Hunting for treasures is what shopping is all about for me; it’s the reason I love both thrift shopping and Etsy shopping. Today I found the Ultra Modern Giraffe in Blue. It’s 8” x 6” for $9 or 14” x 10” for $15, depending on whether you want a little friend for little hands or a big, huggable friend for your little one. The front is a modern dotted pattern while the back side of the giraffe is soft minky. Made by seller designsbynana, it’s a nice finishing piece to tie to a gift basket.

Here is another hip lunch bag option for back to school. Made by Mimi the Sardine, this  Blue Floral Lunch Bag has a standout look that will make it fun to use and easy to find at the end of the day. I love the purse-style shape and the pattern is bold and cheerful. It is machine washable, which is a definite plus. As an added bonus, it is made from eco-friendly organic cotton. You can purchase one for $22.95 at thesillywagon.com. A matching backpack is also available.

I love the fun mix of  fabrics and patterns that always marks Mim Pi’s collections. I just recently stumbled upon a pretty fabulous sale on some of their lines.  These great knickers, for example, are marked down to $26, while other pieces in the line are similarly priced. I love this nautical, yet feminine look. The crisp white really stands out. I might have a little trouble keeping it clean, but I love it all the same. You can purchase a pair at trenditikes.com. It is available in sizes from 2-8. While you are there, check out the other Mim Pi discounts. I don’t see this brand discounted very often, so take advantage!

I’ve had my eye on a Hatley raincoat for my three year old, but I just haven’t been able to justify the nearly $50 price tag. So, I was excited to find that Overstock.com has a number of these coats for boys and girls. This Fun Dog version is probably my favorite of the ones on sale. It is practical, but also cute as can be. At $27.99, it is a pretty good deal, especially if you live in a rainy climate. Check it out at Overstock.com. Some of the site’s other Hatley coats are even cheaper. Unfortunately, as of this writing, the raincoat is out of stock at Overstock.com. However, I did find it at Amazon.com for an even cheaper price - $25. Get one while they last!

One Lil’ Cupcake was founded in 2007 by a stay-at-home mom who designed hair clips for her daughter to ensure that others knew she was a girl. This hobby grew into a business, and now One Lil’ Cupcake carries a wide variety of handmade hair clips for babies and bigger girls. One of my favorites is this Red, White & Blue Star Hair Clip, perfect for the upcoming Independence Day holiday. It is made of 100% wool felt, hand-stitched and contains a 1 1/4″ snap clip. Measuring 1.5″ x 1.5″, the hair clip sells for $6 each at OneLilCupcake.com.

I have a couple outfits from the George collection (sold at Wal-Mart) for my baby in pastel hues and with cute little zoo animals adorning them much like the Laura Ashley Boys Short Set in Plaid/Blue. They suit my son very nicely and are cool for summer in cotton. The plaid button-up is dressy enough for church or other semi-dressy events, while the tee and shorts are perfect for any day of the week. Pair the shorts with a collared shirt and nice sandals and you’ve got another church outfit. Though I’d prefer snaps over buttons on the shoulder of the tee, that’s just a small detail. This 3-piece set is $20.99 and comes in sizes 12, 18, and 24 Months from ManyBabyThings.com.

I really like Room Seven clothes. They use great quality fabrics and their designs and material are wonderfully unique in quality and style. Room Seven is a Dutch clothing line created by the daughter of the husband and wife team that brought us Oilily. This iDizzy Baby Dress in Blue is beautiful for any little girl and ideal for the still cool winter months. Handmade using 100% cotton it is a long sleeved corduroy pale blue dress incorporating red flowers and greenery. I especially like the layered look it has with the blue/green houndstooth material at the bottom of the dress, the sleeves and on the inner layer. Available in sizes 2T, 3T and 4T, this dress was originally priced at $99.00 but is in the Red Tag Sale at LouLousCorner.com for $49.50.

These “Julius” monkey slippers by Small Paul are not only incredibly comfortable but also highly stylish for either boys or girls – pink ones are also available. Perfect for after bath time, they are made from super- fine terry toweling with a felt appliqué of Julius the monkey on the front. I just love the retro look of these slippers. They’re sure to bring a big smile to the face of any monkey- loving toddler. My son is not fond of wearing slippers of any kind, preferring to run around barefoot all day long, but I’m pretty sure even he couldn’t resist these particularly adorable slippers. If only they had them in my size! They come in children’s sizes small, large, or extra large and were priced at $19.95 but are now available at 50% off for $9.98 from sandboxcouture.com

I’m not sure how you’d attach and use these Blanket Bungees but it sounds like a good idea worth trying. Now is a good time to try this item from  Z Daisy while it’s on sale for just $8 (down from $20) at BarefootBella.net. It comes in a set of two. They keep your baby’s blanket from falling on the ground out of the stroller. Just a little item to make your life a little easier - it’s the small things that seem to make a big difference. They make a good basket-stuffer for a baby-shower gift.

If you are in the market for an attractive changing mat, take a look at this great Blue Sakura mat from Bobinette.  Made from 100% cotton, it measures 15″ x 21″–just big enough for a comfortable diaper change, but small enough to roll up and take along with you on the go.  It even comes with its own carrying pouch so that you can just throw it into your diaper bag.  I absolutely love this print.  You will definitely get compliments on this hip mat wherever you go.  You can purchase one for $34 at MamasAndMunchkins.com.

The Baby Pink & Blue Stripe Plush Piggy is an adorable gift for baby’s shower. Posh Tots decorated this piggy with soft embroidery, without the use of plastic parts or beads. An optional star-shaped blanket that reverses to blue stripes is also available (sold separately). If you’re considering this item as a baby shower gift, you can also purchase the gift box and wrap, coordinating tissue paper, ribbon and gift card. It will make a lovely gift for baby and it makes your part much easier by supplying the finishing touches.

This cuddly piggy is machine washable and dryable on gently cycle. Visit poshtots.com to purchase your gift for $65.

My daughters’ pediatricians office has several of these banks, and they never fail to captivate my kids.  It never occurred to me that they were something that I could purchase for our home until I ran across them online while searching for something else entirely.  Each bank is made by hand and is so fun to use that kids will want to put their money in it.  Each time you put a coin in the dinosaur’s mouth, you get to watch it slide down the curving track and into the big belly.

The belly can hold up to 1000 quarters, and is easily opened with a screwdriver.  It is made using non-toxic paints, and will accent your child’s room or playroom. You can purchase one for $49.95 at shop.happymothers.com. This would make a great holiday gift.

The Blue Keepsake Booties Set by Angel Dear will make a very appropriate gift for baby’s shower. The crocheted booties are lovely, but sometimes it’s all in the wrapping. The custom-made gift box and delicate booties will tell the recipient, “Your baby is special and deserves the very best.”

Give this set on its own or add the matching coverall and cuddle hat, sold separately at bellydancebaby.com. The set is available in size 0-3 months only for $32. The gift box is so nice it might even be used in baby’s room for holding special mementos.

I know there are tons of cute bibs of varying prices and quality, but the little Absorba Blue Baby Bear face just caught my eye and made me smile. If you’re planning to put together a gift basket for an upcoming baby shower, think about including these sweet Blue Baby Bear Bibs by Absorba. You might like them enough to make them the theme of the gift basket.  Made from !00% Cotton and completely machine washable, you can purchase a set (or two) at MyChildClothing.com for $20.

These bibs are so cute that you’ll want to keep them looking new as long as possible - or is it impossible? Here’s a home remedy tip that I found on MyHomeRemedies.com that was submitted by Sheena: “My grandmother use to do this for my first baby. To remove formula and baby food stains, boil a pot of water. Once boiling ,turn off and add 1/8 of a cup of Cascade dishwashing detergent. Mix well then add clothes. Leave clothes to sit until water is cool, remove excess stuff (caked on cereal or formula) and wash normally. If baby’s skin is sensitive, rinse twice. This is the only thing that got out all the stains on my most recent child’s clothes and bibs.”

I have never used a Mei Tai carrier, but I have always admired them and I know many moms, my sister included, who swear by them.  Mei Tais have been used in Asia for thousands of years to keep babies safe while allowing mothers to carry out necessary tasks.  The adjustable design allows these carriers to be used for front, back, or side carrying, and they are one-size-fits all, so anyone can use it–Mom, Dad, Grandma, or the babysitter.

I like the fun print on this Mei Tai from With Child.  The blue retro guitar print shown above is fun and hip and the color combination is eye-catching.  It can also be reversed to plain brown, should you desire a more subdued look.  It is cleverly designed with a loop for attaching toys or keys and a hidden pocket where you can stick cash,a cell phone, or other small necessities while you are out with your baby.  As a bonus, the Mei Tai Baby Carrier can be used for discreet nursing.

This carrier is made from 100% cotton/twill and canvas, and can support a child up to 35 pounds.  You can purchase one for $75 at UrbanBabyRunway.com.