Body Wash, Nice Do Shampoo and Not A Knot Conditioner.

Beautycounter’s mission is to get safe products into the hands of everyone, and that includes kids. You won’t find any surfactants or artificial fragrances in their products. In fact Beautycounter has banned more than 1,500 ingredients opting instead to use antioxidant-rich ones like broccoli seed oil, carrot root and cranberry fruit extracts, and safflower oil for safe and effective cleaning power. These natural ingredients also make them very gentle on the eyes, which is good since my son rarely sits still, even in a bathtub. Also, the kid’s line is nut-free, gluten-free and vegan.

Finally, they make their safe products affordable enough to use on kids; in fact they are actually more affordable per bath than many other naturally-based brands.

We have so many choices to make as parents. For me, making sure the products I put on my son’s skin are as safe as the food he eats and the toys he plays with is simple. Want to learn more about BeautyCounter’s products? Read more here.

Elle’s Fast Facts

Only about 10% of the 10,000 chemicals found in personal care products have safety data
The FDA allows companies to use chemicals like lead, formaldehyde and phthalates in the products we put on our, and our kids bodies every day
The EU has spent the last 20 years banning and restricting 1,300 ingredients and the US has only banned 11

And if you haven’t already– tomorrow, Friday the 22nd, is the last day to enter the Queen Bee Giveaway!