My son, Owen, is seven months old. He has no idea that the holiday is approaching. He has no idea that the mountain of gifts is soon thrust upon him. And he does not t care. He is much more interested in things like trying to grab the spoon full of banana mash before it gets to your mouth. When it comes to buying a gift for a child, you are basically buying something for the parent to use. Here are some great organic gift ideas for both parent and baby.I love to dress Owen in cute little outfits, but mostly, I just want him in something that is easy to get in and out and do not affect the diaper changing process. Be sure to consider the ease and function of clothing you choose. Complicated outfits with no snaps in the crotch would ask to stay in the box. Clothes Companies Under the Nile, Pure Beginnings, and Patagonia make beautiful organic cotton clothes that are sure to be passed. Apart from organic cotton, Patagonia is home to the PCR (recycled), their fleece clothing line that uses recycled plastic bottles, keeping thousands of soft drinks and carbonated water bottles out of landfills. My favorites are long sleeve and short sleeve bodysuits from Pure Beginnings, $ 12.99 and $ 11.99 respectively. They come in beautiful colors that are natural, lavender, sea foam and powder pink. I also love Patagonia's Baby Synchilla Bunting ($ 64.00). Made by PCR fleece, it provides easy access in and out and plenty of cold weather protection for head, hands and feet. It is sure to keep your babe warm through the cold months. Available in sizes 3M (three months) by 3T. Look for Patagonia gear at your local outdoor sports store. If you need help finding a cotton dealer near you, check www.organiccottondirectory.net. When it comes to opening a gift, Owen tends to be more interested in the paper that comes wrapped in than the final product. Regardless, there are some great organic toys out there that are fun. Organic toys are mostly made of organic cotton, hemp and wood. Companies that German 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 children to understand their little fingers. In addition to the above mentioned brands, Under the Nile and Pure Beginnings also make beautiful organic toys such as stuffed frogs and dragons. All these toys to support the development of motor skills, slightly aching gums, and encourage a lively imagination. My favorites are Selecta's Ambrina rattle ($ 19.99). This colorful necklace is made of wood and acts as both a rattle and a teether. It also has two semi-precious amber are set in two flower beads. I also like Haba's triangle rattle ($ 6.49). Two wooden triangles barrier to form a simple and fun toy that is easy and profitable for a radical new baby. If Owen has taught me anything, it's that simple is better. If you are looking to spend a little more, check out Selecta beautiful Pontino Baby Activity Gym ($ 97.99). This gorgeous wooden bow encourages baby to reach and explore. Look for these brands at your local children's specialty store or check www.organic-gift-shop.com. You may want to consider giving diapers as an idea. I would love to have nappies on behalf of Owen. But wait, a healthy disposable diaper? Brands as Seventh Generation and Tender Care makes chlorine, latex, and scent-free diapers. In contrast to conventional diapers, chlorine free diapers is non-toxic and helps keep the bottoms rash free. Buying diapers may not be the most exciting gift you can think of, but given that a newborn can go through as many as ten diapers a 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 feel the weight of the baby before you hit your local natural food store, or be on the safe side and buy big. Regardless, they'll get used. If the child you have in mind wearing cloth diapers, you may consider to introduce mom and dad for a diaper service. Diaper services come to your door, pick up dirty diapers, and dropping of clean cloth diapers once a week and generally offer diaper covers. Not only diaper services ease the pain of scrubbing diapers at home they cost relatively the same, if not less, than disposable diapers, pull down to about $ 0.20 per diaper. Diaper services are available throughout the U.S. and like to give gift cards. Your mother would surely have loved it here. National Association of Diaper Services (NADS) can help you find a service in your area at www.diapernet.org. Apart from diapering a baby's bottom, you may be thinking of supplementing your gift with natural wipes, talc-free baby powder, non-petroleum jelly, diaper ointment or organic / all natural soaps and lotions. All these points can be found at your local natural foods store. Look for brands like Burt's Bees Baby Bee, Healthy Times Baby's Herbal Garden, and 100% organic Babecology. There really is nothing like the scent of a child, but if Owens smell 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 consisting of diapers, wipes, diaper ointment and powder or a package of shampoo, baby wash, baby bath and an organic cotton towel and washcloth. Two products, you should not give up is 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 new to the task, offering Pure Beginnings its Pure Bath Gift Set, a 100% organic, which includes a hooded towel, wash mit, tie kimono Babecology Shampoo and Body Wash and Babecology Serenity Balm ($ 71.99). Happy Shopping!
