Five Favorite Etsy Stores- Laundry Goodness

from Rustic Honey Signs

Laundry Goodness shouldn't even be a thing (I mean, it's basically the worst in every way), but these Etsy stores have great ideas for everything from baskets to soaps to laundry room decor (please, no more vinyl stickers that say "laundry." no one ends up in their laundry room for a fun adventure, so they know where they are). If you are looking for something for the room, consider these small businesses instead of just getting what is most immediate!

from Red Check Market

1. Red Check Market- This store sells all sorts of smart and good-looking home organization, but I especially love their hampers, some of which hang. Why aren't these everywhere? Such a genius idea for dorm rooms or just a small space?

from Autumn Moon Soap Co

2. Autumn Moon Soap Co- One of my favorite laundry soaps I have found so far on my quest to say goodbye to wasteful mainstream plastic-wrapped laundry soap. Last a long time for the money, smells amazing, and it makes a great first step into more organic and eco-friendly laundry soap.

from Bog Berry Handicraft

3. Bog Berry Handicraft- I love a dryer ball, which I think in a couple of years everyone will use over dryer sheets. I especially love these ones because the wool is American, as is the labor that made them. Plus, they are beautiful colors. I am thinking these ones would make awesome hostess gifts or stocking stuffers. Is it lame to have dryer balls as a stocking stuffer? At least slightly less when they are as pretty as these!

from 03 Littlebird Studio

4. 03 Littlebird Studio- These are adorable. If you have kids (or are awesome), The monster motif is pretty unique for a hamper, but they do look like fun. Check out their "unsponge" too- that looks interesting.If you want a beautiful hamper with a little less gusto, try Home Good Storage.

from hashtag adorbs

5. Hashtag Adorbs- Gah, laundry room art is mostly the absolute worst (seriously), but this did make me smile. What a cute way to home your lonely socks (though who has that few? 6? Really?).

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Greening the Basics- Really Clean Laundry

Laundry. If you are an adult, you do it. If you are anything like me, you hate it. If you are a lot like me... Some of us go to a laundromat, a place on campus, our parents' house, or our own basement, but laundry is something we all do and put money into.

Even if laundry is the devil's game, it turns out to be a goldmine for bourgeois environmentalists like me. We make the same purchases over and over again to do laundry, and if we all switched even half of those buys, we could cut out a tremendous amount of waste.

Forget Drying Sheets; Dryer Balls are the Business

First, hang drying is so much more eco-friendly than using the dryer. I get that it isn't always possible, and it doesn't always make sense for life. On the other hand, if you can get away with some hang-drying, DO IT! You don't have to do it all this way but even a load or two a week can cut your energy bills and your impact. Need a cord? Try Great White, Xcords, or use American-made Paracord.

Dryer Sheets are another one time use item that is basically instant garbage. They are also often covered in chemicals (read the box), and those chemicals (some potential carcinogens) get all over your clothes and you. It's cheap, but it comes at a high environmental price. The good news is that this is one of the easiest environmental changes we can all make!

1. Dryer Balls- You can buy these sets of dryer balls everywhere from Amazon to Etsy and they will last hundreds or thousands of trips through the dryer. So if you are the kind of person who throws a sheet in every time, a six pack of these balls will keep a whole row of boxes in the stores. That's less garbage for the dump and more money for you.

This one is a no-brainer, and I bet most people will have switched over before we know it. be ahead of the trends and do it now. I love mine (as much as I can love any laundry implement, and I would never go back. Here is a list of them:

A Little Green Bee- 19.99 for 6 balls, Made in America, Handmade, Natural, and Well-Reviewed
Pure Homemaker (Wow, I hate that name)- 12.95 for 6. Wool from New Zealand, Made in USA
Wonderful Wool Balls (Much better name)- 15.95 for 6 Extra large balls- about 9 inches diameter. Mine are less than 6, so these balls must last forever.
Ovella- 3 for 18- Made in Michigan in cute swirly colors. Part of Amazon's response to Etsy.Would make great wedding or baby shower gift.
Feeling Fluffy Balls- 17.96 They say each ball will last at least a thousand loads. That's 6 thousand loads for 18 dollars. I hate to think I will even do that much laundry in my life.
Kitchow- 15.97 for 8. Not as forthcoming about where they are made, but otherwise look good.
LooHoo- 3 Pack for 27.99. Why so much more? The wool is from the US and they are made in Maine. They also come in pretty colors.
Unvert- 6 for 14.99- Uses New Zealand wool and says it is organic, but maybe not the best option.
Thirsty Sheep- 6 and a storage bag for 19.99- These ones are rather small, but might be great with the storage bag if you are taking your laundry somewhere to do it.
Woolzies- 6 for 18.95- I think these are the ones I got for a gift (MIL, correct me if I am wrong). Made of New Zealand wool in Nepal (I found a couple others Nepal-made. No sign it is fair trade though, so I am not sure how the vulnerable people there are treated as employees).

from Bog Berry Handicraft

Want to buy them on Etsy instead? A Little Green Bee is on there (and slightly cheaper if you go for the larger sets), You can also try Bog Berry Handicraft, Redhead and Blue, Flatland Alpacas, and Pasta Quilts for balls that make for adorable gifts.

Plastic dryer balls are also reusable, but aren't nearly as eco-friendly. When in doubt, choose the thing that isn't plastic.

As a side note, I know my mother-in-law mostly likes the balls, but every so often she misses a drier sheet. If you have a particularly static-prone set of clothes, maybe keeping one box just for such occasions will help? If you only use it once in a very blue moon, I bet that one box can last forever.

As a second side note, watch out for toddlers if you have these. They see them as very fun toys and will steal them from you.

A Change in Tides- Switch your Laundry Detergent

You remember when the little detergent packs came out, and how they felt like such a step up? Why can't we pour our own detergent again? The packs are kind of cute (I like the swirl on the tide) but they turn out to be somewhat dangerous for little ones and pretty wasteful fir all of us. They also come (like almost everything in the laundry aisle) in plastic jugs that create a ton of waste. How many do you throw away in a year? Now multiply that by everyone you know. That's all landfill and our water. So basically, laundry soap leaves a lot of room for improvement.

1. Make your Own- Making your own detergent is a relatively common practice, you can find tons of organic and low-cost recipes online. Thank goodness for Pinterest. You could make enough to last you a year or start with a small batch and see how you like it. Another awesome way to be eco-friendly and save money all at once!

2. The Simply Co- This zero-waste company is one of my favorite finds this year. The formula they use is simple, the packaging is all glass and recycled paper, and our first jar was enough for 4 months of laundry in a house of three people (one of which is a slobby toddler). It didn't handle every stain, but we will just put dawn dish soap on the stuff that looks really rough, and that does the trick. We save money and I would never go back.

3. Other Clean and Homemade Detergent Companies- Etsy has tons of options for handmade laundry soap, so I will go through some with the most responsible packaging and lots of good reviews- Brighton Wool and Honey (Ohio), Green Bubbles Home (Nebraska), Shadelily Home Arts (North Carolina), The Bubbly Kettle (Kentucky), JMC Handmade (Connecticut), My Manoa (Hawaii), SOL Powder (Ohio) and Autumn Moon Soap Company (Pennsylvania). We have used this last soap (I was sure I was going to make my own, but started here to see how homemade worked) and it was really great as well.

4. Eco-Friendly Cleaners (in as large a size as possible)- Ecos sells a detergent with minimal chemicals (though where they do this and the materials of the packaging are unclear. Seventh Generation makes highly concentrated non-toxic detergent that you can buy in bulk as well. Biokleen is non-toxic, 3x concentrated, as well and its the only one that is proudly made in the US.

5. Buying in BULK- Love your Tide but want to do a little bit better? I still have got you. Buy it in the bulkiest bulk you can find. Natural Homelogic sells my favorite of these options (though their biggest bottle is 50 oz)- it's made in America, toxin-free, organic, and highly concentrated. The biggest Tide I could find on Amazon was 150 oz, but I bet larger ones are available at Costco. Powder is almost always more efficient if your machine can use it.


I have written about laundry baskets, organization, and bags before, so if you need that information, be sure to check it out here. Here are a few other things you might be looking for-

For an ironing board, you can find them made nearby! Check Homz Durabilt or Homz T Leg.
Need a steamer? Jiffy Steamers have been made in America for decades! We have one, and it is awesome.

Want to green some other basics? Check the list of all of our shopping lists!

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A Model Family Part 2 – Victorian to Edwardian wedding style.

Dear Reader,
In our last post, we started a thread of fabulous and historic wedding photographs from the family of Patience (who you can see modelling my own Heavenly Collection of vintage–inspired wedding dresses). 

125 Years of Vintage Wedding Dresses:
Fanny & The Wedding Party, 1888

This elegant 1888 Victorian wedding of Fanny, Patience's own Great–Great–Grandmother (above) is where we began. Now let's roll the clock forward to the next generation of society brides in wonderful Victorian and Edwardian wedding dresses...

125 Years of Vintage Wedding Dresses:
Great-Great-Grandmother Gladys' wedding, June 1903

You may notice some of the captions are in red (for Patience's maternal lineage) and some in blue (for her paternal line). It's fun to trace the likeness down the generations…

125 Years of Vintage Wedding Dresses:
Gladys in beautiful honeymoon outfit, 1903

Gladys' wedding to Walter, from The Times 1903
“Each bridesmaid was attired in a Romney costume of white muslin, with belts 
of pale blue silk, a fichu of white muslin being draped round the shoulders 
and caught in front with a single La France rose...”

Gladys’ "wedding dress and travelling costume and bridesmaids’ toilette" 
from The Times 1903

125 Years of Vintage Wedding Dresses:
Great–Great–Grandmother Apphia Elizabeth's engagement photo, 1904

125 Years of Vintage Wedding Dresses:
Great–Great–Grandmother Apphia, 1904

Great–Great–Grandmother Apphia, 1904

125 Years of Vintage Wedding Dresses:
Great–Great–Grandmother Apphia, 1904

The wedding of Great–Great–Great Aunt Irene to Francis, 
from The Times 1910

Great–Great–Great Aunt Irene’s "wedding gown and bridesmaids’ toilettes" 
from The Times, 1910

Don't forget to check back soon for the next instalment in this fascinating history of a remarkable family. I have some wonderful images from the 1930s to today to show you!

Love

Helena

Heavenly Vintage Brides

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The 2016 Earth-Friendly, American-Made Baby Registry

picture taken by Jenny Bickel Photography

Baby registries serve the very important purpose of letting soon to be parents know they are fools. Just idiots. We know nothing. It's good to feel this stupid now, and we can all imagine the feeling will pass and eventually we will be experts. I don't know when that happens, but it does seem to be around when someone is calling you Grandma or Grandpa. The registry is long, somewhat complicated, and requires you to have opinions on things you still know nothing (or very little) about. You read lists on the internet. You ask your friends who have spawned. You let the registry tool boss you around. But overall, this registry is just one horror film realization after another. 

I know we made mistakes when we made our baby registry. We could have done better at prioritizing where and how things were made, rather than the print or the price. 

When the baby registry is such a complicated and intimidating task as it is (why the hell would any non-parent know the difference between a sleeper and a onesie?), should you make it even more complex by trying to prioritize recycled and used materials as well as taking into account where the clothes, strollers, even toys were made?

Absolutely, yes.

Our first job as parents might be to get our tiny people ready for the world, raising them with faith, kindness, curiousity, etc. Our second responsibility as parents is to make the world a little better for them. This is the perfect first step. We can see our shopping as fulfilling a need as efficiently and cost-effectively as we can, but what good does that do for our children? 

Instead, we can see it as an opportunity to start their relationship with stuff on a healthy and responsible foot. We can skip these imported, plastic goods that- 

- use excessive fossil fuels for shipping halfway across the world

- take advantage of laborers- keeping them in dangerous spaces, requiring unhealthy hours, and even using slave labor.

-disenfranchise American workers and the economy your child will inherit from you

-adds that much more toxic and non-reusable materials like plastic into landfills and the water

Every time you buy new, plastic, Made in Elsewhere goods, you send companies the message that you are ok with these horrible symptoms of our extreme overconsumption. That it's alright with you for the world to look this way and that you will give them money as long as you get exactly what you want on the cheap. Are you ok with handing a world like that off to this tiny sweet person you are shopping for?

The baby registry, aside from being a horror movie moment of realization, is also one of the only times in life where you buy (or someone buys you) a really giant heap of stuff at once. You can use this opportunity to approach your shopping in a whole new way. You can make the world better instead of worse just by switching up your shopping.

There are three steps you need to take to change your approach to the baby registry: 

First, use what you have. Buy Less. If you already have a dresser that could work, give it an update, throw a changing pad on top, and skip the changing table. Also, take those itemized lists with a grain of salt. "Need" according to Babies R Us might differ from actual need. If you are breastfeeding, really all you need in the beginning is a few sleepers, diapers, and a boob. 

Second, find what you can in consignment or on groups like Buy Nothing. Get it Used. Baby clothes are the perfect opportunity to find adorable stuff and save hundreds of dollars by buying used. Baby stuff is used quickly before it is no longer helpful, so almost every item on your list can be found used. You can even encourage your baby shower guests to look in consignment or open box. If it's clear you can get it used (like a playmat or onesies), don't register for it. 

Last, buy or register for items that are made and sold nearby. Buy Local. Buy American.The standard platitude is that everything is made in China.  This list will prove that just isn't true. You can buy almost anything that tiny person needs right here from American companies. In this way, you can support American labor (the economy this baby will inherit) and higher standards for the treatment of workers and the environment. You can send the message to companies that it is financially beneficial for them to do the right thing, because consumers do care. It also minimizes this baby's carbon footprint before they can even walk- the shorter distances stuff travels, the less fossil fuels are wasted on shipping. 

This registry tries to be as truthful and detailed as I can manage about what turns out to be useful, and what is added baggage. The truth is, all of it will be individual to you and your baby. Some things are lifesavers in one family and nothing to the next baby. In the same way, we all come to the registry with our own priorities. 

The Registry List

Part One- Pregnancy, Delivery, and the First Trimester

Part Two- Dressing, Diapering, and Bathing

Part Three- Eating and Sleeping

Part Four- Lugging the Bub, Toys, and Odds and Ends

Just the Links

Here are the same lists, without commentary. The fastest way through if you just want to compare notes or ignore my witty banter.

Part One- Pregnancy, Delivery, and the First Trimester

Part Two- Dressing, Diapering, and Bathing

Part Three- Eating and Sleeping

Part Four- Lugging the Bub and Odds and Ends

No one can have a "perfect" registry; one that will simultaneously be adorable and save the world.  One person can't do everything, but we can all do something. If we started shopping based on what did the most good (however we individually define it) versus what we want the most, we could collectively shift the market for our children, save tons of goods from landfills, and take a stand against nasty labor practices around the world. 

It seems like a big task, but all I ask is that you skim the lists and make use of them as you will.

 Registering? Compare these lists to your own. You don't have to change everything, but you could set out to switch a third to American-made products (easily done!). 

Buying a gift? This can give you good clues on which things on the future parents' registry might be at consignment stores. You can save money and the environment!

Organizing after baby shower? Get an idea of what returns might do the most good (return Carter's, Fisher Price, and Melissa and Doug) and fill in those blanks without spending all your money! 

If you are interested in doing more eco-friendly or American-made shopping, check out the Giant List of Shopping Lists! Or if you want to cut down shopping and having in your baby's life, check out Ten Ideas for Raising a Minimalist Kid. 

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An Earth-Friendly, American-Made Baby Registry- Part Four- Just the Links

This is the Just the Links version of Part Four of the Made in America and Environmentally-Friendly Baby Registry. This will help you find car seats, baby carriers, and all of our favorite toys.

Evenflo from Amazon

car seats

Car Seat- Evenflo
Other Options- Baby Trend and Safety First

Cover- Used
Other Options- Loved Littles, Kids n Such, Caden Lane Gifts, Oh Baby Fargo, Kathy Koveleski.

lugging the bubba

Wrap or Carrier- Used and Solly Baby wraps
Other Options- Happy Wrap, Chimparoo, Tekhni, 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- Tough Traveler

Stroller- Used or Safety First 

Maple Landmark from Amazon

Toys

Keys- Green Toys 

Outdoor Toys- Used or Little Tikes 

Play Mats- Finn and Emma arch
Other Options- Alluring Co, Fawn Over Baby, Flagship Carpets

Sensory Toys- Baby Jack and Nel Quilts

Shape Sorter- Maple Landmark
Other Options- Green Toys

Stuffed Toys- Used and Bears for Humanity

Teethers- Lifefactory Silicone Teethers and Little Sapling Toys, Honey Bee Toy and Craft
Other Options- Sophie the Giraffe, Seahorse Teethers, Wowie Star, Green Toys Twist Teether, Begin Again, Manzanita Kids, Keepsake Toys, Two Five Tree, Beckman Woodworks, This hippo, The Teething Fairy, Paci Catcher

Things on Wheels- Green Toys and Holgate Toys

odds and ends

Bible- Jesus Storybook Bible

Books- Baby Bug, The Pout Pout Fish, 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 and Mercer Mayer

Diaper Bag- Kith and Kin. Tom Bihn,  ika bag tote, Christy Studio, Precious Little Tot , Dainty Bean

Fan- Honeywell

Teething Necklace- Style Hungry, mint sunshine shop, My Sunshine Studio, and Babes and Babies.

Be sure to check out the whole registry! You can get everything you want and make a better world for your baby!

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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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