Local Gift Guide for that Precocious Toddler

 Clockwise, from the top:

1. This modern, unique, and eco-friendly belt made from recycled fire hose has already made its way from KD's Treehouse under my tree this year.  Jones will be getting the purple; they also have them in red, green, & blue.  The manufacturer, Gallo en Fuego, donates a portion of the proceeds from sales to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation! 

2. A membership to EdVenture Children's Museum is like a present for kids and parents.  There is always something new to see, and it is incredibly refreshing to take your toddler to a place where they are actually expected to run around, make noise, and touch everything! (The picture is of Jones playing in the ship at EdVenture a year or so ago).

3. How about this amazing handmade corduroy vest from Owlette.  I mean, this vest is over-the-top adorable, right?  She makes them in a variety of sizes.

4. Or, for the toddler girl, this precious handmade skirt, also by Owlette. Hounds tooth and corduroy...I kinda want this in my size.

5. I am obsessed with Charley Harper, and the Columbia Museum of Art Museum Shop indulges me at every turn.  This colorful puzzle-of-art would be an awesome one to Mod Podge and frame for a child's bedroom after it's completed, (if one were so craftily-inclined).

6. And a puzzle-of-art to beat all others, check out this handcrafted wooden dinosaur puzzle!  This thing is large and beautiful and perfect for a toddler or young child, (or child-at-heart-husband).  There are multiple dinos to choose from, and they're available locally at Nest, the new maker's market inside the Marriott downtown, selling only SC-made goods.  Handcrafted in the Midlands by Chris Salmon of Knifefish.

In addition to a few of these items, Jones will also be receiving a gift certificate to Columbia Children's Theatre.  He loves a performance, and I am all about giving experiences instead of things when possible!

Shop local, shop handmade!

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There's Not Much Better Than Live Music

At least, according to my toddler, there's not.  It's safe to say that Jones is pretty obsessed with listening to music, and playing musical instruments, and singing, but most especially hearing music live.  I have to admit that his father and I are pretty over-the-moon about this obsession with music.  The video above is him jamming out to The Kernal at the most recent Columbia Jam Room Festival.

At this same festival, we were listening to Dear Blanca, when we hear the lead singer give a shout out to our son.  By name.  James and I looked at each other.  I looked at Jones who was perched on James' shoulders, and then looked back at the lead singer.  I thought, um, how do you know our child's name?!  (He then said into the microphone that he works at Jones' daycare).   But seriously, our 2 year old got a shout-out at a concert.  We've never been prouder!  And Jones took it in stride, no big deal to him.  "Oh yeah, that's Mr. Dyyan."  (He's still working on pronouncing his 'l's correctly...)

taking in some music from the best viewpoint in the house

The hubs is a certifiable musician, and by that, I mean he actually plays instruments and can read music and all that jazz.  I, on the other hand, cannot.  I am woefully very musically-un-inclined, but I sure do appreciate it.  I never even took a Music Appreciation class in school, but if I had, I'm pretty sure I would've aced it.

Thankfully for our family of music-lovers, there is ample opportunity in Columbia to take in some live music, even during the day-when we must enjoy if we're going to take the toddler along for the trip.  We have attended a couple concerts at EdVenture Children's Museum.  Jones asked me the other day if we could "go to the museum to hear some music?"  Alas, the concerts at EdVenture were only scheduled for Fridays during the summer.  Maybe they'll schedule some more for the Fall too, hint, hint...

Lunch Money is a kindie-band favorite--they have dubbed themselves "Indie Rock for the Whole Family," and I would agree.  It's kid-music for people who hate kid-music.  We own a couple CDs and we've heard them twice now at KD's Treehouse in town.  They don't disappoint. 

Here's to more family-friendly live music in the Midlands for my music-lovin' babe!

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