Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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)

I'm an Editor's Pick!

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.

44 comments:

Bombtastic Belle said...

I also like the burping cloth set for girls :)
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

A. Drewes said...

I also like the Halloween Hat Orange with Cats 12-18months! Very creative!
ashy.baby@gmail.com

A. Drewes said...

I am following you blog via google friend connect
ashy.baby@gmail.com

A. Drewes said...

I have your button saved under my supported sites on the right side bar
http://closetoftreasures.blogspot.com/
ashy.baby@gmail.com

Terra Heck said...

I really like the Kids Hand Towel with Princess. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

Meredith said...

Born in Mom's Heart Baby Body Suit is very cute.

Stephanie Grant said...

My son would love this!! I also really like Barnyard Quilt
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Stephanie Grant said...

I subscribe via e-mail
thegrants(at)live(dot)com

Jessilyn82 said...

The Boo Boo Bunny for those little Ouchy's are a really cute idea!

lisa said...

I like the Mommy/Baby Corsage Cards. msmith572@yahoo.com

clenna said...

I really like the Allround Bag - I could find a dozen uses for this cute bag.

clenna at aol dot com

clenna said...

I entered the CVS photo giveaway.

clenna at aol dot com

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I like the Early Learning Baby Board Books (set of 5)

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I subscribe via email to newsletter

Joyful Girl Naturals said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joyful Girl Naturals said...

Following both on twitter and tweeted about the contest http://twitter.com/jgnp/status/4394071563

bison61 said...

I picked the Burping Cloths for Boys

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

Julie said...

I really like the Allround bag

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Julie said...

email subscriber/follower

aunteegem@yahoo.com

Bonita12 said...

I like the Chalkboard Placemat.

Bonita12 said...

follower

Bonita12 said...

Entered Putumayo Kids CD giveaway.

Melissa G said...

I loved the fact that they have adoption themed onsies! Great idea!

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

I commented on the Picnic Playground giveaway.

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

I commented on the First Juice givewaway.

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

Melissa G said...

i subscribe in google reader

missylovsjesus at yahoo dot com

demmi said...

Cowgirl Branding Onesis
con5459(at)gmail(dot)com

Wehaf said...

I love the Kids Hand Towel Soccer Ball with all Nationalities.

urchiken at gmail dot com

Egare1 said...

I like the tooth fairy pillow in pink!

Egare1 said...

I'm a blog follower!

Thanks for the great giveaway :)

trixx said...

The Little Chicken Soap is adorable! trixpixel(at)gmail.com

trixx said...

I'm a new Google friends follower! trixpixel(at)gmail.com

chaipo said...

I love the tooth fairy pillow in yellow. CUTE!

chaipoak@gmail.com

chaipo said...

following via email

chaipoak@gmail.com

chaipo said...

following both of you via twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/chaipoakgnr/status/4713932528

Lisa Garner said...

So many cute items! I love the Green Embroidery Burping Cloths.
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Kathy P said...

i like the Children Hairdresser Cape Orange with Zoo Animals

Lisa Garner said...

I'm following your blog. Thanks!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

Lisa Garner said...

I'm following both you on littlejourneys on Twitter user lisalmg and Tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/4716007839
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com

SolDucky said...

The first haircut bags are really cute!

Tylerpants said...

I think the blue tooth fairy pillow is adorable!
tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I'm an email subscriber & follower
tylerpants(at)gmail.com

cman said...

Barnyard Quilt :)

Eli's Lids said...

I like the cowgirl branding onsie!

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