Mother's Day gift idea

Have you guys heard of brag books? They're accordion-style books featuring eight photos, which you can carry in your handbag. They would make a lovely gift for Mother's Day, don't you think? We made them for Toby's grandmothers, and you could also make copies for beloved babysitters and teachers. They take about five minutes to create, and they're so sweet and heartfelt.
What do you think? See Pinhole Press's complete Mother's Day Gift Guide for more ideas, and get 25% off all photo books with the code BOOKLOVE, good through April 16th.

P.S. A Toby notepad:)

(Photos by Alpha Smoot for Cup of Jo. Pinhole Press is one of my beloved long-term sponsors. This is a sponsored post, although all opinions are my own.)

Gift idea for new parents: Jeni's ice cream

When Toby was brand new, Alex's office sent us a package of four pints of Jeni's ice cream. It's made in Ohio with luscious milk and cream from cows that eat grass, and the explosive flavors range from salty caramel to brambleberry crisp.

I still remember how decadent the ice cream tasted, especially to bewildered new parents. When you're spending all day taking care of a tiny person, it felt good to have a blast of something just for ourselves. We spent the entire time saying, "This is so delicious, oh my goodness, try this one, oh my gosh..."

What were your favorite gifts when you were a new parent? Do you remember the food people brought?
P.S. 8 more gifts for new parents.

(Photo of Toby as a newborn)

Gift Guide Part #1: Your Beautiful Mom Who Adopts Your Slang and Still Writes Handwritten Letters.

Ticking apron for baking chocolate-chip cookies together, $27.

Finnish-style ornaments, $25. (This mobile, $67, is also beautiful.)

Monogrammed pajamas! Because how chic is that? $78.

Paper flowers to brighten up her desk all year long. $29 to $40.

A stack of your favorite 2012 cookbooks: Smitten Kitchen, What Katie Ate and Dinner: A Love Story. $20-ish each.

Freudian mug, because it all comes back to your mama, $16.


Gilded stationery, $20.

Wax seals for her most important notes, $16.

100% cotton robe to make her feel pretty every morning, $100.

Raspberry bush that grows in a container. (Perfect for even the tiniest patio!) $31.95.

Rodin perfume, an intoxicating mix of jasmine and neroni. For women, not girls. $220.

A calendar ($24.99) or notepad ($12.99) featuring her favorite little dude.
Sapphire earrings to match her eyes, $168.

Cheesecake!!! These lemon-ricotta beauties are delivered in Manhattan and Brooklyn, $55. (You can also order a classic New York cheesecake here.)

French locket to keep her loved ones close to her heart, where they belong. $90.

P.S. More gifts for moms.

(Raspberry bush via Abbey)