Spring In The City

We think it’s safe to say that spring has finally sprung in the city. Signs of the seasons changing have been popping up everywhere from local food spots opening their patios to green grass and pastel flowers starting to sprout. With this, we’re excited to be bringing out our spring and summer stock to get you ready for the beautiful weather ahead. There are so many things to do in a city so abundant with nature and culture that we want to make sure you can venture out with ease.

Spring Fashion:

We cannot begin to express how adorable the spring/summer fashion is in our stores this year! First off, have you seen the SS 2014 Tea Collection? With Moroccan-inspired patterns and colours, there’s something for every young lady and gentlemen. With cute jungle animal tops and girly, twirly dresses, your kids will look fabulous all season long. All three of our store locations are carrying pieces from Tea so you can get in on the fun wherever you may be.

 

We’re in love with some of the new summer styles and classics that TOMS has come out with this year. With sizes ranging from 2 – 11, your whole crew will have their feet covered while visiting local parks and festivals or playing outside with friends. Already looking for those summer sandals? See Kai Run has beautiful buttery soft leather shoes in cool style for boys and girls ranging from 6 months to 9 years old. Both shoe brands are available in all our store locations and online.

Sun Protection: 

As a parent, it’s super fun to dress your kids in cute summery outfits, but one of the most important things to accessorize them with this season is sun protection! Don’t worry, you don’t have to send them outside with a big glob of goop on their noses, we’ve got your sweet peas covered so you don’t have to worry!

Before heading out for the day, it’s important to apply a generous amount of sunscreen 20 minutes beforehand. Anything with a UV protection level of 30 SPF or higher will do the trick like our Goddess Garden Organic Sunscreen, available for both babies and kids. It is water-resistant and is packed with anti-oxidants and vitamins to keep skin hydrated during busy outside play. We like this brand because it is made with 90% organic materials making it non-toxic and safe for delicate skin.

Did you know that even babies should wear sunglasses? Wrap-around sunglasses are the most recommended when outdoors with both UVA and UVB protection. Baby Banz Sunglasses cover all the bases of sun eye safety while in the sun. Designed in Australia, one of the world’s toughest UV spots,  Banz comes in sizes for newborns to kids up to five years old. They have 100% UVA and UVB protection, they feature polycarbonate lenses and a unique neoprene band with a soft silicone nose and brow piece for superior comfort and fit. You can pick yours up in store or online in an variety of colours and sizes.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Hatley has an awesome collection of kid’s wide-brim sunhats. Each hat is reversible with a solid colour side and a patterned side.

Upcoming Local Events:

Now that you’re protected and ready to go, here are some upcoming local events to check out.

Canadian Tulip Festival | May 9 – 19
This year marks the 62^nd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival. The festival is hosted in celebration of the return of spring, with over a million tulips in 50 varieties blooming in public spaces across the National Capital Region. The highest concentration of tulips can be viewed in the flower beds of Commissioners Park, on the banks of Dow’s Lake, where 300,000 flowers bloom.

Ottawa International Children’s Festival | May 9 – 14
The Ottawa International Children’s Festival is an annual celebration of performing arts for children. Programs are geared towards children aged four to 15 and focuses on enriching school curriculum and promoting the arts as an integral part of children’s education. The majority of the events take place at LeBreton Flats and the War Museum. For a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets click HERE. 

Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend | May 24 – 25
Join thousands of runners from around the world during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Children, youth, and veteran runners take over Ottawa during this weekend for a number of events, including a kid’s marathon and two- and five-kilometre runs. The main marathon passes many of Ottawa’s major landmarks, so there are plenty of great spots to watch the races too. 

Great Glebe Garage Sale | May 24
You betcha we’ll be a part of the Great Glebe Garage Sale again this year. The GGGS is a community event organized by the Glebe Community Association where homeowners set up yard sales on their front lawns creating one huge community events. Local businesses also take part in the event by having awesome sidewalk sales. Many vendors and shoppers collect and give donations to the Ottawa Food Bank. The event happens rain or shine and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

Valentine’s Day Smooches Contest

Anybody can enter! You can be smooching your incoming baby’s ultrasound picture, momma-to-be’s belly, a peck on your little one’s cheek or a slobbery smooch from your pooch.

1. Send us a message on Facebook with your photo by 11:59 p.m. on Friday February 7^th.
2. On February 8^th, we will post your picture into a Facebook album called “Valentine’s Day Smooches Contest.”
3. Have your friends and family like our page and then like your photo.
4. The picture with the most likes by 4 p.m. on Friday February 14^th will win our Valentine’s Day prize pack worth over $85!

Here’s a link to the official Facebook post: http://tinyurl.com/od3cv4l

Don’t forget to share the contest on your wall so your friends and family can get in on the fun too. Best of luck and start smooching! ♥

 

Indoor Winter Activities

It sure has been a chilly winter so far and with wind chills and runny noses, sometimes it’s best to keep your little ones inside for the day. So while the mittens and boots are tucked away, here are some great indoor activities to do with your kids.

Puppet Show:

You can create your own theatre or scope out the best spot behind the couch and create a magnificent puppet show with your children. We have some beautiful puppets from Cate and Levi that are made of cozy reclaimed sweaters and are proudly Canadian. With cute characters to choose from like frogs, moose and even a walrus, your little ones can act out their favourite stories or create their own.

Indoor Concert:

Just like the Brady Bunch, you can start up your very own family band and hold an indoor concert! Whether you have pots and pans or the real deal, music is always a fun way to play. This musical set from Janod has  everything you’ll need to go on tour. It includes a trumpet, harmonica, tambourine, a kid-sized guitar and a fun clapper. The five piece set is made of wood and comes in cool confetti colours.

Youngster Café:

Sometimes it’s okay to let them play with their food, especially when it’s in their very own Youngster Café. Your mini chefs can toss up some gourmet fun with the playfully delicious Garden Salad from Hape or serve you up a fresh croissant with a cup of espresso with the Janod Espresso Machine. Once pretend play is over, you can prepare a fun and healthy snack with your kids from our Kid-Friendly Snacks Pinterest board.

Snow Removal:

Even though they’re stuck inside all day, you can bring the white fluffy snow inside in the form of cotton balls! The Green Toys dump truck is the perfect vehicle to get the job done. Lay out a bunch of cozy cotton and allow your kids to scoop them up with the truck or even the Green Toys tractor.

However you spend your days, we hope they are filled with quality fun and giggles. Happy winter!

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is officially one week away today and if you’re like me, you still have just about everyone to buy for. There is no need to dash around town into busy shopping malls and crowded parking lots, here at FAB, we have everything you need for your tiny tots, expecting moms and new parents in a stress-free, funky and always friendly environment. You can find all the following items in-store or online at fabbabygear.com.

Stocking Stuffers:

• Looking for a quick fix to fill up those stockings hung in a row? Your kids will love our fun and friendly finger puppet books. -$12.99
• The cute and playful Squeak Easy toys from Rich Frog come in several different animals like cats, dogs, frogs and more! – $9.99.
• The Picasso in your family will colour up a storm with a P’kolino Crayons and Markers set. -$24.99
• Your kids can vroom and zoom around with Hape’s Mini Vehicles. The little cars are made from bamboo and come in seven different colours and designs. – $6.99

 Expecting moms

• As baby grows, mommy’s clothes start to get a little snug around her tummy, but fit everywhere else. The BellaBand from Ingrid and Isabel makes wearing mommy’s favourite pants possible by comfortably wrapping around pants to keep them up without the bumpy buttons. – $32.99
• Belly aches and sick days are common for expecting mommas. Erbaviva Quease-ease Lip Balm helps soothe queasiness during pregnancy with ginger and peppermint essential oils that are long lasting and calming. – $10.99
• Spoil mom with a stylish and sophisticated Strorksak Elizabeth diaper bag in Dove Grey that will conveniently transition into a functional purse once baby is all grown up. It is made from leather with a bunch of pockets and storage. – $344.99
• Keep baby close and snuggly while being hands-free with the Boba Wrap. Available in beautiful colours and design, the clothe wrap can be wrapped in any way with baby in any position to maximize yours and baby’s comfort.

 New parents:

• The babyletto Grayson Mini Crib is a perfect gift for parents that like to travel or for Grandma and Grandpa’s house. The easy-fold crib is equipped with safety hinges and lockable castor wheels and comes in three different colours. – $399.99
• New moms and dads are busy people with their new bundle of joys. The Beaba Babycook Baby Food Maker is a miracle worker when it comes to making meals for little ones. It steams, cooks and blends quickly and efficiently. – $149.99
• On-the-go or in small spaces, the Lobster Portable Highchair from Phil&Teds makes it easy for baby to eat anywhere at any time. The highchair can be secured to most tabletops and saves space. – $79.99
• What better place to keep their first lock of hair and pictures of their first steps than in the Petit Collage Baby Book and Memory Box. The cute designs make it a nice and sacred place to keep all of baby’s special memories. – $59.99

 Newborns:

• A little Wubbanub pal is perfect for a new baby. The plush toy attached to the pacifier brings comfort and security to baby. – $13.99
•  With five natural products, the Burt’s Bee’s Baby Bee Getting Started Kit has everything to start baby off healthy and pure. It includes nourishing lotion, shampoo and body wash, diaper ointment buttermilk soap and nourishing oil. – $19.99
• Give baby a toy they can chew, touch and fall in love with. Baby will have a ball with the Owl & Friends Trio from Skip Hop. The three plush balls have crinkles and rattles and more. – $17.99
• Cuddle baby up in a muslin swaddle from Aden + Anais. They are made of super soft rayon from bamboo fiber and come in great colours. – $49.99

 0 – 6 months:

• Keep baby busy this year with the Baby Einstein Caterpillar and Friends Play Gym. The comfy and colorful mat features many toys and activities for baby to discover. With rattles, mirrors and lights, your little learner will have a blast. – $109.99
• A true baby legend, Sophie the Giraffe from Vuli is the hottest teething toy around. Her soft and light-weight body is easy to hold for tiny fingers and she is made with all-natural rubber. – $23.99
• The Hug & Hide Owl from Skip Hop gives tiny tots an array of developmental activities to discover. From playing peek-a-boo with the mini owl to crinkling and jingling, there will be no shortage of fun. – $19.99
• At home or on-the-go, the Sili Squeeze Food Pouches are a great gift for hungry tots. They can be filled with homemade purees or pre-made favourite like yogurt and applesauce. – $21.99

6 – 12 months:

• Now they’ll know their ABCs thanks to B. Toys’ Elemenosqueeze! These soft non-traditional alphabet blocks have cute little animals hand-carved into them and can even be used for tub-time play. – $41.99
• From bouncy bunnies to funky monkeys, Jellycat Bashful plush toys are cute, cuddly and the perfect hugging companion. – $19.99
• Winter can be blustery and cold, but baby still has places to go and people to see. The Le Sac Igloo from 7am Enfant solves the dilemma of whether or not to take baby out in the cold. Le Sac Igloo protects baby from the wind, cold, snow and rain while keeping them snuggly and warm. It can easily be worn in any carrier or stroller. – $129.99
• Your little ones can learn to brush and comb their hair with the Skip Hop Hare set. The fun design encourages young ones to gain grooming and hygiene independence. – $24.99

 1 – 2 years:

• There are plenty of fish in the sea, but none of them are as cool and fun as the Grimm Fish Puzzle. With rainbow colours and different shapes and sizes to discovers, kids will learn and grow while developing hand eye coordination skills with the hand-crafted wooden puzzle. – $79.99
•  They can learn their ABCs, 123s and animal friends with Uncle Goose’s ABC Blocks. With beautiful colours and designs, these wooden blocks are a classic gift. – $49.99
• The Wishbone 3-in-1 Balance Bike will grow with your kids as they learn to master balancing while being introduced to the concept of a bike. It starts out as a tricycle, changes to a balance bicycle and then flips to become one of the largest balance bikes on the market. – $249.99
• Your little ones can talk and walk and play with the Janod ABC Buggy. There are colourful blocks to build and a sturdy handle to push the buggy around. – $89.99

3 years +:

• Green Toys Trucks are a classic gift with a modern eco-friendly twist. Available in many different models like the classic dump truck, recycling truck and even a tractor, any child would enjoy pushing one of these around. – $34.99
• With a sleek and elegant look, the 30-key Hape Grand Piano is the perfectly sized piano to create musical masterpieces. Available in pink and black, the little learner in your life can create a world of possibilities. – $149.99
• Your kids can care and nurture for the sick little animals with the B.Toys Critter Clinic. The toy also comes with all the veterinarian tools your little vet needs to help others. – $59.99
• Breakfast during the holidays will never be the same with the Hape Pop-Up Toaster. Your kids can make toast and honey for the whole family while having plenty of imaginative fun. – $24.99

Best of luck with your holiday shopping and have a healthy and happy holiday season and New Year. Make sure to come visit us in store at 1244 Wellington Street and 755 Bank Street in Ottawa or 286 Danforth Avenue in Toronto and don’t forget, we’re always open online at fabbabygear.com.