Ultimate Gifts for Lesbian Moms:

1. Buying Dad

Harlyn Aizley is my idol and go-to-girl for anything remotely related to lesbian parenting. Her book, Buying Dad, and anthology, Confessions of the Other Mother, were vital guides in helping my partner and me navigate the process of starting a family and having a baby. ($14.95)

2. The Feelings Book

I don't know who gets a bigger kick out of Todd Parr's books, my son or me. I think we read The Feelings Book every day. Todd’s work is so vibrant in color, in diversity, so alive in spirit. Such fun for all ages. I’ve added The Family Book to my Santa list. ($6.99)

3. Hip Mama

One of the greatest gifts we received upon having our son was a subscription to Hip Mama, Ariel Gore’s essential parenting zine. We relish each issue, the honesty of the content, the beauty of the articles’ craft. Consider it a creative, cutting edge parent survival guide. ($19.95)

5. Putumayo Dreamland

This I know for sure – we would not have survived the first three months of our son’s life without the lullabies of Dreamland. This collection of lovely melodies soothed us to sleep each night (at least for an hour or two). The CD became a kind of secret weapon to quiet and calm our little one. ($15.99)

6. Music Together

Who knew that 5 month olds could have such rhythm? My son and I go to Music Together class every Tuesday. 45 minutes of dancing, clapping, singing, squealing and laughing as well as a wonderful opportunity to get out of the house and meet other parents seeking kinship and sanity. ($140.00)

7. Melissa and Doug Toys

Toy recall after toy recall has had our household in an anxious, near panic state. After my wife and I decided to purge any and all toys made in China, we quickly realized we had no more toys. My sister-in-law kindly sent us a box from Melissa and Doug. What exquisite, high quality, thoughtfully designed products! Ones you can trust and that your children will love. (Range in Price)

9. Love and Pride

Always remember, Diamonds and/or Sterling Silver with rainbow inlay are a girl’s best friend. Dear Wife, are you reading this? Oh, and honey, I wouldn't kick you out of bed for Platinum, either. (Range in Price)

10. Pat on the Back

My therapist once told me, “Parenting is an impossible job.” And yet, I still wanted to become a mother. There are no performance reviews, no formal or informal evaluations, no Oscars or Tony awards (Best Lesbian Parent goes to!). That’s not to say that there aren’t infinite rewards. I can’t articulate fully the magnificence of seeing my child smile for the first time (and not due to gas), or hear him “talk” and giggle and coo, or open his arms to request a hug, or plant a sloppy, slurpy kiss on my cheek. Parenting is a humble, humbling, vulnerable task, rife with anxieties, insecurities, judgments from other parents/friend/family members. Every once in a while lesbian moms just need an encouraging pat on the back. (Priceless)