Hand-Painted Wind Up Music Boxes

I tend to think of my "luxury Friday" stocking stuffer posts as sort of "fantasy items" -- the kind I would buy if money were no object. Today's post is no exception: I fell in love with these vintage-inspired music boxes from the Uncommon Goods website. I have a baby shower coming up at the end of the month, and oh! wouldn't I love to buy one of these! But these days I rarely deviate from a baby registry for baby gifts, because I know first-time parents in particular really need the practical stuff more than anything else.

But if I could swing one of these in addition to something more practical, you bet I would! These musical boxes are handmade and hand-painted, with the lyrics to "Love Makes the World Go Round" printed on the back. The little wooden knob, decorated with bunnies in pink or squirrels in blue, spin around while the music is playing. Aren't they sweet? They measure 4 inches long by 3.5 inches wide by 8 inches high.

What: Hand-Painted Wind Up Music Boxes
Where: UncommonGoods website
How much (as of today's post): $50.00 (plus shipping)

Baby Bird Utensil Set

While these adorable baby utensils are not cheap, they are also of high enough quality, beauty, and durability to be passed along as family heirlooms for the next generation and the one beyond that. They are hand cast in lead free pewter, and measure 4.75 inches long. They're the perfect stocking stuffer for a baby who is too young to really understand gifts and Christmas yet anyway, but who will come to cherish the items as they grow up. Alternatively they make a lovely small (in size) gift for a baby shower. (I still have the engraved copper piggy bank that an aunt gave to me/my mom when I was born.)

In addition to this "baby bird" set, there is also an ABC/123 set, and a hearts set. The baby birds are my favorite, though.

[NOTE: I first came across this item on the Gifting Gumshoe blog.]

What: Bird Baby Utensil Set
Where: Elsewheres Independent Art & Design
How much (as of today's post): $38.00 (plus shipping)

Pirate Skull & Crossbones Pacifier

Here's a little something silly for a baby that would fit in a Christmas stocking: a pirate skull & crossbones pacifier. It seems like that "talk like a pirate day" comes around on the internet about three times a year, so you might as well start the little ones out early saying "Arrrrr!" Maybe it will be the baby's first word!

What: Pirate Skull & Crossbones Pacifier
Where: Perpetual Kid website
How much (as of today's post): $7.99 (plus shipping)