A few hours left to enter this giveaway! Deadline is tonight ( Sunday, April 10th) at midnight EST.
If you’ve read this blog for awhile you know that I love baby keepsake gifts, particularly those that become part of your home for years to come. When R. was about 9 months old, I received this Pottery Barn Kids Oval First Year Frame. I had spotted it in the catalog and put in a request for it as my 1st Mother’s Day gift from my husband and baby. Here is chubby baby R. helping me open my gift:
I immediately set to work filling in R’s frame up to age 9 months, and then completed it after she turned one. Three years later, I made the same frame for her little brother.
These frames are actually one of the first things moms comment on when they enter my kids’ rooms. Without fail, they say something to the effect of “Oooooh! I love that!”, followed by, wistfully, “I wish I knew how/could find the time to…do that for my child.”
Today I’m going to tell you step-by-step just how easy it is to complete a Pottery Barn Kids First Years Frame for your little one. Plus, it will be extra easy for 5 lucky MyMomShops readers who will win their own First Year Frames from Pottery Barn Kids!
Here’s what to do:
1) Get the frame as soon as possible. It doesn’t matter if your child is a newborn, or 5 years old. I firmly believe it is never too late to make baby keepsakes (an exception: baby footprint kits. A giant foot doesn’t have the same effect).
2) Start selecting pictures. This is the part that usually trips people up. My advice is *not* to choose the most “perfect” picture from each month where your baby is smiling angelically, but to choose the ones that on an emotional level you love the best because they really capture the spirit of your baby. Your child can be smiling, or crying, or making a cute infant scrunched face. It’s about all those memorable moments during that fleeting first year, so go with your gut.
3) Figure out sizing. The frame is an oval which measures 14.5″ x 17″; the oval photo openings on the First Year frame are about 3″ tall for the newborn photo, and 2″ tall for each monthly photo up to age 1. Sometimes it’s hard to tell on your computer monitor how the sizing will work out. My best tip is to go ahead and order (via Shutterfly, or Kodak Gallery, or wherever you get your prints from) your favorite photos BOTH in wallet size and 4 x 6 size. That way, you won’t be stuck with an image of Junior that is too-big or too-small for the photo openings. Give yourself some options–it is worth a few extra dollars.
4) Set aside an hour for this project. “What hour?” you laugh. Believe me, I know what you mean. Make the time late one night, or while your child is napping. Lay out the frame and your photos, and match up the photos to where you want them to appear inside the die-cut matting. I used small slivers of invisible scotch tape to “anchor” my photos to the reverse side of the matting–this way they won’t shift around once you reassemble the frame and hang it up. Then put the frame back together and secure the back with the clips provided. 
5) Attach the included white grosgrain ribbon (or not) to hang it on a wall hook. I left the ribbon on for R’s version, for S’s I opted to take it off (a bit less “girly”). And this is a detail I had forgotten about: I taped the gift card from my husband and daughter to the back of the frame. I often tape cards to the back of gifts, or inside books I’ve received…I’m sentimental like that. This one is particularly poignant for me. 
6) Now’s the fun part…decide where to hang it (it is a chunky frame but just requires one wall hook). Be creative. Place it in an unexpected nook in your child’s room. Or group it with other keepsakes.
Here’s how Pottery Barn Kids shows the First Year Frame on display. I don’t know about you, but my daughter’s first “nursery”–actually a walled-off dining alcove–never looked that good. But it’s all about aspiring to a certain aesthetic, right?
Here’s how R’s First Year Frame looks in her room. Not quite catalog material, but very pretty nonetheless, I’d say. 
Pottery Barn Kids’s First Year Frame costs $44 (online only at Pottery Barn Kids; not in-store) and shipping is free.
Win it! FIVE MyMomShops readers will each win a First Year Frame ($44) from Pottery Barn Kids. Here are the contest rules (they have changed a bit- please read carefully!) Winners will be chosen by Random.org and announced on Monday morning, April 11th.
1) Visit Pottery Barn Kids and then leave a comment here about your favorite baby gift (it does NOT have to be the First Year Frame). Leave your comment on THIS post (click on “comments” below).
2) Post your comment by 11:59pm EST on Sunday, April 10th.
3) You may leave up to 4 separate entries- 1 entry with a comment as described in #1, 1 entry indicating that you “like” Pottery Barn Kids on Facebook, 1 entry indicating that you follow Pottery Barn Kids on Twitter (please provide your Twitter handle), and 1 entry indicating that you follow MyMomShops on Twitter (please provide your Twitter handle).
4) Five winners will be chosen at random (using Random.org) and announced on Monday morning, April 11th.
5) NOTE: If you wish to be contacted by e-mail if you win, please include your e-mail address in your comment. Otherwise you must check back on Monday, April 11th by 10am. If the prize is NOT claimed within 48 hours, the next random winner (using Random.org) will be contacted.
GOOD LUCK!
First Year Frame, definitely. I'd never do this on my own, but it's such a great idea.
I love the ceramic plates that you can personalize, that is my favorite!
I like pottery barn kids on Facebook
I already follow you on twitter @stoneyville1
My favorite baby gift is the rose petal canopy
email: juliannesmiles@gmail.com
I liked pottery barn kids on Facebook
email: juliannesmiles@gmail.com
I followed pottery barn kids on twitter
@JulianneBellamy
email: juliannesmiles@gmail.com
Followed you on twitter
@JulianneBellamy
email: juliannesmiles@gmail.com
This frame is my favorite baby gift from PBK!
I like Pottery Barn Kids on Facebook.
Ny favorite is the PBKids everywhere chair. My first has one and I'm hoping the second gets one for her first birthday! I don't have the frame but would love to have one.
Colleen(dot)m(dot)Duffy (at) gmail
So no games are on versus??? That would be great news. I live in bufalfo and have center ice i should have all the games on there. It would be terrible if they were on versus. even if you dislike mich and rosen you cant dislike them enough to like vs.
Such great gifts! I love the silver sentiment frames.
I like Pottery Barn Kids on Facebook.
I think the Silk Trim Blanket would make a nice gift too.
susaaan at gmail dot com
I follow Pottery Barn Kids on Twitter @susanlanai.
susaaan at gmail dot com
I follow MyMomShops on Twitter @susanlanai.
susaaan at gmail dot com
I really like the Hayley crib bedding!
I like pottery barn on facebook
I follow pottery barn on twitter (scoffingwidow)
i follow my mom shops on twitter (scoffing widow)
I'm expecting my second baby, and maybe this frame would help me keep up with taking photos!
The Personalized Ceramic birthday plate is so cute. I love PB's things.
Facebook fan of PBK.
Katydid and Kid
Following PBK on Twitter @katydidandkid
Following you on Twitter @katydidandkid
I have always wanted First Year Frames for my son and daughter. Thanks!
I like the personalized ceramic plates. Thanks, Gretchen willlily@optonline.net
I really like this first year frame and the rectangular silver leaf frame. Such a good idea and I like that you said it's never too late.
I love Sophie the Giraffe, and also the multicolored Skwish. I bought both for my son.
My e-mail is LLevenson07 at gsb dot columbia dot edu. Thanks!
I like PBK on Facebook.
Peter Rabbit™ and the Flopsy Bunnies Sound Book
or one of the other books would be my first choice! Thanks for a chance to win!
kmassmanATgmailDOtcom
love the microfleece silk trim stroller blanket with the personalization!
chacoyaguayo at yahoo dot com
Thank you for the opportunity!
I like PBK on Facebook:ChacoyAguayo/Ma21cuteboy.
chacoyaguayo at yahoo dot com
I follow PBK on Twitter at
Ma21cuteboy.
chacoyaguayo at yahoo dot com
I follow My Mom Shops on Twitter at Ma21cuteboy.
chacoyaguayo at yahoo dot com
This frame, definitely! Need it for a new baby joining the family this summer!
I like PBK on Facebook!
I just adore the Personalized Ceramic Plate Collection.
marypres@gmail.com
The Color Burst Squish toy is a great gift; my son loves his.
aimeeeldon at hotmail dot com
I love the Pastel Critter Chairs, especially the Hippo!
eastecich @ gmail dot com
I follow MyMomShops on Twitter!
@LizSChim
eastecich @ gmail dot com
I follow PBK on FB!
Liz S. Chimin0
eastecich @ gmail dot com
I follow PBK on Twitter!
LizSChim
eastecich @ gmail dot com
I like both first year frames- this one and the silver leaf frame. I have no keepsakes for either of my kids…maybe this will give me a push!
I "like" PBK on facebook
i really love the Sherpa My First Hybrid Anywhere Chair
lauren51990 at aol dot com
I love the sleep sheep – looks so cozy!
seraphou at aol dot com
I like the Farmyard Activity Gym for a baby gift.
akritical at yahoo dot com
I like Pottery Barn on FB ~ Kendra M
akritical at yahoo dot com
I follow Pottery Barn on twitter @akritical
akritical at yahoo dot com
I follow you on twitter @akritical
akritical at yahoo dot com
I say the anywhere chair…you can take a pic of baby in it each month to see how much bigger they got!
ykatrina at hotmail dot com
I adore this – Farmyard Activity Gym
like them on FB
I like the My First Anywhere Chair Collection
uncashbug6 at aol dot com
Posted on I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remmeber why I used to love this site. Thanks , I will try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
Works well! It is not obvious, thguoh. Will new users know to click on the yellow bubble or time stamp?Within the thread itself, perhaps you can put the same yellow bubble next to the title of the thread to keep things consistent? Maybe a yellow bubble with a down arrow?
I would probably put together the First Year Frame if it was a gift; not sure I would purchase it myself.
kassa Posted on I would very much like to do my masters in early chohldoid Education because I love to kkow more about how childresn learn, and I want contribute by preparing the right materials .
follow you on twitter @Ashbug622
uncashbug6 at aol dot com
follow pottery barn on twitter @Ashbug622
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Fidatevi sono screen della vesinore Wii. Questo gioco sfrutta il motore grafico di Spyborgs che (anche se non lo sa nessuno perch Spyborgs non se lo filato di striscio nessuno) tra i migliori mai fatti per Wii.
dakingro on June 26, 2011 this has helped me a lot. I steatrd using many affiliate programs such as rolution(dot)com/en/E763294Z/ and starting earning revenue thanks a lot.
"like" pottery barn kids on facebook. #Ashley Elaine
uncashbug6 at aol dot com
Love the nursery horse rocker.
Flyergal82 (at) YAHOO /dot/ (com)
I like the watering can bank!
Laura B.
lsb13 @ comcast dot net
Just liked PBK on Facebook!
Laura B.
lsb13 @ comcast dot net
Following My Mom Shops on Twitter (L13)!
Laura B.
lsb13 @ comcast dot net
Following Pottery Barn Kids on Twitter now too! L13
Laura B.
lsb13 @ comcast dot net
Thanks for the chances!
I love the PBK blocks…classic and fun. You did a great job on your frame!! Thanks!!
gomeggo[at]gmail[dot]com
I like the Silverleaf First Year Frame as a baby gift.
I have always wanted a frame like this. My favorite PBKids item is probably the personalized baby blankets.
I love the sherpa chair.
I have the First Year Frame and love it. My husband spent months picking out the photos!
Adorable frame. picture frames are the best baby gift. You will love them long after your kids are out of diapers. The PB Kids frames look like Heirlooms. I hope I win!!!!
I LOVE the frame it'd be a great baby gift!
I like PBK on facebook
debevans at bellsouth dot net
I already follow you on twitter
debevans at bellsouth dot net
I follow Potterybarn Kids on twitter too
debevans at bellsouth dot net
twitter name is happybeyond
love the first year frame and also the personalized bath towels. i love your blog!!!
I "liked" them on FB. Hopefully that will let me know about sale stuff.
My favorite baby gift is the anywhere chair. Perhaps it is premature to get a chair for a baby, but boy he grew fast and he LOVES his chair.
I like Pottery Barn kids on Facebook!
I follow you on twitter @cristinaspeaks
I follow Pottery Barn kids on twitter @cristinaspeaks
Posted on Eisner awarding wininng comic-shop, Zeus Comics is in Dallas which may or may not be on your route.Though I think you’ve hit upon a fantastic idea something we maybe should talk about off-site.If I don’t talk to you before hand, have a safe trip!
I follow pbk on facebook.
I love the blocks.
My favorite Pottery barn gift as of yet is Sophie the Giraffe. Caitlins room is full of Giraffes and I know that when she is born she will love Sophie!!!
I love the Watering Can Bank.
"like" Pottery Barn Kids on Facebook. danielle mini donohue
follow Pottery Barn Kids on Twitter. luvmy2ms
follow MyMomShops on Twitter . luvmy2ms
By far my favorite baby gift from PBK is the stroller blanket! I got one at my shower for my daughter and now I got one a my shower for my son. It is something they will have for many many years to come.
Haughton.dehlia@yahoo.com
I like PBK on Facebook!!
Haughton.dehlia@yahoo.com
i love their everywhere chairs, but i tend to only shop the sale section at PBK – it's so pricey!
hassan Posted on You can name your blog on your own name like miror, one thing more, you should name it acrcdoing to your interest.
i already like PBK on facebook!
Dear Dr. Kristi, I have this terrible fear of bald plopee. Particularly bald old men. They seem to be everywhere these days! How do you suggest I deal with this issue?
I feel So sorry for Stephanie J Block she is brillant as Elphaba but she is out shnied by Idina Menzel because Idina was in two production of Wicked (orginal and broadway) and stephanie was in the on after Idina in the U.S. I was kind of hoping she was going to be in the Australian verison but Jemma Rix was awesome so its all good
The Silver First Year frame as well as the oval.
email:cso247@gmail.com
The first year frame!
email:cso247@gmail.com
Chandra Posted on Love it! Glad I had a chance to run with you the other day! Helped me to get back on track while I was up there! Know that you keep me inpsried!
I like Pottery barn Kids on facebook.
email:cso247@gmail.com
I love the Baby Journal and baby book as a gift from PBK!
I love the rocking horse from PBK, but my favorite keepsake is the frame.
I like Pottery Barn Kids on Facebook.
I follow PBK on Twitter (@mollyfoggsims)
I follow Mymomshops on Twitter (@mollyfoggsims)
I like the sleep sheep
I like pottery barn kids on facebook
DarkLord3188 on June 26, 2010 bit . ly/aJFEMiSaving money with InsureMyCar4Less is simple. After you fill out our quick onlnie form, you get free auto insurance quotes from the best providers in the industry. They compete for your business, and you save money.bit . ly/aJFEMi
my favorite baby gift from pbk is the penelope swaddling blanket. i just ordered some last week!
I lOVE PBK gifts, but my absolutely favorite one to give is the stroller blanket. It's the perfect size and so warm and cuddly. The colors are perfect for those that prefer calm over crazy.
I love personalized delft birth plates. Very cool!
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look fraorwd to reading more articles from you in the future.- Jack
I love the personalized stroller blankets!
I like Potterybarn Kids on Facebook. email: bacchus.simone@gmail.com
I follow you on twitter. @moniebean
bacchus.simone@gmail.com
I follow Pottery Barn Kids on Twitter. @moniebean
i lov ethe hipp critter collection – http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/hippo-critter-collection/?pkey=gthmcipbab
littleheathen9109 @ yah00 d0t c0m
i 'like' pottery barn on facebook as emily ev–t
littleheathen9109 @ yah00 d0t c0m
i follow pottery barn on twitter as @forgetshyness
littleheathen9109 @ yah00 d0t c0m
i follow you on twitter as @forgetshyness
littleheathen9109 @ yah00 d0t c0m
I like pottery barn kids on Facebook. Would love two bean bag chairs for our school room!
email: cjbathurst@gmail.com
Posted on You’re a far braver veiewr than I I’ve given up on even the one genre show this season I sorta liked, Reaper, cause when it’s on, I can’t motivate enough interest to actually watch a whole episode.I’m a reality whore now. It’s all I do.
I love this idea! This is probably my favorite baby gift from Pottery Barn Kids.
I love the Skip Hop Pronto Clutch as a gift – so nice to skip the diaper bag.
email: reineck@hotmail.com
I already like Pottery Barn on FB
email: reineck@hotmail.com
I know follow mymomshops on Twitter (@kdrobney)
email: reineck@hotmail.com
I follow Pottery Barn Kids on Twitter (@kdrobney)
email: reineck@hotmail.com
My favorite Baby Git from PBK is their Silver Leaf First Year Frame.
I liked Pottery Barn Kids on FB.
My favorite baby gift is "My first Nap Gift bag"
swiftstitch@yahoo.com
I "like" PBK on facebook
swiftstitch@yahoo.com
i love the critter belly rattles!
adowdle @ warrenjordan dot com
i like pbk on facebook
adowdle@ warrenjordan dot com
i follow pbk on twitter
@amydowdle
adowdle@ warrenjordan dot com
follow my mom shops on twitter
@amydowdle
adowdle@ warrenjordan dot com
I like PBK on FB
I love the personalized ceramic birthday plates. My son has celebrated all 3 of his b-day's with one my Aunt (who has since passed away) got for him. It is so special to us.
follow PBK on twitter
@laurenlamoureux
@ lmaryp1978 dot com
follow MyMomShops on twitter
@laurenlamoureux
@ lmaryp1978 dot com
I love their crib bedding… when it's on sale, you can get a bumper and quilt for a decent price–my favorite baby gift! But I love this frame–never managed to do it for either kid, but would love to!
Posted on Hey, I just found you and your brilliant video! Love to cocennt with you Can you @reply me on twitter? @laurahames. definitely called for action! Laura xo
Posted on Thanks so much for this post. As a writer, my narautl inclination is to stay in my cave and write my books. Marketing is hard for me, but your tips are things that I can do!Katherine KaneTraining The City Dog(available on Amazon)
Ah, I tried to follow pottery barn kids on twitter, but the site isn't working.
cso247@gmail.com
Ugh, I tried to follow mymomshops on twitter but I can't get to it. I think my computer can't keep up with the updates on the site.
cso247@gmail.com
My computer isn't letting me access the site on twitter to follow mymomshops
I'm not able to get through to follow pottery barn kids on twitter
I have these frames for my kids and am looking for a 3rd!
My favorite item at Pottery Barn Kids has to be there letters. I have always liked theirs…
Aprilakaiser@gmail.com
I love the adorable Farmyard Activity Gym! tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I'm a pottery barn kids fan on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com
I agree with you. Forget about Geneva. We have to reconcile with Sinhalese and Muslims brfoee power-sharing in Sri Lanka. I accept we have conflict among us but Indian made it worse in 1987 and now American making the situation lot more muddy.I will place my view soon. we are idiots chasing the mirage in intellectual Sahara desert.kind regards
cupcake8million Posted on congrats- your linivg my dream since you won’t see your family/ friends for a long tie you could go cheesy- wish you were here or on the trail again or Where in the world is (your name)? Best of luck!