Though not “organic”, Living Ethos makes gorgeous little favor gift bags that can be reused until the moths get them.

In every size and color, these darling bags become the gift, and can be filled with just a few sweets to be suitable as a memorable favor.

From simple polka dots (can you really ever have enough polka dots?), to themes like Paris Pink….

…or the ever popular “jungle”…

…to the Lilly Pulitzer wearing mum…

Living Ethos has it covered.

These sweet bags will live on as makeup and jewelry pouches – so they are suitably “green” for verdant vixens.

(Oh. They also have lots of grown up and holiday bags – which are so much nicer for gift giving than rubbish toxic ink colored paper that is used once and tossed – all at the expense of some poor tree.)

Well.

Thats wraps it up!

(Sorry. It was too easy.)

Most eco wrap is either too “earthy” or too modern for my taste.  But Amy Butler makes refreshing as a sparkling minty mojito wrapping that is perfect for new baby gifts in 100% recycled paper.

Even better?

She makes gorgeous matching paper plateware with non-toxic soy inks on recycled paper with water soluble coatings.

Clever Amy makes both in hues of blues and pink – but the designs seem neutral enough to me to be suitable for “surprise” babies.

I just hope that the woman comes out with eco holiday paper goods, as cubist reindeers and “retro” Santa’s just aren’t for me.  Eco toile, anyone? Anyone?

That’s a wrap.

This is not a post about dirty nappies.  So, read on fearless reader….

I forbade “games” at my tea, and I cringe when forced in to anything “cute” at any sort of gaggle gathering.  Once I was handed a onesie to design at a shower…I drew, with toxic puffy paint, a pack of cigarettes.  Luckily, the mum was an ex-smoker, drinker and all around bon vivant – so I wasn’t chucked out.  (I won’t tell you what my first design thought was.  Hint: Agamemnon).

Anyway.

People, for some reason, like “games” at these events, especially at baby showers – so I thought that this one, called “Dirty Laundry” may suit those mums who have a past that is somewhat more colourful that their future.

Mélangerie Inc., another adorable Etsy shop, has created this cheeky game for your old friends torture you with.

Just as it sounds, friends write down “memories” that star you, on the “laundry” – which should be quite fun after the first few rounds of mimosas.  Shame you can’t have any.

This may be a game best played with your own friends and family, rather than when the in-laws are lurking. 

The “Dirty Laundry” kit is $35.  Which is what the bill was that time in Cabo….

(PS: This would be so easy to reproduce with eco paper, pens and laundry soap.  In fact, soap nuts  in a sweet little “laundry bag” may be a fun favour for a shower where this game was played.)

Come on – come clean….

Many of you may be having your second child, who you are finding ways to incorporate into this new nativity -

This post is for you.

For your baby shower, announcements, or even for your baby’s first Christmas – how wonderful, whimsical and inclusive to let your eldest “design” your cards!  The curiously named Peculiar Press will transform your child’s “artwork” into very proper and appropriate letterpress cards for any occasion. 

I know.  It ain’t cheap.  But you know you that you spent more than this for your wedding invitations….

Peculiar Press also has jaw dropping, send one to the Queen, announcements.

Had I not used eco-friendly Dauphine Press, I would of used these guys.

Anyway.  Such a peculiar yet perfect idea.

Happy Friday!

This past weekend, as I mentioned previously, my darling “baby” sister and my beautiful best friend, threw me an intimate baby tea at The Drake, here in Chicago (I have a profound love of old hotels. You can have your “W”s – give me a Waldorf any day). 

My tea was “green”, in that no paper or plastic decorations were used (streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetchhhhhh) – and that the favors were champers (in glass – totally recyclable), and a Limoges elephant (porcelain – lasts forever), in a velvet bag (also re-usable).  So there.

In addition to old hotels, I have, since a young girl, always had a profound love of weddings (I have actually planned several, and hope to be a wedding planner in my next life).  In fact, I bought my first wedding magazine when I was in high school, have bought hundreds ever since and have, just this morning, waddled my 8 month pregos body up to the counter to get the latest InStyle Weddings.  (The look on the fellows face as I bought it was priceless.)

In this months Instyle Weddings, are several lovely ideas that would work for a baby tea or shower – so I thought that I’d share. (Needless to say, all images, except of my tea, are copyrighted by someone, somewhere.  But I doubt that you thought I was a professional photog.  All images are linked to thier owners site. Please feel free to slather my images all over your own blog.  I’d be flattered.)

As you can see, my baby bottles of champers (from my friends family wine & spirits store:  The House of Glunz), had a lovely blue bow on them.  However, if you want to further personalize your mini bottles (a great favour for all who are NOT in a family way), consider using Marry Monograms or my fave label maker that makes a label for every ol’ thing.

Another lovely favour?  Bulbs, seeds or plants in sweet little boxes.

Wrapped with personalized ribbon - they are too delightful.

And for those that actually prefer tea to champers?  These beautifully packaged sugars are a gorgeous favour.

(These are actually quite easy to make.  Use pretty glass containers, and spice your own sugar with a vanilla pod, spices and a cinnamon stick.  After a week of “marinating” – the sugar will be scented and special.)

And my fave favour idea that made buying yet another wedding magazine worth it? These adorable flowers in a can, that conveniently come in blue and pink cans.  Yup.  Flip, pull and water – and voila!  Flowers! 

If you love weddings, and are years past yours, you now have a new excuse to buy wedding magazines and turn every dreamy page…party planning.

(Remember to take your old mags to your doctors office, where I imagine you will be spending a lot of time. Your fellow moms will thank you as they are weary of worn “Highlights” and “More” magazines.)

Pass the cucumber sandwiches.