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Gift Guide

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Maybe it is the season of life that I am in right now or perhaps it is because I like to host a lot of baby showers, but I’ve been getting asked frequently my thoughts on baby shower gifts. I often have a running list of ideas to share that haven’t really changed over the years…. however, very recently, I was introduced to two companies that I feel are out-of-the-box great ideas as gifts for new moms.

Both Finn & Co and Heartfelt Mamas were founded by mothers! They are both Spokane-area business women who felt a need was not being met and stepped up and met the need. I encourage you to check out their products or social media profiles and show them some support!

The following gift ideas are not sponsored, however, I received two of these items in a giveaway and was SO impressed that I had to share. All opinions are my own. These items were won through a giveaway without knowledge that they may be included in a blog post.

Finn the Panda from Finn and Co Gifts designed for babies in the NICU

Finn & Co Gifts – Finn the Panda

The idea behind this lovely stuffed panda is one that is both so smart and one that was born from a true need. While a great gift for lots of new moms, the purpose of the creation of this little panda was as a gift for a mom whose child is in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Armstrong, the creator of this adorable stuffie. (That is what my kids called all stuffed animals!)

Finn the Panda was developed to help comfort babies during hospital stays, as well as to foster the bond between the baby and their caregivers, even when they have to be apart. It features:

  • Finn is made of antimicrobial material to help prevent the spread of germs to baby. This is SUPER important in a hospital environment, but also a great idea for daycare or home.
  • He wears a washable heart-shaped scent patch that can be detached and worn, then reattached to the bear. This means that mom or dad can place the patch close to their skin for some time and then attach to the bear so that their scent goes with baby wherever they may be.
  • A recording device that allows a song or comforting words of up to one minute to be played back once or on repeat may help to soothe baby or help with familiarity. I could see this being great for a grandparent who may be far away.
  • The contrasting black and white colors that appeal to baby’s early vision.
  • Finn is made of 100% cashmere to be amazingly soft and cuddly.
  • Finn and Co Gifts offer free shipping on a purchase of Finn the Panda as well as a 10% discount if you sign up for their newsletter. (Visit the Finn and Co Gifts website and scroll to the bottom of the page to enter an email for their newsletter.)
Michelle Armstrong created Finn the Panda after experiencing a NICU stay for her son.
Michelle Armstrong, creator of Finn the Panda, with her son.

We all wish for babies to be healthy at birth, but for many new mothers and many new families…this just isn’t an option. Finn the Panda is such a thoughtful way to allow family members an opportunity to feel that they are in some small way able to be with their baby even when they physically cannot be there. This would make such a lovely gesture to someone in your life. Or, perhaps you simply feel the desire to help SOMEONE in need. Sponsor a Finn the Panda that will be delivered to a NICU or ICU in your city.


As a mom who spent several months of her son’s first year of life in the hospital, I know the stress and pressure of hospital parenting.  I wanted to do everything I could for my son and often felt the guilt of not being able to be there for him every moment during his 57 day NICU stay.  I developed Finn the Panda so that even when you have to be away, you can leave a piece of you to provide comfort and bonding for your baby and you.

Michelle Armstrong, creator of Finn the Panda

While I don’t want to take away from the purpose of Finn. When I heard about him I wished I would have had one of pandas for the first few months that I went back to work and my son was getting used to a his new daycare. I believe it would be a wonderful gift for working moms (or dads), grandparents, and other loved ones who may wish to be near baby, but are unable to.

Heartfelt Mamas gift box

Heartfelt Mamas Gift Boxes

When I go to baby showers I often gift something from a registry or something I feel will be useful to baby and mom. However, when I get the pleasure of visiting a momma in the hospital or at home after a birth, I try to gift her something simply for her. She has gone through a lot!

Heartfelt Mamas for sure has something for brand new mamas, but that isn’t where this company stops. There are boxes curated specifically for different aspects of motherhood including miscarriage, grief, post-partum, or just an day-brightening everyday gift box. Each curated gift box features local Inland NW products and services.

Some of the items that may be found in Heartfelt Mamas Boxes:

  • Wild June Co Coffee Scrub and Lavender Nourish Skin Cream
  • Winterwoods Pacific Coast Lavender Tea
  • Bucket of Moon Beams Accessory Pouch
  • Chocolate
  • Gift Cards to local services
  • Sparkles Bakeshop Granola Rounds
  • Caring Coconut Soothing Spray

Gift boxes may be purchased from anywhere, but those within 45 miles of Spokane, WA have the option of purchasing the “local” gift box which sports services from local businesses such as fitness classes, coffee shops, nutrition consultants, spa services, and more.


Heartfelt Mamas stems from my own personal experiences and journey to find joy, happiness, and peace in this crazy thing we call motherhood. My heart is to help reduce anxiety, stress & comparisons in mamas in order to create happier, healthier families.

Cheree Sauer, Founder of Heartfelt Mamas

I love a company with a heart. Gift boxes can also be sponsored to give to a woman in need. In addition, a portion of the sales of gift boxes goes to create and give a box to a woman in need.

Mother-Lovin’ Gifts

I know that I would have appreciated either of the above gifts as a new mom and beyond. It has been a joy for me to stumble upon both of these mother-ran and operated companies with a genuine heart for fellow women. Whether you are shopping for the perfect baby shower gift, a gift for a new mom, a thoughtful gift for a mother who is grieving, or a way to give back to local moms, check out these two great companies!

Finn & Co Gifts | www.finnandcogifts.com | @FinnandCoGifts

Heartfelt Mamas | www.heartfeltmamas.com | @HeartfeltMamas

Thank you to Verizon for sharing the following items for me on a limited basis to test and review. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the companies that help make this blog possible!

If you are anything like me then you are just now getting around to stuffing your stockings! Before you head out for your last minute shopping (or, hey, open your computer) check out my comprehensive 2016 Well Crafted Holiday Gift Guide!

My Tech Favorites from Verizon Wireless this Year

I was pleased to be able to test a few items from Verizon Wireless this year as I didn’t know that they offered much more than phones. They do though! They have phones, smart watches, tablets, and accessories. Below are some of my favorite items from Verizon this year.

FitBit Alta- Hide it in the stocking for an extra special surprise! A Well Crafted Gift Guide - Sponsored

Fitbit Alta

Fitbit® Alta™ keeps you motivated and also looking great. Change the wrist bands (sold separately) and customize the digital clock face to update your look. Track your activity and take advantage of automatic recognition and recording of select exercises via the Fitbit app’s SmartTrack feature. Easy-to-see call, text and calendar notifications from your nearby, compatible mobile device are displayed right on the wristband.

The band was slightly difficult to put on at first. But, once on, it worked like a charm and didn’t need to be charged too often. The tracking of deep and restless sleep was an added bonus!

Google Pixel for Christmas - Read a blogger's review - A Well Crafted Gift Guide (Sponsored)

 Pixel & Pixel XL

With this new phone by Google, you can be sure to document precious moments with the highest rated smartphone camera, a battery that lasts all day and a charger that gets you seven hours of battery life in 15 minutes. Stay up-to-date on customized news while also using Google Assistant to keep your daily schedule organized.

I was able to test this out for twenty days and fell in LOVE with the camera! The camera has cool features such as a double twist of the phone puts it in selfie mode, HDR+, video stabilization, lens blur, and photo sphere (yes, 360!). You can even adjust levels before taking a photo which is insanely cool control. The light the camera took in was fantastic.

Verizon Wireless

The Google Pixel is currently only sold through Verizon Wireless. I was able to test out the service while testing the phone. I had no issues with service while using it and found that phone calls were crisp and clear. There are a variety of different sized plans that are available so that customers may choose the plan that suits their needs.

Protect your tech - Kate Spade Wrap Case - A Well Crafted Gift Guide (Sponsored)

Kate Spade Wrap Case

Keep your favorite blogger’s phone safe & looking good with this beautiful wrap case by Kate Spade. Find it and other cases for the Google Pixel and other popular models at Verizon Wireless. This case was easy to put on and fit in with most of my accessories.

What tech are you hoping to find under the tree this year?

 

If you are anything like me then you are just now getting around to stuffing your stockings! Before you head out for your last minute shopping (or, hey, open your computer) check out my comprehensive 2016 Well Crafted Holiday Gift Guide!

Read on to check out my suggestions for a holiday stocking stuffed with fantastic beauty products.

This post is sponsored. All opinions and experiences are my own. As with all beauty products, read the ingredients to see if they will work for you. I only share about products I have tried and liked. 

Holiday Must Have - SpaRituals Holiday Collection - Sponsored & featured on A Well Crafted Party

“SpaRituals Holiday Vegan Gold Collection

I love nail polish. I hate buying nail polish. Which makes nail polish one of the best stocking stuffers someone can get me. The SpaRituals collection hits it out of the ballpark this season for me based on the names alone….Come Together, Take a Stand, Unite, and Rising Spirit. SO GOOD. But, even better? The coverage and staying power. Following the provided directions and using the SpaRituals top coat in addition to the color, I was able to wear the color for two weeks which is forever for me. Purchase SpaRituals online through their website, find SpaRituals on Amazon (here for the topcoat*), or use their spa locator to find a local store.

Burts Bees Mistletoe Kiss - from A Well Crafted Gift Guide (sponsored)

Burt’s Bees Mistletoe Kiss Gift Set

Get mistletoe ready with: Burt’s Pomegranate Lip Balm, Peony Lip Shimmer, Hibiscus Tinted Lip Balm. This package is perfect for a stocking or as a fun addition to your Christmas tree. See who finds it first. Purchase online or at your local Ulta.

 

Holiday Gift Guide - Sponsored - EVO hair products have personality and integrity and are a welcome addition to my Christmas tree! - A Well Crafted Party

evo Live Large Rad Bag

There is just something about a company that makes a great product but then goes the extra step of giving that product awesome names and packaging. Purchasing a shampoo and conditioner can also get you this rad bag. This would be a welcome addition to the holiday tree or stockings. You can purchase these online or visit their website to find local stores that carry evo hair.

From their website: “born from a desire to produce an exclusive salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention in a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ crusade of twisted honesty – designed to make people think. and so comes the catch phrase – saving ordinary humans from themselves™. inside bottles of evo that are bursting with personality, you’ll find luxurious products that are sulphate, paraben, dea, tea and propylene glycol free; products that give professional results while respecting the environment.”

Eye Makeup Removing Wipes & Face Cleansing Wipes for Christmas? Hop on over to read why on my sponsored Holiday Gift Guide - A Well Crafted Party

Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes* & Eye Makeup Removers*

These everyday purchases may seem like an odd thing to give as a holiday gift. But, really, they work perfectly in stockings because they allow your favorite person to try something new all wile not spending their own money. If they are already fans of these wipes then you just saved them a trip to the drug store. Seriously, that in itself is a gift! The Kleenex facial products are sold exclusively online. Pick up these wipes on Amazon (links above) or choose your favorite online retailer. Find out more about these products on the Kleenex Facial Cleansing site.

These were fantastic for getting off my stubborn eye makeup without a ton of products. Both of these are sitting up on my countertop now. The Kleenex Facial Cleansing line launched about a year ago and to celebrate they are sharing under the hashtag #WashWhatHappens. Check it out to see the wipes in action.

See more of my beauty picks for 2016…