Baby Showers

Cause-Driven Baby Registry: Finn + Emma

We continue our cause-driven registry campaign this week with Finn+Emma.

Finn + Emma, is a 100% organic baby clothing, toys, play gyms, and accessories one-stop-shop. Finn + Emma is a blend of classic and contemporary, modern and whimsical, stylish and utilitarian baby items, all of which are free from any toxic chemicals. Finn + Emma believes that beautiful and healthy baby items can be both sustainable and stylish; there is no need to sacrifice style to keep your baby safe from chemicals!

Finn + Emma’s play gyms are made from a 100% birch wood frame finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers (free of lead, phthalate, nickel, mercury, and VOC’s). All of the attached wooden toys are non-toxic, made from all natural untreated indian hardwood buffed with vegetable seed wax. The knit dolls were made with phthalate-free rattles inside and hand knit from organic cotton. All of their clothing is 100% organic cotton and uses eco-friendly dyes, safe for your baby’s skin.

Do–goodies (pictured above) are lovies made from upcycled scraps of Finn + Emma products that are soft, hand-sewn in the U.S.A, and best of all — a portion of the purchase will be donated directly to KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play.

Nicole Ryan’s Cause-Driven Baby Registry

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Gugu Guru is so excited to announce the launch of a baby registry which is close to our hearts. Gugu Guru and popular, nationally renowned Sirius XM Radio Hits 1 Morning Mashup host Nicole Ryan have partnered on a campaign to make thoughtful product choices for Nicole’s second baby due in September 2016. Gugu Guru has handpicked select baby companies and products that are tied to a charitable cause and/or are mission-driven for her Cause Driven Baby Registry.

Each Tuesday on the Sirius XM Radio Hits 1 Morning Mash-Up, tune in to “Tell Us Something Good” segment, where Nicole will introduce a brand on this registry for good and discuss how the company gives back. Gugu Guru is teaming up with Nicole to highlight each of these socially conscious brands over here on our blog, along with a giveaway each week!

Here’s a full list of companies which we’ll be highlighting:

Finn + Emma: Creates baby clothes, toys and gifts made from organic cotton and wood with modern stylish prints and colors. Do-goodies are lovies made from upcycled scraps of Finn + Emma products that are soft, hand-sewn in the U.S.A, and best of all — a portion of the purchase will be donated directly to KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to giving all kids the childhood they deserve, filled with balanced and active play.

Loyal Hana is a collection of stylish comfortable garments that enables the modern woman to transition from the bump, the boob and beyond. Loyal Hana hearts baby2baby, which helps over 67,000 children a year in the greater Los Angeles area by distributing new and gently used items to over 50 organizations including homeless and domestic violence shelters, Head Start programs and hospitals.

Lorena Canals: Handmade machine-washable rugs that are stylish and practical. With the purchase of a Lorena Canals rug, a customer helps a child attend school in Nothern India through the company’s Sakula project.

Cuddle + Kind: Ethically produced, hand-knit dolls that help feed children in need. With the purchase of one doll, 10 meals are provided to children in need.

Owlet: The occurrences of healthy infants passing away at home in the crib due to breathing issues is far too high, and many of these deaths are preventable. Owlet hopes for a future where far fewer tragedies are happening to the infants we love so much. The ability to integrate medical technology in a baby sock is going to change that.

4Moms: Makes dramatically better baby gear by leveraging robotics, technology, and innovative design to solve parents’ problems. 4moms Cares is the charitable arm of 4moms. Our mission is to dramatically impact the lives of children and families in need through meaningful product donations, hospital discounts, and by supporting our local communities.

Naturepedic: Naturepedic handcrafts certified organic mattresses without questionable chemicals, providing a healthier night’s sleep for the whole family. Naturepedic supports dozens of organizations like the Environmental Working Group and One Percent for the Planet, promoting environmental stewardship and healthful wellbeing.

DockATot: DockATot is a multi-functional lounging, playing, and snuggling dock for baby and tots 0-36 months that was created with love in Sweden. DockATot will be donating $1 for each DockATot sold on our site during the months of June and July to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12).

TWELVElittle: TWELVElittle creates fashionable and functional diaper bags for the moms and dads who need it all. TWELVElittle dedicated one of their bestsellers – Carry Love Tote to Every Mother Counts, and for every bag sold, are donating 5%. For special occasions and holidays, they dedicate a month to a specific non profit organization for every product sold, donate 5% to the organization.

UPPAbaby: UPPAbaby makes high-quality baby products that fit the needs of your new life as a parent, while appealing to the sense of style you’ve always had. UPPAbaby is committed to giving back and supporting worthy causes and organizations that align with our mission and core company ethos.

Matimati Baby: Matimati Baby designs and makes stylish yet functional baby bandana bibs for all little ones. Through Matimati Baby’s “drooling for a purpose” campaign our brand donates a percentage of all sales to Chain Reaction, a non-profit organization that fights human trafficking in Asia.

Babies4Babies: Creates swaddle blankets with fashion forward prints and colors, made in America. Babies4Babies works with Saving Mothers to help prevent infant deaths in developing countries.

Follow Along!

To follow along week-by-week as Nicole introduces these products and companies, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook – and, as always, Gugu Guru will be posting on our Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, too!

Nicole Ryan's Cause-Driven Baby Registry

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Here’s a full list of companies which we’ll be highlighting:

Cuddle + Kind: Ethically produced, hand-knit dolls that help feed children in need. With the purchase of one doll, 10 meals are provided to children in need.

DockATot: DockATot is a multi-functional lounging, playing, and resting dock for baby and tots 0-36 months that was created with love in Sweden. DockATot will be donating $1 for each DockATot sold on our site during the months of June and July to Project Night Night, an organization that helps homeless children (ages 0-12).

Babies4Babies: Creates swaddle blankets with fashion forward prints and colors, made in America. Babies4Babies works with Saving Mothers to help prevent infant deaths in developing countries.

Follow Along!

Summer Travel Must Haves

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Now that summer is in full swing, it seems families are out and about every chance they can get! Gugu Guru has rounded up some of the best travel must haves for summertime. These also make excellent summer baby shower gifts for a new parent!

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Covered Goods Multi Use Nursing Cover, Bouquet: These multipurpose breastfeeding covers are perfect for travel; they’re lightweight and, as with any functional travel accessory, serve multiple uses! You can use these stylish covers to nurse your baby under, they’re stretchy, breathable, and cover mama in all the right places. Not nursing? These covers make a gorgeous scarf for mama when the weather turns chilly at night, as well as a grocery seat cover, and an infant seat cover. The Bouquet design is colorful for summer days on the beach and the perfect pop of color as a scarf for date nights on vacation! (Use code GUGUGURU15 for 15% off your purchase).

Babymoov Traveler Bag, Heather Grey: Looking for an all-purpose travel baby bag? The Babymoov Traveler Bag, designed in the heart of France, is a carry-all diaper/hospital/travel bag specifically designed with functionality and style in mind. The neutral color of the bag makes it perfect for either mom or dad to carry, and it features a changing mat, pacifier holder, insulated bottle pocket, and storage pocket. The changing pad is stored on the outside of the bag, which makes a quick change in a beach bathroom or airport a breeze. This lightweight bag is perfect for all of your summer adventures.

The Stair Barrier: Heading to a beach house or family vacation this summer? What do you do about all those steps in the house? The Stair Barrier has a solution! The stair barrier is an entirely new brand of safety gate product that is designed specifically for the bottom of the stairs. Made from high quality upholstery fabric, and super easy to install (no drilling!) the barrier is lightweight and easy to travel with. If you’re headed to a new location, simply roll up the Stair Barrier and carry it with you – installation at a new location is super easy, and protects both babies and pets from crawling up the stairs!

GoTo 2in1 Portable Travel High Chair, black: The GoTo 2in1 Portable Travel High Chair is the perfect companion for parents who love to take their baby out to restaurants when they travel. This chair holds an infant car seat at the perfect feeding height, as well as having leg room for a secure and effective highchair. Take it with you on vacation, camping or just use it around the house. The GoTo travel chair also has storage pockets for your baby’s silverware, bibs, napkins and pacifier. It comes with a handy carrying case that neatly fits your foldable high chair. It has a strap for easy carrying and you can haul it on your shoulder like a small duffle bag. It stows unassumingly in the closet or trunk so you can access it whenever you need.

Babyhome’s Emotion Stroller: Looking for a perfect travel stroller? With it’s large basket for trinkets and souvenirs, the Babyhome Emotion Stroller is the ultimate travel companion. With its large seat recline, babies as young as 3 months can use the stroller, which fits easily through all door ways and rides smoothly on even the bumpiest of streets. Most importantly, it is incredibly easy to fold up and stands up right, and out of the way when not in use. With its waterproof canopy, this stroller is wonderful for music festivals, picnics, and the beach!

b.box diaper wallet, mellow lellow: When traveling, quick diaper changes are a must! We’re big fans of the b.box diaper wallet because it is the only diaper wallet with a built in wipes compartment and dual access to wipes. Wipes can be accessed inside when it’s change time, or if you need to quickly clean little fingers, grab a wipe from the external hatch. The wallet comes with an easy to clean changing pad and plenty of room for storage for two disposable diapers or even a spare change of clothes.

Gift Idea Roundup!

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Looking for some gift ideas for all those summertime baby showers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

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Kangovou Kids Dishware Set, Iced Mint: This nine piece food-grade stainless steel kid’s dishware set is free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. Each set includes a food grade stainless steel divided plate which keeps foods separated and provides a built in space for condiments, a flat plate, for larger items such as pizza or sandwiches, stainless steel cereal bowl, used for cold or hot cereal or even soup, stainless steel snack bowl, used for crackers, sliced fruit, yogurt, and a food grade drinking cup, which Includes pop-up drinking straw and Snap on lid to prevent leaks.

Petite Namaste, Damask 3 piece bedding set: This gorgeous aqua and coral colored damask cotton bedding set includes a quilt, fitted sheet and crib skirt. Perfect for any baby girl’s nursery, as it is full of color and pattern!

Belabumbum Ondine Mom & Baby Matching set: A soft 100% Pima cotton set which is sure to become a favorite for both mama and baby! A wonderful baby shower gift for a new mom, this set includes a soft robe and pajama set for mom and matching baby gown. The camisole has easy nursing access, and the pants are comfortable for after delivery and beyond. The baby gown fits 0-3 months, banded bottom for easy changing, and mitten cuffs to protect baby’s hands.

ergoCocoon Summer Swaddle and Sleep Bag, Coral Chevron: This organic cotton, original ergoCocoon swaddle takes all the confusion out of swaddling the baby! It is super stretchy to allow for natural movement and has a 2 way zipper for easy on and off. The coral chevron print is the perfect summer accessory and would match with any brightly colored nursery.

SOZO Little Sprinkler Weeblock: No longer do you have to “watch out!” when changing your baby boy! Underneath the super-soft 2-ply cotton jersey covering lies the secret weapon—an absorbing sponge. Simply place over baby during a diaper change and protect yourself from getting all wet! This machine washable protection is the perfect accompaniment to any baby shower present.

Babymoov Lovenest, Flat-Head Pillow: The Lovenest was created and patented by a French pediatrician to prevent flat-head syndrome, which can sometimes occur in the first weeks of life while the skull is still soft enough to be molded. The Lovenest pillow can be used in any baby bouncer, swing and stroller. The Lovenest can be used from birth to 4 months.

Product Discovery: Lulyboo Lights and Music Lounge

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Now that the weather is warming up, families everywhere are itching to head outside again – sunshine, grass, flowers! But…where do you put a baby when the family is lounging outside? We’re so excited about the LulyBoo Lights and Music Baby Lounge, a perfect companion for your baby, whether you’re inside or outside.

The LulyBoo Lights and Music Lounge is perfect for heading out to a day at the park; it features a waterproof bottom and adjustable shoulder straps. If you’re going to the beach or on a picnic, you can simply wear the LulyBoo like a backpack and have somewhere safe for baby to rest and play. The 3 position canopy means that even if the sun is strong, baby will be protected; and speaking of protection, this lounger also features removable netting, so you can rest easy around mosquitos! Don’t worry about getting the LulyBoo dirty, the breathable mesh fabric is removable and easily washable.

While your baby rests in their lounger, they’ll drift slowly off to sleep while you relax! The LulyBoo Lights and Music comes with a unique soothing unit that rests conveniently on the lounge wall to gently stimulate baby. The unit incorporates mild vibrations, various melodies, and ambient lights to encourage playtime or help baby drift off to sleep. The music box comes with 11 songs and nature sounds, three vibration levels and a rotating color light show to keep baby calm and happy. As baby gets older, they can play with the two toys which hang down from the activity bar.

All of these unique features make the Lulyboo Lights and Music Lounge a wonderful necessity on your next trip to the park, day at the beach, or even just hanging out in your own house. Baby can drift off to sleep with a canopy and netting protecting them, or they can happily play and listen to music in their lounger. Not sure what to bring to a baby shower? This is a gift which will be used and loved many times over!

Gift Idea: NoJo Swaddle Blankets

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It’s no secret that new babies love to be swaddled; it helps keep them calm, feeling safe, and sleepy (we hope!). NoJo, known for their soft and adorable bedding, has released a line of 100% cotton swaddle blankets. Their Just Swaddled three step Secure Me Swaddle Blankets feature adjustable flaps for the perfect fit in three easy steps. When baby feels snug and secure, it allows them to sleep easier and for longer stretches!

The NoJo Swaddle Blankets offer easy access for a quick diaper change in the middle of the night, as well as a back opening which fits most carrier restraints. As we all know babies tend to be messy, so we think it is fantastic that you can buy these swaddles in a 3-pack – you’ll always have a clean swaddle blanket on hand. With their gorgeous graphic patterns and attention to detail in design, the NoJo Secure Me Swaddle Blankets make a perfect baby shower gift! When you’re sleep deprived, sometimes swaddling can be difficult, especially with a squirmy baby – and these Just Swaddled Blankets take all the guess work out of swaddling and allow for a peaceful transition to bedtime for baby and parent!

DIY Flower Bouquet for New Moms

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May is all about Mother’s Day, and while we love to celebrate Mother’s Day – moms, especially new moms, deserve a treat anytime of the year! We asked Carrie Crowell, of Crowell Floral, to share a fun Springtime DIY project: creating a gorgeous flower arrangement which you could bring to any new mom in honor of her hard work and new baby. Take it away, Carrie!

The days and weeks after a baby is born are often filled with visits from excited friends and family, new gifts, helpful (and sometimes unsolicited) advice, a little anxiety and a lot of joy. The best advice I’ve received from a new mother is that visitors should keep their drop-ins short and sweet, to which I might add: why not leave behind a memorable and happy floral arrangement?

If you are feeling adventurous, it would be even more special if you created the arrangement yourself for the new mama and baby to admire during those sleepless nights. I love delphinium, spirea, queen anne’s lace, pink and white roses, snapdragons, sweet peas, anemones, and other delicate flowers. It’s best to avoid overbearing scents (like lilies and geraniums) and focus on a soft color palette and gentle fragrances. These brand new days should be acknowledged with beauty and tenderness.

Below you will find a step by step guide on how to create something spectacular and special for mama and baby.

Step 1: Gather your supplies (any craft or floral store should have all you need): proper floral shears, opaque vase (if using foam), oasis/floral foam, flower food, a few different types of flowers from your local grocery store, wholesaler, or farmer: greenery, (ex. eucalyptus, Italian ruscus, or lemon leaf), a focal flower (ex. peony, rose, or dahlias), “wispy” elements and secondary focal flowers (ex. delphinium, larkspur, veronica, astilbe or ranunculus), base flowers (ex. hydrangea, hyacinths, etc)

Step 2: Soak oasis in water and flower food until saturated and decide if you want to do a front facing arrangement for a mantle or against a wall or a full arrangement for a table.

Step 3: Start with the greenery – have some pieces drape over the sides and some going straight up. Here I used Eriostemon.

Step 4: Then add your wisps and secondary flowers. I used spirea, larkspur, and ranunculus at various heights.

Step 5: Begin using some base focal flowers to fill in and cover up the oasis. This step creates a buoyant and bountiful arrangement. I used hyacinth and hellebores.

Step 6: Finally, add your main attraction! I used peonies. Make sure all the oasis is hidden and there aren’t any bald spots and that all the stems are in the foam to insure they are all getting a good drink.

Happy Mother’s day to new moms, veteran mamas, and all those who guide and love us like a mother.

All photos by Katrina Sorrentino for Gisele and George

Carrie Crowell was born in Nashville, TN and grew up spending her time between New York City and Nashville due to the beauty of joint custody. She loves dogs; casseroles; a good book; her parents; temperate overcast weather; thunderstorms; a well-set table; and of course, flowers.

Carrie lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and their two dogs (including logo mascot, Millie, as illustrated by Alix Pentecost-Farren).

Product Discovery: Finn + Emma

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

When registering for baby items, and here at Gugu Guru, we often look for products which are not only safe on baby’s skin, but stylish too! Which is why we’re big fans of Finn + Emma, a 100% organic baby clothing, toys, play gyms, and accessories one-stop-shop. Finn + Emma is a blend of classic and contemporary, modern and whimsical, stylish and utilitarian baby items, all of which are free from any toxic chemicals. Finn + Emma believes that beautiful and healthy baby items can be both sustainable and stylish; there is no need to sacrifice style to keep your baby safe from chemicals!

As baby spends a lot of time rolling around on the floor, Finn + Emma has designed a play gym which will follow your little one into toddlerhood. Made from a 100% birch wood frame finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers (free of lead, phthalate, nickel, mercury, and VOC’s), the play gym is both helpful for baby to learn motor skills as well as stylish for any room in your house. All of the attached wooden toys, beyond being adorable, are non-toxic, made from all natural untreated indian hardwood buffed with vegetable seed wax. The knit dolls were made with phthalate-free rattles inside and hand knit from organic cotton. All of the toys from any of the gyms are interchangeable and can also be used on your stroller bar or a high chair!

As a perfect companion to the play gym, baby will love spending tummy time and beyond on the colorful and non-toxic play mat. Finn + Emma’s play mats are made from super soft organic cotton and non-toxic, eco-friendly dyes. The light padding makes it also a perfect changing mat or stroller liner; as an added plus, the play mats are easily washed in your regular washing machine.

The new Robot Collection is a modern twist on classic apparel and baby toys. Adorable for both boys and girls, this collection features clothing, bandanas, teethers, play gyms, play mats, and toys – all with a fun robot and space theme!

Using a more subtle pink-toned palette, the new Hipster Collection, chock full of toys, clothing, rattles, blankets, and more, is perfect for the baby girl in your life. Full of adorable little dolls, bikes, and geometric shapes, this stylish collection would make a perfect baby shower gift. Both the Hipster and Robot collections feature dolls, teethers and rattles which have loops on them, and will attach to any of Finn + Emma’s play gyms or mats.

Trend Spotter: Just For You

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

1. Limited Edition Personalized Mint & Salmon Headwraps ($20) available from Jennifer Ann Put your little girl’s name on one of our headwraps and she’ll have a truly one-of-a-kind and unique headwrap! Great for babies and toddlers.

2. Organic Personalized Baby Blanket and Hat Set ($17.50+) available from Petunia on Etsy. Super soft and stretchy organic interlock knit fabric printed with my digital designs. They look so cute tightly wrapped around your little one. It makes a brilliant baby gift and looks wonderful in pictures. It is sure to be an instant favorite.

3. Personalized Pacifier clip ($16.422) available from Boiteadoudou on Etsy.Handmade with wooden beads and acrylic or wooden letters, the pacifier-clip measure 8 inches to avoid any risk of strangulation of the child. The cord used is a 100% Polyester.

4. Custom Wooden Name Sign available from lucysletters123 on Etsy. (Starting at $50) Our name signs are 100% customized just for you and make wonderful keepsakes for your homes and nurseries. Each custom sign is hand-cut, hand-sanded and painted by me.

5. St. Tropez Stroller Blanket ($12) available from Pottery Barn Kids. This soft design keeps little ones comfortable and stylish with its tile-inspired pattern.

6. CUSTOM ‘STANDARD BANNER’ ($9) available from Daydreams and Dandelions. All custom banners are hand painted and custom made to suit your wishes.

7. Little Miss – Little Mister($19)available from Newborn Must Haves. The onesies are made of 100% cotton and will be made every friday. All orders before thursday 11:00 AM are made and send on Friday. Newborn Musthaves print the onesies themselves, with professional equipment (no iron).

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