Fun and Unique Second Birthday Gift Ideas (that are Better for the Environment too)

Life comes in waves- babies, weddings, even funerals seem to happen in bunches.  Right now, we are in the midst of a toddler birthday phase of life. Even though we have a toddler, it can still be intimidating to approach buying presents for little kids- there are so many choices!

Since I have an (almost) two year old, I have some solid guesses at what will be a big hit and what may not work as well.

First, this may be hard to believe, but less is better. By two years in, most parents would probably be giddy to have you take some toys OUT of their house! We, especially as Americans, feel tremendous (but often unspoken) pressure to display our love through quantity. Want to give an amazing gift? Clearly a giant plastic thing with lights and doodads is the answer! Except, that plastic is now polluting the water and land, those lights waste electricity (they don't need them! if your kid loves lights, get them a flashlight), and those cheap, imported toys may have been made by unethical or even child labor.

We are making so many problems that these children will have to face later, not to mention teaching them habits that are unhealthy and unsustainable. You want to give a kickass gift against the grain? Think about their future too!

Here are my other tips for things to absolutely avoid if you want to get a great gift and make a better for future for the kid you love:

- Anything Too Big- That tent or giant darth vader might make a big impact on the gift table, but if it takes up a ton of room, it might be a real problem. This isn't an absolute no, but it's definitely worth checking in with the parents before you do that. If you want something big, you might try these Mondo Bloxx, which we have had so much fun with.

- Fresh Plastic- I have made a resolution in our house to avoid any fresh plastic toys. They only create waste, introduce potentially toxic chemicals into the home, and pose more problems for them in the future (I don't want my kids to be the adults from Wall-E, for goodness sakes). Don't cry for my kiddos- they still have a slide in the backyard and ramps for their car toys. They are just used! If you have your heart set on something plastic, go check out Goodwill or a kids consignment shop.

-Melissa and Doug- These con people market themselves as more wholesome and well-made than anything else in the toy section, but it is a TOTAL lie. Once upon a time, they made their toys stateside, but now they manufacture solely in China. If you want to support American businesses or buy wood toys that aren't coated in nastiness, check out this post for some of the best options.

- Too Many Characters- They are getting to that age where they love the cars from Cars or Anna and Elsa. But  months from now, they may love something totally different. Giving a character gift just puts a shelf life on whatever you are giving. Not to mention, your gift might totally blend into the pile. If they really love Thomas, check to see if the train is coming anywhere near you (yes, he is always on tour from what I can tell). Or Disney on ice tickets! Or, go another route and buy them a pack of stickers with the characters on it with a gift that has more longevity. I know I have made this mistake more than once, so I get the appeal, but if the child really loves Nemo that much, I bet he/she already has a nemo stuffed animal. Next idea!

-Stuffed Animals. Trust me, the toddler you know probably already has plenty. They take a lot of room, most serve the same basic purpose, and very few are made anywhere nearby. Now that I have kids, I would probably never go this route, because we are always fighting back the hoard. If you are going that route, check out Bears for Humanity (they donate a bear for every bear you buy, are organi, use recycled polyfill, AND employ Americans for their manufacturing) or one of the super cute stuffed things from Taraluna.

You may notice, this is a short list, but it cuts out most of the toy sections in Walmart and Target. It makes me look like quite a party pooper.

 Don't sweat it, there are actually TONS of other options that are both more memorable AND more fun. You can do this! Here are my best ideas, based on my reading about child development at this juncture and my experience as a mom.

1. Paint or Crayons

These kids have FINALLY reached the point where their first instinct with art supplies isn't to eat them. This is a big deal. Mark-making and creativity are hugely important in a toddler's life. It gives them agency, helps them explore colors and representation, and sets them up to learn letters in coming years. Markers, crayons, and paints are gifts they can come back to again and again for years.

As far as brands go, no one does better for markers and crayons than Crayola- both are made Stateside, and you can even mail the markers back to them when they die, and they will be recycled.  Many of their kids washable paints are as well. If you want something more original, you could look up "recycled crayons" on Etsy or even make your own out of the crayon nubbins in your house!

Looking for something bigger? Kids easels are one of the most common finds at Goodwill or even on Buy Nothing (that's where we got ours), so it might be easy to revamp. I couldn't find any Made in the USA, so plan ahead and jump at a good one if you see it. You could also throw in The Day the Crayons Quit or Harold and the Purple Crayon to go with the theme.

from Mulberry and June

2. A Backpack

We cleaned out and revamped a little backpack my brother and I kept crayons in when we were kids, and my son loves filling it with stuff, putting it on, and wearing it around. It's bright but simple, and he uses it a lot for play (and I bet it will start getting practical use this year. Kids this age love having their own bags, so you could revamp one of your old bags , find a toddler's backpack at Goodwill or get something new and American-made from stores like Happyluxe, Omac Packs (from Erie, PA!), Stitch Crafty 4 U,  Mulberry and June, or Weepereas (love these! So cute).

Remember, a character might seem like a great idea now, but I wouldn't go that route. The characters they love change fast sometimes.

3. Snappies, Buckles, and Buttons

This is the year many toddlers want to do things themselves, and this definitely includes clothes. Our son loves all kinds of fasteners, and "snappies, please" is said about 50 times a day in our house (he can't get them apart on his own). My husband bought him this fabric covered in snappies from the 5 an 10 Market. One of our friends even made one himself (so resourceful). A perfect car toy, and so simple.

4. Tickets

Tickets for activities may not get the big box-opening moment, but how many of those do you actually remember from when you are a kid? Instead, tickets to something special, like a train ride, the zoo, or even their first movie tickets could make a great memory, especially if you are around to do the activity with them. Toddlers can really love new experiences, even more so than toys (which they have too many of already), so think about something they love and how you can bring that to life, rather than buy them one more toy that will fade into the pile.

5. Mix CD's (or music playlists)

I know this sounds hipster or retro, but trust me, you can be a birthday hero if you save those parents from Raffi.The Bub loves to dance and sing, and we are always trying to find new songs that he will love and we will only hate a little. If you want to step it up, you could have the first letter of each song spell out the toddler's name or find a song with their name in it. It doesn't have to cost you money to be a great gift. My Grammy and cousin have made us mix cds we absolutely love.

Want to step it up? Add in a book or two about music or get some bells or musical instruments. Sure to be a hit!

6. Bath Toys

People will think of regular toys, but especially if you don't have little ones, you can forget about the awesome power of the bath toy. Our favorites are these rubber duckies, the boats and cups from Green Toys, and foam letters we got on Buy Nothing. Cups will work, as kids love to pour. I also think color tablets like these would be really fun. The biggest thing is to avoid toys where water can get stuck inside and grow mold.

7. Brooms, Shovels, Play Kitchens, or Any Household Drudgery you Hate

2 year olds really want to do what the grown ups are doing, so you can have a big hit by gifting objects you would NEVER want as a gift yourself (or the tiny toddler version). You can split this into two categories- participation play and pretend play.

Some of their early pretending is often in kitchens because they see that modeled all the time, so play food, play kitchens, play tools, play gardening sets can all really resonate based mostly on what they watch the grown ups in their lives do.

You can find so much great play food on Etsy, and if you want to get a kitchen, I highly recommend checking your Buy Nothing or Etsy first. Little Tikes does make a few in the US, but I am suspicious of that "out of US and imported parts" add on. We have this one, which is great for a growing kid, but all of the accessory toys were made in China (bummer). You are better off to find something used.

 Even cooler, check pinterest for ideas on how to make any old janky piece of furniture into an adorable play kitchen. If you have the time, you could give such an amazing gift that costs you nearly no money.

All of this is fine and good, but participation play is easily as popular in our house. You know what would be a beloved gift for my son? A broom. He loves to sweep with us, but the poor child is usually stuck with the swiffer. He currently treasures a soft measuring tape used for sewing. He LOVES it. He even loves brushing his teeth when we do, because he wants to keep in the action. He likes playing with shopping bags, packing things into spare suitcases, and carrying my weed bucket (a former bakery bucket I got off Buy Nothing) around our yard and collecting leaves. He just wants to help.

Things that would be the worst gift in the world to an adult might be the absolute coolest to a little kid. Sure, you could buy some, but you could also look around your house and ask yourself what might be cool and safe for a toddler, because their standards for cool and fun are totally different. Will the parents give you a funny look if you give their kid measuring tape or an old keyboard? Probably, but they will also get it.

Re-Play from Amazon

8. Eating Tools

We never seem to have enough plates, bowls, or silverware (partially because they get used as toys). I will absolutely swear by Re-Play stuff for kids. They sell sippy cups, bowls, plates, silverware, snack stacks, and regular cups (perfect for the bath or play kitchen). It's made of recycled food safe plastic in the US, it comes in gorgeous bright colors, and it isn't all that different in price from something made of fresh plastic. They sell Re-Play at Walmart and Target now too, so this is a perfect last minute purchase if you don't have time to poke around but you still want to be eco-friendly.

As I said, I am not bringing new plastic into this house- when I see what plastic is doing to our oceans (and I think of the problems my children will face because of it), I just can't do it. This is a great gift for a child now, but it also invests in their future by supporting post-consumer recycled products and keeping plastics out of landfills and water.

9. Clothes... One Size Up

A year before, the toddler was growing out of their clothes every few months. Now, they grow out of things... every few months. Slightly bigger basics (jeans, t-shirts, socks, simple things) may not be a hit with the bub, but their parents will love you for it. My favorite Made in America companies for basics are City Threads and American Apparel- their clothes are cute and stylish without being too expensive. Buy them basics with one fun accessory they can use now (a tutu, a dinosaur hoodie, a superhero cape), and you can please everybody.

Want bonus points? Check in with a parent and buy the kid a pair of shoes a size up. We are constantly trying to stay stocked on shoes.

There is one more trick to this, and that is to buy clothes used. If you want to spend 25 dollars on said child, you can either buy one outfit from Carter's, or you can find something equally cute in consignment and then buy 3 other things. Toddlers ruin things, with paint, dirt, all kinds of nonsense. I would rather get things from consignment than a precious outfit I can never trust him to wear. Kids consignment stores are EVERYWHERE, and if you can't find one nearby, online thrift shop Thred Up has great stuff.

10. Anything on Wheels 

Kids this size just love to move things, and wheels are almost always a favorite, regardless of gender. If you want to get all heteronormative (or they do, because even if you don't encourage these things, they creep up), you could do a car for a boy and a stroller for a girl. Or this badass pink dump truck. Green Toys again nails this category- made in the US out of recycled plastic, and they have every kind of motorized vehicle to play with. Also, animals who have been monstrously amputated to have wheels for feet.

If I had any advice, I would say go small on wheeled things; the big ones seem cool, but things that fit well in their hand get more use. And if you have to do Hot Wheels, get them used. You can find used Hot Wheel cars anywhere they sell used toys, usually for 25 cents or so. No need to buy a new one. Basically ever. There have to be enough hot wheels in the world for any kid who wants one, as long as parents donate them- don't throw them out!

 I also really love Maple Landmark's cars and train sets, so that might be a good place to start. We bought their trolley for our older son when our younger was born, and it has been a big hit.

That's the list! I hope it inspired you to think of an awesome gift! I will say, books were not included because I feel like this depends a lot on households, whether they prefer library books over owning a lot, etc. That being said, in my opinion, books are always a good idea. They love them, they build language skills, and the ones that don't go well can easily be donated to help other kids. Also picking up speed in our house is puzzles and his legos. They get as much or more return use than the cars at this point, so they are well worth considering.

Happy birthday to the little one in your life! If you want more eco-frendly shopping ideas, check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists!

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An Earth-Friendly, American-Made Baby Registry- Just the Links- Eating and Sleeping

This is a collection of the links for the third installment of the 2016 Eco-Friendly and Made in America Baby Registry! If you put all these lists together, you will have ethical options for everything on your list. No one can do everything, but if we all do something and favor ethical choices, we can make a big difference in the world for our children's future.

bottles and feeding

Baby Food Storage- Reuse glass bottles and POPFEX 

Baby Safe Feeders- Baby Safe Feeder

Bibs- Kishu Baby
Other Options-Petit Chalet, Fabulous Saturday, TrendyBabyMoccShop, The Pleated Petal, Organic Mama Design, The Ivy Lantern, Jenny Penny Designs, and Kinder Sprouts.

Bottles-Lifefactory and evenflo
Other Options- Dr Brown's and Medela bottles

Breast Pump- Medela electric version or a manual one

Breastfeeding Pillow- Used Boppy and Necessary Cuteness
Other Options- Sprinkled with Kisses, Lublini Custom Bedding, Arbor Hill Supply, Mod Fox, Lullabies and Lollipops, Max and Grace, Petal and Branch.

Burp Rags- Nu-Angel
Other Options- Kemaily, Thirsties prefolds,  Satsuma,  Bamboosa,  Babykicks, Cherub's Blanket

Drying Rack- Used, if not, Boon

High Chair- Used or wood chairs on etsy
Other Options- Baby Eco Trends, Stokke Tripp Trapp's high chair, Keekaroo

Nursing Pads- Marley Monster and Love your Reusables
Other Options- Nuangel, Willow Sprouts, Baby Kicks, Lilypadz

Nursing Cover- Nursing Time and Covered Goods,
Other Options- Hold me Close Nursing, Lula Baby Co (check this one out!), Milkmaid Goods, and Evalee Boutique.

Pacifiers- Nuk silcon pacifiers
Other Options- Philips Avent Soothies for clips- Henley's Headbands, The Chipped Cup, The Stitched Co, Fawn and Finn, and Clover and Birch.

Silverware- Green Eats and Replay

furniture and nursery decor

Bassinet- Used or open box Rock n Play

Crib-Bayletto
Other Options-Kids n Cribs, Baby Eco Trends,  Land of Nod, Baby Furniture Plus, Whitney Brothers,  Oeuf, or A Pacific Rim crib

Changing Table- Just skip it and use a dresser with a changing pad on top or Berg Furniture

A Few Pieces you Love- Etsy

Glider or Rocking Chair-Land of Nod
Other Options-Baby Eco Trends

Growth Chart- Half Pint Ink Studio
Other Options- Maple Landmark ,  Domestic Blueprint. Grace Words by Melanie, Your Custom Signs, or Sir Silas

Toddler Chair- Land of Nod
Other Options- LL Beanas and Pottery Barn Kids

Mobile- Drops of Color Shop
Other Options- The Starcraft, Enchanted Pedulosity, My Dear Ellie, Cinnamon Moose Crafts, and Sweet Dreams Baby Shop.

Monitor- Used or Open Box

Pack n Play- Used or Open Box

Shelving- Little Colorado
Other Options- Ameriwood, Sauder, and Steffy Wood Products

Swing/Bouncer- Used or Baby Bjorn
Other Options- 4moms Mommaroo bouncers Open box

bedding

Crib Mattress- My Green Mattress
Other Options- Oeuf, Naturpedic, Savvy Baby

Crib Sheets- Carousel Designs (now on Amazon and Etsy)
Other Options- SheetWorld, Woolf with Me, Babiease, Goodnight Doll, Whimsical and Witty, Madly Wish, Lou Lou Made, Little Necessities, Three Wishes Bedding Co, and West and Arrow.

Mattress Pad- Exceptional Sheets

Sleep Bag- Used Halo Sleepsacks (lots open box on amazon)
Other Options- Taraluna, Swaddleme

Swaddle Blankets-Snug Bug blankets
Other Options-  Swaddle Designs, Lola and Stella,  Stitched in Seattle, Rainy Day Woolies, Little Logan Designs, Tumbleweed Babies, and Rosie's Idea.

safety

Play Yards and Baby Gates- North States

Window Covers- Guardian Angel 

Latches- Used Munchkin Latches

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What to Buy (and Skip) for your Second Baby

Our niece and nephew six years ago. He is showing off his new sister and new dvd. Equally important. 

We are staring down the barrel at our second baby- he is coming in 6 weeks- and I feel panicked at just how calm I am. It feels like I should be preparing, prepping, shopping, etc (because that's how it was the first time), but there just isn't much to do. It's eerily quiet in my Amazon shopping cart.

 You can find these long, epic lists about what you need for the second baby all over (including here), but I mostly regret getting so much stuff I didn't need the first time, I also really regret that I didn't buy more ethical, eco-friendly, and locally-made stuff when we had the giant shopping (and registering) spree the first time. So this time, my goal is to keep the shopping list small and to do right by every item on it.

Want to join me? What are you thinking about buying again? Any clever hacks on how to make gendered stuff from the first baby work for the second (other than just not caring because those expectations are ridiculous for beings that can't recognize their own hands, much less their own gender)? I know the more we can make work a second go round, the better for our own budget and the environment, so this is my list of the few essentials we have to buy this time around.

What to Buy

Big Sibling Books

We bought a few gems- Daniel Tiger and Mercer Mayer especially, and that has really helped our toddler catch on to what is happening (or at least to Baby Margaret). I am hoping it sets some expectations, but at least it has created a fondness for babies.

Our Picks- We bought all of these used and in great condition from third party sellers.  Could be a great option for you too! Lots of these titles have sister versions as well. I am a Big Brother!, The New Baby, Big Brother Daniel, and Just Me and My Little Brother.

Diapers

If you are doing reusable, this is just about refreshing your supply and maybe getting some new inserts.

Our Picks- G Diapers or Jack and Jill

If you are doing disposable, it's time to get a whole new supply again (this is why reusable does turn out so much cheaper in the end). We are going to try Honest Company this time for our disposables.

Our Picks- The Honest Company or Earth's Best

Bottle Nipples

 We are just going to get one new set for both of the glass bottle sets we use. If you used plastic bottles, the answer to this might be more complicated, because plastic leeches chemicals over time. If you do need new bottles, let me suggest Lifefactory or Evenflo glass bottles. Most everything can ust be sterilized.

Our Picks- Evenflo (the glass bottles) and Lifefactory (the bottles and the sippy cup tops)

Burp Rags

 Ours definitely kind of spread around and some came to untimely ends. We are great on washclothes, but burp rags do have a gap.

Our Picks- No more Gerber. Ever. Thirsties or Responsible Mother

A Few Toys that We can Hook On

 We never went that route with our first, but our second baby is apt to wait a little longer when they need something. We had one toy that had a bracelet, but I am looking at clip on things too.

Our Picks- Baby Jack Sensory Blanket, Feltman and Co, Bannor Toys, The Teething Fairy, and Paci-catchers

A Coming Home Outfit

 I know this one is probably wasteful (and if you could find something used, that would be awesome), but I feel like the new baby deserves to look fresh when he heads out of the hospital and out into the world. I bought him his own little outfit so he looks cute and I can put it in his memory box.

Our Picks- Bramble and Bough, Little Beans Baby Shop, and Jolie and June

A Few Special Clothing Pieces All His/Her Own

 When the Big Bub was born, we were gifted lots of fox stuff, so foxes feel like him.  We kept some foxes (gave a good number away), but I have bought two onesies on Etsy (one 0-3 and one 3-6) so far so this baby isn't just a mirror image of his brother at the same age. There will be a lot (mostly) that, but a few new pieces, hats, etc. will hopefully fit his individual identity.

Our Picks- My Baby Bee and Me and Urban Earth Co

Season-Appropriate Clothes

 Every time the Bub grew out of a size, we split the clothes into an A team and B Team, and we gave the B Team away, so we have a little more than half of his clothes left in every size (the most gender-neutral stuff made the cut). The new baby won't need a ton of new stuff, but we reviewed what we had so we could be strategic in filling the gaps.

 Even though our kids' birthdays are only two and a half months apart, that means the first two sizes have warm clothes when we need more breathable things and lighter weight stuff when we need winter pieces. When we go to the baby consignment store for the Big Bub, I always look quickly through the teeny sizes for his brother.

Our Picks- Used, all used. doing the seasonal math and shopping at kids' consignment and Goodwill. New to us is just fine with me.

A Gift from the New Baby for Big Sibling

 I used to think this idea was just the worst, but I kind of like the idea of something new to explore in that first week or so when everyone is getting adjusted. No "Big Brother" or "Big Sister" shirt, something that you know your toddler will find fun (and time-consuming). I am thinking about some sort of train set or puzzley things. If I go big, I would want to do a little play tent, so the Big Bub could have his own space, but those are an investment.

Our Picks-All About Kraft, Kid Puzzles, and Berkshire Bowls For a play tent- Southern Blush,

What We'll Buy Later

Car Seat

 No, we are not getting a new infant one. The OG infant seat isn't expired, and I resent the amount of pressure people put on parents about this. We bought the next size up car seat to fit for a very long time, so it won't be ready to be passed down. So we will get a new one for the new bub when he is around that size.

Our Picks- Evenflo and Safety First. Both sell Made in the USA car seats! Neither make all of their car seats in the States, so you have to check, but this is a great way to get a spot on product and support American businesses and manufacturing! Why give another company your money if these ones are doing the right thing AND make completely loved car seats? Browse these car seats before you look elsewhere.

Double Stroller

 I know it is inevitable, but I will avoid it as long as I can. As long as the Little Bub is amenable, we will baby carry until he is older. When we reach that six month mark, we can reassess and probably shell out for a double stroller. I am not excited for this day.

Our Picks- Hopefully used. My hope is that this six month cushion gives me time to find a good used option, either at consignment stores or on Buy Nothing (joined your local Buy Nothing Project yet? It can save parents hundreds of dollars). I haven't found a Made in USA double stroller yet, but when I do, I will share the info with you!

What to Skip

Anything You Can Reuse

 Bottles (if you have glass, not plastic, which will start leeching chemicals over time), Pack n Play, Stroller, Baby Carriers, Baby Clothes, your Swing, Bassinet, Baby Monitor, and all your Baby Furniture (glider, changing table, dresser, etc). If you don't still have these, I highly recommend tracking them down used. You know how this goes now, and you know better than lusting over a "perfect" swing to match your nursery decor or whatever. All that matters is that it works and it is clean, so why waste money on something brand new?

A Second Crib

 Oy, No way. We figure the baby will sleep in our room for at least six month (the Big Bub stayed in our room even longer) so there is no reason to shell out for a second crib if our toddler will be about ready for his toddler bed when it is time to make the switch. I know it totally depends on your children and their age difference, but I would hold out until its time to use the crib before you decide what you want to do. We may get a pack n play mattress pad to make it a little comfier, but that's it.

A High Chair

 Our kids will be about 20 months apart, so I figure when the Little Bub is ready for the high chair, the Big Bub will be ready to pass it down. High chairs are expensive and slightly unwieldy in a space, so even though we love our Oxo Tot high chair (great chair, but buy it open box!), we don't need another one. If the Big Bub isn't ready to move into a regular chair, we have a booster/ high chair we bring with us to dinner parties that can become a regular fixture in our house.

A Sound Machine

 We have one, and we will reuse it, but I imagine mostly we will just use apps on our phone just like the first time. Yes, having the noise can make the day smoother, but there are so many ways to make this happen without spending the extra money.

Sheets and a Mattress

 Really? I have seen the good point that a non-organic mattress could be emitting some chemicals (why don't we all buy organic mattresses?), but otherwise, this seems crazy to me. Wash all the sheets. Otherwise, it should be fine.

Those are my ideas! What would you add to the list? Be sure to check out the 2016 Baby Registry for more ethical baby goods and the Giant List of Lists for all kinds of green shopping ideas!

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Don't Buy American Eagle, Instead Try...

This blog series "Don't Buy... Instead Try..." intends to point out some of the most egregiously unethical, wasteful, and environmentally ridiculous companies out there. Instead of dwelling on their considerable awfulness, the series will focus on the other options you have for purchasing.

Every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want. 
Every single purchase is political.
 Every single purchase has ethical ramifications, and 
every single purchase should be approached with a spirit of stewardship. 

We can change the world by refusing to fund extreme greed, the mistreatment of other human beings, and the trashing of the environment. We need to stay aware of the many choices available to us. Will we get it right every time? No. But if we all make little changes, we can send companies a new message, that consumers will show up if they do the right thing. 

from ebay

Tonight, we headed to our local mall for some dinner, dessert, and letting our kid play in the pretty awesome play area. When dessert fell through (damn you, Dairy Queen), we just walked through the mall, and it struck me that basically any of the stores there would qualify for this blog. If we want to minimize our environmental impact or support American businesses that employ lots of Americans (not just a handful of underpaid high school and college students), we may all need to step away from the mall.

One of the most egregious of these is American Eagle (but we could say almost all the same things about stinky Abercrombie and Fitch, inexplicable Aeropostale, and the Gap) Despite "American" being in the name, American Eagle Outfitters sells only a tiny hand full of American products (mostly their scents, 4 t-shirts, Burt's Bees products, and a few Woolrich blankets online only). This is better than nothing, and it makes me sad to write this because the company is based out of Pittsburgh, but if you are trying to shop for ethical clothes, this isn't the place to start.

Also notable- the sheer number of t-shirts with American imagery on them- all of which were made elsewhere.

The first store was in Michigan, and the company was once headquartered in Tennessee. It's still not particularly large (especially compared to some of the things we have looked at here), but makes over 150 million dollars a year. They also have recently signed a "franchisee" agreement with one of the huge clothing distributors in the Middle East, so this "All-American" brand has stores all over the world. The company also makes the vast majority of their clothes oversees and have run into trouble for how they treat their labor.

American Eagle's strength is that it is marketed primarily to teens and young college students (specifically ones that wish they hung out at the beach a lot? Beach days aren't that common in Pittsburgh). I'll be honest with you, the teenage years horrify the (low key) environmentalist in me. They  are growing so fast that you don't want to spend a lot of money, but you also might have more trouble steering them away from trendy clothes or shopping in consignment stores. Striking that balance can feel incredibly tough if not impossible.

The good news is that it isn't impossible. You can still sidestep clothing stores like American Eagle and do better for the environment.

1. Get it Used- Yes, I know that I just said that someone who shops at American Eagle may not be wildly excited about used clothes. That doesn't mean you can't find something! Check what consignment shops are available around you and start browsing. You can probably save a whole lot of money and at nicer places find things that would still feel cool now. You can at least fill some wardrobe blanks this way.

from American Apparel

2. American Apparel- Unlike most of its "American" store counterparts, American Apparel actually makes and sells its clothes in America (specifically Los Angeles). Some of it's stuff isn't all that appropriate (not just for teens, basically for anyone who isn't into high cut, boob-baring adult onesies), but they do have perfect basics like t-shirts to try! They have a denim line just like American Eagle, but theirs is worlds ahead ethically.

The last time I bought a piece of clothing with an American flag on it was from them- it was also Made in America and to raise funds for immigrants in America, So yeah, I will spend my money here.

3. Modcloth- This online store has a great selection, some more cutesy that others, but Modcloth also has a Made in America filter that highlights new Made in America clothing every single day. I used to love American Eagle's dresses (they really were cut well), now I get most of my dresses from this site. One of my favorite clothing options anywhere.

There are plenty of clothing companies out there still made in America- for boys, you can check The American List and look out for sales. Even when shopping for someone in a seemingly endless transitional phase, you can still get some of your shopping done in a way that

Want more shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists.

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We Love the Local List- Murfreesboro, Tennessee

This is a new blog series where we can each sing the praises of our favorite local shops, brands, and restaurants. 



Supporting local businesses does even more than supporting small business owners (though that is great too). It keeps your money local to you (not off wherever the Waltons are vacationing), creates more jobs for your friends and family, and even helps the environment. 



Why is shopping local good for the environment? 



We talk a lot about commutes and how much fuel people use to travel, and the same applies to your stuff. The further your stuff has to travel, the more fossil fuels they use and energy they waste. Large companies and chains pretty consistently show less responsibility and concern for the environment and the communities they are in, so you can effect positive change locally and decrease your environmental impact just by shopping and eating local! 





 This blog intends to encourage us to get out and explore the businesses near where we live. See it as a fun challenge to see what you can support nearby and be surprised what amazingness you may have missed. You can also check out other lists to find the coolest places to go when you travel to new towns and cities!  





Rochelle is my cousin, friend for life, and one of two people I am happy to listen to their stories basically forever (side note, how beautiful does she look at the end stretch of her pregnancy?). She moved down to Tennessee permanently after her college graduation, and has spent 8 years living in the Nashville surrounding area. The whole place is gorgeous, and growing fast, so it is the perfect place to start exploring if you want to spend more of your money locally. Lots of businesses have to be bouncing up (including tiny businesses like Shelly's), but I love that Shelly points us to a couple of Nashville institutions as well. Plus, she is an amazing mom of 2 (about to be 3), so if you need some insight on where to find the best baby clothes, I would totally trust her. Take it away Rochelle!

1. The Pharmacy (Nashville) – This is our standard date night place. The burgers here are amazing and all of the meats are locally sourced. They also have awesome beer here and make their own phosphate sodas to order. Micah always orders the Farm Burger which uses locally sourced ground beef, bacon or ham, and a fried egg. I change it up, but I love the Mission City burger which has fresh pico de gallo and guacamole and crema fresca. So yum!


2. McKay’s Used Books and Music (Nashville) – this is our other date night standard. We pair it with The Pharmacy every chance we get. This place is basically a giant two-story warehouse of used books, music, movies, and video games. You can take the stuff you don’t want and sell it there and use the money to buy more of those things in the store. It’s amazing. And anything that they won’t buy they will put in free bins outside the store for people to take. We have spent a ridiculous amount of money in this store but when you can walk out with a stack of books and cds for just a few bucks a piece you feel like you won the lottery (if you are a nerd like we are).


3. Usborne Books & More (nationally) – Okay, so let’s be totally clear here, I’m a consultant with this company, so I’m already kind of in love with it. But hear me out – I love this company so much. Usborne Books & More sells books for kids ages birth through YA fiction. The basics are that the founder of the company wanted to make educationally engaging books that could compete with the media available – I think they deliver. Don’t get me wrong, my kids still love the tv, but when we need a break from television and movies I automatically pull out these books. There are nearly 2000 titles in the catalog and I’ve watched my kids fall in love with reading thanks to these books. They have lots of educational tools too and schools routinely use Usborne products in the classroom. Usborne Books & More is the American branch of the British company, but any of the books printed in black & white are printed in the United States. For the rest of the books, you can check out their ethical standards here: http://www.usborne.com/about-usborne/ethical-policies.aspx


4. KidtoKid (Murfreesboro & Nationally) – I love some consignment shopping and this is easily the best consignment store I’ve shopped in for my kids. The store is large and the clothes and gear are in great condition (often you can barely tell they were ever worn). The prices are great too. The one here in Murfreesboro even has this adorable separate door for kids to walk through. They sell a handful of new items also, including Re-play plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery. They also sell consignment maternity clothes (huzzah!) and they are current and in good shape.

Want to write your own Loving the Local List? You fill my heart with joy! Just send me a list of your five to ten favorite local brands and stores (it doesn't have to be just around the street- a State specific snack or small chain of restaurants works just fine). Write a few sentences on why you love each thing (and I love pictures if you have them) and send them to sunshineguerrilla@gmail.com.

Would you like to buy more environmentally responsible or Made in America products? I've got you covered! Check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists for tons of ideas for any shopping trip.

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An Earth-Friendly, American-Made Baby Registry- Part Four- Lugging the Bubba and Toys

This is the fourth part of the Earth-Friendly and American-Made Baby Registry for all the mommas, daddies, guardians, grandparents, and loves ones out there who want to leave the world a little bit better for the tiny person they can't wait to meet.

Most people make their registry by finding a list online or in a store and checking off the items. Lots of parents do research on safety. This registry is asking you to take three steps towards that registry that will cut down on waste, put more money back into local and American businesses, send companies the message you will prioritize ethical labor practices, and save fossil fuels by minimizing shipping (if you have 100 things on your registry, and they all have to take a trip from Asia, how much gas does that needlessly use?). 

This list covers the final touches on many registries. If you have some baby showers in your future (don't we all?), these gifts might be the future parents' favorite. Or offer them a date night. That will make you the favorite. Be sure to check out the whole registry and the just the links page if you want the short and sweet version!

Are you going to have a perfect environmental impact free registry? Eh, probably not, but the goal isn't to be perfect. Let's all try to make some better choices and simple switches, and those smaller steps, taken by many, will have a huge impact on that beloved baby's world.

car seats

Car Seat 

Cover

Distraction Toys

Evenflo from Amazon

The Car Seat (new)- Car seats really shouldn't be bought used (and you know it must be serious if I am telling you only new). It is really hard to know the history of a car seat, whether it has been in a car accident, etc. If offered one by someone you trust, that is one thing, but you need to know the person well to consider it seriously. When it comes to something this important, just go ahead and buy it new. If you need extra bases or something, it might be alright to look into, but this one makes sense to go big on. There are a couple good made in America options for this, though I have yet to see any made with any recycled or recyclable materials.

Our Pick- Evenflo makes their  car seats in the US (from low to high price points too), and the convertible seats can actually last much longer than the infant car seat "system." This will last from 5 to 40 pounds. Sometimes, parents want that infant carrier (no judgement, we have one), but Evenflo's stationary systems will at least save you money in the short  term. This company is generally my pick That being said, some of Evenflo's Infant car seats are made in the US (not all), but the whole system (carrier, car seat base, and stroller) does seem to be made in China.

Other Options- If you want a Made in the USA option for a system you can take in and out of the car (it did help us because we live in rainy Seattle, but maybe not as much as we expected, and we are already shopping again for a car seat and stroller that can grow  with our baby more)- Baby Trend is my winner, because it comes with a stroller that the baby can grow into (minimizing how much you buy). It also has overwhelmingly positive reviews. Safety First also makes their Grow and Go carseat out of Ohio. Just keep an eye out when you browse, because I don't think everything is made domestically.Their infant seat is made in China.

Covers (used)-Good to keep out weather or sun, but a blanket and clips can work, or you can find covers used. We got a coupon for free ones that I think everyone has, so someone has to be willing to part with it. Honestly, I don't think we used ours enough for it to feel worth it. Plus, if you have a nursing scarf that stretches, it can fulfill the same purpose. They always have enough at the consignment store that I don't really get why anyone would get it new.

Other Options- Multi-use ones make the most sense- Loved Littles and Kids n Such both work that way,  You could also go for something more stylish from Caden Lane Gifts or Oh Baby Fargo, But really, the only ones you need to be really classy are from Kathy Koveleski. But really, used or a blanket will work just fine.

Distraction Aids (just wait)- They love to push car accessories for babies- special blankets, hangy toys, etc. You can see how your bubba does in the car before you strategize. Some babies love the car seat as a napping spot, other tiny people just hate it. You won't know who you've got until they get here, so don't prep for challenges you may not have. You have enough to worry about.

lugging the bubba

Carrier

Wrap

Hiking Carrier

Stroller

One wrap and one carrier (new or used)- For the first 8-10 months, we used our wraps and carriers ten times more than our strollers. Wraps and baby-wearing can be an incredibly hardcore enterprise, but like any environmentally-conscientious choice, you don't have to dive into the deep end to make waves. We didn't turn out to be hardcore baby wearers, but I would recommend it to any and all parents. You can wear your baby around the house or out on walks, it keeps them close, and you can use both hands. My philosophy is to minimize your baggage if you want to stay mobile, strollers don't encourage traveling light.

If your heart is set on the two big mainstream carriers- Baby Bjorn or the Ergo, please get them used, You can find so easily in a baby consignment store or used online if you want one. You can also find ergo-similar carriers at a lot from some of the companies coming up. There is no need to get these new and they are made Elsewhere, so you can do better. If you can't find one used where you are, tell me, and I will go get one for you.

Our Pick- We loved our Solly Baby wraps for the first few months (and it would last longer if your baby isn't a squirmy meatball like ours). The stretchiness helped us learn how to wrap, and it kept my hands free during the day while still getting constant cuddles. They also come in great designs and patterns, have mini ones for dollies (so cute) and sell swaddle blankets (if anyone has one, let me know how it is- this seems like a genius idea to me).

Other Options- My wonderful friend Mindy babywraps like a boss, and she was able to give me all the details on wraps and carriers worth knowing about. She made the point that since babywearing is a deeply-rooted cultural practice, you can find great ones from around the world, but we will try to focus on ones that don't have to travel far. Be sure to poke through all the options before you decide for sure, and there are groups for babywearers that you could visit to get information and try lots of these.

Happy Wrap- Not as heavy as a Moby, with a little bit of stretch. It comes in lots of colors, which can be a little tougher to find in the Made in the US category, but these are beautiful and functional with lots of choices. Chimparoo is beloved (and Canadian-made, for you Baby Mounties out there) and that Tekhni is not only awesome, but made out of recycled post-consumer water bottles- my favorite thing! This is the one I am thinking of for Baby #2. Other options from Mindy- MJ baby Carriers (perfect alternative to the Ergo), Poe Wovens, Pavo, Golden Thread Mistress, Babyhawk,  Action Baby Carrier, Kinderpack, Cassiope Woven, Emmeline Textiles, Kokoskaa,  Cardbird Baby (some are 100% made in America, and some are America and China), Risaroo Wovens, and Maya Wrap's Premium Wovens. 

Hiking Carrier (used or new)- This is obviously not for everyone, but we know lots of very active new parents, and a hiking carrier keeps them moving even with a very little one. I would absolutely recommend these baby carriers from Tough Traveler over anything else you will find on the market. Not only are they Made in the USA, they are also absolutely beloved by the people that use them.

Strollers (used)- If you can, absolutely get this used! You will be saving money and doing good. Strollers, in general, are not great news. We received a City Mini Baby Jogger stroller which we wanted partially because it was listed as "Made in America" and the box arrived with a big old "Made in China" right on it. So not great. It's a great stroller, so snatch it up if you see a used one, but that's a lot of money getting sent off elsewhere. Big bummer, really. I am still on the lookout for good options, but for now, I think used is best.

Safety First and Cosco brands still make some of their strollers (and car seats) in the US (though the parts are from a mix of places), so they are your best option from all the research I have done. You can buy a whole Safety First system, though they don't offer many strollers by themselves. That's it. How depressing! If you want an ethical stroller, your best bet is used or open box. If I find anything else, I promise I will pass the info along.

When picking what to get, think about weight. You may only need one if it covers a range of weight, or you might need tow. Many people also end up with "umbrella strollers" on top of the others, to travel with them in the car. You know how active you are- be honest with yourself and plan accordingly.

Toys

Keys
Outdoor Toys
Play Mats
Sensory Toys
Shape Sorter
Stuffed Toys
Teethers
Things on Wheels

Alright, in toys, what you actually need in the first year really depends on your baby, but you will need at least 2 teethers, a play mat, some books, something that makes annoying noises (it's a rite of passage) and maybe three other things (everything they tell you about them liking the box better is true). That being said, there are tons of great options to register for in toys.

Don't feel pressured to get a lot. I know I keep saying this, but your baby will not care about something you are sure is cool now. Boxes, Measuring Cups, and anything he isn't supposed to have are our baby's favorite toys. You really need 5 or 6 things tops for the first 6 months, and by then he or she should be able to show you what he or she finds interesting. And not to get all sentimental, but the thing he or she will most want to play with is you.

Keys (new)- They shouldn't be so beloved, but they are. Our house's favorite is the Green Toys set of keys, which are made of recycled plastic and are our gift to most of the babies we know. Not much is universal, but these keys seem to appeal to most tiny people.

Outdoor Toys (used)- My Nana got one of these Little Tikes Cars secondhand at least 15 years ago for her grandchildren, and it is still hard at work with her great granchildren now. Those plastic toys, mostly better for toddler than babies but people love to buy them early, last literally forever. So go check your Goodwill. Even if something is faded, you can repaint it for less money than buying one new, and save toys from the landfill.

If you have to buy something, many Little Tikes toys are made in America (not all of them are) and last from child to child (whereas Fisher Price are all imported and often come with parts that break). Even though they are made of plastic, these could be great if used by many children (which it will be; kids love that car)! They also have swings, kitchens, and water play tables.

Play Mats (used, Etsy)- These are another one of those things that is great then totally useless in quick succession. If you can find one used and washable (and you probably can, because they really do run out of uses quickly), it's worth it.

If you want to get a new one, I recommend skipping the ones with a mat (it's just a blanket, and you have plenty of those) and getting something more eco-friendly, like a Finn and Emma arch. If I had it to do again, this is the route I would take. You would think babies would rather have the ones with lights and whistles, but I have seen at least half a dozen tiny ones sucked into the mesmerizing glory of simple wood toys hanging from an arch. They love it. If you see one that is used? Buy that sucker right away, and take yourself for ice cream These are pretty popular on Etsy right now, so you can find many options there as well- Alluring Co and Fawn Over Baby have some of the cutest ones while still being affordable.

You can also get a play rug made in America from Flagship Carpets if that is more what you have in mind.

Sensory Toys (new or make yourself)- Small Babies go through long periods where they mostly want to touch and grab. I like small sensory blankets like this one from Baby Jack (made by moms in Wisconsin!) or sensory cubes like this one. from Nel Quilts. If you are registering, gifting, or making something like this, it's in the same period where they can only see high contrast colors, so I would be sure to go vivid!

Shape Sorter (new)- This shape sorter may be the most consistently popular toy we have had in the collection for the longest span. Babies love putting things into things, and then taking them out. Toddlers like figuring out shapes and testing. Shape sorters do the trick, but none are as great as this one from Maple Landmark. A few have come through our house, but this one is awesome; great for figuring out shapes but also for the simple joy of stuffing a thing full of stuff. If you want a slam dunk toy for a tiny person, this is a great bet. If that isn't for you, check the one from Green Toys. Just don't buy from Melissa and Doug, because those guys are shisters.

Stuffed Toys (made, used, or new)- Most of the favorites in our house are gifts from an aunt or uncle. We have a Tigger that was our uncle's and a pikachu that was our aunt's, and we love those. We also have a solid pile of beanie babies I still had, because I was sure they would be worth something? Whatever, they are valuable for hearing my son say "hippo" now. The Bub was also given a used bunny doll from Ebay that is identical to the bunny I adored as a kid. We have also had some kickass Goodwill finds- a Wall-E, an Elmo, and a Woody doll. You may think it is weird to give someone something used as a gift, but for this category, almost his whole collection is made up of meaningful gifts that meant something to someone he loved first. They are really special.

The Bub was also gifted two really adorable foxes by my cousin, and she made them herself! You can find tons of stuffed toy PDF's on Etsy, so you could do something amazing like this too.

Lastly, check out Bears for Humanity. This company assembles the bears in America (not as good as making them completely here, but once you start looking, stuffed animal pickings are slim), uses recycled polyfill, and gifts a bear to a kids charity for every bear they sell. They even employ Welfare to work participants, so you are helping someone in trouble have a job. One of my favorites and it makes for a sweet and ethical gift. Plus, they are clearly gaining steam and adding new styles, which is just what this blog likes to see.

If you are looking for something specific, try Etsy. There are so many stuffed animal and doll options on that site. Will you pay more than at Walmart? Yes. But the toy will be well-made and made in America. Nothing in that Walmart toy section can boast that.

Teethers (new/ used)- So many choices! This is designed to make it into your baby's mouth, so it is a good place to be a little more cautious.There are wood ones and silicon ones, I would get one of each beforehand, see what sticks, and maybe do another one if you have a hit on your hands.

 Our Pick for Silicone - Lifefactory Silicone Teethers- We kept ours in the freezer and gave it to the baby when teething really got him down. When he was smaller, he was pretty content to just test the different textures on the ring. They are also dishwasher safe, so you can throw them in when needed. So nice.

Other options- Freaking Sophie the Giraffe is everywhere (even photobombing my holidays), so maybe you can start looking for her used or donated (she can be easily sanitized as well. She is made in France with all baby-friendly materials, and her design gives multiple gnawing options, making her a favorite of teethers everywhere. Seahorse Teethers- These are so stinking cute, and I love the colors. They remind me of Lamaze toys, which you definitely won't see this list.You could also try a Wowie Star, Green Toys Twist Teether (I recommend the keys as well), and Begin Again's Green Ring Teether.

Our Pick for Wood Teethers-  Etsy has a lock on some of the coolest wooden teethers you can find, so if you are gifting, you can find something perfect for the bub you love there. Little Sapling Toys has the coolest designs (including state teethers!) and 12,000 glowing reviews. 12,000. One of the most successful stores I have seen on Etsy, and just tons of cute stuff to choose from. I also think this teething ring from Honey Bee Toy and Craft is a spot on combination of sensory toys, high contrast somethings to stare at, and a classic teether. It's a big winner in my book.

Other Options- Manzanita Kids have tons of really fun and creative options, but they also have great reviews and a lot of sales, so you know you are getting something good.  I really wish we had a camera-shaped teether like this one from Keepsake Toys, I also love the (very Seattle) Two Five Tree. Beckman Woodworks have little rings on them that would have kept our 8 month old busy for days (they also have jewelry teethers, which sounds crazy, but really works when you are out of the house with an antsy baby).This hippo from Finn and Emma is basically my favorite thing that has ever existed. The Teething Fairy sells wood/silicone combos which look really cute. Paci Catcher sells adorable teethers with the clips so the baby can hold on to them, even when they can't.

Things on Wheels (new or used)- One or two does the trick, but they sure are interesting to tiny people. My favorites? These animals on wheels from Green Toys and some little wooden cars from Holgate Toys (including this Daniel Tiger inspired trolley). Also, if you can find one used (you can) a push toy like a shopping cart is a great find.

odds and ends

Almost all of these don't qualify as needs, but they are a few things we have found that we loved along the way. Mostly they would make good gifts for the right family. 

Bible

Books

Diaper Bag

Fan

Humidifier

Teething Necklace

White Noise

Baby's First Bible (new)- Jesus Storybook Bible- This children's Bible is both whimsical and beautiful. I doubt our very young son can comprehend it yet, but it remains one of the best baby recommendations we were given.

Books (new and used)- You might feel a little silly reading to such tiny people, but it is well-proven to be great for those developping brains (you are also supposed to talk to them at all times, which I hated, so reading felt like a nice break. If you are gifting, I highly recommend gifting a subscription to Baby Bug- they are filled with tiny stories and poems that the parents might hate, but the baby will ask for as soon as they can ask, they also have great suggestions for caretakers on how to put the material to use, and they are printed in the US. They are also perfect for planes, because there is a lot of content but they are light and flexible for a diaper bag/ My Aunt Joanna gifted The Bub this, and we may hate Kim and Carrots, but deep down we love them. 

Other absolute favorites in our house for the first year? The Pout Pout Fish (the first time your baby tries to kiss the fish, you can write and thank me), Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Green Eggs and Ham, Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Monster at the End of this Book, First Word Books (I really like an Usborne one as well) and Mercer Mayer books. They are almost all available used on Amazon (you could buy this whole pile for like 10 dollars), though some are printed in the US (Yay Sandra Boyton!) and no matter what, it can be great to support the authors. This is one that depends on your priorities. 

Diaper Bag (new)- If you already carry a big purse, it might work, otherwise it is time to get something that can handle your new job as cow and pack mule. They often try to sell you super cutesy bags with monograms and a million pockets- this isn't really necessary, you are better off picking something you actually want to wear for 3 years, because you will get so much use out of this.

 I got a Kelly Moore bag, which doubles as a camera bag, but it is made in China, so maybe not a great choice (especially because there are so many better choices, though they did assure me they have visited the factory multiple times and it stood up well to inspection). Also, for the price, it hasn't really held up that well in the two years I've used it. The most similar bags I found on Etsy were from Kith and Kin.

If you are looking for something sporty and gender neutral, Tom Bihn has a bag I have heard raves  about. This ika bag tote  on etsy is also a little more unisex (though I love this striped one)- and they are from Paris, so you will be one chic momma. Christy Studio also makes a really beautiful but gender neutral bag that can serve many purposes, Precious Little Tot has great bags thoughtfully made, especially if you do want some pockets. Dainty Bean makes bags that can be worn on the side or as a backpack (another highly recommended quality).

A Fan (new or used)-  Keeping babies cool can be as tough as keeping them warm, so be sure to prepare for hot summers. This one, from Honeywell, was made from recycled materials in the USA.

Humidifier (new)- The only ones I see that are made in America look like teapots. May be one, like the baby monitor, where not much exists but bad options. All the more reason to try to do better in nearly every other category!

from Style Hungry

Teething Jewels- Oh, the Bub loves his jewels, and the silicon beads make for an easily portable and clean-able toy when you are on the run, They really look cute too, so I may have them in 3 colors. You can also get wood/silicone ones on Etsy from stores like Style Hungry (love these), mint sunshine shop, My Sunshine Studio, and Babes and Babies.

 A White Noise Machine (just wait)- Many parents love their white noise (myself included), but you can download an app or album on your phone. One of the smaller ones might be good, but in general we haven't needed ours much, because we already have electronics that can play white noise. Getting more is just kind of wasteful.

We made it through! Be sure to check out the rest of the registry. If you want more shopping inspiration (lots more), visit my Giant List of Shopping Lists page!

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