When it comes to gifts for babies and children, they are two things I always give: handmade toys and books. Clothes are grown out of too quickly.  Electronic toys break. 

Handmade toys, on the other, provide a tactical experience that children don’t always receive with modern toys.  When well-made, they can become heirlooms to be passed on.  Books provide children with a learning experience and are also often held onto and treasured.  I still have and love my childhood copies of books like the Velveteen Rabbit and The Poky Little Puppy.

So, for a baby shower I went to last weekend, I made sure to include some handmade love.

Meet Waldo:

I like to call him Waldo because of the red and white striped sweater he’s wearing.  The pattern I used is Kate from Knitty.  I decided to make it without the limbs, because it looked more like an infant toy that way.  The yarn is Knit Picks Shine Worsted, a lovely cotton/modal blend that is perfect for toys.  I also included a SkippyJon Jones board book to complete the gift.