5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.
Whether prince or pauper, welcoming a new baby is cause for a royal celebration. So using Prince William and Kate as inspiration, here are some gift ideas for little ones.
1. This jewelry will not harm teethers
I’m not a mom, but when I saw Chewbeads jewelry, the concept made sense to me. I’ve seen enough babies tugging at their mom’s sterling and precious gold chains and bead necklaces to realize the double threat of clumsy hands and the teething phase. The jewelry — 100 percent silicone- and chemical-free — was designed by a mom looking for fashionable, chew-safe pieces that wouldn’t harm her teething son. They’re available in many different colors and designs, in statement styles that won’t look out of place paired with contemporary ensembles. Necklaces range from $29.50 to $36.50; bracelets are $14.50 to $19.50, available at www.chewbeads.com. — Nadine Kam
2. Aloha-print bloomers match rompers
When buying baby girl gifts for friends on the mainland, I like to send unique aloha print dresses made in Hawaii. This adorable cotton romper dress ($25.95) from Be’be Tahiti in dark pink with hibiscus flowers comes with matching bloomers. Baby Showers Hawaii boutique owner Emmie Newman carries a selection of dresses that are all sewn locally, and she has blankets and car seat covers, too. The store is at Kailua Shopping Center, 600 Kailua Road. Call 262-8934 or visit www.babyshowershawaii.com. — Nina Wu
3. Organic Baby Salve goes on rash
Soothe your little one’s diaper rash with Lanikai Bath and Body’s Organic Baby Salve made with beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E and sunflower, kukui and macadamia oils. The healing balm is good for boo-boos, too! Priced at $15.50 for 4 ounces, it’s part of the Lanikai Baby collection that includes talc-free calming powder and tearless shampoo, available at the store in the Kailua Shopping Center, 600 Kailua Road, or online at lanikaibathandbody.com. Call 262-3260. — Nancy Arcayna
4. And the cradle will rock!
Just because you’re having a baby doesn’t mean your rock ‘n’ roll days are over. Rock on with Rockabye Baby! CDs featuring lullaby renditions of music by Kanye West, Bob Marley, White Stripes, Aerosmith, Green Day, Guns N’ Roses, U2, Bjōrk, Kiss and dozens of other bands for $12 to $17. (When they’re old enough, you can explain what the Kiss hit "Love Gun" is really about.) Even big babies will find the instrumentals soothing; a new-mom friend reports her hubby likes to doze off to the Red Hot Chili Peppers CD. Gift sets include the "Alternative Parenting" bundle ($55) with a lineup of Nirvana, Weezer, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Pearl Jam; other sets offer matching shirts and temporary tattoos for your li’l rocker. Find the complete collection at www.rockabyebabymusic.com. — Christie Wilson
5. Lullaby gets a local twist in new book
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" has been a classic in nurseries for generations. Jing Jing Tsong has given the song a local twist in the new board book "Twinkle, Twinkle, Small Hoku" (BeachHouse Publishing, $7.95). The local artist whimsically illustrated the tale of a canoe full of seafarers being guided through the night by the swirling light of the heavenly body. — Donica Kaneshiro