Jacqueline Oddo, who launched TAYLOR'S BABY in January 2006, knows how hard it is to find a unique gift. To aid buyers looking for that perfect something, she says, "The majority of our line is hand painted and handcrafted by top artisans and custom made to order in the U.S. Most of our designers are parents themselves who "Mom test" all their creations."

Take a beautifully made T-shirt, sprinkle it with rhinestones and a cheeky saying, and you've got a "Hot Pick" on Oddo's site. Designed exclusively for Taylor's Baby by Rhinestone Fashions, the tees (sizes 2T-5, $28-$32) available in pink, black or white "have been selling unbelievably," says Oddo. Order yours with sayings like "Move over Cinderella," "Move over Barbie," and "Move over Snow White" to usher in the next feminine icon.

You may need a second mortgage on your house to pay for this one, but a gift from Le Petite Maison is worth it. Each playhouse is custom built to the buyer's specifications. "Whether a log cabin for your little adventurer, a castle for your princess, a favorite doll house that she can play in or even his or her own replica of Mommy and Daddy's home, these luxurious playhouses will create the childhood memories of a lifetime," says Oddo. At $18,000, you'll expect a great resale value, too. The Victorian Playhouse shown, features a wrap-around front porch, scrollwork accents and a real bay window.

     

 

You can sense the love that goes into every stitch of JuneBee Baby's sweet infant and children's sweaters. Log on to Taylor's Baby Love (taylorsbaby.com) where you'll fall for the Kitty Cutie Zipper Hoodie Sweater for boys. The 100 percent cotton, zip-front sweater is knit in soft yellow cotton and detailed with light blue cat heads ($75, NB-4T). The Happy Sun Sweater in a lacy white knit edged in yellow and detailed with smiling sun pockets will elicit sighs of delight from his sister ($72, NB-4T).

 

 

 

 

  

Swanky Moms Featured Mom Award March 2006