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Gifts for Moms, Babies and Moms-to-Be

The coolest new gifts for all the moms and kids on your shopping list.

by: Sydney Loney

t Just the Facts, Baby we've compiled some of our favorite new products created by parents because, let's face it, they're the pros when it comes to what moms and babies want most. Here are some great gift ideas, whether you're shopping for new moms, moms-to-be, or the toddler who has everything.

1. For Moms: Earth-friendly fingerprint jewelry                                                                                                    

Soon after the birth of his son, goldsmith and designer Jeffrey Ross came up with the idea for Dimples–charms made from fingerprint impressions. Brilliant. There's really no cooler keepsake than a silver bracelet with your baby's fingerprint for a charm. You just send away for a Dimples kit, press your child's finger into the mould, and send the imprint back in the postage-paid envelope provided. (You can even have the charm engraved with a personal caption.) Within about three weeks, you'll receive your Sterling silver bracelet with the fingerprint charm attached. These elegant trinkets are also earth-friendly, since they're made from pure silver reclaimed from the silver nitrate found in film. Dimplesforever.com
$199 for bracelet with one charm (each additional charm is $50)

2. For Moms-to-Be: Fun, funky maternity tops                                                                                                         

From family doctor to fashion designer, mom Christine Peterkin discovered most maternity clothing was short on style and comfort, so she launched Mdiva. Her cotton maternity tanks and tops are both cool and comfortable (our personal faves are the mom-to-be hoodies with the Mdiva logo and the "Baby Dance Step" prints for moms whose busy unborn babies seem to do everything from the cha cha to the swing step). Mdiva also makes a line of "Mommy and Me" baby onesies. Mdiva.ca
$20 for tanks, $30 for long sleeves and $35 for hoodies.

3. For Newborns and Infants: Original wall art                                                    

Quirky, original images are the perfect gift for any nursery. The Rainy Day digital print (featured here) is printed on 100% cotton, rag velvet art stock and each print is signed and dated by the artist. It's just one of the great gift ideas from the new Canadian Site thepolkadotmoose.ca, created by mom and fellow artesian Lindsay Mount as a way for local designers to showcase their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods.
$25-$45

Organic onesies and T-shirts

First-time mom Mel Bednar wanted something other than ducks and kittens on her daughter's clothes, and Squishy Fish was born. Made from certified organic cotton with nickel-free snaps, these onesies and tees are available in five designs (we love the little potted plant that simply says "grow"). Sizes range from three to 18 months for onesies and six to 24 months for tees. squishyfish.ca  
$20

4. For Toddlers: Handmade wooden building blocks from recycled maple                                                                

Ukoonto is the Zulu word for "toy" and it's the name founder and father Hans Eich chose for his woodworking company in Niagara (he spent part of his childhood in Africa). Hans created his handmade building blocks because he believed children should have natural, inspiring, developmental toys that can be passed down from generation to generation. The blocks are made from local, recycled maple (unused, but cut off pieces otherwise destined to be wasted) and each block set comes with 50 classic shapes. Ukoonto.com
$54

5. For Parents with Kids of all Ages: Water-resistant outdoor blanket                                                                   

Founder Kevin Bub's appreciation for the outdoors led him to create a line of products designed to help kids spend more quality time outside. The Tuffo water-resistant blanket can be used inside and out, but is ideal for trips to the beach, the park, picnics, camping trips, or any time you just want to plop down on the ground without getting wet and dirty. Lightweight, compact and lightly padded, the blankets come in a carrying bag with large storage pockets. Tuffo.com
$39.95 US