Mama Marketplace
Tired of shopping for the same old stuff at the same old mall? Or worse - at the same old Wal-mart? Below are links to unique businesses that sell unique products that cater to mothers and their kids (a lot of them are operated by mothers, too.)
Purses & Bags
www.magz-bagz.com - funky bags for a mom with baby or mom rushing from job to hockey practice. Manufactured in Canada.
www.karenwilson.ca - Beautiful purses and bags uniquely designed by this Canadian mother of three. Sold at retailers across Canada. Check out her web site to find out where you can get your’s.
Stationary & Labels
www.ladybugscreative.com - very cute stationary that can be personalized for the family or just Mom (bra graphic anyone?) Made in Canada.
http://mabelslabels.mabel.ca/ - Personalized labels for your kids’ stuff. But do they stick? The answer is… yes.
http://www.pennypeople.com - Funky, adorable, classy - make it the way you like it for any kind of personalized stationary.
Jewellery & Hair
http://moppetsclosets.blogspot.com - unique handcrafted jewellery that are personalized by adding the names of your loved ones. Beautiful gifts or personal keepsakes.
Go Green
http://www.greencricket.ca/ - Looking for a green alternative to your usual products? This online store has done the research for you. And they’ll deliver your order right to your door.
http://hankandcheef.com/ - It’s nose blowing season and why not consider saving a tree from the axe just to keep your kids’ nose clean? If you’re ready to shun Kleenex, these cute little hankies may be for you. They’re pretty funky (maybe even too funky for the funk in your nose) and reasonably priced when compared to the cost of tissue boxes. And you gotta love a business that can get away with saying Go blow it out your nose! (It actually doesn’t say that anywhere on its site, but I really wanted to write it.)
Clothing & Stuff
www.crumbdesigns.com - If you’re the lady of the house, chances are, you’re the chef! And if you’re like me, you throw on an apron every once in a while to save your blouse from tomato sauce splash. And if you don’t do the apron thing - admit it … you’ve regretted it! I get the odd snicker from someone when I come to the door in an old white apron with some cheesey logo across the top. But crumbdesigns puts some chic into that chicken dish you’re slaving over! Check out this Canadian’s feminine and retro inspired aprons (full or half-size.)
Toys
www.monsterfactory.net - Looking for a unique toy for a new baby or young toddler? Pick your favourite monster stuffed toy from a small population. Each has its own name and qualities. Too fun.
Recycle Stuff
www.freecycle.org - In a pinch for cash, but need to get something for the kids? Want to unload some old furniture from the basement? Do both at Freecycle. It is an online exchange between people wanting to get rid of stuff and people wanting to get stuff… and it’s all FREE. Great for the environment, too!
