Rock-a-Buy Baby
What It Is:Â Let’s start with the brand. Lalabu is a really lovely baby products brand that is inspired by Africa in more ways than one. Owners Keri and Brian took a trip to Burkina Faso and met a mother of seven named Lalabu, who taught Keri how she carried her children on her back in order to get things done – a pretty universal need for moms, no matter what nation you live in. Years later – and after the couple’s son Levi entered the world – they transformed that inspirational visit into a full-fledged brand, one that still supports African communities by donating $1 from every sale back to African charities.
Lalabu has already made waves with its ‘Soothe Shirt’. This ultra cuddly cotton top serves three functions, the least of which is – a top. It’s also a snuggly pouch for your newborn to cozy up in, and includes a built-in nursing bra. The idea of the Soothe Shirt is to function as a simpler version of those wraps and slings out there – and a more practical one too, since it’s all built in (meaning one less item to stuff into the diaper bag). Not only is it comfortable and easy to blend in with your other clothes, it’s durable: the seams are designed to replicate what you’d find on climbing gear. Made in the USA, retailing for $60 (with super reasonable Canadian shipping rates), this is an amazing gift idea for any new or expecting mommies.
But wait, there’s more! Lalabu is currently launching their second product: Bambu Bibs. Made primarily from (you guessed it) organic bamboo, these octagonal bibs are genius at keeping spills off your kiddie’s clothes and feature a soft terrycloth back so you can wipe their faces that much easier. Plus, they’re handmade in the USA by refugee women. As I mentioned, these items are launching right now – meaning Lalabu is running a super fab Indiegogo campaign. I say super fab because you can snap up one of these bibs in preorder AND nab a Soothe Shirt for better prices than if you buy them separately down the line. So if you’ve got a baby shower on the horizon…get shopping! This campaign (and the sweet deals aligned with it) only runs till October 29.
Who It’s For: Like I said, pretty straightforward here: new or expecting moms will flip for either one (or both) of these thoughtful, practical gifts.
What It Costs: The Soothe Shirt retails for $60, while the Bambu Bibs are $15 through the Indiegogo campaign. You can also snap them both up for the bargain price of $65 (while the Indiegogo campaign lasts!)
Where It’s At: Lalabu’s website has the Soothe Shirt for sale right now, in several different neutral colours. Their Indiegogo site allows you to choose your bib pattern + shirt (if you go for the twofer-pack, which I would!), with delivery expected in November – well in advance of Christmas, if that’s when you’re planning to gift this.
And I’ve got some exciting news. We’re giving away a Soothe Shirt for the pleasure of one lucky mom-type out there. Whether you’re a grandma, expecting father, auntie, or best friend – you’ll want to win this one. Here’s how to enter:
1) Visit the Lalabu site and leave me a comment telling me which Bambu Bibs and / or Soothe Shirts you could see yourself buying – for yourself, or a loved one. You’ve got till October 28, 2014 to do so!
2) Entries are limited to one per person / per email address / per household (or more if you score bonus entries). A random draw will be conducted on or around October 29, 2014 to select the winner(s), who will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen in their place.
3) Entries are limited to Canadians that have reached the age of majority in their province. Quebec is not eligible for this promotion.
4) Bonus Entry: Check out Lalabu’s Indiegogo campaign and Share their campaign through the mediums of your choice. For every platform you share it on – and provide proof of in separate, individual comments below – you’ll earn an extra entry into the draw.
Canadian Gift Guide 
I can see myself getting the Bambu Bibâ„¢ Banana Bites for a friend who is expecting… but shhh .. it is still a secret 🙂
dorcontest at gmail dot com
I have 2 nieces expecting – I could see then wanting the Rich Purple Soothe Shirt.
I would love to gift the Soothe Shirt in Pure Black to my sister in law!
best stroller on the market
I just put the lalabu soothe shirt in pure black on my baby registry last week! I would buy it for myself, and any mama to be.
Check out @NattySQ’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/NattySQ/status/521759191133089795
I love the Berry March bambu bib, and I know just the expectant Mom to give it to!
I think the black Soothe shirt would be a great gift to a new mom.
I’d get the black soothe shirt
i could see myself using the lalabu soothe shirt in pure black, looks very comfy ad versatile!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/jtranho/status/522124873712148480
i would love to get the Soothe Shirt® Rich Purple
I love the Soothe shirt! In pink or purple!
Definitely would love the Soothe Shirt in Rich Purple! A pop of colour is always the way to go 😀
I would love a soothe shirt in black for my best friend who is due in December. The bibs with the elephants are my favorite!
I’d get the soothe shirt in rich purple to add some colour to my wardrobe! Love this top idea. 🙂
I could see myself getting the Bambu Bib as a gift.
twitter: https://twitter.com/VictoriaEss2/status/523855573754732544
soothe shirt black
I like the cozy pouch
I love the soothe shirt in black…for myself 🙂
I really like the Soothe Shirt in black for my niece who is pregnant right now.
I like the Melon March and my son is 10 months old so he would be wearing this right now!
The black would be lovely and would go well with all clothing
I like the Bambu Bibâ„¢ Berry March..They are all sold out..hopefully they get more.
I like the Soothe Shirt® Pure Black.
My daughter is expecting!
I’m expecting in the spring and I would love Lalabu Soothe Shirt in Pure Black.
https://twitter.com/Miss_Mandykins/status/524755305679171586
I would love the black soothe shirt so much and the rainbow Chevron bib. My little man would love them.
I love the black soothe shirt. My little guy would love being in it and it looks comfortable. As for the bibs, the rainbow chevrons are pretty cute.
The soothe shirt looks like an amazing baby gift for some of my expecting mommmy friends. Thanks for sharing.
I want want want one of the soothe shirts. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like the black soothe shirt
I would totally get the soothe shirt and the chevron bamboo bib!
Soothe Shirt® Pure Black for my friend who is having a baby 🙂
Definitely the soothe shirt in blue and the bib in the floralish pattern.
My sister is expecting, I just found out, this week. I think she might like a soothe shirt to celebrate.
I would buy the Soothe Shirt in black for myself…..I’m expecting my first baby in March 🙂
The soothe shirt in black for my sister. And I love the chevron bamboo baby bib
the rich purple soothe shirt would be amazing
My wife is pregnant with our second, this would be a nice surprise for her. The soothe shirt in any shade.
The Lalabu Soothe Shirt in Pure Black looks awesome. I want one so badly.
My cousin just had her 5th baby this week. It would be perfect for her
I’d pick the bambu bib in the elephant prints for my nieces and nephew.
The pure black sooth shirt would be amazing! I’m expecting any day now 🙂
My sister is preggers and I would love to give the black shirt to her. Such a nifty eida.
Loving the Soothe Shirt in every colour really, the black is practical, and the chevron baby bib is cute but I like them all too!
This is such a cool idea – those shirts look super snuggly for mommy and baby. Deifnitely a baby gift ot keep in mind.
I like the black sooth shirt. This would be great.
I love the bibs, especially the elephant ones. So smartly designed too!