Okay, hold on to your holiday hats!  This is the ultimate RI Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide with gift ideas, online shopping,  holiday show links, and more.  This season, it’s easier than ever to buy handmade products from local artisans and crafters!  Whether online or at an upcoming arts and crafts sale, you will find something for everyone at every price point.   These are just a few gift ideas (oh, yes, there are many more out there) for you to consider:

Chalkboard cubby with hooks by Sprouts in the House (Westerly)
Celia doll by Primroses (Providence)
Crayon cozy by Acormier77 (Johnston)
Girls sunflower tunic by Splash Apparel
Personalized sterling silver baby spoons by Mark Kaplan (Providence)

Sterling silver earrings by Katy Scudieri (Providence)
Personalized notecards by Anna Cote (Warren)
Boro lampwork flower pendant by Kim V Glass (Hope Valley)
Hand screeened birdhouse gourd print tote by Willywaw
Silk Grecian style skirt by Ikvot ha Mashiach
U.S. Pocket journal by Kristin Crane (Providence)
Beach stone key ring by Stepping Stones (Coventry)
Mosiac guitar by Crooked Moon Mosiacs (Warwick)
Two weevils t-shirt by Smiling Squid
Oil painting on wood block by Erin Spencer (Warren)

Teacup print by Rob Rey Art (Providence)
Flower photo by Diana Brennan
Clock by Karen Miller (Providence)
Cutting board by Taunton Green(Taunton & Providence)
Seat belt pillow by a la mode(Barrington)
Painting by Deb Hickey (Providence)

Ring by Ruby’s Upcycle Designs (Barrington)
Artist set by Pink Lemonade Boutique (Providence)
Recycled rainbow wristlet by Phriendlyk8 (Scituate)
Cheeseburger pillow by Felt Like It (Providence)
Flower belt buckle and leather belt by AWC Designs (East Greenwich)
T-shirt by Lucky Bunny Worldwide (Providence)

Mustard organic bowl by Gleena Shop(Pawtucket)
Cedar accessory organizer by Malcolm Studio Shop (Providence)
Fresh magnolia wreath by Seaside Cottage Naturals (Jamestown)
Handsculpted glass bottlestopper by Tanner Glass( Cranston)
Handsculpted leaf ornament by Elysian Fields (West Greenwich)

Flower brooch by Hanami Gallery (Providence)
Apple stationary by Paper in Style (Providence)
Porcelain bowls by New Moon Studios
Fabric covered magnets by Katie LeRoy (Newport)

Where is your favorite place to shop for handmade crafts?

Linda Cox Demers moved to Barrington, RI, from Chicago with her husband and two boys, ages 12 and 7.  She runs her handbag and accessories business, à la mode, from home and has recently discovered a passion for blogging.  As an independent designer , Linda enjoys promoting local artists and the “buy handmade” movement.

Visit Linda’s blog at http://alamodestuffblog.com.

By Linda Demers

October is one of my favorite months.  I love the changing leaves, the cooler crisp air, and the smell of leaves burning.  I’ve begun putting away my kids summer clothes and unpacking their winter coats, sweaters, and jeans.  For me, Fall is a great time to accessorize and add interesting layers to my wardrobe.  Here are a few Fall finds handmade by talented artisans right here in Rhode Island.    [Click photos to see more from each artisan]

Frecklz accessories and onsies

Headbands by Kim Gilmore

Handbags and quilts by Sarah Rutan

Crochet cowl by Candace’s Closet

October Art Classes and Workshops for kids:
Adult classes are also available at these locations.  See details online.

Craftland – Downcity Providence
Spray-paint Stenciled Skateboards – October 24
Crafty Kids Take on Halloween – October 31

Kreatelier Crafty Saturdays – Hope Street
Crazy Kaleidoscopes – October 17
Trick or Treat Totes – October 31

October Arts and Crafts Festivals:

The Scituate Arts Festival
Saturday, October 10 through Monday, October 12
10 am to 5 pm

The Providence Open Market
Only 2 more Saturdays this season
October 10 and 17
10 am to 4 pm

Linda Cox Demers moved to Barrington from Chicago with her husband and her two boys, ages 12 and 7.  She runs her handbag and accessories business, à la mode, from home and has recently discovered a passion for blogging.  As an independent designer, Linda enjoys promoting local artists and the “buy handmade” movement. Visit Linda’s blog at http://alamodestuff.blogspot.com.

As a parent I’m always looking for ways to spend smart and make my dollar stretch, and these days it’s become more of a necessity for more and more of us. When it comes to outfitting our kids, luckily there are many good options to avoid paying full price for their clothes. Family Hack recently wrote a list of 5 ways we can dress our kids for a fraction of the full price tag. In addition to their list, here are my suggestions with local links:

THRIFT STORES

Many thrift stores are known to have bargain prices, but you may have to revisit often as inventory changes constantly, and some may not allow returns. My favorite thrift shop is Savers, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club of America (but does accept returns). Check out their newly renovated store in East Providence – huge, clean, and well organized.
• Savers
- E. Providence: 1925 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence, RI
- Warwick: 24 Universal Blvd, Warwick, RI
• Salvation Army – Check here for a location near you.

CONSIGNMENT AND RESALE SHOPS

Prices will be a bit higher at these shops because the clothes tend to be cleaner and more trendy than what you typically find in thift shops. If you consign clothes, you can opt for credit towards buying more clothes, making this an even more affordable option and a great way to pass on clothes that look “almost new.” Read more on how to consign your kids’ clothes and toys.

Local consigment shops:
• Love Bugs – 746 Hope Street, Providence
• Just Ducky – 34 Gooding Avenue, Bristol
• Little Pumpkins – 759 Tiogue Avenue, Coventry
• Adored By Us – 2949 Hartford Ave Johnston (*New Location)
• Children’s Orchard – 20 Commerce Way # 7, Seekonk, MA (Near Target)

YARD SALES
Yard sale season is here. You can find great deals because many yard sale shoppers are looking for furniture. You can often bargain and buy clothes in bulk.

CLOTHES SWAP
This is the best way to save and recycle gently used clothing. Invite friends to a kids clothes swap at your house or school. Make it simple and have everyone bring bags of clothes their kids no longer wear, sorted by gender and size, and let everyone take what they want.

Spread the word. Tell friends and daycare or childcare providers that you accept used clothes. I tell my friends with older boys that I’m happy to have their hand-me-downs and in turn I pass on some of my sons’ outgrown clothes to friends with boys younger or smaller than my own. This is a great way to save on purchasing clothes and to give your kids’ stuff—which may be in perfect condition—a longer life.

MORE TIPS
1. Take advantage of off-season sales and buy ahead, but be careful not to over-buy since you never know when your child will have a growth spurt. You don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of summer shorts that never get worn.

2. Try to buy only what you need when thrift shopping. It is easy to get lulled by cheap prices and buy more than you need, negating some of your savings.

3. Label storage bins: I have bins in my sons’ closet labeled by season, outgrown clothes to donate, clothes to consign and clothes donated to us that don’t fit yet. This way I stay organized and avoid shoppiing for items we do not need.

What are your tips for saving money on kids clothes?

I adore seeing my kids in their pajamas—preferably 100 percent cotton or fleecy and definitely soft—ready to curl up with me at the end of the day to read and share stories. We recently received a pair of Hatley PJs and they quickly became bedtime favorites. Moreover, they satisfy our PJ requirements: 100 percent super-soft cotton (even after being washed and dried) and available in fabulous patterns (ours have aliens). I know how they look should not matter as much as how they feel and wear, but I admit to being picky about designs and colors (it’s the designer in me, I can’t help it), and finding pajamas for boys without sports or spooky motifs is hard. These PJs have fun themes such as mermaids, fish, frogs, bears in more colors than just blue and pink. Happy to say, Hatley has adorable pajamas for both boys and girls (size 2-7).

The Details: Hatley’s children’s pajamas are 100 percent cotton, super-combed for softness and comfort. $27.00 for 2-piece set. Available online at Hatley,com.

By Maura Keating

The Kicky Pants product lines grew out of Erin Cloke’s prescribed bed rest before the birth of her second child. The company was founded with her husband, Nick Cloke, and has enabled the couple to spend more time with their family while creating products that make life better and a little cuter for other families.

Products from the Kicky Pants Bamboo Basics line are made out of bamboo—a sort of wonder crop that can be grown without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. Bamboo is sustainable, good for the environment, and good for your baby. Bamboo fabric is also antibacterial and antifungal, ideal for little ones whose paths might cross with who knows what. It’s anti-static so it won’t cling as baby rolls, crawls, or walks about. It absorbs water better than cotton, a huge boon if you’ve got a sweaty baby like mine, or a drooler. Bamboo stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Truly a wonder fabric, it’s no wonder that Kicky Pants chose bamboo for its line of adorable children’s clothing and maternity tees.

The Kicky Pants Bamboo Basics line includes simple, classic designs with an edge. Each item is an essential building block for any child’s wardrobe—starting with onesies, tees, pants, dresses, and pajamas. I love the coveralls that snap for quick changes. They feature a drop-down flap in the back that has a classic appeal, yet is totally functional for diaper checks. A simple smocked dress has a ruffled bottom for instant oomph. If you’re buying for a girl, you’ll want the ruffle onesie. I don’t have a girl, but I wish I did. There’s just something charming about ruffles on a baby’s bottom. The Bamboo Basic items come in an array of solid colors that range from soft pastel tones with names like “pond” and “spring grass” to bolder colors that will make Baby stand out like “orchid” and “moss.”

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Rhode Island is home to a number of great shops geared towards moms-to-be, new moms, and moms with young children. Most of them have opened within the last few years by moms who had grown tired of the bland Babies-R-Us choices and the non-customer-service typical of the Big Box stores. These independently owned and operated stores have spaces that reflect a unique style and community while addressing the needs of new parents across the board – everything from stylish maternity clothes, nursery decor, lead-free toys made in America, children’s clothes void of Disney motifs, personalized customer service, classes, and a place to meet other new moms.

ModMama
16 South Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906
(401) 741-9646
Nearby Bonus: Conveniently located in Providence’s Wayland Square near Books on the Square and The Edge coffee shop and two blocks from the Baby Park (corner of Humboldt & Elton).

ModMama is a modern, urban shop for kids and their parents. Rachel, the owner, is a mom of Enzo and Milo, ages 4 and 2, who are lucky to test many of the items for sale at the shop for fun and durability! ModMama was awarded Best Kid’s Clothing Store in 2007 form the editors of Rhode Island Monthly because of their hip clothes collection from newborn through 6 years old. Signature lines include Zutano, Appaman, and Daily Tea. Although the store is small, Rachel packs in a lot. Find strollers, baby carriers, slings, and diaper bags from brands such as Stokke Xplory, Quinny Buzz, and Phil and Ted’s. Shoes and accessories from See Kai Run, Pediped, MP tights, and a selection of wooden and soft toys from eco-friendly companies. Items for the nursery include cribs, rockers, high chairs, changing tables, mobiles, pillows, and lamps — everything to satisfy your modern design sensibility (right up my alley). Rachel recently designed an exclusive line of cool graphic tees, layette sets, and dresses under the Rocket 10 label. And if you can’t find it in the store –many items may be special-ordered or found online at modmama.com.

The ModMama store is more than just a place to shop; it is also a place to connect with other moms. There are floor model toys for kids to play with, space for moms to nurse or change a diaper, and the store hosts a New Mom’s group, an 8-week Pregnancy support class, regular Mom’s night out, tea parties for little ones, and other special events.

Rachel was born in NYC and she definitely brings a bit of her Manhattan vibe to the shop. She believes in great service for her customers – sling fittings, baby registry, nursery design and consultation, at-home delivery, free assembly, easy returns, and gift-wrapping—just a few of the many reasons that make ModMama special.

Madre Bella
1 Waseca Avenue (corner of Rt. 114), Barrington, RI
(401) 247-0122
Nearby Bonus: Madre Bella has plenty of parking out front and is conveniently located diagonally across from Bagels Express and a short walk form the Barrington Public Library and the new fabulous Kids’ Kove Playground (behind the library and Town Hall).

This stylish store, opened in the fall of 2005, was designed and created by Barrington mom Becky Freitas, the mother of Hunter (almost 2). Awarded the 2007 Best of Rhode Island Award for Maternity Clothes because of lines like Citizens for Humanity, Michael Stars T’s, and Habitual, which will make any mom look good and feel hip while baby is on board. Becky stocks the popular must-have for all pregnant moms—a belly band for $26—that turns all your regular pants into temporary maternity pants (I wish I had this when I was pregnant!). In addition, you can find baby clothes and accessories including Robeez and Pediped shoes, Trumpette socks, nursing bras, and diaper bags by Skip Hop and Petunia.

Becky supports many local businesses including handmade diaper bags and jewelry by Linda Demers of A la Mode; stationery, invitations, birth announcements, and thank-you cards by Barrington mom Roxanne Bryant of J is for Jane; a lovely line of kid’s clothes called Tiny Bubbles, designed by Barrington mom Barbara Guglielmo; Ella Bella clips by Barrington mom Maya Birely; and barretts, clips, and headbands by Amie Cunha of Clippies for Ava. I love starting a child’s art collection at an early age, and The Alphabet Series, limited edition prints by Kira Cortese make a great gift for a new baby. Madre Bella also creates a community for local moms by providing a small play space in the store to entertain young kids while mom shops.

nonchalant mom
(Irregular hours – best to call first)
365D Main Street (A block away and upstairs from their old location), Wakefield, RI 02879
(401) 284-4333
Nearby Bonus: Myopic Books is a fab used bookstore (other location is in Wayland Square, Providence) and the Alternative Food Cooperative has a kids day every other week (call for schedule; 789-2240).

Nonchalant Mom was started in 2004 by Corina Schott (also originally from New York), the mother of Sander, age 6, and Franny, age 2. Nonchalant Mom is another 2007 Best of Rhode Island award winner. Until February, Nonchalant Mom was located down the street, sharing space with Orange Lola. Corina moved into the upstairs location to allow her to better balance her work and family life. She recently launched her own line of children’s clothes, nonchalant kids, with simple lines and bold graphic patterns. Corina’s clean, fresh style is evident in everything she does; from her line of kid’s clothing to the Nonchalant shop in Wakefield, and online at nonchalantmom.com.

Corina created the Nonchalant Mom store online and off for parents who live and thinks differently, as she does. Nonchalant Mom carries things for kids up to age 6 to 8, including modern colorful and unisex clothing for kids that is simple and never fussy. Brands are a smattering of collections from NYC, California, Denmark, Sweden, France, and Japan. She also carries special items for moms from Virginia Johnson, Kragh Rosenberg, Lucky Fish, and jewelry by Margaret Solow. Corina believes in simple well-made toys and carries a small selection of brio and Plan wood toys. She shares her philosophy and suggestions for parenting in a more healthy way through her blog — find healing remedies with food, simple ideas for playing creatively at home, and fun things to make your life at home more enjoyable and colorful.

Peak into Corina’s house and see how she beautifully blends home, family and work in the June/July, 2008 issue of Domino magazine.

Bellani Maternity
1276 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 234-1279
Nearby Bonus: Located conveniently among all the big-box stores (e.g. Target and HomeGoods) on Rte. 2 in Warwick in case you have other shopping to do. Plenty of parking out front.

This all-inclusive education and support center was founded in 2006 by two Rhode Island moms, Shannon Giorgio (mother of a five- and three-year old) and Kelly LaChance-Guertin (mother of a six- and four-year-old and a newborn). They developed Bellani as a resource for families navigating the unexpected challenges of pregnancy and parenting and craving a place to relax and connect with other moms. Bellani offers a comprehensive curriculum of parenting workshops and classes, along with fun activities for families such as playgroups. Breastfeeding support includes lactation consults on-site, pump rentals (with free delivery), nursing bras, and accessories. The online retail boutique and on-site store features Hotslings, Beco, and Ergo Baby carriers, Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags, strollers, maternity fashion, furniture like the Svan high chair, quality toys from trusted manufacturers like Haba, Manhattan Toy, and Plan, books, gifts, and more.

The seed for Bellani was planted in a preschool parking lot while Shannon and Kelly waited for their children to finish school. The conversations continued at playgrounds, and in living rooms and coffee shops throughout Rhode Island. A doula and certified childbirth educator, Kelly saw the need for a central location for the state’s great offerings available to expecting and new parents. She and Shannon drew on their backgrounds in education, business, and motherhood to create Bellani as a one-stop pregnancy and parenting resource.

Bambini
251 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 490-6952
Nearby Bonus: Located up the street from the Cable Car Cinema and Café and a few blocks from the RISD Museum.

Bambini prides itself in helping customers design a nursery from soup to nuts. Marie Di Simone, a mom with grown children who bought the business in 2006, will gladly help you design a nursery that will complement your décor and personal taste. She will make house calls (how nice is that?) or you can visit her at the shop to plan the room, pick out the crib, the rocker, bedding, etc. Bambini’s style is a bit more traditional than ModMama and Madre Bella. Marie carries lovely bedding from Bellanotte Linens, Lulla Smith, and Serena & Lilly. Clothing for newborn to toddler includes Room Seven, Petit Bateau, and Kissy Kissy, and one of my favorite local companies, Tiny Bubbles. Toddler shoes from Petit Bet and See Kai Run and toys from Haba and Eboo. This is another shop that excels at delivering personalized customer service and hosts a mom’s night out three times a year.

Support your local mom shops and tell them you’re a Kidoinfo reader…

By Maura Keating
It’s summer, well, mostly . . . Memorial Day is the unofficial start to our summer season. Now we can start wearing white (with the gracious permission of the Fashion Police), and we can wear sandals every day if we want to. And we want to. The best sandals allow you to feel like you’re not wearing shoes even when you are. The best sandals give you all the best that shoes have to offer (protection, support, comfort) and limit all of the bad (odor, heat, clamminess, blisters).

This is my son’s second summer. He didn’t take his first steps until the fall last year so we didn’t worry much about sandals. This year, my son is exploring everything that his little feet can possibly do—walking, running, hopping, skipping. He’s going to need sandals. I’m picky about all shoes. Feet are important and they have to last us a long time. Toddler shoes need to support growing feet that are just learning what they need to do.

If you are looking for the perfect sandal, try Umi Shoes. They are adorable and/or chic, depending on the look that you are striving for. My husband loves the look of my son’s Umi sandals so much that he wants a pair. Sadly, like so many good things in life, Umi is for kids only.

The Umi sandals were comfortable right out of the box. With two Velcro tabs, the sandals are easy to put on and easy to take off, but not so easy that they slide off. The Umi sandals are made from very soft leather that is easy on baby skin and leaves no red marks. My son has inherited his mother’s sensitive skin. Every summer, I have to endure at least one uncomfortable week while my winter-tender skin acclimates to strappy sandals, rocky beaches, and the other ordeals of summer living. When he wears his Umi sandals, my son’s feet are just as happy as they are when encased in shoes. We’ll have to see how he fares with rocky beaches in bare feet at a later date.

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