Filling the Littlest Stocking

While spiritual preparations for the birth of Christ are much more important, perhaps you, like me, are fielding questions of what gifts your children would like from relatives.

After 4 kids, it takes a lot for me to get excited about a baby item. I cannot function well amidst clutter so I usually loathe to add any more stuff to our home. Yet, grandparents often insist on getting something for the little guys who would rather eat the wrapping paper. I try to abide by the rule, “Is is beautiful and/or useful?” (preferably both).

So here is my new favorite toy and gift recommendation:  the Chew Beads necklace. They are quite pricey when you consider how many diapers you could buy for the cost of a necklace, but it does make a fun, special gift!

I have it in turquoise and find myself wearing it whenever I leave the house, at mass, and when I’m in the house in running clothes so our little 7.5 month old teething buddy can chew on it. I like the one with both big and little beads, mixed. It is also super useful for trying to get him to finish a feeding or stay in one place when changing a diaper while there is a three ring circus going on around him! Cute and useful!