Ask Present Professor: Lil’ Surfer Boy

Abi writes:

Hi there! I just found your site today while I was scouring the web for a baby shower gift for my boss, who is also a good friend. She is going to have a little boy in December. We are both pretty crafty, but I just had a baby and don’t have time to make something spectacular. They are going with a surf theme in the nursery. Any thoughts? My first thought was to turn to etsy, but I don’t even know what to look for! Love your site and thanks so much!

Hi, Abi! What a great idea for a nursery–you don’t see too many surfing-themed baby rooms.

Maybe I’m a pessimist, but when I heard “surfing,” I immediately thought, “shark.” Well, to be honest, I thought, “Don Ho Memorial Tiki Bar,” but that might not be appropriate for a nursery.

So, back to shark. This big guy from Melissa and Doug is a 40-incher just waiting to prey on your affections. For now, he’ll be an interesting conversation piece for visitors. Eventually, he’ll be a giant cuddle monster. And is there anything more American than a boy and his shark? ($29.99 + free shipping on Amazon.com)

Next up, the Surfboard Growth Chart from Ecotots. Not only will the board make a gnarly addition to the room, but its two stripes are left unvarnished–perfect for marking baby’s height as he grows from little squirt to big Kahuna. Available in four colors. ($69.99 + shipping at Oompa)

And to set the mood, there’s the Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of the Beach Boys. ($13.99 and free shipping eligible, Amazon.com)

Now, because you brought up ETSY, I wanted to mention a facet of the site I didn’t talk about in my ETSY love-post. Etsy offers an “Alchemy” board. Shoppers can post requests for what they want made, along with what they’d like to pay, and artists can “bid” on the job. So if you decide that a handmade ukulele-and-pineapple mobile is the way to go, chances are you’ll find someone willing to make it.

Happy baby!