no. 10 - honolulu theatre for youth

going to a performance of the honolulu theatre for youth was one of the highlights of growing up in hawaii. it's magical to see stories brought to life on the stage and the hty, the only professional non-profit theatre company in the islands, has exposed millions of kids to the dramatic arts since they were established 51 years ago.

even though their home stage is on oahu, every year the company takes their act on tour around the neighbor islands so kids all over hawaii have a chance to see productions like christmas talk story or tales of old hawaii in person. the hty also holds drama workshops for aspiring thespians as well as for the teachers who inspire them in the classroom.

click here to learn how you can make a difference!

baby gifts for xmas

many of us probably know at least one little one celebrating their very first christmas this year so here are a few baby gift ideas for the holidays. the design of this handcrafted koa baby rattle is so simple and it has way more soul than one made of plastic. the rattle will definitely be one of the few gifts that is unwrapped that will make the cut into a keepsake box to delight future generations.

wings hawaii has brought their hip surf style to island babies everywhere with their adorable onesie. take your pick of one of their delightful designs (honu, mermaid or surfer girl) printed in your choice of gender specific/neutral colors on a sweatshop-free onesie.

and this is the best gift for those sumo babies who greet meal time with gusto. i couldn't help but giggle when i first saw the pupu bib from coconut kiss and it will definitely make the entire ohana smile on xmas morning.

{update | jan 2010: the online shop that stocked the koa baby rattle featured above is nowhere to be found but a similar design can be scooped up at koa wood craft hawaii}

tropical abc's

a is for aloha!

tropical abc's are such a cute way for your favorite keiki to learn their alphabet. the flash cards were the inspiration of kaua'i artist doug britt so each letter in the alphabet is matched with an island style image (s is for surf, of course!).

while the set is readily available in the islands they can be downright impossible to find online. if you want to order a set as a stocking stuffer then click over to ola's to get hooked up for the holidays.   

paniolo days

dresses were definitely not my thing when i was little but perhaps the paniolo cowboy dress from chase 'n sky would have changed my mind. the dresses remind me of snapshots taken of my family back in the day so it's no surprise that bygone era is the inspiration for the big island company who is resurrecting plantation style for a new generation of keikis.

the simple shifts are unfussy but still pretty thanks to the vintage inspired patterns and are just the thing for your little one to wear when you read betsy-tacy together. chase 'n sky is carried by a handful of kid boutiques including cupcake at ward centre.

wee artiste

day 2 of the made in hawaii festival tour finds something for the little one in your life. add some aloha to art class and send your keiki off to school with an art smock from lanakila, a local non-profit that helps islanders with disabilities.

not only will your little artiste be stylin' while wielding a paint brush but, by shopping consciously, your purchase will support the many programs lanakila provides to the community like adult day services, workforce development & meals on wheels.

it's definitely a good thing.