My Chicago Kid Holiday Gift Guide

Over the past few weeks, I've been hard at work on my Chicago Kid Holiday Gift Guide.

I reached out to some of my favorite local vendors (like Psycho Baby, Bullfrogs & Butterflies, Building Blocks, and Green Genes) in search of gift ideas with Chicago ties.

Together, we came up with a pretty darn good gift guide (if I do say so myself). All of these gift ideas celebrate our great city in some way. Your Chicago kid would be thrilled to receive any of them.

I hope you'll take a minute to check out the list -- and support these fabulous local businesses (all of whom agreed to donate their featured items to the deserving kiddos at Association House).

Happy Holidays to you and your Chicago kids!

Lil' Sluggers Baseball knocks it out of the ballpark

Nearly every day, my four year-old son Brendan comes into my room around 6:15 a.m. and asks me, "Is today my baseball day?"

He is referring to his weekly Lil' Sluggers class. For nearly a year now, Brendan has been participating in the Lil' Sluggers baseball program for kids age 2-8.

He loves it. I love it. My (former college baseball player) husband loves it.

I can honestly tell you that this my absolute favorite Chicago-area extracurricular program our family has participated in. Ever. Yes, seriously.

What makes it so great, you ask?

Lil' Sluggers teaches baseball fundamentals to kids ages 2-8 in a fun, positive setting. The program offers instructional classes and well as league play. Boys and GIRLS are welcome (you go get 'em little ladies).

My son Brendan has been enrolled in a Lil' Sluggers class since January of 2010 (so we are in our fourth seasonal session). He has had the same coaches for all four sessions. The same coaches -- how rare is that? They know my son's name, his strengths and his weaknesses. Brendan knows and trusts them. In his mind, they are rock stars (Matt, Noah, and Callie -- I am talking about you). All of the coaches are consistently positive, kind and knowledgeable. And that is the real strength of the program, in my opinion. Plus, Brendan absolutely adores each and every class -- and kids know a good thing when they see it.

Each class is a series of face-paced drills. The low coach-to-kid ratio means that no one wastes time standing around waiting for their turn -- one of the many coaches is always right there working on a skill or encouraging the kids to cheer on their teammates. This format works really well, given that kids in this age group tend to have super short attention spans.

I'm no Ernie Banks (obviously), but even I can see that my four year-old is learning important fundamentals -- like using two hands to catch, sliding with one foot tucked under, and developing a consistent hitting approach.

Lil' Sluggers is a year-round program. Summer baseball takes place outside and indoor instruction is offered for the remainder of the year. We've taken classes at BASH Academy, Windy City Fieldhouse, and Waveland Park. I can recommend all of those locations to you.

Until now, Lil' Sluggers has been a city-kid-only offering. However, the program has recently expanded into the suburbs for the upcoming winter session. Your little slugger can now get in on the action in Glenview and Northfield as well.

Thinking about signing up? Have questions about how the program works? Email Coach Jeff Kapp at info@lilsluggerschicago.com.

Jeff is the man at the helm of Lil' Sluggers. He is an experienced player and coach and is very hands-on in his management of this program (trust me, he will know your kid's name too). Go ahead and email him. He will genuinely welcome your inquiries (as he has mine).

Registration for the winter session is taking place now (so get going on that). Registration for the Holiday Camps (December 27-30 at several city and suburban locations) is also ongoing -- although the Windy City Fieldhouse location is now full.

My little guy Colin is about to turn two - which means that he is almost eligible to become a Lil' Slugger himself (he can't wait to get in the game after a year of watching his big brother play). Starting soon, there will be two little faces standing next to my bed each morning asking, "Mommy is today my baseball day?"

Cross-posted at Wee Windy City.

Disclosure: Lil' Sluggers is a new sponsor here at A Hen and Two (now Three) Chicks. I am working with Coach Jeff and his crew to spread the word about their excellent program.

It's not the Greatest Show on Earth but . . . .

On Wednesday night, we headed out to see the The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey show at the United Center. This has become an annual family outing for my kids and nephews.

Ms. Eleanor was excited to see the "small dogs perform." My nephew Finn was looking forward to the motorcycle extravaganza. And nearly three-year-old Seamus was nervous that the tigers wouldn't be in cages (who can blame him).

The theme of this year's show is FUNundrum. The show was intense and action-packed (maybe a little too action packed?). At any given time, there were four or five different things taking place. It was hard for me to know where to focus my attention -- and I imagine that it was tough for the little kids too.

For us, the highlights included the elephants, trapeze artists, contortionists (my 6 year-old daughter confidently announced that she thought she could perform all of their amazing feats -- which she cannot). And the of course, there were the seven motorcycles driving at full speed inside a metal cage. Trust me when I tell you that you've never seen anything like this.

The circus is in town at the United Center through November 28th. This might be a perfect activity for one night next week when the kiddos are out of school. You can even get 4 tickets for a weekday show for $44 dollars if you use the code "MOMS."

Warning: This Post Might Act as an Appetite Suppressant

FYI: This fun mess was made with a tasty and simple spaghetti with chickpeas recipe from Smitten Kitchen (in case you care to recreate it in your own kitchen -- the mess or the recipe).

The Best of the Best at Bullfrogs & Butterflies (plus a $100 gift card giveaway)

I am lucky to live in a neighborhood where I am surrounded by many fabulous, independently-owned shops that sell basically anything my family needs. One of my very favorite Wicker Park shops is Bullfrogs & Butterflies (a new sponsor here on A Hen and Two (now Three) Chicks!).

This wonderful kid's store has been serving my baby-and-kid-related needs since it opened in 2007. It is my go-to spot for everything from new baby presents to birthday gifts for kids under age four to basics for my own kids (like the adorable knit winter hat I just picked up for Colin a few weeks ago).

Kristen, the owner of Bullfrogs & Butterflies, carefully selects the items that she sells in her store. She doesn't have shelves filled with every baby-and-kid product or line out there -- she just carries the very best ones.

For the wee ones and mamas-to-be, she has strollers, slings, swaddle blankets, and diaper bag necessities. For the toddler set, Bullfrogs & Butterflies offers adorable and comfy clothes, shoes, accessories (like the cutest hair clips you've ever seen), plus great books and toys.

The store basically stocks everything you need to keep your kid looking cute and having fun until age four or so. Hooray for one-stop shopping!

And I love that I can always find what I am looking for when I come to the store in search of a gift -- every single time.

Bullfrogs & Butterflies has some special holiday events coming up that I wanted to mention (if you were thinking about checking out the store, these would be great times to do it).

On Saturday, December 4th and Saturday, December 11th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., shoppers can take (free!) photos with Santa, snack on cookies and snacks, enjoy holiday music and get special deals on toys.

Bullfrogs & Butterflies also has some other money-saving opportunities coming up as well. For every $50 you spend, you get $5 in Bullfrogs & Butterflies bucks back (redeemable from January 15th-31st). And those of you who sign up for the newsletter (right there on the left-hand sidebar on the website) or become a fan of the store on Facebook can get in the "Deal of the Week" and other special savings offers.

You can also get $5 off any purchase of $25 or more. Use coupon code XM5N2010 to shop online or print this post and bring it in to receive the $5 off any purchase of $25 or more in store (offer expires 12/24/10 and is limited to 1 per person).

And I've got one last piece of good news for you! Bullfrogs & Butterflies is giving away a $100 gift card to help one lucky reader kick-off their holiday shopping. The gift card can be used online or in the store. Want to enter to win? I've got a few different ways that you can enter:

(1) Leave a comment on this post telling me what is on your kid's holiday wish list this year (or just say hi and leave me your email address).

(2) Become a fan of Bullfrogs & Butterflies on Facebook. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this).

(3) Sign up for the Bullfrogs & Butterflies newsletter on their website. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this).

(4) Follow @BullfrogsShop on Twitter. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this).

(5) Retweet this giveaway (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this):

• Enter to win a $100 gift card to @BullfrogsShop, courtesy of @weewindycity. http://snurl.com/1guzea
  

So that's 5 different ways to enter to win. All entries must be received by midnight CST on Wednesday, November 24th. I will select a winner using Random.org. Don't forget to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win!

Disclosure: I am working with Bullfrogs & Butterflies to help spread the word about their fabulous store and website. I am being compensated for my efforts. Cross-posted at Wee Windy City.

This One is Important: Making Holiday Military Care Packages

I don't mean to by pushy or anything, but I wanted to suggest an idea for a family project that is perfect for the upcoming holiday season: you should make a care package to send to someone in the military who won't be home with their own families for Thanksgiving or Christmas this year.

We made a package for my cousin Brian who is in the Army. My kids loved participating in this easy project (and hopefully Brian liked the notes and goodies we sent along).

I wrote a story about the basics of assembling packages (with lots of helpful links) and a suggestion for a homemade craft that your kids can include in the box for the November issue of Chicago Parent. If you are looking for ideas on how to get started assembling your own care packages, you can have a look here and here.

Collie Bear

Colin can talk now. He communicates his thoughts, observations and needs with (relative) clarity. These new verbal developments make him even cuter (in my opinion).

However, he is a wee bit demanding. For example, he uses his new-found words to say things like:

• "New song right now!" (when we are driving around town and the children's music isn't to his liking)
• "Want two lollies" (he has two hands so he obviously needs a lollipop for each)
• "Keep my jammie pants on" (when he refuses to remove his pajamas each and every morning)
• "More sausa, peeeeese." (As he finishes up his third breakfast sausage of the day)
  
• "My my, where are youuuuuu!" (while searching his house for his beloved blanket "my my")
• "Night night in mama bed dada bed, peeeeeese! (No Colin. Just no.)

Things are going to be very interesting with this two year-old boy, me thinks.

Four Days of Giveaways from Grow Modern Organic Kids: Final Day!

Sara is hosting the final day of Four Days of Giveaways from Grow over on her blog. The theme of the package today is "kids" and this collection of goodies would be a good start to your holiday shopping for the kiddos!

Go on over to Sara's blog and enter to win! But hurry - this giveaway ends at midnight CST tonight!

Four Days of Giveaways from Grow Modern Organic Kids: Day Three

And the awesome giveaways keep coming! Today, I am focusing on the "organic" aspect of Grow Modern Organic Kids. In fact, I think that organic and non-toxic products are really at the heart of what Grow is all about.

Back in 2009, I was researching organic clothing for my story The Organic Option in Chicago Parent Magazine. That is actually how I met Deree Kobets, the owner of Grow. I interviewed Deree for my story and she was an amazing source of information about why it is important to feed our kids organically and also surround them with non-toxic, organic products when possible. I learned so much from her and really came to value her sensible approach to this sometimes complicated and confusing topic.

Deree says, "Our society has recently gotten smarter about eating organically. Our skin is our largest organ. Just as it releases toxins when we perspire, our skin absorbs what surrounds it. Therefore, our clothing, bath & body products even car seats and toys matter when it comes to our skin." Make sense, right?

Deree proudly features non-toxic and organic products in her store. Some of my favorites include Kate Quinn 100% certified organic cotton clothing for babies and toddlers (love, love, love this line), the Orbit car seat (the only car seat that is certified non-toxic), and an awesome selection of non-toxic toys from Plan Toys and Green Toys.

Today, Grow is giving away the following package of items to one lucky reader (see the photo above):

• amenity organic fitted sheet
• amenity organic hiding bunny blanket
• olli and lime organic pillow
  

Here's how you can enter to win this beautiful collection of organic items:

(1) Leave a comment on this post. You can tell me about your favorite non-toxic or organic products for your kids. Or you can just leave me your email address. It's up to you.

(2) Become a Follower of the Grow blog by clicking here and adding yourself as a follower. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this).

(3) Become a fan of Grow's Facebook Page. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this.)

(4) If you use Twitter, retweet this giveaway for another entry. (Leave a separate comment to let me know you've done this). You could even say something like:

• RT@weewindycity Giveaway: Organic bedding from Grow Modern Organic Kids! http://snurl.com/1emnqu #growmodern.

Each person can enter up to 4 separate times. All entries must be received by midnight CST on Thursday, November 4, 2010. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will notify the winner on Friday, November 5, 2010. Be sure to leave your email address so we can find you if you are the lucky winner!

Disclosure: I am being compensated to coordinate this awareness campaign and event for Grow.

Four Days of Giveaways from Grow Modern Organic Kids: Day Two

Time for another giveaway from Grow Modern Organic Kids!

Today, my partner Sara (Self-Made Mom) is focusing on what it really means to be raising "modern" organic kiddos. Plus, she is giving away this (quite spectacular) Skip Hop “Versa” diaper bag to one lucky mommy. This is an affordable, chic, every day diaper bag – and it is BPA, PVC, and Phthalate-free. It gives me a serious case of diaper bag envy.

Want to enter to win this great bag (for you or a friend who could use a diaper bag update)? Head on over to Sara's blog to enter!

Four Days of Giveaways from Grow Modern Organic Kids: Day One

This is going to be an exciting week here on A Hen and Two (now Three) Chicks! My friend Sara Fisher and I are coordinating a great event called "Growing a Modern Organic Family" this Thursday night at Grow (a fabulous local boutique for modern organic kids).

We are so excited to spend the night with Chicago-area moms -- munching on organic goodies and learning more about how to make smart purchases for our family, courtesy of Deree Kobets (who owns Grow and knows her stuff when it comes to organic and non-toxic products for babies and kids).

We know that everyone can't make it to the big event -- but we wanted all of our readers to be able to participate in this awareness campaign. So we've planned 4 days of online giveaways from Grow.

Starting today, Sara and I will be featuring different items from Grow (and chatting a bit about the philosophy behind the store). And then we are giving all of these fabulous items away to our readers!

Today, we are focusing on the many ways that our kids and families "grow." As parents, we are faced with daily choices about the type of environment we create for the constantly-changing little people in our lives. Parents have lots of (maybe too many?) choices when it comes to furnishing their homes and outfitting their kids. The reality is that not all of the products on the market are safe for our families.

I think that Deree Kobets says it well: "If a child is surrounded by natural and non-toxic products, they will grow naturally."

After purchasing a ton of stuff for my three kids over the past seven years, I've learned that I am better off spending my (very hard-earned, thank you very much) money on a few quality, multi-functional items that endure and "grow" with our family. When it comes down to it, I'd rather invest in a few quality items than a bunch of cheap junk that my kids just end up breaking or destroying.

At Grow, Deree has done a lot of the leg work for you when it comes to choosing durable, non-toxic items. Her store features non-toxic, organic mattresses in crib and twin sizes by Naturepedic and non-toxic cribs like the Eicho by Spot On Square and alma crib by bloom. Deree can help you make smart choices when it comes to purchasing essential items that will "grow" with your growing family (like that very important mattress that your kids are going to be sleeping on every night).

Today, Grow is giving away the following package of items to one lucky reader:

• dwell organic circles bib & burp set ($35)
  
• boon non-toxic benders ($6)
  
• chapter one organic wash cloth & bath towel ($32)
  
• little twig organic bubble bath ($11)
  

Here's how you can enter to win this awesome collection of baby items:

(1) Leave a comment on this post. You can tell me about an item that you've purchased for your kids that has really "grown" with them. Or you can just leave me your email address. It's up to you.

(2) Become a Follower of the Grow blog by clicking here and adding yourself as a follower. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this).

(3) Become a fan of Grow's Facebook Page. (Leave a separate comment telling me that you've done this.)

(4) If you use Twitter, retweet this giveaway for another entry. (Leave a separate comment to let me know you've done this). You could even say something like:

• RT@weewindycity Check out The Four Days of Giveaways from Grow Modern Organic Kids http://snurl.com/1e88cy #growmodern.

Each person can enter up to 4 separate times. All entries must be received by midnight CST on Thursday, November 4, 2010. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. I will notify the winner on Friday, November 5, 2010. Be sure to leave your email address so we can find you if you are the lucky winner!

Disclosure: I am being compensated to coordinate this awareness campaign and event for Grow.