We are coming up on the big 0-3 for Gabby. I’ve been resisting it, but time is a fickle bitch and nomatter how opposed I am to my babies turning into kids, it’s going to happen. So now I am charged with planning a birthday party and getting her something because we all know the good presents come from the grandparents (ahem… camoflauge pick-up truck power wheels… ahem).

Anyhooo…. I started out with a wish list on Amazon. I’ve been working off the same list since she was born, so there have been books on there for 3 years. Some of the toys and crafts on there are just general ideas so people who don’t see her every day can get an idea of the kinds of things she likes to do. Now, I preface this post by saying that I like my kids’ gifts to be a surprise. I take a lot of pride in being a good guesser at what they will like. I do ask Gabby what she wants, and then let the grandparents know, but I try to buy something that she doesn’t know she wants but will love.

Gabby’s choice:

Really, she just wants the crazy fancy Cinderella dress that I will never let her wear because she will destroy it and it is expensive. So grandparents (who didn’t buy her a car), here’s an easy one for you. If she gets the gloves and handbag too, she might get the vapahs. Oh lawd! The dress-up carousel is for me, but only because I would like to stop hiding the dress-up and make it more accessible so the girls could have full access to their many outfits and accessories.

Another group of items on her wishlist that have been on there since probably last Christmas are these bad boys:

These she doesn’t know about. I can’t believe how fairly priced these puppets are. Gabby is obsessed with royalty and princesses right now and would love these giant puppets. These four puppets are my top pick right now. I’m especially happy about the “price drop” on the dragon and king.

Then I found out about PatPat, an app for iOS that is very similar to Zulily but the prices were SO much more attractive. PatPat is a free app and it has categories for baby and mom-related items. It is also very sharp-looking.

I was intrigued by the “Lovely Mini Bags For Girls” so I ignored my warnings to myself and clicked to see what there was. Good LORD I stopped breathing when I saw these purses:

Wait… $6.99? Is that right? PatPat also offers $1 whole-day shipping. Because it works like Zulily where the offers are coming from different vendors, they have the potential to charge you for each item’s shipping. No. $1 on all of your orders for the day. So I kept shopping (after adding the pink and yellow Minnie bag to my cart).

AGH! Raincoats… for $11.99 I will take one in every color, please! This is getting dangerous.

I then found the “Casual Tees & Shorts for Mom” section and it occurred to me — I can’t be the best mom ever if I am not looking party-perfect casual for my princess. Here’s the loot I scored:

Oh, hello, grey pin-striped shorts and pink keyhole tee for $5.99 a pop! I mean, I did give birth and all, so happy birthday to me, too!

I do receive compensation for this post if you download the app, but all opinions are my own and I really do love me a discount!