Babies require a good amount of preparation, and a good amount of gear. New and veteran parents who are expecting, and who are #shoplocal conscious, will love these Colorado-crafted gifts.
Parents: Nostalgia Fans
Gift: If there’s one thing that new parents can never have enough of, it’s something handy to wipe up cute little dribbles and geyser-level spit-up. Hip Violet makes oversized machine-washable bibs with sturdy snap closures in a variety of sweet designs. Grab a Colorado flag or mountain applique, or vintage characters such as NKOTB, Rainbow Brite, or Star Wars.
Parents: Weekend Tent Dwellers
Gift: Little Mo wearable sleeping bags from Morrison Outdoors keeps littles, from six months to four years old, snug on camping trips. The sleep sack comes in a synthetic option for temps down to 40 degrees or a down option for as low as 20 degrees and meets the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended Guidelines for SAFE Infant Sleep.
Parents: EcoWarriors
Gift: Yeti Moccs were born around the same time as McKayla Nelson’s first son. Nelson, of Firestone, sewed his clothes, including pairs of washable moccasins. Other mothers would stop her to ask if she sold the adorable baby shoes. Each pair is made by a small team of Colorado moms, using materials that are free of animal cruelty or animal products. There is no plastic in the packaging, to start babies out on an eco-friendly foot.
Parents: Lovers of Quirky Things
Gift: Weird Birds dolls and stuffies, handmade by Denver mom Elizabeth Endicott, bring whimsy and warmth to a babe’s toy collection. The dolls come in a range of skin tones and some are gender neutral; each creation’s colorful patterns include reclaimed fabrics such as worn clothing or curtain clippings. Endicott’s designs take inspiration from her four-year-old, Talula, plus a practice of “embracing [her] weirdness.” Popular items like kitty sets and baby-wearing dolls are in stock year-round. Small batches of different designs (for example, mermaids) are released seasonally.
Parents: The Sentimental Types
Gift: Amy Zhang’s illustrated cards are a sweet way to say, “Congratulations!” Zhang, a Denver-based artist, crafts fun family-themed cards including a “Push it Real Good” print covering a belly and a “Congrats on Your Little Sprout” with plantable seed paper included. Find more lovely and touching gifts, even a quarterly stationery subscription box, online.
