Readers of Jess Says know how much we love to find great unique and often handmade items from local designers and crafters. Which is why we adore Cat in an Apron (www.catinanapron.com), which shares our love of the beautifully original, and sells it all in one place!  read more »

Melissa & Doug Triangle Crayons  read more »

Soft… just sooooooft. You know that thick, thick yummy cotton that never wears out and is so delicious to the touch? The kind you ooh and aah over at the baby showers? Now imagine it in 100% certified organic cotton. This small-scale boutique clothing line offers an ever-increasing selection of styles and pieces - and this season they are just too cute. Little scrub pants, onesie dresses, lap tees… essentials, naturally.
Prices vary, www.gonaturalbaby.com

This Portland company wants you to love your brain. The goal of Nutcase is to inspire people to wear helmets by making them fun. And fun they are! Nutcase helmets are available for biking, snow sports, water sports, and skateboarding with new lines coming soon. And good news for the littlest riders, ages 2-5: “little nutty” comes out at the holidays. Around $40-ish; available at independent bike shops locally; also Freddies and Target, as well as online at
www.nutcasestore.com

French Bull Dishware
These plates are perfect for little diners. Made of nonbreakable melamine they withstand heat, are dishwasher safe, and won’t chip or shatter if your wee one drops them. But check out the designs! The “monster” line (we call them robots or superheroes) is seriously retro and modern all at once. We’re also fans of the nifty compartment tray.

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