2010 in review

The stats helper monkeys at WordPress.com mulled over how this blog did in 2010, and here’s a high level summary of its overall blog health:

The Blog-Health-o-Meter™ reads Minty-Fresh™.

Crunchy numbers

A Boeing 747-400 passenger jet can hold 416 passengers. This blog was viewed about 2,000 times in 2010. That’s about 5 full 747s.

 

In 2010, there were 18 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 55 posts. There were 42 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 3mb. That’s about 4 pictures per month.

The busiest day of the year was November 15th with 29 views. The most popular post that day was Beba Bean organic bamboo baby clothing – the perfect Baby Shower Gift.

Where did they come from?

The top referring sites in 2010 were laretrogifts.com, facebook.com, mycrazyreader.info, blogsurfer.us, and healthfitnesstherapy.com.

Some visitors came searching, mostly for gus fink, smile child, art toys, small fruity soaps iseals for gift packs, and retro gifts.

Attractions in 2010

These are the posts and pages that got the most views in 2010.

1

Beba Bean organic bamboo baby clothing – the perfect Baby Shower Gift March 2009
3 comments

2

Puzzle Piece Soap featured in Cool Mom Picks Holiday Gift Guide November 2009

3

Gus Fink Art Toys = Tween & Teen Nirvana February 2009

4

Working together – Melissa and Doug January 2009

5

About Gift Gab and La Retro Gifts June 2008
1 comment

La Retro Gifts Guide: Top 10 Picks for Infants

This year, celebrate the classics with time-tested favorites that top our “best gift” list.

To Mommy & Daddy Christmas Present Bodysuit

To Mommy and Daddy, From Santa

Santa's Little Helper

Celebrate your child for the gift that he is with this adorable onesie that has him all wrapped up for the holidays. How did Santa know he was just what you wanted?

Santa’s Little Helper Bodysuit

What’s even cuter than an elf? Your baby in this whimsical bodysuit! Santa would be lucky to have your little one as his helper.
Brainy Baby Zebra/Giraffe Flip Around Friend

This playtime pal will delight babies with its varying shapes and textures. Parents or little ones can rotate the head and rings to create a zany zebra or giggle-inducing giraffe. Bonus: This cute critter comes with activity cards that suggest fun ways for parents and kids to interact with this new friend.

Lion Lubie

Lubies

We love Lubies! Good for babies from birth, these adorable plush pets are shaped like a ball – which makes them not only super-cute but also perfectly playable. The hardest part: Deciding whether to take home the rabbit, lion, dog, black bear or cat. They’re all so lovable that we say, the more the merrier!

Infant Bangle Bracelet

 

Lily – 14K Rose Gold Overlay Bangle Bracelet

If you’re looking for a truly special and memorable gift, we suggest these gorgeous bracelet. It’s etched with a beautiful leaf pattern and delicate enough to dangle prettily on even the daintiest of wrists.

iPood Hat in Blue

iPood Bodysuits and Hats

High-tech babies will be right in style decked out in an iPood bodysuit and hat. This silly set is guaranteed to get lots of laughs.

Baby Rocker Hoodie

Lock Up Your Daughters Baby Bodysuit, Hat and Hoodie

Got a budding bad boy on your gift list? Warn the little ladies by dressing him in this cheeky retro bodysuit, hat and hoodie.

ABCD Bodysuit in Pink

ABCD Rocker Retro Ringer Tee Funny Baby Bodysuit, Hat and Bibs

Pay homage to your fave old school hair rocker bands with this hilariously hip bodysuit. We love the hoodie, beanie hats and bibs too!

Princess Rubber Ducky Handcrafted Glycerin Soap

Princess Rubber Duck Soap

The rubber ducky is a classic favorite but this one is cuter than most! Decked out in a tiara and holding a wand, she’s perfect for making bath time extra fun. Parents love that our ducky diva is vegetable-based and hypoallergenic.

Beba Bean Bamboo Swaddling and Clothing

Beba Bean Pink Infant Sacque

Nothing is softer than Beba Bean Bamboo Swaddling Blankets, Infant Sacques and Hats.  For extra warmth, add a cuddly cotton, retro inspired sweater.  You can never go wrong with Beba Bean – it’s simply precious.

Hostess Gifts That Will Get You Invited Back!

From cocktail parties to holiday open houses, chances are your social calendar is beginning to fill up! Take some time now to pick up a few hostess gifts, and you’ll be prepared for any invitation that lands in your mailbox (or email in-box). Here are some things we love to give (and would be happy to receive):

• Lavender Bee Bar. This all-natural soap contains pampering ingredients such as shea butter, sweet almond oil and essential oils. Even better, its beautiful packaging makes it perfect for giving.
• Breakfast basket. Put together a small basket stocked with coffee, scones or muffins and a jar of jam or preserves. It will be a welcome treat for your hostess the morning after her big shindig.
• A bottle of quality olive oil. Instead of the expected bottle of wine, gift your hostess with a bottle of olive oil that she can drizzle on salads or other dishes.
• Pretty dishtowels. They make a thoughtful gift that comes in handy in any kitchen.
• Monogrammed cocktail napkins. You can pick these up inexpensively in many home stores. Pair them with a can or dish of nuts for a great gift.

La Retro Gifts Guide: Top 10 Picks for Big Kids (ages 6 to 9)

This year, celebrate the classics with time-tested favorites that top our “best gift” list.

Shoot A Loop Retro Tin Game

Shoot-A-Loop Tin Retro Marble Game
This timeless game is a sure-fire winner for kids ages 5 and up! We love its funky vintage look, and kids are happy to compete for hours to see who can rack up the highest score by launching the marbles around the loop and into the numbered slots. This classic is destined to be a family favorite for years to come.

My Pet Fish Soap in a Bag

My Pet Fish
We want these for our tub! This quirky take on the classic carnival prize gives even the most resistant bather incentive to lather up. Use up the clear, veggie-based glycerin soap and kids are rewarded with a toy fish. Stick one of these super soaps in your child’s stocking for a fun surprise!

Bubba the Black Bear

Bubba the Bear Zoobies Pet

Meet your child’s new bedtime buddy! This Zoobie may look like just a cuddly stuffed animal but he’s also a pillow and blanket. Kids love to cozy up to him for reading and he’s the perfect travel companion for an overnight to Grandma’s house.

Woodsman Hat
Your young adventurer will be ready for action when he dons this jaunty chapeau – the preferred topper of

Woodsmans Hat made in USA

beloved characters including Robin Hood and Peter Pan. Combine the plumed hat with our suede cloth cape and kids will be ready to conquer the forest, er, backyard.

Child’s Pirate Gear Booty Bag by Fairy Finery
Ahoy, matey! No self-respecting plunderer should set sail without this trio of pirate must-haves: an eye patch (natch!), telescope and treasure map. Leave this popular set

Building Logs made in the USA

off your gift list and you just may be forced to walk the plank!

Classic Log Fort Building Set
Budding architects will have a ball bringing their visions to life with this classic 140-piece wood set made in the USA by Roy Toy. It comes with building instructions but is also perfect for open-ended play that encourages kids to dream up their own

Frog in a Spaceship Puppet

creations.

Frog in Space Ship Plush Hand Puppet
We think this unique puppet from Folkmanis is simply out of this world. Slip it on like a glove and manipulate your fingers to get your froggy friend to steer his spaceship and kick his legs. This awesome amphibian is ideal for putting on an amusing one “man”

Knight Puppet

show or teaming up with fellow puppets for an encore performance.

Knight Puppet
Waiting for your knight in shining armor? Well, here he is. Let this hand-detailed puppet rescue you from the abyss of boring gifts with his clever moveable mouth and special rod that allows young puppeteers to operate his hand.

The Amazing Silly Straw
Here’s a blast from the past that no kid can resist: clear plastic “glasses” that double as a straw. Your beverage of choice

Silly Straw

takes the scenic route – bear right at the nose – and ends up in your mouth. Grab a pair for everyone in your family and mealtime will never be the same again!

May the Force Be With You Hoodie or T-Shirt
Help the Star Wars fans on your list showcase their loyalty to their favorite flick by gifting them with a quality hoodie or t-shirt with a classic line from the movies. Wannabe Lukes and Leias will think it’s the best gift in the galaxy.

La Retro Gifts Guide: Top 10 Picks for Toddlers

This year, celebrate the classics with time-tested favorites that top our “best gift” list.

ABC Natural Glycerin Soap

ABC Natural Glycerin Soap

The kids on your list will get a kick out of this cute way to get clean! Our natural, hand-poured ABC soaps come in sets of 26 and feature fantastically fruity scents. Pair them with a classic yellow rubber ducky for a thoughtful gift that will have little ones looking forward to their next bath.

Gluten Free Natural Clay

Clay Play Five Scent Tube by Mama K

We think the best toys are the ones that encourage kids to use their imagination and creativity, and this one scores big on that front! Kids can knead, roll, squish and shape this all-natural clay, which is made of gluten-free flour, extra virgin olive oil and vegetable colorants. The addition of pure organic essential oils such as lavender (calming) and orange (uplifting) makes it a treat for moms too. Close your eyes, inhale and you can almost convince yourself you’re at the spa instead of your kitchen table!

Tutu, Made in the USA

Fairy Finery Organza Ballerina Tutu

The aspiring prima ballerina on your list will pirouette with joy when she steps into this beautiful tutu. A boutique-quality take on classic dance wear, our fabulously floaty tutu features layers of organza topped with petite flowers. The best part: It can stand up to daily use by your favorite dancer or fairy. Pair it with our Opal Pixie Fairy Princess Wings, and your tiny dancer will be on Cloud Nine.

Crayons Natural Glycerin Soap

Kids Crayon Soap - All Natural

Country apple, bubble gum, grape soda, oh my! These delightful bath time crayons come in a set of six sensationally fruity scents guaranteed to add a splash of whimsy to tub time. Hypoallergenic and hand-poured in the USA, these kid faves are a fun way to encourage hand-eye coordination, dexterity and color recognition. And did we mention they’re darn cute?

Frog and Duck Mix & Match Stacking Toy

Kids ages 18 months and up will flip for this retro-inspired mix and match toy featuring a friendly frog on one side and a darling duck on the other. Three removable pieces give little ones free rein to stack as they please. Nontoxic paint, 100% natural kiln-dried hardwoods and quality craftsmanship make this classic toy a keeper for generations to come.

Paddington Bear Zoobies Pet

Paddington Bear by Zoobie Pets

Want to share a beloved character from your childhood with a kid you love? Paddington continues to delight with this fuzzy smile and cuddly feel. Even better, Zoobie’s take on the timeless bear is way more than your average stuffed animal. He transforms into a bear-shaped pillow and comes with a cuddly, detachable blanket. This storybook fave is great for taking on the road or cozying up to at home.

Raja the Tiger

Raja the Tiger, size Medium

Looking for a gift that’s guaranteed to be a roaring success? BeePOSH’s lovable tiger is one of our favorites for his colorful stripes, super-soft body and sunny smile.  Don’t be surprised if he earns top billing among your child’s menagerie.

Put and Peek Bird House

This award-winning toy is by far one of our favorites for toddlers. It’s great for encouraging imaginative play, and little hands love to check out the different textures of the four eye-catching birds. Kids are sharpening their motor skills and learning about cause and effect – but of course, they just think they’re playing around.

Tuxedo T-Shirt for Toddlers

Tuxedo T-Shirt

Whether your holiday plans include Christmas dinner at Grandma’s or a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve bash (or both!), your little guy is a shoo-in for “Best Dressed” in this hip shirt. Way cooler than your average kid-wear, this shirt will get lots of wear – and lots of chuckles.

Spinning Typhoon Wooden Toy

Sometimes the simplest toys really are the best, and this retro-inspired spinner is “tops” in our book. It’s easy for little hands to operate, and watching the spinner do its thing will keep kids entertained for hours.

La Retro Gifts Guide: Top 10 Picks for Little Kids (ages 3 to 5)

This year, celebrate the classics with time-tested favorites that top our “best gift” list.

Bugs In Your Soap!

Bugs in your soap!

Make way for bugs in your tub! These clever creatures aren’t just soap – they’re finger puppets too. Kids can get creative acting out their own insect theater production.  Bonus: Each soap is hypoallergenic and meets vegan standards.

Ballerina Bendy Doll Soap

Ballerina Soaps

We’re wild about these adorable soaps featuring a tutu-clad Bendy Ballerina – and we think the twinkle toes on your list will be too! What little girl wouldn’t think our cute dancer makes for some good, clean fun?

Bozo Kazoo

Bozo Magnetic Kazoo

When it comes to super stocking stuffers, our retro Bozo kazoo hits just the right note. Kids will enjoy creating their own tune just by humming on Bozo. Snag one for each member of your crew and you’re ready to form a family marching band. Clowning around is encouraged!

Castle Playset

Deluxe Castle Dolls Playset

Young knights and princesses alike will find this boxed set of bendable figures to be royally fun. This Melissa and Doug collection includes a king, queen, court jester, nobleman, two knights and their trusty steeds – all ready to hold court at your castle.

Handcrafted Kids Dress

Fairy Princess Flower Tulle Dress

If you’re looking for a “wow” gift, check out this gorgeous pink and chocolate brown fairy dress. This top-quality confection – which comes insizes 12 months to 6X — is a guaranteed head turner with its soft velvet bodice, pink satin and tulle layered skirt, and whimsical flower pin. Your little one will be the belle of any ball (or wedding, pageant or holiday party!)

My First Piano II Tabletop

My First Piano

Looking for a truly grand gift? We suggest Schoenhut’s 25-key tabletop piano. It’s the ideal first piano for your aspiring Beethoven. He can tickle the ivories while boosting his hand-eye coordination and creativity. Your child will be pounding out holiday carols before you know it!

Never Ever Droop Princess Hat

Never Ever Droop Princess Hat

We’ve tried out lots of princess hats (hard work, we know!) and this one truly stands out from the rest. Not only is it beautiful – we dig the marabou boa and shimmery sparkle – but it will withstand all the crumpling and trampling your princess throws its way. Got a last minute invitation to the ball? Pull this hat out of the bottom of the toy box and you’re good to go!

ABCD Retro Rock n Roll T-shirt

ABCD Toddler and Kids T-Shirt

Headbangers, rejoice! If your tastes run more to rocker chic than cutesy patootsy then this t-shirt is a must-have for your son or daughter’s wardrobe.  It’s 100% cotton and comes in black for boys and pink for girls. Rock on!

Tree House Log Kit, USA Made

Tree House Mini Canister

We get nostalgic just thinking about this classic pine building set! Today’s kids love stacking, piling and building with the solid pine logs, roof planks and red gables as much as we did as children. The simple pieces encourage problem-solving, creativity and planning. Your challenge: Letting your kids have a turn with it!

Original Bozo the Clown Bop Bag

Retro Bozo Bop Bag

Remember this guy? We bet you didn’t know he was still around! Well, he is and we say no playroom is complete without him. We haven’t met a kid yet who doesn’t get a chuckle out of punching Bozo and watching him pop back up.

Good, Clean Fun

Math for your bath. Natural Glycerin Soap, Made in the USA.

Looking for a way to boost the fun factor at bath-time? We’ve found that shaving cream and silly soaps can help turn even a reluctant bather into a tub lover.

Shaving cream is a surefire winner with the younger set. Kids can use it to sculpt statues or to adorn themselves with a faux beard, funky hairstyle or foamy bath time “clothes.” Or how about making a giant whipped cream, er, shaving cream sundae? Just grab a can and kids can let their imaginations loose! Bonus: Shaving cream is super cheap (hit your local dollar store to stock up!), cleans up easily and won’t hang around to clutter your tub.

For even more fun, try out some of the adorable soaps we offer here at La Retro gifts. We have a whole selection of natural glycerin soaps all made in the USA. One of our favorites is the Puzzle Piece Soap Set which has six fruity-scented pieces that interlock. Not only are they cute but they are great for helping young children and kids with special needs practice hand/eye coordination and color recognition.

Add even more educational flair to bath time with our Math for the Bath Natural Glycerin soaps. Each set has sixteen pieces including numbers and math symbols. We think they add up to a great gift too!

Aspiring entomologists will bug out for our unique Bugs in Your Soap! Insect Finger-puppets. They make perfect stocking stuffer or party favors and come in a variety of critters from dragon flies and lady bugs to grasshoppers and bees. The buzz we’re hearing: Kids (and adults!) can’t get enough of them!

Pantry Play

Kids having fun in the kitchen

Most parents will agree that sometimes the simplest items – including things you pull from your own pantry – really are the most fun for kids.  Case in point: My kids love when I occasionally ask, “Who wants to play with rice?” I admit it sounds strange, but in my house that question is always greeted with lots of enthusiastic shouts of “I do!”

Here’s what we do: I seat my three- and five-year-olds at the table with a rimmed cookie sheet or jelly roll pan in front of each of them. Then I give them each a generous helping of uncooked rice and a variety of plastic implements including measuring cups and spoons, funnels, small bowls and scoops (the plastic scoops that come in powdered iced tea cans work well). The kids are happy to “cook,” measure and pour the rice for a good chunk of time – often as long as an hour.

The cookie sheets or jelly roll pans help somewhat to contain the rice but a good vacuuming is still necessary when playtime is over. (Before vacuuming, I collect as much of the rice as I can from the cookie sheets in a container marked “Play Rice” and save it for another day.) Even though it can get a little messy, I think letting the kids play with rice is totally worth it. Not only are my kids entertained but they are learning about measurements, volume and the like. That’s a winning way to spend some time on a cold or rainy day, if you ask me!

Happy Halloween! Safety Tips Reminder…

Be safe and HAVE FUN!

Calling all superheroes, princesses, ghosts and goblins! Halloween is fast approaching so we thought this would be a perfect time to remind you of some ways to make sure that you have a spooky but safe holiday. Keep these suggestions in mind as you hit the trick-or-treat trail:

• Always trick-or-treat with a group and only in a neighborhood that’s you know well.
• Practice good street safety. Stick to sidewalks for walking, if they’re available, and only cross the street at corners.
• If you plan to be out after the sun goes down, add reflective tape to your costume or trick-or-treat bag and carry a flashlight. This will help cars see you better as it gets dark.
• Try on your costume before the big day. Check to make sure that it’s not too long and that your shoes fit properly.
• Opt for costumes and accessories made of flame retardant materials, and be careful not to get too close to any candle-lit pumpkins as you go door to door.
• Consider using face paint instead of masks which can make it tough to see. Go for face paint that’s hypoallergenic and washes off with soap and water, and steer clear of your eye area when decorating your face.
• Teach kids not to taste any treats until an adult has inspected them. It seems obvious, but definitely toss anything that isn’t pre-packaged or looks like it may have been opened. Better safe than sorry!
• If you’re trick-or-treating with a little one, be sure to let him or her know what to expect before you head out. Seeing so many people in costumes can be frightening to first-timers.

We wish everyone a safe, fun Halloween!

Have a Green Halloween

Woodsman Cape & Hat - Made in the USA

Many of us are trying to be more conscious of how we treat the planet so let’s consider Mother Nature as we celebrate this October 31^st.

Pumpkin Baby Bodysuit - Made in Canada

One of the best things you can do to be more eco-friendly is to curb the amount of stuff you buy that you will end up in the trash once Halloween is over. We love the idea of decorating with natural items instead of store-bought décor. Your own backyard can be a treasure trove of beautiful and Earth-friendly items that can add some Fall festivity to your home. Some of our favorites include acorns, branches and colorful leaves. Apples, pumpkins and gourds are also great! Another fun idea: Use old clothes you already own and newspaper to create an eco-friendly scarecrow to grace your front porch or lawn. And, of course, an old sheet can easily be turned into a spooky ghost.

If you’re having a Halloween get-together, conserve resources by sending email invites instead of paper ones. Consider serving foods that are organic and/or locally made because they’re usually more Earth-friendly. Use beeswax or soy candles (they burn cleaner than paraffin candles) or LED lights to give your jack o’ lanterns a seasonal glow.

When it comes to costumes, continue the green theme! Instead of buying another get-up that you or your child will only wear once, try swapping with a friend or family member. If you’re feeling really ambitious, why not organize a neighborhood costume swap? If your ‘hood has lots of kids, the other moms will love the idea. Not only can you “go green” by reusing a costume but you can also save some green as well. And who wouldn’t love that?

If you’ve got a little one, check out our Halloween onesies including an adorable pumpkin, glow in the dark skeleton or the delightful devil.   For the big kids that need a costume update, we recommend Fairy Finery – hand crafted in the USA and made to wear every day.  They’re perfect for October 31^st but can also be worn well beyond the big day. Happy Hallo-green!