Gaga Goods BloGaga

WANTED: NEW Chief Smile Spreader & 50% Off Clearance Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:47:00 +0000

Dear Customers, Friends & Visitors:

I've recently had to make a very difficult decision about my business that I want to share with you today -- and that is to give up Gaga Goods. For almost five years now, I've given a large portion of my time and energy to starting and growing this business. In many ways, it feels like another child of mine (probably the spoiled one who gets all the attention!).

Now, I'm not sure whether most "business people" would say such a thing about their business...but then I'm not a "business person" nor did I start Gaga Goods to run Carter's out of business. With a whole lot of passion for babies and children and some creative juices, I think the business found me. And along the way, I found the most joy in celebrating along with customers like you; new mothers sharing their exciting news with me or friends/family sending gifts to celebrate new arrivals. I've really enjoyed sharing in that journey with you, while taking pride in some business success & recognition along the way.

Of course, it seems a bit ironic that it's now my own mothering journey that is leading me to make a decision to give up this business. As I've recently realized through my youngest son, Ben's speech/communication delays & needs for various therapies, my time and energy is more desperately needed (and better focused) in another direction -- and that is toward Ben and my family in general. I wouldn't trade my journey over the last five years, yet I know that I'm making the best decision for both myself and my family at this time in our lives.

I'm open to the possibility that SOMEONE out there with energy & smiles to spread might be interested in continuing this business -- and that's where all you fantastic customers and friends come in. I invite you to share this news with your friends for they (or someone THEY know....) might be interested in any or all areas of my business, including the e-commerce business/domain name, intellectual property (designs) and/or a buy-out of inventory). I'm happy to forward more specific information at the request of any interested parties.

Of course, I too welcome your simply spreading the word for anyone looking for a great children's gift as well. I'm offering 50% off clearance on all clothing while supplies last (just mention "spring clean" in the customer notes section and I'll make pricing changes when I process your order). With this amazing discount, our 100% cotton, made in the USA onesies are now under $8!

You can also save on our toy/gift items as well with our free shipping offer. Just visit our home page to read more about your Big Spender Savings Monthly Goodie.

Thank you all for spreading the word...maybe, just maybe, someone will find their own passion in spreading smiles to little ones everywhere!

Kathryn Adler
Owner & Chief Smile Spreader
GagaGoods.com

January Coupon Codes from Online Merchants

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:13:00 +0000

A few of our favorite coupon codes for January...including one of our own!

Send a giant cookie to your favorite valentine!

Use coupon code LSDD12A for 12% off all orders with no minimum order and Free Shipping. Valid through 1.31.08.

How about a custom photo makeup bag for Grandma on Valentine's Day?

Free Shipping and Handling on all orders over $50 at ExposuresOnline.com. Offer valid from NOW until 1.30.2008.

I "heart" these red heart pancake molds from Lillian Vernon!

15% off orders of $75+ with code 238830100. Valid through 1.31.08.

"Dad, you always go that extra mile...because you never stop to ask directions." Check out this funny key chain for Dad!

Save 15% off your next order! Use code P7ANV. Valid through 1.31.08.

Save 15% on any order through 1.31.08 with coupon code: 2008smiles

Treat Your Baby to Our Favorite Valentine's Onesies & Gifts!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 19:57:00 +0000

In just a few weeks, one of my favorite holidays will be here.
What's not to love about Valentine's Day...a day that celebrates love?
It's way better than Christmas. No one expects a gift. And with so few people writing letters these days, the valentine tradition is even more special. Two reasons why I just love to surprise loved ones with just a little something in their mailbox or on their doorstep. Who wouldn't love to find a handmade valentine card & a handful of freshly-baked chocolate-chip cookies on their porch?

It's also a fun day to celebrate with our children. It's a great opportunity to teach them about kindness. My boys love to do crafty valentines, but mostly it's the delivery that's the thrill. Ring your Valentine's doorbell & RUN, RUN, RUN as fast as you can before they catch you! A secret surprise is really fun!

If you wish to treat your lil cupids with something, our three favorite designs for Valentine's Day are shown above: cute as a button, sweetie pie and baby cakes. All three are available on short or long-sleeve onesies (we call them "Snugglies") for just $14.95 and tees for $15.95, and reversible bibs for $12.95. Our personalized notecard sets are $20 or our standard notecard sets are just $12 (sweetie pie & baby cakes only). Simply lick on each of the designs above to view each of their available products.

A few of our favorite toys for Valentine's Day include the following:

Mudpuppy's Mothers & Babies Two-Piece Puzzle Sets...$10.00

Karen Katz's "Where Is Baby's Valentine?" Book...$6.99

Rich Frog's Gregory the Elephant Stuffed Toy...$11.99

Here's wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Valentine's Day this year!

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:34:00 +0000

Happy New Year, Gaga Goods Friends!
We are soooo excited for this coming year. We hope you'll stop by soon to see all our fun new baby gifts and take advantage of our new LOW pricing on Gaga Goods onesies & tees!
Besides our resolution to spread more smiles, I'm hoping to update this blog at least 3x/week. Do not even ask what happened to my postings over the holidays!!
See you soon for more details on all our great new toys, games & dolls.

Kathryn Adler
Chief Smile Spreader

20% Off Gaga Goods Holiday Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:12:00 +0000

Until lately, it's been hard to even think about Winter coming (with the amazingly warm weather we've enjoyed here in Wisconsin), much less consider that Christmas is nearly 5 weeks away! As a retailer, I'm supposed to be thinking about these things. But as a Mom, I'm resisting just a bit. I want to digest my turkey and stuffing before I start with the heartburn of frenzied shopping. I must admit, I probably have it easier than most given that I have my own in-home Gaga Goods toy shop from which to choose the perfect gift. You can bet that any game or toy found on my website is among my favorites and, assuming it's age-appropriate, in the running for those special nieces & nephews on my list!

But today, when I heard that snow flurries were possible for tomorrow, I had to admit that Winter (and Christmas) would be here before I knew it. I decided to dive in big this year and start my holiday shopping list BEFORE Thanksgiving. I'm happy to report I have several new toys that I've added to my list (& will soon be adding to my site) that will make fun gifts for my favorite elves. I thought I'd spread some holiday cheer your way with a 20% off sale on our holiday design baby onesies and toddler tees.

Just $16 for a long-sleeve baby onesie (Snuggly) or Tee

Just $24 for the matching Snuggly & Bib Set

Here's wishing all my Gaga Goods friends a happy & healthy holiday season...whenever you decide to start it!

Kathryn Adler
Chief Smile Spreader

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Rejoice.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 01:44:00 +0000

So I recently decided it was time to clean out my closet. It wasn't that I needed room for new things (my husband would kill me); I just decided it was time for the old things to find a new home. I was finally willing to accept that I no longer fit into those Gap chinos from 1996 -- and willing to give up the notion (thank goodness) that they'd still be in style if I ever do fit into them! So off to charity they went. But then I got stuck: what do I do with the things that are "too nice" to donate? Is there such a thing? You know, the shirt you bought just because it was on sale but then never wore? Or the dress you bought for a wedding and wore once?

I found the perfect solution in our local resale shop -- great for those of us who feel like the VALUE of something - whether monetary or sentimental - is still too great to let it go. Like all that gently-used baby gear crowding out our basement! We've got mountains of it: clothing and shoes and toys and books and videos and plush toys and rattles and blankets... items that are barely used or still in such nice shape, it seems a shame to give it away (call it a personal problem!). And so I was delighted when I found Auntie Em's Children's Resale Boutique.

Located at 6771 University Avenue in Middleton, Auntie Em's specializes in gently-used boutique and brand name children's items, plus maternity wear. The store has a welcoming atmosphere and has a play area to occupy the little ones while you shop or sell. They work quickly to prepare an offer for the items they'd like to purchase and pay you cash on the spot.

I'm happy to report I've reduced my mountain to a very large hill and have my first batch ready to go this weekend. I'm hoping to be rejoicing in a more spacious basement very soon with a few extra dollars in my pocket...if I don't spend them on more gently-used books and videos.

Visit Auntie Em's Monday - Friday, 10-6 and Saturday, 10-5 or contact by phone at 608-203-5804. They accept items the first week of every month (the 1st through the 7th) during regular business hours.

THE GOODS: Photo Tile Jewelry by Elemental Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 20:16:00 +0000

FUN NEW GOODS: I'm head over heels....for silver....for black & white photos....and for meaningful jewelry. So naturally, Elemental Memories caught my eye. Using your favorite photos, they handcraft a custom photo necklace or bracelet, adorned with the finest sterling silver & semi-precious stone beads. Skip the typical mommy necklaces & bracelets with the letter beads and listen to the old adage: a picture is worth a thousand words (although you can inscribe your tile with a few words). Either way, this is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsake.

WHY IT'S GOOD: Unlike other photo jewelry where the photo is sealed with resin or sandwiched between glass, Elemental Memories creates each photo tile by hand using a low fire clay whereby the photo image is actually baked into the clay. This technique creates a unique feel and look to the tile as well as making it waterproof. Which for a Mommy, is a good thing!

GET THE GOODS: http://www.em-jewelry.com/

YOUR GOODIE: Now until 10.31.07, enjoy free US shipping with coupon code GAGA

New Smile Partners!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:42:00 +0000

We're pleased to announce we've just secured 6 new Smile Partners! When you make purchases through our Smile Partner links, Gaga Goods will donate 2.5% of your sales to our Spread Some Smiles program, benefitting select children's charities!

(1) Nickeloden Magazine Group

NICK MAGAZINE - for kids ages 6 - 14.
Covering celebrity interviews, fascinating facts, pullout pranks, comics, puzzles and the inside scoop on NICK!

NICK JR. MAGAZINE - for kids ages 2 - 6.
Featuring kids' favorite Nick Jr. and NOGGIN characters, this new preschool magazine has hands-on games, puzzles, coloring pages and more. Plus, a special pullout section just for parents.

(2) KBtoys.com

Offering a great selection of popular toys, plus the hottest new video games and accessories.

(3) MyTwinn.com

My Twinn is the one-of-a-kind doll created to look like the special child in your life. Best known for their personalized My Twinn Dolls, with stylish apparel and unique accessories designed for dolls & girls.

(4) eToys.com

Offering an incredible variety of learning and specialty toys.

(5) VermontTeddyBear.com

Handcrafted bears that are guaranteed to last a lifetime!

(6) TheBabyOutlet.com

Brand new baby gear & products at everyday low prices.

THE GOODS: Bath by Bettijo's "Great Mommy Escape" Set

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:56:00 +0000

FUN NEW GOODS: Bath By Bettijo's "Great Mommy Escape" Set includes everything the new Mom (or the veteran Mom) will need to create a relaxing escape, including a soothing Lavender Chamomile Tub Tea, a Whipped Shea Butter (scented with their therapeutic Lavender Cedarwood essential oil blend), and a Lavender Oatmeal spa soap.

WHY IT'S GOOD: Bath By Bettijo create their luxurious handmade, natural bath and body products using the finest natural ingredients from around the globe. They smell and feel delightful...I say forget Calgon...Bettijo, take me away!

GET THE GOODS: http://www.bathybybettijo.com/

We're UDDER-ly Gaga for Cows!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 16:13:00 +0000

Fuzzy Fuzzy Fuzzy Book

Cow Stacker

Moo Cow Book

I've herd it said before: you can take the girl out of Wisconsin, but you can't take Wisconsin out of the girl. I guess it's true. You see, I'm just crazy for cows...and I'm thinking that has just a wee bit to do with having spent many childhood Sunday afternoons on family drives through the south-central Wisconsin countryside, moo-ing at cows. You 'sconnies know what I'm talking about.

So, join me in showing some love to the cows -- and we'll show some love to you with a 30% cowpon on your next order when you buy any of the above items! Trust me: something about those big pink noses just puts you in a better mooooooo-d. Offer valid through 10.31.07.

A Day's Worth of Motherly Advice Condensed Into 3 Minutes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:23:00 +0000

In case you've ever wondered what it would sound like if you took a day's worth of those Mommy-soundbytes and said them all at once (set to the tune of the William Tell Overture, of course), this is for you! It's hilarious and well worth your three minutes. Share this laugh with your Mommy friends! It's got me thinking I'll just play this for the boys every morning and save my breath the rest of the day. Oh, if it were only that easy...

Spread Smiles with Gaga Goods' Shopping Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:14:00 +0000

As many of our customers know, shopping at gagagoods.com spreads smiles not only to the little ones who receive our products but also to select children's charities. We donate 5% of every single online sale to children's charities!

We're delighted to announce we are now expanding our program! When you make a purchase at any of Gaga Goods' new shopping partners (after clicking through the links at the top right of this page), we'll donate an additional 2.5% of your sale at THEIR SITE to children's charities!

We'll even make this extra beneficial for you by posting sale codes & special offers at these sites as we hear about them. We hope to have many more partners up and running by mid-October so you have plenty of time for your "smile spreading" holiday shopping!

Our Name Is Mud (Well, THEIR name is Mud...)

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:38:00 +0000

I've been crazy about this company for years. Something about drinking my morning coffee (as I drive the minivan around town) from a brightly-colored coffee mug emblazoned with a sassy saying just makes my mornings a little brighter. I think you'll love our new designs for the Moms, Dads & even Grandparents out there. Take a look at these other fun coffee mugs and platters from Our Name Is Mud.

Just Yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 16:40:00 +0000

You hear it all the time, mostly from older folks whose kids are now grown:

"enjoy it now, they grow up so fast"

"it'll be over before you know it"

"seems like just yesterday"

Of course, we know this is true. Life really is short. And time flies, whether you're having fun or not. The question for us parents is this: when you're in the throes of a 2-year-old's tantrum or a 5-year-old's constant ignoring of your repeated requests or an 8-year-old's disrespectful backtalking (or likely all three at once), how DO you "enjoy it"? Like my own Dad said recently, it's like someone telling you to enjoy a root canal because it'll be over soon.

One way to enjoy it more is to not take life so seriously. When your day becomes overwhelming, step back, take a deep breath, force a smile (and even a laugh) and remember this quote:

"Life is a game in which the rules are constantly changing; nothing spoils a game more than those who take it seriously." (Quentin Crisp)

And as it turns out, those "older folks" are right. They do grow up so fast. My oldest son Devon (less than one year in the video above) is entering 4th grade this Fall. 9 years in the blink of an eye. Now nicknamed "JJ" for Jabber Jaws, I can hardly remember ever having to urge him to "say something"! Yes, they do grow up fast.

THE GOODS: Philosophy's "The Tree House" Set

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 21:07:00 +0000

FUN NEW GOODS: We love Philosophy's wonderful-smelling soaps & lotions and "The Tree House" Apple Hand Wash & Hand Cream set is perfect for moms & kids. This 2-piece kit contains an 8 oz red delicious apple hand wash and a 4 oz red delicious apple hand cream.

WHY IT'S GOOD: Tucked inside its tree house box, this set is cute as can be. Plus, 100% of the net proceeds from the sales of this set benefits PBS and PBS KIDS!

GET THE GOODS: http://www.philosophy.com/ (click on Charity)

Who's Going Gaga? Baby Shiloh!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:55:00 +0000

In May of this year, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt turned ONE year...and Gaga Goods was there to help celebrate! Baby Shiloh received a Birthday Girl Snuggly & Bib set along with a set of personalized notecards - perfect for her birthday gift thank you's!

Gaga Goods will also be celebrating a birthday of sorts very soon too. Our brand and many of our designs were "conceived" in the Fall of 2003. Our first website started in the Spring of 2004 with our relaunch coming in the Fall of 2005.

Just like the little ones we watch change and grow, Gaga Goods changes all the time. We're always adding new gifts and always welcome your input. What new products or gifts would you like to see? Let us know!

THE GOODS: Momspit

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 22:00:00 +0000

FUN NEW GOODS: Momspit No-Rinse Cleanser

WHY IT'S GOOD: Gentle, no-alcohol formula with antimicrobial properties that leaves skin clean, moisturized and smelling yummy. Available in convenient moussing bottles in two sizes and three scents: fig & green tea, lemon & white tea, and unscented.

GET THE GOODS: www.momspit.com

Email us at info@gagagoods.com if you'd like us to carry these goods!

Just call me "Noo Noo"

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:28:00 +0000

So it happened somewhere between the spilled tubby custard and Po's lost 'cooter. My epiphany, that is. It suddenly occured to me: I am Noo Noo!

If you're not familiar with Teletubbies, you'll probably just think I've lost my marbles. If you are familiar, you'll know that Noo Noo is the very busy vacuum cleaner that tidies up after all the spills and chaos in Tubbieland. And, I'm sure THAT sounds familiar to ALL you Moms out there!

Most days I feel like Noo Noo, following along behind my tubbies as they spill and mess their way through the house...wiping the floor on hands and knees after another one of Ben's yogurt spills, brushing up crumbs from yet another dumped dish of gold crackers, wiping up kool-aid spills, popsicle drips, muddy prints, and on and on it goes...

I expect my job as Noo Noo will last long after all three boys stop watching Teletubbies. And, that's OK, although I'm doing my best to teach my tubbies to clean up after themselves!

School Daze

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 03:23:00 +0000

$115 later (gulp!) and my two oldest boys' backpacks (new but sale-priced) are filled to the brim with shiny new school supplies! This is a good thing right? So why do I feel so guilty?

Probably because I swore I wasn't going to buy new backpacks...what's wrong with the ones from the last three years anyway? (Well, ok, maybe Kyle gets a new one because he's a BIG kindergarten-er this year...). Or maybe it's cuz I swore I was going to clean out the craft bins and sort through all the pencils, scissors, rulers, and glue bottles Devon's collected since kindergarten...no sense in buying more when we have perfectly good supplies just collecting dust? Remember the old addage: reduce, reuse, recycle? Well, I'm sure you'd understand if you saw our craft bins...sometimes it's easier, albeit guilt-inducing, just to buy new!

Whatever YOU choose to do for backpacks or supplies, one thing that's definitely worth adding is a bagtag. Kyle especially will be getting a new bagtag with his name and phone number on it. Consider our Handy Dandy Bag Tags for your little one's bag -- these are perfect for preschoolers and baby's diaper bags too!?

And you should know, I DID get those craft bins cleaned out. See, guilt is good for something! A powerful motivator for sure -- and now we have 5 pairs of scissors & several bottles of glue at the ready should we ever host a neighborhood "craft time"!

A Gift for Baby -- and One for YOU Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:56:00 +0000

In an effort to spread smiles to mommies too, we've added some fun gifts for moms to http://www.gagagoods.com/ (with many more to come)! We've selected products that make us laugh at ourselves & our role as mom or that help us to breathe a sigh of relief and take a moment to relax.

Here are a few of the items we've added so far:

Knock-Knock's handy (and humorous) notepads for new parents, babysitters, grocery-shopping & more ... shop Knock-Knock notepads
Our Name is Mud's ceramic travel mugs & platters ... shop Our Name Is Mud gifts

a selection of witty parenting books from Chronicle Books ... shop Chronicle

Anne Taintor's hilarious vintage designs that poke fun at life with husband and kids ... shop Anne Taintor

We know you'll love these new products so check them out soon! You can shop easy using our new gift finder or manufacturer navigation links too!

Mommy-time at the Muddy Moose

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:11:00 +0000

For you local moms: check out this fun kid-friendly coffee shop in Cottage Grove, just minutes from Madison. They offer a delicious selection of food & drinks, along with story & craft times, playgroups and music classes for your toddlers & preschoolers. http://www.muddymooseespresso.com

Pink Dot Press

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:06:00 +0000

Beautifully-designed custom invitations and announcements. I just adore their mix of color and whimsy.

www.pinkdotpress.com

Bossi-Gosline Pictures & Verse

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:04:00 +0000

Lisa Bossi and Andrea Gosline create beautiful gift books, journals, and inspiration boxes that will help you discover the comfort, patience, trust and wisdom that every mother strives to find.

www.bossigosline.com

Classy Mommy - Baby Gift Finder

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Wed, 30 May 2007 03:02:00 +0000

Classy Mommy's clever product finder lets you quickly find what you need when shopping for everything baby. All affiliate earnings from shopping through their partner sites (like Gaga Goods) go directly to charity!

www.classymommy.com

Amy Peters' Studio - Inspirational Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Adler) — Wed, 30 May 2007 02:57:00 +0000

Artist Amy Peters' jewelry is some of my very favorite inspirational jewelry. Not only are her creations fashionable, but they carry great meaning.