Our family is expecting a baby nephew (and cousin) any day now, so you can imagine our delight when we discovered Baby Crates from CrateFull of Maine – a new gift business started by Chris Avantaggio, Nathan O’Leary and John Turner. The three entrepreneurs, who run their own successful companies, namely LiveME, Mainely SEO and Traps Eyewear, began selling gift boxes filled with a variety of Maine made items in December 2015. This year, they’re offering themed crates full of good things including Maine made sweets and handcrafted baby goods.
MP had the chance to preview the Baby Crate and was pleased to find items from so many of the makers she’s highlighted over the years. There’s a soft, cotton blanket in a vivid fabric from Molly Perry, whose award-winning business, Go Babe helps support families with infants who have a rare genetic illness called SMA. You’ll also find a solid maple teething ring with crinkle bunny ears from Lauren Watkinson of Bird & Bear Boutique.
The crate’s largest item, and another Cute Potato favorite, is a wooden toy that wobbles as little ones pull it along from A Different Drummer. You’ll also find a beautifully illustrated board book titled, “Dahlov Ipcar’s Maine Alphabet” from local publisher, Islandport Press.
MP also adores the sweet, fleece-lined slippers from Two Little Beans & Co. The nautical print is perfect for her nephew-to-be’s sailing family. And finally, there is a colorful bib from Aventyr Kidswear, a Cumberland-based clothing company MP recently discovered.
As a finishing touch, there’s a congratulatory card included in the gift box that features a lobster, but MP would love to see a baby-themed card from Saturn Press or Morris & Essex in the future.
The baby crate makes a thoughtful gift and as far as we’re concerned, there is nothing better than receiving a package of locally made products — what a great way to support Maine businesses! New parents will also appreciate that everything inside is useful and worthy of passing down from one child to the next.
We are looking forward to treating our new nephew to all of the wonderful things inside! A big thank you to sponsor, CrateFull of Maine, for making that possible.
You can learn more about the baby crate here.
