About Sweetmama Editor
Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.
Personally Yours
silver spoons: personalized gift ideas canada
(Dec.06.10)
With the amount of care and research we put into our kids' names these days, some feel they should go on more than just a birth certificate. The personalization craze of today is much different from when we were kids. One no longer has to look longingly at the absence of the name between Nadia and Natalie on a rack of pencils or rainbow door signs (just sayin').
Customization has revolutionized everything from the fast food industry to what jeans you wear, so naturally it should apply to kid gear too. And it sometimes goes beyond just names to other customizable, unique-to-your-kid features. Here are my favourite personalized gift suggestions. They happen to be all-Canadian mom-run companies too!
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Penny People Designs Alphabet Posters
I just ordered one of these posters for the new son of a friend of ours. It was a great baby welcoming gift and stood out in a sea of onesies and sleepers. I was extra-happy when I saw it hanging in a place of honour.
From US $15 for an 8x10 print. Available at www.pennypeople.com.
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Admiral Road Personalized Baby and Kid Blankets
I love owls (even before they became the hipster bird du jour) and I love these blankets, especially for daycare. I just saw Amy and Danielle's wares at the One of a Kind Show and seeing the quality up close made me realize they're worth every penny.
From $59. Available at www.admiralroad.com.
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You Name It Baby Lunch Bags
We've got a similar one, with the same name emblazoned on it and my daughter is happy every time I choose it for our day's snacks. Once she's finally in First Grade and actually taking a lunch with her, I think it will come in very handy.
From $21. Available at www.younameitbaby.com.
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Name Your Tune CDs
OK, so it's kids' music. But when your kids hear their own name in a song... well, you should see their faces! Even the most cynical, music-snob of a parent can get behind that (every now and then).
From $20. Available at www.nameyourtune.com.
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Cici Art Factory Portraits
Specify hair colour, eye colour and skin tone, and get a customized "portrait" for your child. Like American Girl Dolls, but nowhere near as creepy — and replace "doll" with "a gorgeous, keepsake painting."
$350. Available at www.ciciartfactory.com.
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Child's Own Dolls
In what may be the most heartwarming of creations, Wendy takes your kid's wackiest drawing and brings it to life, or 3-D at least. Imagine being able to hug your imagination?
$100. Available at www.childsown.com.
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