Etsy Bill Changes Make Payments Easier Than Ever

Starting October 2018 Etsy rolled out a new bill pay system and I like it! I've never been a big fan of autopay when it comes to bill pay so every weekend I would make a payment to my bill for current fees straight from my payment account (funds available before deposit). However, often times I'd forget and either have to wait until more funds were available or pay with my credit card. The old system made no sense to me. Why pay me first then take fees later? I was so happy to see listing fees, taxes, transaction fees and shipping fees withdrawn prior to deposit.

I love the new layout, too! It's easier than ever to see what it costs me to list and sell my items on Etsy.

The happiness continues with new articles for sellers on holiday trends and getting found in search. These type of articles have inspired some of my best selling items of all time! Here are my latest inventions post research.

As you can see, Etsy continues to be a steady source of income for my family. If you're interested in learning more about Etsy success, join me in my networking group "Modern Marketing" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ModernMarketingPage/

Last Minute Gift Ideas - Holiday 2016

Inevitably, every Christmas I forget someone on my holiday gift list. I shop early for nieces and nephews, my kids remind me daily to shop for them, and I pretty much remember anyone related to me. But when it comes to teachers, neighbors, and miscellaneous other friends, I always manage to have a blindspot until a week before Christmas. Then I start entertaining unrealistic ideas of baking or crafting. This year, not only am I checking my list twice, I'm buying back up gifts and have several other ideas I know I can get last minute without it looking like I did.

I thought I'd share a list of last minute gift ideas with my bloggers too, as a gift to you!

A Stitch Fix Gift Card

At first glance gift cards can come across as generic and last minute, but a Stitch Fix gift card is to a woman like Chuck E. Cheese tokens are to kids (there's another last minute gift idea, too!) When I think about gift buying, I consider my favorite things. Many people when talking about Stitch Fix describe it like "Christmas morning". It's Santa, for adults!

When you give the Stitch Fix experience to someone, you're really gifting a personal stylist. For anyone who hasn't already tried it, the concept is fun and exciting, and if they've tried it already then they are likely already obsessed.

Since the gift card is just a code, you can buy it last minute and tuck a printout in a pretty little box, or even an old Stitch Fix box if you have 1 or 7 laying around.

If you buy a gift card or decide to treat yourself, I'd love it if you used my affiliate link: click here

Subscription Boxes for a year

This sounds redundant, and Stitch Fix IS somewhat of a subscription box (you can schedule regular fixes). But this idea is like giving a magazine subscription to someone, only it's a box full of something they are interested in. Here are a few of my favorites:

For the cook: Mary's Secret Ingredients
This is a curated culinary box full of foodie goodness like ready to eat treats, seasonings, kitchen tools and recipe ideas.

For the geek: Loot Crate
This is ideal for those hard to shop for guys, but not exclusively. They have different categories to pick from like Marvel, Gaming, Sanrio and J.K Rowling's Wizard World. If you have a fan in your life, this is perfection.

For the naturalist: Etsy Subscription Boxes
This is for the friend who always smells like candles or the cousin who loves to make things. There's a subscription box for just about anything you can imagine on Etsy, from soap of the month club to sew-alongs. You can even subscribe to pie of the month!

Shop Local

I'm not talking about running to Walgreens at the last minute (been there, done that). Rather, I was thinking about those hard working small business owners in direct sales and makers who, like me, are all stocked up on merchandise and ready to help you put together a personalized gift.

I've got you covered for a pair of earrings or wrap bracelet for your sister-in-law, or a nail polish set for your child's Kindergarten teacher. I'll even wrap them for you. 

If you are in Orange County, California I have several contacts who would be happy to put together a makeup gift set (erinlovesmakeup.com), an ornament filled with nail wraps (https://kristieg.jamberry.com/us/en/) or unique planter filled with succulents (www.facebook.com/succulentsbybeverly).

Even if your direct sales friends are out of stock or live far away, most online businesses have fairly reasonable ship dates for receiving items in time for Christmas. I just visited a friends Scentsy website (https://ssiemers.scentsy.us/) and right there on the front page it says you have until Dec. 19th to order!

Make a Donation to Charity

For the philanthropist, the do-gooder in your life. Chances are if you're friends on Facebook with someone you know what causes matter to them. Perhaps they just ran a marathon for awareness. Maybe they volunteer at a shelter. Donate in their name, this is a truly special gift.

Along these same lines, I'm buying ornaments for several teachers on my list this year, the proceeds benefit a friend who is in the process of adoption.

I know it'll warm their heart to hear this story: https://www.adopttogether.org/andersonadoptionadventure

Give the Gift of Time

I don't want to get all sappy, but the older I get the more I appreciate time spent with the people I care about. Even if you decide to buy a few books for your child's playmate/family (Usborne Books) or fill a stocking with Perfectly Posh (https://www.perfectlyposh.com/Getposhedwithjackie/), when you give a gift to someone tuck a card inside with a coupon for a lunch date or make plans to have coffee over the Christmas break. Invite them to your church and share a pew this Christmas. Invite them over to watch a Christmas movie together.

In case I forget to write again before the year's end (boy is life busy these days) I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

As a small token of my appreciation please enjoy this coupon code for 25% off my entire Chloe + Isabel boutique good through the 8th! Coupon Code: FFHOL16

Happy Mother's Day + Spotlight on DK Designs on Etsy

Wedding season is in full swing and my Etsy shop is super busy with bridal shower tags, graduation party supplies and wedding favor labels. Between that, baseball season, the end of the school year and AWANA, it would be easy to come up with excuses instead of Mother's Day gifts.

But the more years I spend as a Mother myself, the more I realize the sacrifice many women in my life have made for their families. I've been looking for ways to express my gratitude and thought I'd share a few with you.

The first thing I thought of was corsages, but as you know their beauty fades. Recently I noticed a trend in polymer clay flowers in the Etsy Weddings Section. Genious, right? Gorgeous flowers that last forever, a keepsake of your special day.

So I began looking for a local maker as I was a bit pressed for time. I narrowed the search and found an Etsy seller in my own backyard, DK Designs.

I was ecstatic when Diane messaged me back saying she could work with my requests. I was looking for 3 delicate corsages in specific colors, and needed them quickly. Before I knew it, they arrived on my porch, carefully packaged in cute little gift boxes.

After I'd ordered these pretty little flowers I began to look through Diane's Etsy shop and noticed she has been featured on Martha Stewart. Naturally, I did the stalkery thing and found this video. I probably watched it years ago. Amazing, right?

The colors in each arrangement represent my children's birthstones. I can't wait to give them to special Mom's in my life as a token of my love and appreciation.

I'm also working on a few DIY clay projects (nothing Martha Stewart worthy, but fun) for my sister and friends that I hope to have time to share with you later this week. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, I want to wish all of the Mom's out there a blessed Mother's Day!

Vintage Modern Recipe Cards Inspired by Pyrex Patterns

Awhile back I created these vintage Pyrex inspired recipe cards in a few of my favorite patterns; Friendship, Snowflake and Pink Stems. I wasn't super excited about the way they were printing on my usual kraft paper, so there they sat in digital design limbo for awhile.

Maybe it was that spring cleaning sort of feeling I have had lately that got the ball rolling again. My husband picked up some brilliant linen cardstock for me and I am so happy with the results! The bright white paper really shows off the gorgeous colors.

I love the texture of this linen cardstock. It makes for an extra thick set of recipe cards and gorgeous contrast. See for yourself on the blue snowflake pattern.

Recipes write out so nicely on them, too.

Pyrex always brings up happy memories for me. When I printed up the Friendship Pattern I thought of a good friend, and decided I just had to write out her famous sugar cookie recipe on it.

The last design I added to my Etsy shop is the Pink Stems Pattern. I've got to get myself one of those casserole dishes!

I can't decide which design I like best!

Next, I'm working on Butterfly Gold, my best friend's favorite pattern. I'm thinking after that I'll do Crazy Daisy. Dare I attempt my all time favorite, Butterprint?

You can find all of these lovelies in My Etsy Shop here:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/moderntypography

Pick up a set for an upcoming bridal shower, Mother's Day or a friend's birthday. Don't forget to buy yourself something, too!

aden and claire Winner and Coupon Code

Congratulations Lily on winning the aden and claire gift certificate!

Last minute entries often pay off.

For the rest of us, Claire is offering free domestic shipping

now through 4/15/15. Use the code FREESHIPPING at aden and claire when you checkout!

Happy Easter friends!

May the Lord bless you as you have blessed me.

Don't forget to subscribe to my blog

or visit the giveaway tab above for more chances to win

fantastic Etsy stuff.

Lanatema Giveaway and Review

I would like to introduce you to my new Italian Etsy friend Alessandra,
owner of the super cute shop Lanatema. When she contacted me
about sponsoring a giveaway and review I was delighted
to find her shop full of adorable felt plushies, magnets and bookmarks.

She sent me this fuzzy little treat last week, and my refrigerator couldn't be any happier!

I love this particular design because you can center it over a face on a picture or a date on a calendar.

 

I think these little treasures would make a perfect "Thinking of You" gift,
all wrapped & ready to go.

Alessandra would like to giveaway one of her scrumptious little cookie bookmarks

to one lucky blog reader!

First, let's find out a little more about Alessandra and her brand new small business.

Q: Congratulations on starting a new Etsy business! I see you are just 21 years old. I don't think I was as entrepreneurial at that age.  Tell us a little more about yourself.

A: First of all thank you for your congrats! I opened my shop on August 2014 with curiosity, to try a new experience and to see if other people would like my creations.

I study at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera most of the day and spend every minute of free time doing something for my shop  (for example during train travels to the academy); it takes a lot of effort but it is so much fun.

Q: How did your products come to be?

A: When I create a new item, I take inspiration from things I like such as animals or little colorful objects that attract me. Once I have an idea, I draw it on cardstock. Then I copy it on felt, cut, and sew all the parts together.

I am very lucky because in my town there is an amazing fabric shop where I can buy very good quality materials (I almost live there :-) ).

Q: What do you think sets you apart from other Etsy shops? What do you want people to know about you?

A: I try to create something useful, that also makes people happy. This is the reason why many of my creations have a lovely smile. I put all my best in every stitch, in fact my family makes fun of me because they say that i'm too particular. I've made many custom orders (in particular for friends) and I am very happy to do it because it helps me to create new objects. Creating something personalized is very exciting because I can bring to life any item you can imagine.

Q: I see you've joined the Etsy Italia team. I would never have known so many Etsy sellers were based in Italy! Have you focused your efforts on sales locally or do you hope to take on the international market?

A: Yes, it is a very big team of Italian sellers; we try to help each other with suggestions or tips. I hope to take on the international market because handmade is more appreciated and valued. In Italy e-commerce isn't as widespread as in the US . Here, we prefer stalls or little shops where one can touch and see the product.

Q: Do you have any big plans for the future?

A: Yes of course :-) I would like to increase my online sales! I'd also like to have my own stall and meet people so I can show them how I make my items. But my adventure has only just begun.

Now, on to the good stuff!

We are making it super easy to enter the giveaway.

Simply visit Lanatema & tell us what you think

in a comment below!

*Bonus entry for sharing this giveaway on Facebook and tagging www.facebook.com/lanatema

Don't forget to leave your email or a way to contact you!

Alessandra would like to offer everyone a coupon for 20% off, 

now until the end of the giveaway.

Use the code 20COUPON to receive a discount off your entire purchase at Lanatema!

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews.

Visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Monday, April 20, 2015 at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.

Giveaway and Review: Hobbies from the Heart

Two of my all time favorite Giveaways were from Hobbies from the Heart.

Here's a link to the first, and the second.

It's how I met my very first Etsy friend, Mari!

Of course, she wants to do another giveaway!

And this time it's a choose-your-own-adventure Gift Certificate for $20.

 

You can buy like 1 million things from Hobbies from the Heart for $20, I'm not kidding. Okay maybe a little less than 1 million. But seriously.

So, I love Q&A because people are awesome, especially Mari!

Q: What have you been up to since your last feature?

A: Hi Melanie. It is so nice to be back. Well, since the last feature back in June of 2012, many things changed. That summer I finished my Master’s degree in [Experimental Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience] and moved across the nation to beautiful-but-freezing Wisconsin. Now I’m spending quality time with my sweet daughter and loving husband, working as a Spanish Medical Interpreter, while concurrently selling my handmade goodies via Etsy, local stores, and local craft fairs. 

Q: Any new products headed our way?

A: Since we last “spoke”, I’ve been making simple everyday wear jewelry, which I sell via consignment at some local stores here in Wisconsin and in craft fairs. I am also planning to make some of the cards I sell into stationary sets. (I currently sell these cards at local stores and craft fairs).

Q: Any advice for new Etsians?

A: My advice to people starting out in Etsy is: Love what you do, and never give up. Etsy is getting so big, and you cannot really compete with some stores, but if you stay true to yourself, your love and passion will show, people will notice you and will come back to you.

Q: Have you bought or lusted after any fabulous Etsy finds lately?

A: Oh Yes! I have bought more than I should, and I will just mention a few of my favorites. I bought a total of 3 beautiful knitted headbands from Pointelle Design, which are great to protect my ears from this freezing weather, while still showing my pixie cut. My daughter owns 4 beautifully made scarfs from The Wild Purple. I just love these, and sometimes I “borrow” them from my sweet girl. I just got a beautiful burp cloth and bandana bib set from DeeksandMe. These are for my first nephew, who still needs a few more months of “baking.” And of course, I cannot get enough hand-carved stamps from my dear and talented Etsy friend Cassandra from Cassa Stamps. These stamps stamp so sharp and are so well made that you won't be able to resist buying more than one. 

Thanks Mari, you are amazing and I've already favorited several new items!

#enabler #justkiddingnotkidding

To keep up with Mari & Hobbies from the Heart follow her on Facebook.

Find here on Instagram @hobbiesfromtheheart

Here's a link to her Etsy Shop.

Sign up for emails with updates & promotions here.

AND

If you'd like to enter to win the $20 gift certificate to Hobbies from the Heart, simply visit Hobbies from the Heart on Etsy and tell us which item is your favorite in the comment below!
Please leave your email address or a way to contact you.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Be sure to follow me by email for future giveaways & product reviews, and visit the giveaway tab at the top of the page for more chances to win.

Giveaway winner will be chosen on Friday, March 20, 2015 at noon PST.

Must be 18 years of age and a US/Canada resident to win.

Winner will be chosen with random.org and have 3 days to respond to this post or email.

10 Must Read Etsy Blog Posts for New Shop Owners

Whenever I hear someone has opened a new Etsy shop, I get a big grin on my face. Etsy has been such a blessing in my life, providing added income and allowing me to cut down on hours in my "real job" and stay home more with my kids.

Like many others, I didn't know the first thing about Etsy when I started, less so about sales, merchandising or product photography. I was also a novice at design, a self taught user of Adobe Illustrator. I wasn't even sure what my product would be.

Maybe you're in the same boat. Maybe you've made up a name, put up an item or 2 for sale. Now you find yourself constantly checking back to see if you've gotten a sale. Been there! But there is so much you can do while waiting!

They say experience is the best teacher, well who wants to wait for that! Instead, build upon the success of your successors. Today I'm sharing with you articles from the Etsy blog that gave me the know-how and confidence I needed to make it in this crazy online business. No matter what stage you're at, I believe you'll find something useful here to help you take it to the next level. Get out your pen and paper and let's do this!

#1 Top 10 Marketing Tips from Top Sellers

When I got started I interviewed dozens of Etsy sellers about their personal success via Etsy. It's crazy how close these tips are to the responses I received. This is a great place to start when you are just figuring it all out.

#2 Shop Makeover Before and After with Photoshop and How to Make Your Photos Publicity Ready

Many will read this article and ask why I didn't make photography #1. I'll tell you why, photography is the most intimidating topic for new Etsians. I like these articles because they are beginner friendly. You don't have to take the most amazing photos and master Photoshop, but you can make them look better with a few simple steps.

I can remember wanting so badly to make the front page of Etsy. You know what makes the front page? A great photo. Maybe you want to feature your product on a fancy blog? You can edit bad lighting, remove a shadow, or brighten things up (#5), but you can also take awesome pictures. Photography was important enough to put up 2 posts, and there are tons more on the Etsy blog to read.

#3 5 Ways to Work Smarter Not Harder

Oh that I had this post when I was starting out. Still, there is always something to be gleened from a blog post at any stage of the game. When I read this article recently I decided my policies needed an update. Now my policy section includes a frequently asked questions section. Learn this early on, it'll save you a ton of time later on.

#4 Guidelines & Tips: Brainstorming Keywords for Tags and Titles

Overwhelmed? Try this article on for size. It gets down to the basics, brainstorming ideas for titles, descriptions and tags. I did this immediately after reading this article. I wish I'd documented the dramatic increase in item views after doing so. I don't care if you've been on Etsy 3 days or 300 days. Read it, do it. Such a simple thing can make a huge difference.

#5 Etsy Success: Make Your Shop More Relevant

Take what you learned in the last article to the next level with this blog post. So many key points are made here, read it a few times. For instance, we all panicked when Etsy started showing search results by relevancy. But recency (when you put the item up for sale) also affects a shoppers search. If this isn't sinking in now, pin it and read it later.

#6 4 Ways to Improve Your SEO

If you've read AND tried everything you've read so far, this will make perfect sense to you. It was mentioned in the first article, but this one has much more to offer on the topic.

I think when I came to Etsy I thought my customers would be family, friends, friends of friends, people who read random blogs. Hey now, you can do better than that! Would you believe me if I said I hadn't made a single Etsy sale to a family member or friend?

Do this. Search "kraft brown tag" on google images. Then "custom brown tag". Then "brown wedding tag". You'll find a few items from my shop each time, completely different items. I love how this article made me think about how whatever makes you unique helps you get found.

#7 Branded Packaging Basics

Love this article, love this topic. The focus is on pretty packaging, something I know a little something about. This is here to remind you that not only must you draw the customers in, but you must also keep them coming back. I order something from Fossil the other day and they sent me a cute little ornament with the package, made my day. You can bet I'll be back for more. And I'll never forget an adorable package I received from Octopurse with fancy tape all over the outside.

#8 Must read merchandising blog posts

No doubt you need a break, try this easy reading. These are my absolute favorite blog posts from the Etsy blog. Etsy does all of the hard work for you and flat out tells you what people are looking for when they come to Etsy. Anticipate another article early 2014 with tips on spring, Valentine's Day and Easter. Can't wait to find out what will take the place of the fox, I think we've officially worn that one out!

#9 Shop Stats Exercises to Increase Your Traffic

In #8 you found out what the everyday shopper looks for on Etsy. Here you'll find out what brought the customers to your shop. This one always surprises me. Not only do people come to my shop looking at the thing I sell the least of, they come from places on the internet where I didn't even know I existed! This is fun, really fun. And educational.

#10 The Seller Handbook Archive

This is where you'll find just about everything else you could possibly need to know, and then some.

Happy Reading!

Countdown to Christmas: 25 Small Gift Ideas

This change in the weather was the last kick I needed to get moving on my holiday planning. I've listed the last of the Christmas items in my shop:
Set of 25 advent bags

With each set I'll be including this list of ideas for filling them. These are appropriate for children of all ages, 3 to 103 :) (Sorry baby George, no small parts for children under 3)

Since I'm a thrifty kind of gal, you'll find many items on this list can be handmade. I've included a link to tutorials for such. I've also taken into account the size and weight. These would also makes great stocking stuffers, too!

(In photo, top to bottom, left to right)

1. Tooth brushes 

Dollar Tree

2. Scissors

$1.39 at Target

3. Stickers 

Home made with Avery Label Mailing Seals.

4. Handmade mini notebooks

These were made from old book pages. Here's a link to a tutorial similar to my method. I finished the edges with washi tape.

5. Candy Cane Pens

49 cents at Michaels

6. Magic Washclothes

Dollar Tree

7. Modeling Clay

On sale at Michaels, $1.25 each

8. Handmade Jewelry and Accessories

I made these ladybug rings with scrapbooking brads, ring backs and E-6000.

9. Hand Tattoos

Dollar bins at Michaels

(Not Shown)

10. Mini Chalkboard & Chalk

Here's a tutorial for a mini chalkboard. You can use chalkboard vinyl if you don't want to paint.

11. Washi Tape

Michaels has a good assortment, always on sale.

12. Old coins or a$2 bill

Ask for these at the bank, they always have something in their register. I'm putting mine in handmade envelopes, follow the tutorial here.

13. Pinback buttons

14. Pipe cleaners

Here's a link to fun pipe cleaner crafts.

15. Finger puppets

16. Popper fireworks or sparklers

Usually Target sells these for New Years right before Christmas.

17. Popcorn Garland Kit

I'm using a bag of microwave popcorn and red & white baker's twine. For younger children use Froot Loops. This blog has some great examples, as well as other crafty Christmas ideas.

18. A Kazoo

19. Flashilght

Harbor Freight Gives these away.

20. Silly Putty

$1 at Michaels. They even have glow-in-the-dark now!

21. Crazy Straws

My kids never tire of finding new ways to drink the same thing.

22. A Sewing Kit & Fabric Scraps

I'm not going to lie, I wish I was getting these things. Need scraps? Buy these!

23. Magnet Strips

These will keep a crafty or curious kid occupied for hours.

24. Handmade Ornaments

I just bought some clear plastic ornaments, tiny pine trees and fake snow to make "snow globe" ornaments. I'm going to try the same thing with baby food jars. Photos to come!

25. Leather notebook necklace

Because I think the grand finally ought to be awesome. This is from fullmoonn, and the price is ridiculously cheap for what it is.

Hope you find this list helpful!
Don't forget to purchase your gift bags now
to get them in time for December 1st!

Give Back

I'm so excited about this months sales thus far.

I actually had to put my shop on vacation status over the weekend just to catch up!

Perhaps people have heard about my November goal. 

For every sale made by the end of this month I'll be giving $1 to a charitable organization.

A little more info on that here.

I'd love to hear about your plans for giving back this holiday season.

If you'd like to support my shop and give back, check it out here.

Christmas Gift List #1: Children's Books & Etsy Finds

Henry & I may fight all day, but we always end up snuggled up like best friends at the end of the day reading our favorite books. I thought I'd put together a list for those of you out there looking for something wonder-full to give away this holiday season.

I also thought I'd show you some fun Etsy finds with our favorite characters or similar things you could buy to go along with them :) These favorite's aren't in any particular order, except that I may have the books I last read on my mind.

#1 Where does Maisy Live?

This is a hard cover, lift-the-flap book, perfect for those rough little guys.

This reminds me, if you are looking for gender neutral books, Maisy is perfect. Henry and I had a good arguement awhile back about whether or not Maisy is a girl or a boy, despite the fact that Maisy was wearing a dress in the picture (another Maisy book). 

When I read it to Henry when he was 2 I would ask "Does Maisy live in the pigpen?" to which 

Henry would reply "Nooooooo". Super cute. These days we are reading the actual words.

I found this super cute smock on Etsy that would pair perfectly with a Maisy book:

Buy it here from pinkiepetunia

#2 Toes, Ears, & Nose

"Peek-a-boo" books are perfect for toddlers.

This book is great for babies when they are learning new words and more mature toddlers

who can repeat a few lines on their own. 

It cracks me up every time Henry says "keeps my belly button out of the breeze".

Inside joke? No, it really says that in the book.

For some reason the toy that came to mind for this one is an I Spy bean bag.

My sister-in-law made these for the kids one Christmas.

Buy it here from kidbiz2010

This book and this toy are great for kids who like to point, find, and talk about anything
and everything, which is pretty much all of mine.

#3 Is Your Mama a Llama?

Of course not, silly.

This is one of those rhymey books that kids love to listen to.

I like the use of unusual animals such as bats and seals.

And it's one of those - kids finish the sentence - type of books.

I couldn't resist this Etsy find.

It's a pattern, yet another reason to learn how to sew.
Who knew Llamas were so popular on Etsy.

Buy it from bitofwhimsyprims

#4 Disney Classics Story Readers, Me Reader

What can I say, my kids love electronics.

We have both of these sets of Disney books, each with 8 of our favorite Disney Tales.

Henry and I take turns either pushing the buttons or turning the pages.

I am seriuosly amazed at how well they can condense these stories into 10 pages.

Not impressed? Consider this:

The pages and buttons are color and shape coordinated. When we got the first set

at the beginning of the year he didn't know what pink or a triangle were. 

Now HE tells me what colors and shapes to push.

And if I've got to hear a story over and over, it had better be a good one, which the Disney tales are.

I think it'd be cute to get one of these bags to go along with it:

Buy it from imperfectprincess

#5 Press Here

This is a very interactive and silly book.

As you read along with your child, they are asked to press the "buttons" and shake the book. 

As they follow the instructions the circles change.

Henry received this one for Christmas last year and I didn't think it looked all that interesting.

I should've known, since it came from the famous Aunt Debbie, that it would be great.

Love this art print to gift along with it:

Buy it from papermoth

I look forward to bringing you more great gift ideas and Etsy finds.

I'd love to hear yours, too!