Fellow mompreneur, Karen Randall from New & Green Baby cloth diapering asked me to write some content for her recent newsletter about gift giving considerations this holiday season and I thought I would share it with our blog readers as well.

Humming and Ha-ing this holiday season?  Here’s some tips we hope help you:

The main questions I ask when considering a purchase is “who makes it”, “where is it made” and “what is it made from”.  I have to feel good about the answers to each of these questions before I will proceed with my purchase.

I definitely look for items made in Canada or the US but will consider products that are ethically made or have been made with consideration to the environment as well as Fair Trade products from around the world.

Packaging is another huge consideration with a “less is more” preference.  I avoid plastic and twist ties like the plague and opt for no packaging or eco-friendly packaging and make sure all of the packaging is recyclable.  I also look at creative ways to wrap presents by re-using wrap from years gone by or getting creative with using gifts as packaging.  For example, wrapping another present in a backpack, or giving a piece of jewelry in a lunchbot or goodbyn container and the like.

Lunchbots Uno & Duo

Having seen lots of products since the birth of my eldest 4.5 years ago, I really look to buy less “things” and opt for higher quality (ie. usually a bit more expensive) items whether it be clothes, feeding products and toys because the old adage “you get what you pay for” still rings true and these items tend to last longer, wear better and can be passed down to future generations.  This cannot be said of all products on the market so definitely keep an eye out for good quality as it is worth it in the short and long run.

Another great way to reduce waste or unwanted gifts is to create and share a wishlist.  Make sure to include items in a variety of price ranges but this helps to channel those that mean well and want to get something for you or your children but at least this way, they are buying something you need or want.  Electronic gift cards are a really good option as well and are especially good for those that leave their shopping to the last minute!

It’s December 1st tomorrow.  If you haven’t started thinking about Christmas, my last tip would be start earlier rather than later.  We have already seen some very popular toys sell out for the year!

Have a fresh, healthy & fun day,
Sue

Sue Sinclair
Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
Become a fan:  http://www.facebook.com/RaspberryKids
More details:  http://www.raspberrykids.tel

Raspberry Kids Warehouse will be open to the public for some in person seasonal shopping hours:

Raspberry Kids has recently moved into fresh new digs down near Granville Island. Our new address is #204-1540 W. 2nd Avenue.

If you live in or are visiting Vancouver in the next couple of months, we want to invite you to come and see us on the following days and times when we will be opening our warehouse doors for some in person shopping:

November: 14, 21**, 28 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM

**We will be open until 7PM on November 21st and are co-hosting a Stella & Dot jewelry party on site.  25% of Stella & Dot sales are donated to BC Children’s Hospital.

December: 12, 19, 20 from 12:00 to 5:00 PM
December: 21, 22, 23 from 10:00 to 4:00 PM
December: 24 from 10:00 to 2:00 PM

We are also co-hosting special events with Felicia Lee from Usborne Books:
Sunday, November 22nd from 2:00 to 6:00 PM
Tuesday, November 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 PM

We are also booking private shopping events for you and your family & friends. Please email shopping@raspberrykids.com for more information and to check on availability.

For those of you that live afar or prefer to shop online, obviously we still welcome your online orders and remember we can ship to 3rd parties with enclosed gift messages which makes for a HASSLE free shopping experience!  Save yourself the time of running around, parking, finding the perfect gift, enclosing a gift message and then racing to the post office to ship it.  Let Raspberry Kids and their elves do all the work for you this holiday season!

You can also take advantage of our new electronic gift cards that you can email to yourself or directly to someone else!

We are trying to make it as easy as possible for you this year and we hope to see you in person or online.  We have an incredible selection of toys, stocking stuffers, books, clothes, gear and more!

We thank you in advance for considering Raspberry Kids for gifts for the little ones in your lives!

We hope you have a fresh, healthy and fun festive season.

Sue
Chief Executive Elf, Raspberry Kids

Check out our great selection of Stocking Stuffers, Toys & Books for the upcoming holiday season!  Shop early for best selection.

On the Web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with Us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids
Become a fan:  http://www.facebook.com/RaspberryKids
More details:  http://www.raspberrykids.tel

Considering the status of good old mother earth, one could argue she needs and deserves more than 24 hours to be celebrated!

We have compiled a fabulous green, eco-friendly, sustainable and generally really great quality products that even the mother of all mothers, mother earth would be excited about!

The ultimate Green Machine, carved out of a bamboo read $19.99

Our bamboo collection e-racers are a great green option and a sure hit with little boys or girls that love cars!  While supplies last, you will receive a bamboo mini puzzle with every e-racer order!

Hape Bamboo mini puzzle FREE with any e-racer order, while supplies last!

Organic clothing is a must have for newborns.  Organic cotton is pesticide, herbicide, insecticide and chemical fertilizer free and organic cotton uses agricultural practices that are designed to help sustain the land it grows on.  We have some adorable organic cotton onesies including Oopsy Doodle Designs which come in 6 styles and in eco-friendly packaging making the gift ready!  Colette Kids organic onesies featuring Wilbur, Charlotte and Rufus are too cute to pass up!

Oopsy Doodle Designs Choo Choo Organic Onesie, on sale now for $18.39

Oopy Doodle Designs Lady Bug Organic Onesie, on sale now for $18.39

Colette Kids Charlotte Organic Onesie, a Raspberry Kids exclusive $23.99

Looking for a quick read for your budding environmentalist?  From the Urban Babies series, try Eco-Babies wear Green.

Eco Babies Wear Green, $9.99

We love, love, love MiYim organic plush and they have recently come out with new designs and a new product called My Naturals which is coming soon.

Make it Valentine's Day year round with this MiYim organic stuffie bear $28.99

My Naturals rag doll, new and coming soon from the makers of MiYim $29.99

For more great organic options from Raspberry Kids, please visit the organic section on our website.  Mother Earth will thank you and so will we as we truly value and appreciate your business.

Have a fresh, healthy and fun day,
Sue
–
Sue Sinclair, Chief Executive Mom, Raspberry Kids
On the web:  http://www.raspberrykids.com
Tweet with us:  http://www.twitter.com/raspberrykids

"C" is for Cancer, by Denise Barton $9.99 ALL proceeds Childrens' Cancer-related causes.

Raspberry Kids is very pleased to be selling Denise Barton’s book entitled “C” is for Cancer.

“C” is for Cancer is written from the perspective of Denise’s son, Kai who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on December 25th, 2007.

Kai is currently undergoing a maintenance phase of treatment and will continue this through 2011.

We were so grateful to have met Denise through her husband Sean who is a Raspberry Kids customer.  Sean had ordered one of our Quadrilla Twist and Rail sets and sent us an email to inquire when it might arrive because he had a 4 year old who was waiting at the door for it to be delivered.  How cute is that?  After responding to Sean, a dialogue ensued and we exchanged stories about how Cancer had personally touched each of our lives.  I cannot speak for Denise, Sean or Kai but I felt an instant connection with them.

Perhaps it was because my husband’s brother died of Leukemia when he was 20 and I regret that I never got a chance to meet Michael.  Maybe it is because their beautiful blue eyed, blond little boy who has the most incredible smile reminded me of our two year old son who is also blond, blue eyed and has what my mom used to call “a winning smile”.

Since RaspberryKids launched in November, one of the pieces I felt was lacking was a way to give back.  I knew I wanted to do something but nothing quite felt right, that is not until fate brought our families together.

I have made no promises to Denise that I can sell millions of her books (although that would be awesome!), rather I have committed to try to sell the books and ALL proceeds will go back to Denise, Sean and Kai to allocate as they see fit.  Denise and I have discussed some options such as having the money go toward buying toys for a special facility that allows immune compromised kids to play without fear or risk of catching colds or germs from toys that have been used by other kids.  Another idea was to use the money to help print and distribute more books, specifically into Children’s hospitals across Canada where other kids and families are asking the same questions as Kai such as “Why me?” and to help them cope with their situation with a bit of humor, an understanding of what the process is and most of all, with a lot of love and support.

If you would like to hear more about Kai, Denise and Sean’s story, these are two great articles they shared with me:

Global National Story:

The Leprechuns

It rained (and snowed) on our parade.  Literally.  But that could not damper the spirit of the Irish.

Our daughter’s Irish dance class had a float in the parade but the younger girls sat up front with their moms and the older girls danced on the float and behind the float.

Despite the poor weather conditions, a fabulous time was had by all.  Jamie enjoyed waving to the crowds and yelling “Happy Parade Day” while Riley felt slighted because he didn’t get to be in the parade.

Auntie Bluey braved the snow and joined us on the sidelines.

Celticfest St. Patrick's Day Parade Vancouver

After sitting in pools of water for over 2 hours, I must say, I was relieved when the parade ended.  My thoughtful hubby brought me a coffee which tasted great and helped to warm me up.  The Guinness I had later that day tasted better though.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

Irishly yours,
Sue
Chief Executive Leprechun, Raspberry Kids
http://www.raspberrykids.com

The uber best seller “My Friends” by Taro Gomi is finally back in stock.  This is a must for any child’s library.  My Friends. Using simple words and bright illustrations, author-illustrator Taro Gomi shows children that sometimes knowledge can come from all kinds of friends.

My Friends, Taro Gomi $8.95

The ever popular suction plates from ORE Originals are back in several popular styles including Vroom, Furry Friends, Campground Critters and new additions Buzz, Outerspace, Ahoy Matey and Fairy!

ORE Originals Divided Suction Plate Buzz $14.99

ORE Originals Divided Suction Plate Fairy $14.99

ORE Originals Divided Suction Plate Outerspace $14.99

ORE Originals Divided Suction Plate Ahoy Matey $14.99

Also from ORE Originals is the Chalk-a-Doodle placemat.  What a great way to keep little ones entertained at meal time.  These have been a top seller for Raspberry Kids so we are thrilled to have them back in da house!

ORE Originals Chalk-a-Doodle Placemat $18.99