I think it’s time to redefine a great buy. In this economy, when we are all forced to think a little more about what we are spending, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the less we spend, the better the deal. But that’s not always the case. It’s no bargain unless you use it and love it, no matter how inexpensive it was. And if you spend more on something that you use often, then you probably got your money’s worth. Here, a few of my all-time favorite buys for Lola!
Oilily Jacket, about $60: On my annual shopping trip to Chicago, the summer before Lola started preschool, I happened to stop into the Oilily store on Michigan Avenue to look for some school clothes for her. I walked out with an armful of adorably play clothes and the sweetest rain jacket ever, on sale. Unlike most rain jackets, it’s not stiff or uncomfortable-looking. It’s the prettiest pink print, with tons of gorgeous details, and of course it’s beautifully made. Two years later that jacket still fits her and it’s still her favorite. She wears it anytime there’s even a hint of rain, or on slightly cool Florida days. While it’s the perfect weight for our Florida climate, it has also saved her from a torrential downpour in Paris and kept her warm on cool Illinois afternoons. Knowing how much use she’s gotten out of that one little jacket, I would have spent three times as much on it. But I’m glad I didn’t have to.
Simonetta mary janes, about $100 (sale): Lola was about 2 1/2 when I spotted these adorable shoes. I had never spent that much on a pair of shoes for my toddler before – the poshest shoes I’d ever bought her before then were a pair of $60 mary janes. And I probably wouldn’t have taken the plunge if I hadn’t just bought her and Eva coordinating Baby Lulu Christmas dresses that matched these shoes perfectly! So I bought them, and I was so glad I did. Not only was her Christmas outfit that year the cutest ever, but she wore these shoes every chance she got. They made her feel like a princess – they were her absolute favorites! Today Eva wears them and loves them just as much, I have since gone on to buy many, many pairs of shoes for Lola, but none have been as special as these precious mary janes.
Airflow Sky King Jr. Tricyle, $178: The Christmas that Lola was 2, the same Christmas when she wore the Simonetta mary janes, we decided it was time to give her a tricycle. And we researched and researched before we finally decided to buy this sweet, retro trike. Not only is it one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen, but 3 years later, it’s still one of their most frequently played with toys. We keep it, conveniently enough, in the living room, and the girls are always on it, and it’s a favorite of all their little friends too!
Creative Playthings playset: We bought this a little prematurely, as a slightly early birthday “gift” when Lola turned 1. But 4 plus years later, it is THE hangout whenever kids come over. The girls have spent many, many hours on the swings and slides with their friends, and if Eva had her way, she would spend every single waking minute swinging on the swings, her favorite thing to do. And it encourages them to get outside and run around, which I love.
I’d love to hear – what are the best things you’ve ever bought your kids!
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