Only two more weeks until school starts back up here in Charlotte; summer sure flew by! Now it’s time for the mad dash to buy everything a first grader needs: school clothes, a new back pack, lunch bag, and EVERYTHING on the classroom supply list {which this year seems incredibly long}. Cross two things off our back to school list thanks to Oompa Toys!

Bet you didn’t know that one of your all time favorite toy stores had a Back To School section? And a very trendy, “cool” Back To School section at that! Oompa Toys has the best wooden toy selection AND, also, backpacks, lunch bags, art supplies, pencil cases, desks, etc… We received the, from what my son exclaimed with glee, “Bestest Bag Ever”; the Allerhand Ergo Mini backpack {pictured below}, which has not left my son’s back since it arrived! Take your pick from all the great brands, Allerhand, Crocodile Creek, Sigikid, Dante Beatrix, and more.

To go along with the perfect backpack, the perfect lunch bag of course! And again, Oompa Toys has plenty to choose from. The Fleurville Kid’s Lunch Pack was our pick for this year’s lunch bag; this specific lunch bag can either be thrown in a backpack OR worn as a backpack itself. This will definitely be used outside of school…I think camping this Fall! I may just get one to take to the office with me, it’s so spacious!

Already bought your child’s back pack and lunch bag? Trust me, you can find something else they need for back to school at Oompa Toys. If your child is going to Kindergarten or Preschool, how about adding a “school” touch to the play room with a new desk or art supplies for when they are home? They will need somewhere to do their “homework” right?

Okay fine, so you just have babies at home, stick with the TOYS! Toys, toys, and more fantastic toys!

The best part of Oompa Toys, this fabulous giveaway!! Winners pick of a backpack/lunch bag combo! Just comment back to us which backpack and lunch bag you would pick {and feel free to let us know what else you love on their site} by August 18th. Good luck!

Extra credit for extra entries: {email hello@babyluxedaily.com with any links}

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KidLuxe Edition

We can hardly believe it, but with the arrival of August, back to school is right around the corner!  To make matters worse for me, we are headed out on one last long family vacation this week; which means when we return, school will literally be just days away!

Have I gotten Colin anything for back to school yet?  Of course not!  But just in the nick of time, The Silly Wagon has come along to save the day.  With over seven pages devoted to back to school products, The Silly Wagon has everything you need to get your kids stocked up for school.

Check out their super cool, retro lunch boxes, by EmTanner Designs which come in a plethora of colors & designs.  Personalize it with your child’s name or monogram, or even a fun saying.  Each lunch box is custom made to order, so get it any way you want it!

Do you have an airplane lover in your house?  Check out this amazing silver airplane backpack by Zid Zid Kids.   In addition to being an awesome preschool back pack, how cute would this be as your child’s first “carry on” luggage?

Looking for something simple & sweet for your little girl who’s heading off to kindergarten?  Check out these hip backpacks by Room it Up.

My son Colin, finally at nearly 4 years old, is starting to express himself through arts & crafts as well as imaginative play.  I know he would just love to have one of these “knight” art folio’s to take along with him wherever he goes.

The Silly Wagon is offering 15% your entire order, with the code “funkyme”.  Just enter it at checkout!

Enjoy.

KidLuxe Edition

Heading out for a simple family dinner has, over the past couple of years, become rather daunting with two little ones to entertain. We actually plan all of our outings now based on restaurants that offer the kid-friendly crayons & paper menu. Well, with this fun new toddler-bag accessory, we are free to travel to & dine at any restaurant that our grown hearts’ desire; introducing the Crayons A Go Go, designed by Kristen Nix of Sweet Darlin’ Ranch!

Kristen has put together possibly the most compact little crayon roll that I have seen yet. At just 4.5 x 2.5 inches {rolled up} including 16 crayons, I can toss this sweet little roll in my bag & pride myself of being prepared next time Alex or Colin has a meltdown!

Sweet Darlin’ Ranch is another adorable etsy shop; my new favorite go-to place for all sorts of creative design shopping. Along with the Crayons A Go Go, they sell bibs, changing pads, blankets & these adorable kids crowns {perfect for birthdays, imagination & special occasions}!

Sweet Darlin’ Ranch has generously offered to give away a winners choice Crayons A Go Go roll to one lucky BLD reader! To enter, simply comment here, about their etsy shop. For a bonus entry, you may sign up for our daily email!  Contest ends one week from today, June 24th.

Interested in something else from Sweet Darlin’ Ranch? Well, they are giving free shipping to all BLD readers when they mention “BabyLuxe{daily}” in the comments section.

Looking for something special for your toddler? Need a big brother or big sister present for a special child in your life? Look no further than Pure and Honest Kids!

Pure and Honest Kids (www.pureandhonestkids.com) is an online e-boutique that offers wholesome and age-appropriate clothing, accessories and furnishings, all with the convenience of online shopping. Pure and Honest Kids has an excellent selection of darling clothes, unique toys and fashionable yet functional gear for toddlers. Here are a few of our favorite items!

Floor Puzzle:

What a way to learn your ABC’s! This great big ABC Floor Puzzle comes to life through Clare Beaton’s illustrations, which are guaranteed to ignite your child’s imagination! This puzzle, with its 24 jumbo pieces, helps to develop fine motor skills. It promotes letter recognition and association of letters with specific objects. The best part is children have fun while learning! Puzzle measures 2 x 3 feet. Suitable for ages 3+.

$15.00

Claesen’s Underwear:

Whether your big boy or girl has mastered potty training or is still learning the ropes, they will love Claesen’s comfortable and classic underwear—so soft and super easy to wear. Forget characters, glitter and cheesiness! Go simple!

For the girls, you’ll love the great little basic printed briefs- so cute and classic! Comes in many different patterns and colors, including aqua dots, sweet little bird print, pink and brown tulip print and classic pink and classic white.

Comes in a pack of 2. Made of 95% cotton, 5% lycra. Machine wash.

$16.00

For the boys, check out the comfortable and classic Claesen’s boxer shorts! They are sure to become his favorites. Made for comfort, these great boxer shorts are truly the softest we’ve seen. Claesen’s underwear for boys comes in many patterns and colors as well, including cobalt blue, bold cherry stripes, Hawaiian print design, and many others.

Comes in a pack of 2. Made of 95% cotton, 5% lycra. Machine wash.

$18.00

Coco Bonbons raingear:

Does your little one love splashing around in the rain? They might as well do it in style with raingear by Coco Bonbons!

The matching rain boots, umbrellas and rain jackets come in two very adorable patterns, the Alice Strawberry pattern and the Belle Plaid pattern.

The Coco Bonbons umbrella is just the accessory your little girl needs for spring! It is perfectly sized for your princess. ($22.00)

The laminated outer matching raincoat ($48.00) will help keep your toddler dry on those rainy days and the matching rubber rain boots ($20.00) are a must-have, too. She’ll be ready for some serious puddle jumping!

Come visit Pure and Honest Kids (www.pureandhonestkids.com) and find the perfect gift for the little ones in your life.

Pure and Honest Kids- Where Kids Can Be Kids!

Kidluxe Edition

It can be difficult to find and provide today’s elementary children with fun, attention holding teaching products to help parents with home schooling or outside of the regular classroom. As Summer approaches, I find myself searching for “boredom busters” to keep my 6 year old entertained educationally so he doesn’t completely forget all he has learned this year in school and to prepare him for First Grade this Fall. {There are only so many library books we can take for an entire summer!}

Solution: Mia the Mouse! Mia’s Big Adventure Collection, “The Bugaboo Bugs”, reading software from Kutoka has already provided my family {yes my youngest also sits and listens and intently watches his older brother navigate through the adventure} with a much needed alternative to the Power Ranger re-runs and Scooby-Doo video games, an addition to homework help, and a solution to our upcoming Summer educational needs!

This parent and child friendly computer software is beyond cute and entertaining! “The Bugaboo Bugs”, for ages 5-9, has plenty of adventures and activities to continue the learning process outside the classroom. {Or in the classroom, teachers should totally look into this}! The graphics and colors are clear and crisp, truly eye catching which makes for an easy to follow, attention holding learning experience. With 4 levels, from beginner to expert, the program grows along with your child as his reading and learning skills advance. Your child is always in control of the adventure with Mia and her friends and family {these characters are so delightful by the way}, at his or her own pace.

Kutoka has plenty of selections to choose from; Math, Science, Reading, and much more!

I can’t wait to try out more!

Counting down the days until Babyluxe {daily} launches a new and improved website AND the end to our Mother’s Day Contest {could be any day now}! If you have not completed our survey yet do so quickly to be entered to win one of 3 fabulous gift sets filled with a mixture of donations from our generous sponsors listed below:

Fresh Baby is a website, newsletter and products all in one for making baby food quick & easy! Their products and tips are must haves for any household trying to live a more “Green” and healthy lifestyle. You are less than 30 minutes a week away from being a satisfied, money saving, baby making food Mama! {So Easy Baby Food Kit}

Matilda Jane’s unpredictable, trendy children’s clothing line has recently launched their new women’s collection! These funky, inspiring designs will surely get mommy noticed along with her children! How can you resist such a sweet and modern addition to your child’s {and now your own} wardrobe! {Women’s collection}

SmartMom Jewelry is pretty and practical; it’s just what you’ve been looking for to be stylish AND pacify your teething child whenever and wherever needed! What an ingenious and “Smart” idea; and did we mention stylish, with those amazing real gemstone looks, but the feel and make of a teething product! {Teething Bling}

Preggers N’ Proud offers fresh look maternity slogan design tees. Look no further for the perfect way for you to express how “proud” you are to be pregnant or to just be Mom! Don’t forget about Daddy and Baby too; signature slogan designs to show off your “Hot Daddy” or “Buddha Baby”. {Happy Mother’s Day tank or tee}

Laugh & Learn DVDs take that stress out of childbirth and throws in the fun and silliness! The modern way to learn about childbirth, breastfeeding, and baby care is not from a classroom setting, but from the comfort of your own home! This 3 DVD set is perfect for any expecting parent who wants to know the ins and outs of what to expect, from an expert. {Laugh & Learn DVD sets}

Mango Ink brings out your individual personality through photos on hand mounted cards and invitations. Capture your next announcement with these beautifully crafted cards! Mango Ink also offers photo keepsakes and high quality homemade wrapping paper. {Gift certificate}

Julian & Co. was built on an amazing story about the love of family and cherished moments and items. They have custom made jewelry for all members of the family, especially for mom! From adorable Mother’s necklaces to cuff links for Dad to ID bracelets for the little ones, there’s something unique and personal for everyone! {Gift certificate}

CuddleBee offers unique and luxurious gifts for pampering baby! Bibs and burpies, blankets and belts, choose from some fabulous fabric designs, handmade from the softest material, perfect for any stylish baby or toddler! {Gift certificate}

Preppymommy baby and mommy products were created to make life a bit easier for baby and more stylish for mommy! Designed from some unexplored patterns, baby’s Bibkins and Binky Clips truly were made to make life out and about simpler! Plus, Lucky Lanyard and Ribbon Belt accessories for Mom to add a bit of style to Mom’s hectic lifestyle! {Lucky Lanyard}

Boon Inc. is know for bringing innovated products to your home and your life! Modern must have items from bath products like the well know Frog Pod to feeding and storage accessories. And just recently a new launched layette line for babies and toddlers! {Snack Ball}

AJaron jewelry creates exceptional fine jewelry for mom and baby, plus accessories for the home! Add a treasured piece to your collection from their extensive selection of beautifully crafted items! AJaron would also like to offer Babyluxe {daily} readers 15% off Rocks To Buy Baby in stock merchandise {with promo code MOM15} and 10% off SoHo Stack special order rings {with promo code MOM10}. {25% off coupon}

Girlie Gowns are a must have for any expecting mommy for her hospital stay! Why be frumpy in those old, worn hospital gowns when you can be “girlie” and pretty in your own! Just making baby’s birth a bit more special! {Girlie Gown}

Bellazandra has beautifully handcraft gifts for yourself or a loved one! They have some of the most amazing custom designed Mother’s and birthstone bracelets that any women would cherish for a lifetime! {Gift certificate}

Babystar, at Baby Star, a star is born everyday! They offer high quality, essential products for baby from bedding to bath {with a new line of hooded towels}. If you’re a parent who loves great moderns designs with a stylish baby, this shop is for you! {Gift certificate}

Kids Central Kitchen offers natural, whole grain baking mixes for today’s active kids and their families! Easy to make! NO trans fats, NO hydrogenated oils, NO high fructose corn syrup and NO artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Also available are fun & colorful baking utensils, pans & accessories. {Baking mix & utensils}

Tots on the Go brings you the finest in quality strollers and travel baby products, for the active family. They carry top brand name items such as the innovative Phil and Teds Sports buggy, baby backpack carriers, high end diaper bags and great travel gear. Looking for advice on traveling with your kids? Search Tots on the Go for great travel ideas or contact them directly. {Rowdy diaper bag}

Paperluxe Studio offers a wide range of simplistic, classic paper designs, including personalized stationery, invitations, announcements, matching thank-you notes, calling cards (for moms, nannies & teachers) & coordinating labels. Paperluxe Studio’s specialty product offering is personalized stationery for women; and more particularly, stationery that can be given in lieu of traditional party favors at baby & bridal showers, and other similar events. {Gift certificate}

momAgenda was founded by a busy mother of four who was constantly struggling to keep up with all of her children’s appointments & lessons, while still managing to keep herself pulled together, momAgenda combines style & functionality. The original mom’s day planner, momAgenda, has a smart collection of organization tools including the famous momAgenda Desktop, Kitchen Folio, myAgenda: for everyone, and a wide assortment of pads & accessories. {momAgenda Desktop}

Let’s Go Strolling offers the best selection of high-quality strollers, designer diaper bags, new baby gifts and all best baby and new mom products. With outstanding customer service that exceeds your expectations, their mission is to make your shopping experience both easy and fun and help you buy the best products for your lifestyle. {Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag}

The Polkadot Platypus offers top picks for maternity, babies and kids. Their collection of stylish apparel, hip baby gear, designer crib bedding, fun accessories and unique baby gifts is like no other. Whether you are looking for cowboy baby bedding, paisley play tents, novelty tees, girly tutus or polka dot toddler backpacks … they have something for everyone! {SaraBear diaper caddy}

Made by Angie: Clean up in style with a Made by Angie wipes case! Choose from a beautiful assortment of fun, quirky & stylish fabrics to suit every mood you’re in. Having kids is a dirty job. Made By Angie handmade baby wipe containers make it easy to have fun while doing your dirty work! {Gift certificate}.

Alli’s Originals specializes in made-to-order hand stamped, personalized sterling silver jewelry. Alli works closely with each client to design a piece that is truly unique, special and one of a kind. Her clients have a big part in the design and creative process so their vision can become a reality. {Gift certificate}

Seabands are the new wave hair bands that stay in place & stay comfortable all day! They offer a variety of fabric and jacquard ribbon options, as well as personalization. They even do special orders for clubs, schools and businesses. {Mother/daughter set}

momspit: Inspired by the original, momspit is the universal no-rinse cleanser for hands & face, and not just for kids. Available in a 7 oz desk size bottle and a convenient 2 oz bottle, designed to effectively fit into the smallest of bags, including your handbag, gymbag & even the kids’ backpacks; take some momspit with you wherever you go. {2 oz bottles of momspit}

The Baby Planners are a Los Angeles-based concierge and consulting service that caters to the needs of expectant parents. No matter what stage you are at in your pregnancy, they are available to meet your needs. Whether you are registering for the first time, need a special service, or just have some important {or silly, for that matter} questions, Ellie & Melissa are your go-to ladies. {Gift certificate for ½ hour phone consultation}

sheppard girls: Handmade, vintage-inspired goods for moms, kids & babies. A one woman business, Lisa Sheppard designs and produces baby bibs, burp cloths, headbands & unique hand-painted vintage doorknob hangers. All of her products are made using the finest selection of vintage fabrics, wool felt & rickrack ribbons. {Headbands}

Keep an eye out for some upcoming {or previous} features from some of these gracious sponsors and their “luxe” products! {A special note to the winners once they are randomly chosen, not all these products will be in the gift set you receive, each set is a mixture and combination of the above} Each gift set is valued at over $500! Thank you to all our sponsors and our {daily} readers! We appreciate you all and Happy Mother’s Day to some of the best moms out there!

“Once upon a time in Dinosaurland, there were Dinosaur kids, who had a band; and they played music, and it wasn’t jazz, or rock. It was Dinosaur hip-hop, and it couldn’t be stopped!” Follow the adventures and take a musical journey with 5 prehistoric pals as they teach your child through music and story, but in a “cool, hip” way!

Baby Loves Hip Hop presents The Dino 5. Some familiar and well respected hip hop voices came together and created a hip alternative to children’s albums; with an added story book touch. Dino friends MC T-Rex, Billy Brontosaurus, Tracy Triceratops, TEO Pterodactyl, and DJ Stegosaurus will take you and your children on an educational, thrilling adventure like you’ve never experienced before. This record is definitely something different and unique!

I smiled the entire time listening to this CD with my children {and I must admit, I too danced to the Dino 5 theme song!}. The Dinosaurs themselves held the attention of my oldest; the modern hip-hop sound held the attention of my youngest as they both danced around the living room for some parts AND listened closely to other parts. We all fell in love with the characters; and as a parent, I especially enjoyed the life lessons and teaching tools hidden within the entire album.

If you are a well rounded music lover and you share this passion with your children, this is your next musical adventure to share with your family!

Here’s a great giveaway: we have 3 Baby Loves Hip-Hop Dino 5 CD and sticker sets for 3 lucky Babyluxe {daily} readers! Please leave us a comment on who your favorite Dino 5 character is and why {or which one your child likes the best and why}. Check them all out @ www.dino5.com or www.babyloveshiphop.com! Good luck!!

Posted by Dana

And our winners are Rockin’ Mama, Emmie, and Heather! Congrats and thanks everyone for participating! Check your emails winners so your prizes can be sent out to you! {Emmie, can you please email me @ babyluxedaily@yahoo.com so I can get your address, thank you!}

Kidluxe weekly segment, issue 2

That is what your child will do with these amazingly “smart” toys! I’d been hearing all the rage for months and months, before I finally succumbed to the peer pressure, and got some of our own, so that I could see for myself what all the fuss was about.

Not just for boys, Automoblox will encourage your child’s imagination to flow, and will keep even the fidgetiest of kids {trust me, I have one!} quiet and enthralled for hours.

With nine different vehicle models to choose from, all designed with the same high quality wood detailing & vivid colors {unique to each model}, Automoblox were created with the goal in mind to deliver benefits that are vital to the development of your child. The removable connectors allow the wooden body parts to be interchanged with other vehicles using a unique shape and color system. Not only fun, but educational as well, children build skills in shape recognition, color matching & fine motor skills.

This is a great toy that we like to bring along with us, when we know that we’ll need a “quiet” distraction for our 3 year old for any length of time. It works like a charm!

Automoblox are available at many online retailers, including Fat Brain Toys & their own web site. Be sure to check out the new 2008 Limited Edition Automoblox: the S9-R sport sedan, C9-R sportscar & X9-X sport utility. With the cool new details, they are sure to soup up your existing collection!