Shop Localista: Bundles of Buys for Bundles of Joy

I love all things infant—except, perhaps, for the stretch marks that accompanied the arrival of my two bundles of joy.

That said, from showers to birth to beyond, I truly enjoy buying baby gifts for any reason whatsoever. There is something simply wonderful about choosing something that welcomes another little person into this world. Since my baby sister delivered her second baby this week I have the perfect excuse to peruse town for the perfect pint-sized present!

While finding adorable infant gifts these days isn't exactly a challenge (everyone from Old Navy to Nordstrom has cuteness quotas well-filled at all price points) the real hurdle comes from coming up with something unique enough to insure every other baby strolling through the park won't be sporting the same ensemble. Shopping local is the perfect solution for finding singular, signature gifts in general, but when it comes to infant items specifically, Maplewood is a goldmine.

My first stop was Knitknack on Springfield. This comfy fiber arts shop is bursting with crafty ways to welcome the arrival of new little people. The shop's owner Meera is also a walking wealth of creative ideas and suggestions. Though nothing in the shop is sold pre-made, she'll happily steer you towards projects at all skill levels. You'll even find a free 'Groovy Little Baby Blanket' pattern on their website: The hand-dyed, washable Merino wool specified for the blanket is available at the store and because the pattern calls for large needles, it's a quick, fairly easy project that'll pack a huge, sentimental punch when presented.

In the Village, at our exceptional bookstore, Words, you'll find an assortment of wonderfully literary ways to celebrate wee ones. From Boynton to Seuss, they have a number of affordable ($12- $18) boxed gift sets sure to find a special place in any nursery and every heart. Books are a great gifts that grow along with the giftee, taking on new significance they learn to read. They also mold some magical memories, too: My not-so-little ones still break into rousing renditions of 'Pajama Time' from time to time...priceless!

3R LIVING boasts a bevy of eco-conscious ways to convey new baby wishes. Standouts like the cuffed fashion bracelet that doubles as a convenient teether for baby (Oh Plah!, $26) and the cute, clever stuffed animals based on children's imaginations and drawings ($34) are sure to impress and please. In addition to layettes and layette stuffers at all price points, they also offer some sweet ways to pamper Mom and baby alike, like the stretch mark cream I should've picked up by the case...

If you're looking for a present that combines cutting edge cool with impeccably classic taste, just let Hanh from Little One & Co. help you choose your gift. The only problem with this store is trying to get out without buying something for every munchkin in your realm. I left with two debonair outfits ($30 t0 $36) for my handsome new nephew and a dazzling 'Big Sister' T for my fierce little fashionista niece ($26). Dashing, fashion-forward diaper bags were also available in the $70 range. Ideas for filling that bag came prices to suit all budgets.

Takeaway: While I found my new nephew's perfect present at Little One & Co., I could have scored something sincerely super at any of the shops mentioned above. Need more incentive to look local? Use this SECRET SHOPPING CODE to skim 20% off of prices from this Monday, May 31 through Thursday, June 3 at Little One & Co. Just mention "LOC PATCH" and Hanh will hook you up!

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