Sick of the usual newborn presents?

Well get on board the Baby Blankie Express  for some unique and fun gifts for newborns and mothers. 

Carla, owner/designer of Baby Blankie Express came up with the idea of the personalised gifts after she sent her friend a bouquet of flowers in the hospital after the birth of her child, only to find when she visited her friend that the flowers she sent were left at the nurses station as her friend had been inundated with gifts of flowers and balloons.

You can purchase a range of beautiful gifts from the website.  There are adorable nappy stacks, personalised blankets, plates and teddies,  beautiful baskets with teddies and bottles as well as  personalised bath robes, bath hampers and towels.

Any child would love to snuggle up in these beautiful and unique blankets that they can cherish forever.  Carla has also created some wonderful gift boxes that would make the perfect present for the new mother or mother to be. 

Baby Blankie Express deliver Monday through to Friday anywhere in Australia.  Contact Carla for delivery costs as they vary with size and delivery location for each purchase.

Living in Australia, we all love a day out in the sun and water. With the range from salt sea tees you can take comfort knowing your children are protected in this adorable collection.

Itch Design was created in 2005 by full time mum and graphic designer Jodi Walker.  It has a strong focus on stimulating the creative young mind and serves up an eclectic mix of super cool tees, and pieces inspired by edgy adult fashion. 

If you’re looking for something a little different - something you wouldnt find in the run of the mill chain stores, then Itch Design is for you.  You can purchase trendy tees with funky matching shorts, dresses, jeans, bedding and gorgeous malomine plates that kids will go crazy for.  The fabric for the designs are bright, bold and fun with elephants, crocodiles, owls, and jellyfish prints to name a few.

You can view the 2008 and 2009 ranges on the website and purchase from selected stockists around the country or buy online from great boutiques like Cheeky Little Monsters, and Modern Little Munchkins.  There are a few sales on the websites at the moment with up to 50% off the cost of Itch Designs so check them out!

When putting together a child’s nursery there are a lot of elements to take into consideration. Will the room have a theme - What colours to use - Are the items going to grow with your child so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep it updated?

For me, the answers to all these questions and more where easier to answer when I came across The Modern Baby Co.

Stocking a great range of simple, modern bedding sets (including cots and toddler beds) blankets, decorative pillows, mobiles and wall art. The Modern Baby Co has all the answers to create a beautiful modern room that will remain stylish for many of your child’s first years.

I have a cot quilt and cushions for each of my children and can’t believe how soft and cuddly they are. I wish that they where made in a king size ….come to think of it, the fabric used are much nicer than a lot of the bedding available for us parents!

The Modern Baby Co. is located and manufactured in the U.S.A however the good news is they do ship to Australia, postage being quite resonable, set at $22USD for a quilt set. There are many Australian online stores that stock a selected range if you prefer to shop within Australia, for details on stockists click here.

The Modern Baby Co also have a delightful range of rompers, bibs, change mats and burp cloths available.

Ouch is a beautiful clothing range designed by Donna Schneider who was inspired by her life, travels and fashion background.  The clothing range is cleverly constructed with soft cottons and knitwear focusing on design and creativity as well as detail and quality. There is also an adorable selection of knit toys, matching pyjamas, funky rainboots, adorable wraps and socks to choose from.

The clothes range from newborn to 12 years, making it easy for your children to look hip right through to their tennage years.

You can view the 2007 and 2008 ranges on the website and purchase from selected stockists around the country or buy online from great boutiques like 5 little monkeys.

The most exciting news is that the Summer 09 season will be released in the next few weeks.  We will keep you in the know as soon as the new season is available for purchase.

I came to know Tea Pony through shopping on the Belle and Boo website I came accross the Belle and Boo Dress designed by Tea Pony, from their I jumped over to the Tea Pony Shop and instantly fell in love.

Tea Pony was founded in 2007 by Esa West & Luke Cooper in their home town of Byron Bay, Australia after the birth of their daughter Coco. With a love of vintage fabrics from her own childhood, Esa creates outfits that are unique one-offs, transforming old school fabric into new styles. Coming from a work background in garment production, designing and with a Diploma in Pattern making, Esa launched her own company Tea Pony after looking for unique outfits for her own child.

You will find cute little tutu skirts, funky jackets, divine dresses and breath taking rompers to fit 0-4 years.

To find out who stocks Tea Pony visit their Stockist page  or wait til later this month when you will be able to buy direct from their website. (We will keep you posted on the launch)

Walnut shoes are so hip that every mother will want their little ones to be running about in them.  They have a fantastic new range that will be instores within the next few weeks.  The shoes are bold, edgy with a modern look.  We love the Mary Jane Polka Dot designs - with these on any little girl would be the envy of her friends!

Walnut was established in January 2007 as a brand that would take children’s footwear in a refreshing new direction.  They are affordable, well made, classic, comfortable and super stylish.

To make the deal even sweeter you can indulge yourself as they also design adult sizes (photo below) as well as tights, socks, caps and hats. 

You can shop online or they are available from selected stores in Melboure, Australia.  There is also a handy sizing chart on the website for easy reference.  The shoes start from $29.95.

Three Little Trees is a childrens clothing company created by mums Kate and Jacqui.  They have created a  bold and stunning range of clothing that is equally practical.  Their winter fabric collection has been collaborated with talented UK illustrator Sandra Isaksson of ISAK. 

The current winter collection consists of clothing for both boys and girls and also gorgeous bedding. 

As an added bonus you can purchase Three Little Trees hair accessories designed by Flirty Bird.  Any little girl would look adorable with matching dress and clips.

With every item ordered you will receive native seeds attached to the swing tag (varies from country to country depending on where the garments are sold) teaching children about our environment while having fun planting the seeds.

Shipping starts at $9.50 AU with Express Post.

(Photographs taken by fran from lumin-essence.com.au)

If you’re like me and love dressing your little ones in matching bibs, rompers & hats you will Love Noo Designs.   

 Noo transforms your little one into an adorable creature with clothing and accessories that are charming, fun and playful.

Noo is created and designed by Sydney Northern Beaches mum of two  - Belinda Robinson.  The outfits are versatile, being comfortable for everyday wear but also great for that special occasion when you want them to stand out from the crowd.

Noo Designs are launching a new Summer range which include sun hats, nappy pants, bibs and rompers starting from just $9.99.  They are all available in bee, cow, ladybug and zebra.  Each outfit also comes in a gorgeous designer gift bag that matches the outfit of your choice. 

 Postage is a flat fee of $5.00 Australia wide for each item ordered.

Gorjuss is a new label that is creating quite a buzz in Australia and Singapore. Located in NSW, Australia, Gorjuss features handmade girls clothing from 6mths to 5yrs.The clothing label is all about great fabric and having little girls dress pretty while still being functional for them to wear - what is the point of looking great if you can’t have fun?  You will find stunning dresses, oriental pant suits, old fashioned rompers and beautiful bloomers with Postage costs starting at $7.00 within Australia, shipping also available worldwide.