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.)

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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)

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Two slamdunk hostess gifts

When I worked at a coffee shop during college, we wore half aprons like this, and they were weirdly flattering. So, you feel really pretty while making dinner (or preparing a cheese plate), and of course they're functional, too, since you always need a place to wipe off your hands and don't want to get your jeans dirty. Perfect hostess gift.
This old-school salad dressing comes with a story. Crane Crest’s Real French Dressing has no website, just a phone number (617-277-1325). You leave an answering-machine message with your address, and they'll send you a case of six jars, along with a handwritten invoice for $18. They trust that you'll mail back a check. How rad is that? They've developed a cult following, since, as Pilar says, the vinaigrette is incredible on salad, fish, chicken...Aren't you curious to try it?

(Salad dressing via Momfilter)

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