Green gifts for newborns and new parents

I was not terribly enlightened about the environment when I was expecting my first child. I felt overwhelmed by all the stuff the "experts" were recommending: layettes, cribs, Baby Bjorns, bottles, breastpump, butt-wipe warmers, etc. To make matters worse, I visited Babies R Us for the first time. I walked through that store in a daze. The amount of stuff was shocking. I had come in to set up a gift registry. I walked out, having accomplished nothing (unless you count the shock and daze). The second time I went to Babie R Us I was determined to buy just one thing. It didn't happen. The shock and daze returned. It took a long time before I was able to go into that store and not want to cry.

With that in mind, EnviroMom reader Tracy recently sent us a great link from Grist about green gifts for babies. It really got me thinking... I wish I would have learned about Milagros and other local options for baby gear and gift registry earlier. I've been reading Heather's copy of Deep Economy and I've been moved by the power of supporting local business, and careful, conscious consuming of healthy, non-toxic products. So while I can't change my past, I will do my part to lead expectant moms to a greener path.

Are there other local eco-friendly baby stores our readers should be aware of? And going back to the Grist link, how did you guide your friends and family to greener gift giving?