We love Nordic Naturals products and so do our kiddos. We’ve been using their fish oil for some time, but have to admit our favorite is their Nordic Berries Multivitamin Treats, because they taste unbelievably good. It’s so hard to find a great tasting multi for tots, usually they have a chalky texture and unnatural flavor. Nordic Naturals multi is gummi (always a favorite) and they have a delicious, sweet-and-sour citrus taste that kind of makes you want to eat the whole bottle in one sitting. We don’t do this and ration these little treats carefully to our kiddos, but yes, they’re that good. Nordic Berries contain no junk, are pectin based with no gelatin or added coloring and contain rice syrup, sucrose and cane juice to add a wee bit of sweetness. Manufactured with exceptional raw materials like cloud berries, which are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Look here for list of ingredients and vitamin and mineral information. 120 gummis, if you can’t find locally, $21.95, here.

Every year, for the last several, we eagerly anticipate the release of Nikki McClure’s following year calendar. We love her paper cut illustrations and find her work grounding and inspirational. This year her calendar is no exception and we’re excited to hang it in a few weeks. Each month features one of McClure’s paper cuts illustrating acts of every day life like canning peaches, playing in snow or replacing buttons on a shirt and a word, usually a vivacious verb, to ponder for that month, like “reckon”, “invite” and December’s “Eat Out”. Images feature more color than in past calendars and are beautiful. A perfect gift for McClure fans, but a great way to introduce her work to those less familiar. Printed on acid paper with soy based inks. 12″ x 12″. Can’t wait. $16.00, here.

Whew, it’s been a whirlwind of activity around cleeo & bea. With holidays and holiday picks, we’ve been keeping busy, but not too busy to let December sneak by without a giveaway. This time we’ve partnered with Morado Designs to giveaway an eco-felt monster onesie set. Morado Designs is an online baby boutique featuring unique, personalized baby gifts offering fun, lively and colorful baby products for kiddos and parents alike. The eco-felt monster onesie set is adorable and would be a perfect gift for any little eco-tot. Made from USDA certified organic cotton. For more info, see our review. This giveaway is available to e-mail subscribers, facebook fans and twitter followers and the deadline will be December 28th. Sign-up, follow or fan us to be entered. Good luck.

Now that we’ve opened the door to dollies, we can’t resist them for our kiddos, so when we found cleo by simpli jessi, there was really no question that she would have to live with us. Born to a bookbinder and an experimental gastronomist, cleo makes paint brushes for artists. We absolutely adore her rosy cheeks and would very much like her hairstyle. A durable, good looking and great holiday gift for any kiddo who loves pretend play and is in need of a new dolly to add to their collection. Constructed from linen, cotton, yarn with eco-stuffing and other repurposed materials by simpli jessi, Cleo wears an aline wool skirt, silk blouse and a faux leather shoulder bag. And who could resist the name? Excellent value for a handmade eco-friend. Stands 17″ x 4″. $64.00, here.

It’s been utter madness around this cleeo & bea mama’s house recently. With holiday  preparation and juggling the little family we haven’t had much mama me time. We’re looking forward to the new year, so we can break out our amateur sewing skills and try our hand at some of Lotta Jansdotter’s projects in her “simple sewing” book. We’re enamored by the practical household items Jansdotter designs and the 24 projects she includes in this book are no exception. Our favorites are the straightforward kitchen towel pattern with loop for easy hanging, the curtain with pockets and the bed pocket is a great solution to night stand clutter or would be perfect on or near a diaper changing table. This is an excellent gift for anyone who loves to sew and is nuts about scandinavian design. Patterns included in a good looking pocket inside the book.$24.95, here.

We’ve been trying to find a ball equivalent to or better than Gertie, but have yet to find one we like as much, which is why they top our gifts under $20 list. Gertie balls are sticky, not really sticky, but they have an interesting surface, making them easy for tots to grasp and catch. They’re also inflatable with a straw, so parents can control their squishiness and level of graspability. Our kiddos prefer them to other balls and have become quite proficient at ball play because of these cool balls. Made from non-toxic, latex-free PVC, Gertie balls aren’t tip-top in the eco-friend department, but they’re kid safe and make game-play a breeze for the most wee of wee ones. They’re durable too, have survived a few dog chews without deflation and they’re an excellent value. Available in several styles and colors, from nobby to animal friend Gerties. Original measures 9″ in diameter. $5.95, here.