okay, peanut.

* Updated 03/02/09 *

I’m in the process of creating our little person’s baby registry. While this might sound like fun, it’s actually quite a challenge. Unlike a wedding registry, which contains items with which you’re already experienced in using, a baby registry is completely new territory. There are huge, life-altering changes to be made. For example, what type of bottles will we use? Is a wipe warmer really necessary? What type of bath tub/seat will we prefer? How many diapers can this girl really go through in a day? Which stroller will best suit our needs? Yeah, all of this and more is completely new territory for first-timers. And while I’ve gotten some awesome advice from people who have been there before, no one can completely take away the anxiety of this whole process. Aside from that, everyone’s got their own opinions, so it’s hard to know exactly what to do.

Another issue I’ve run into is the lack of variety at the big superstores. I’ve registered at Babies “R” Us and Target, but both of those places have their limits. I enjoy off-the-wall, unique items, and neither retailer is notoriously known for their creative offerings.

That being said, I’m compiling here a list of unique things I stumble across that are of interest to me. At some point in the very near future I’ll need to decide what I want to purchase and what I’ll forgo as I’ll need to remove items from my registries (That is, when I finish them. It’s a work in progress right now.). For now, I just don’t want to lose any of these unique things as they’re just too cool to let slip!

If you’re in the market for baby supplies as well, perhaps some of these will be of interest to you!

• Kuster jelly baby changing mat – The manufacturers of this awesome looking mat claim that the surface stays warm, is soft and is easy to wipe clean. It’s so cute!
• Handmade bunnies created from upcycled sweaters – How adorable are these guys?
• Expedit bookcase – Okay, I know this is simple, but I don’t want to forget that I’ve always loved the design of this bookcase. It’s functional and easier to keep organized than traditional bookcases.
• Piggy banks – These are, in my opinion, ridiculously expensive, but absolutely adorable! Be sure to check out the aqua elephant, as well!
• Wonder bumpers – So cool, and cute too!
• Billy Bob pacifiers – OMG, these are SO funny! Don’t panic; I wouldn’t actually use this but for situations in which humor is necessary.
• Diaper bag organizers – How fun are these!? I can be a bit OCD about organization with certain things, so this just might have to make its way to my house before girlfriend arrives!
• Beaba Babycook – Wow, this thing does it ALL! I don’t know how much I adore the price tag, but it certainly is an all-in-one!
• BUILT changing pad – BUILT creates great products, and I’m sure these changing pads are just as exciting!
• Baby Tooth album – I won’t be needing this for a while, but for some of you, this could be perfect timing! This is for those memory-keepers and organization fanatics out there. Neat!
• The Bundle – This is a cool way to keep all things necessary handy. I like it’s design, and think it would be totally practical as a mom travel bag after baby has grown out of diapers!
• Patemm changing pads – I’ve loved these forever; they’re cute, round changing pads!
• Cloud B cuddle cub – He’s got a heartbeat and also vibrates to soothe baby to sleep.
• Jax storage solutions – These are cute! I love the toy cube and storage tower.
• PB lollipop wall decals – These vinyl decals are a great way to add some color to any girl’s nursery – and they’re fun!
• Sock Ons – A cute and clever way to keep baby’s socks on. Here’s another link with some more info.
• ZoLi on-the-go dispenser – I love locking containers, so this only feeds my obsession. Organization at its finest!
• Due for delivery shirt – I’m normally not into things like this, but I thought this was cute. Now if only mine could also say, “No, we do not yet have a name.” Ha!
• Tiny Tales baby notes – This is great for people like me – I start projects and never finish them. With this, I’d have no excuse; this kit is not at all overwhelming and keeps everything organized for you!
• Wearable baby announcements – So cute! Onesies printed with baby’s birth stats. A pic makes a great birth announcement, and the onesie is a great keepsake for the future.
• Travel wipe cases – These are ADORABLE!
• Inchbug labels – These are the ultimate in organization. They are available in one line of text or two, and can ensure your child’s cups never get confused!
• Think King stroller hooks & cup holders – I’m planning on using a Maclaren, so I’m going to need some sort of organization. These are simple and perfect!
• Noted puppets – These little guys are adorable!
• Food Face plate – Remember the magnetic man? The cardboard and plastic with the pieces of metal inside? Now you can play with food in the same fashion!
• Food trays – Great stackable trays that can be filled with countless food options for baby.
• How well do you know your wood? – I love these. Maybe it’s because we’ve encountered so many of them in renovating our 100+ year old farm house … or maybe I’m just strange. Who knows.

Alright, I’m also finding that in addition to cool products, I also have collected some fun websites. Nothing in particular here, but if you’re looking for some unique products, this is a pretty cool start!

• Spiffy Baby – very unique baby items … wide variety of products
• Goore’s – west coast retailer with the standard as well as unique
• The Organized Parent – everything you could imagine to stay organized
• Quilts Just 4 Kids – adorable quilts for a unique look
• Tiny Prints – birth announcements, invitations, stationary
• 5 Star Baby – birth announcements that look like movie posters
• Cheeky Monkey – unique maternity, baby & toddler products
• Kool Roomz – interesting furniture & decor
• Boon – manufacture innovative products with unique designs
• Genius Jones – Florida retailer with unique baby solutions
• Muddy Cloud – hats, mittens and unique “critters”
• Perpetual Kid – fun things for the kid in all of us