Cool Mom Picks featured this beautiful hanger avec Sterling silver name/date plate today, which I wish I had known about before I had my sons baptismal gown preserved.

Slightly less dear, and almost more decorative, are these personalized hangers also by Julian & Co. A bit expensive for an entire closet, they are perfect for coats and things that hang in the open.

Precious, no?

I suppose one could also have Monday – Friday ones made up, to both help Junior learn his days and save mama the trouble of early am outfit picking. (Wow. That was really a Virgo moment. I’d never be that organized.)

As Ms. Crawford so sagely advised, “No wire hangers….”

I heart hedgehogs, and wish that they were as prolific here as they are in England. Twirls & Twigs uses recycled and scrap notions to make these adorable blankets that would make a perfect shower gift. This hedgehog one being my favourite for a wee lass.

And how perfect is this little elephant one for a baby Republican…

And who doesn’t love a weiner dog…

Twirls & Twigs is not in Paris, so you can have a hedgehog blanket within a fortnight.

Ta!

…my best friend just bought me the perfect gift  to celebrate the end of breastfeeding.  And what shall I fill my new shiny flask with? Why, organic Whiskey, of course!

More t’row.  Hic*

Rosie Hippo  has dropped the price on several of their rockers.  This “yar” boat was $340 and is now $315.  Unlike cheap rockers, this delightful craft is an instant heirloom that the grandchildren will fight over.

They have other sale items as well, such as this German made haus  that was $130 and is now a reasonable $89.

It’s all about the wooden toys this year.

Take heed ye elves….

I recently finished the brilliant, but tragic story, of Joan Root, a naturalist film producer and conservationist, who was murdered over….flowers.

What we never think about (or perhaps, just I didn’t), was that flowers grown overseas, are grown with zero to little (really, zero), environmental regulation, or consideration to humane labour laws. As the countries most of our flowers are grown in are poor - ”laws” are quite disposable – especially when money is involved. Most especially greenbacks.

So, in places like Africa, flowers have been grown with no regard to the effect pesticides and other deadly chemicals would have on  nearby water sources, air, wildlife, or the humans that harvest them – as long as some guy in Petosky can stop by the Piggly Wiggly on his way home and grab a bouquet when he is late.  Again.

So, what guilt free flowers to send when you can’t attend a shower, or after your college roommate, who always shared her clothes, and best conditioner with you , has a baby? Organic, fair trade flowers! How happy making is this sunflower bouquet?!

(Even FTD has eco friendly options now, but I prefer supporting all organic businesses.)

I LOVE the herb and spice bouquet at California Organic Flowers, which I think that any culinary friend would truly swoon over.

And who doesn’t need a wreath?

Whatever petals or herbs you choose, do try to be sure that they are as conflict free as possible.

Flowers shouldn’t be that kind of to die for.

We all have a “Martha Stewart” friend, who though may intellectually understand a “green” shower, won’t be at all pleased that natural gifts tend to come in…recycled craft paper and raffia.  This is the girl that reserves her Peonies in May.  She loves monograms.  Even on bras. She can make a diaper cake.  Blindfolded.  She makes flawless, sharp as a Henkel knife hospital corners.  But is too polite to mention that you don’t.

This post is for her.

The above “flowers” are actually an organic bib, t-shirt, hat, pair of socks and a onesie all in a lovely, reusable bucket. It’s a gorgeous gift for less than $70.00 and doesn’t feel “organic”.  Your Martha friend will love this, but no doubt duplicate the idea, with a vintage champagne bucket and organic onsies that she herself embroiders with a monogram.

Also from “Baby Bunch” are these equally adorable “cupcakes”, which are actually organic onsies.  Again, don’t be surprised if your Ms Perfectionist friend gets these cupcakes – and then proceeds to bake a dozen that look just like it to bring along to the shower.   Gluten free and vegan, of course.

And for your poshest Martha Stewart friend, the one who secretly dreamed of being a Sloane Ranger when the rest of you wanted to marry Scott Baio, Zia and Tia has truly exquisite hand knitted organic things fit for a royal. Honestly, these things are PRECIOUS and will be jealously saved after the baby grows out of them.

(This will be THE gift of the shower. So consider getting it yourself, before you suggest it to your Range Rover driving friend!)

Mothers of boy’s will be especially delighted and touched by Zia and Tias stunning organic baby knits, as there are an infinite number of gorgeous girl clothes, but a tragically anemic number of beautiful boys clothes.

And on what will these beloved organic confections be hung before being packed away for the next generation?

These golly gee 1950′s like hangers are too sweet. (Though I admit, I bought padded hangers for all of my boy’s clothes. Non-organic ones.)

So. From a previous post you got a list of “frugal” gifts, and now you have a few ideas that are less so.

Wait until I get to your Wisconsin friend.