Giveaway: Little Journeys Baby World CLOSED

I've always had love for handmade items. Scarves. Blankets. Sweaters. Hats. Toys. Furniture. What I find to be most special about handmade things is the story behind them. I hold the item in my hands and think about what the creator was doing or thinking as they made it. Were they knitting in a rocking chair as children played at their feet? A perfectionist sitting isolated at a sewing machine, careful not to stray from their path? Sanding wood in their garage, singing along to a tune on the radio? My imagination runs wild. The histories of the makers and their products is what I find most fascinating.

After giving birth to Nate, my love of handmade has grown exponentially. Unlike many plastic, mass-produced children's products, there is typically no BPA or endocrine-disrupting phthalates to worry about. You can just feel the tenderness and care put into something that is handcrafted. So, I choose to buy handmade whenever possible.

One mom-owned company I've come to know in this time is Little Journeys Baby World.

The founder, Caroline Riepler, got her start in 2001 handcrafting wooden European Good Luck Witches. She was quite successful - Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright even purchased one of her limited editions! But when her son, Stefan, was born in 2003, Caroline shifted her focus to products for babies and children. She started making things for friends and family, eventually expanding to local shops, special events and her very own online store. Unfortunately, her endeavor was cut short when she and her family were involved in a terrible car accident, hit by a drunk driver. It took 4 years to get back on track but her dream business, Little Journeys Baby World, has finally come to fruitition.

Little Journeys Baby World offers unique, hand-embroidered family-friendly products. You'll find everything from clothes to blankets to bath puppets. There are also special keepsakes such as tooth fairy pillows, first haircut bags and corsage cards that would be perfect accompaniments to a baby book. Some of my favorites are the Boo Boo Bunny (a sweet treat for those toddler bumps and bruises) and the Airplane Chalkboard Placemat (great entertainment for little ones while dining out). Each product comes with its own little story and tag - ready for gift giving! - and many have personalization options available.

Caroline's Swiss-American heritage has enabled her to visit different lands and meet people of different cultures. This is reflected in much of her work, specifically her International Apparel line of handmade onesies and bottoms, and her Travelling items such as totes and passport wallets for families to use at home and abroad. Check out her adorable adoption outfits! While all pieces have an international feel, they are all made in the USA.

Most recently, Little Journeys Baby World was a proud sponsor of the Canadian Country Music Awards, where Caroline promoted her Western line of baby products. Her sponsorship opportunity actually came about from a Twitter relationship with the Uptown Giftbox Company. How's that for the impact of social media?

If you're looking for a creative gift with a cultural flair and handmade touch for yourself or for a loved one, I would definitely recommend checking out Little Journeys Baby World.

BUY IT: Little Journeys Baby World products are available exclusively online. Prices vary by product, but range anywhere from $3.95 for a Boo Boo Bunny to $185.00 for a quilt and tote bag combo. Watch out for the monthly specials so you can grab a discount! Or stop by to grab some baby shower games and ideas or fun toddler recipes.

WIN IT: Caroline has generously offered one lucky reader the cloth Western Nursery Block pictured below (ARV $14.95)! Perfect for the little cowboy or cowgirl in your life.



MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Little Journeys Baby World and tell me what other product catches your eye. Simple, right? Be sure to leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me and @littlejourneys on Twitter and tweet about the contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)



Giveaway will end on October 8, 2009 at 11:59pm EST. Open to US only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was not given a product to review. This post is a company showcase with corresponding giveaway. As such, I can not make and have not made any claims as to the quality of the items mentioned.