I'll admit right now these are less "must have" and more "gosh darn it that's cute and every baby should have this".  I love me some etsy- I use it often to support other small businesses, buy headbands, wraps, and props for my newborn sessions.  I use it for gifts for my kids, thank you's for my wonderful clients, and occasionally just for me ;)

Since we are done with our baby having days, I get to lust after all the newborn and baby items for YOU! I will keep on buying newborn/baby pretties for sessions, but for your day to day, here are some really neat items that I would have bought if I knew about them.  (Please note, baby shower gift buyers, these are great gifts and unique enough that they won't see them as often as a Target gift *that said, I love Target*)

1. A Coming Home, or First Outfit

One of my favorite things waiting for baby is choosing that first outfit.  The one you pack into the hospital bag for the moment you get to go home, the one that needs to be just right. It was double the fun when we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl and got to get one of each! GoneGreenMama and BornApparel offer coming home outfits in a variety of styles and phrases. They also have lots of bigger sizes, so it doesn't just have to stop at your first outfit. (For gift buyers- Etsy Giftcards!)

2. A Customized Blanket

We got custom burp cloths as gifts with a few of our babies, and while they were wonderful and special, they didn't get used very often.  Blankets can be dragged around for years, and it's hard to mistake for someone else's because it is special to them. GingerLous Etsy Shoppe has a multitude of options, and I struggled with which to share because they are all so cute! 

3. Momma Care

I don't know about you, but I struggle to set aside self care time. I love the idea of this gift box, yes, even the laundry detergent- simple and gentle. DaveandAthena has a slew of natural, simple gift items. You can design something just right. 

4. Nursing Pillow and Boppy Covers

I've never seen anything like the Nursie pillow before- but goodness it seems genius to me!  The support you need without shrugging your shoulder. I always had a Boppy, and love love loved getting special covers so if baby spit up I could wash one and just slide the other on. 

5. Teethers

I know there is a giraffe that is a big thing, that has been for a few years.  We've never owned one, but I've had a fair share of teethers and I love these little rings by MommasLittleBirdie. They are wood and BPA free silicon.  I've had necklaces like it for my babies too- and they were lifesavers on a few plane flights with my youngest. 

6. Car seat covers

Another nifty item that seems like it would have been handy to have for my winter babies!  It is unsafe to use some of the car seat covers that involve under the baby and make the straps not be as tight as they should, but this keeps the cold air off of baby between the house and the car, or allows baby peace to sleep when friendly fellow shoppers might get too close to say hello. These fitted car seat covers are so pretty, not to mention, it can double as a nursing and shopping cart cover!

7. Headbands & Beanies

There are endless goodies for baby's noggin on etsy. In fact, it can be pretty overwhelming! My suggestion to you is, but headbands, not tiebacks.  Don't get items with tiny items on them that could fall off.  Those headbands are usually best reserved for photo sessions, where it is worn for a few minutes and checked regularly for quality, vs worn all the time.  For beanies, measure baby's head for the appropriate size.  Avoid items with loose odds and ends. Most of all, have fun looking.  You can get accessories to match about anything your babies wear!

8. Moccasins

Quite literally the only baby shoes that would stay on my kid's feet, and are better for them when they start walking than hard soled shoes. They only had a few style options when my bigger kids were little, but now, thanks to small businesses, you have a ton of choices.  My favorites are leather, but you can get all sorts of fabrics.

9. Etsy Gift Card

Last, but certainly not least, an Etsy gift card is a fantastic gift idea. Most of the etsy shops take them, and it gives the freedom to buy exactly what the person has in mind. Click here to go to the gift card page

I'm sure I will add more over time, but this is a start!  Happy Shopping!