A little touch of luxury

When I hear "Maclaren," I immediately think of our trusty stroller, still going strong after years of use. But the English company recently branched out with Beginning, a line of aromatherapy products for babies and adults. And it's just as well-done as their strollers.

Maclaren sent their comforting room mist and baby massage oil for us to try out. Both smelled heavenly: floral mixes of lavender, geranium and mandarin. The massage oil was a blend of organic oils, including personal favorite jojoba, and smooths right in to my daughter's skin after her bath. The room mist was something I hadn't used before. They suggest regularly putting  a touch of spray in the room when your baby is relaxed and sleeping, then using it when you're away from home to trigger that sense of comfort, which I thought was a lovely idea. I'm sure I'm not the only one with babies who resisted going to sleep anywhere unfamiliar. (Although I'm afraid my kids haven't been able to enjoy the room mist yet, because I keep spraying it around my own room. It smells so nice!)

The full line includes everything from diaper cream to bath milk--even a lotion designed to relieve mums' tired legs. The prices are steep for everyday use. But they're worth keeping in mind for shower gifts or other baby presents, when you'd like to give something practical but don't want to hand over the usual drugstore products. Quality products in lovely bottles and pretty (although a touch excessive) packaging. Just the type of small extravagance that is so fun to give.

Starting at $6 at CSN Baby