Shopping: Year Of The Sheep

As we ring in 2015. we also ring in the Year of the Sheep, according the Chinese Zodiac calendar! And just what does this mean? Well, those born in the Year of the Sheep are said to wise, compassionate, loyal, polite, clever, and kind…and those qualities are said to set the tone for the year itself, as well!

We’re looking forward to breaking away from the typical flock with a sweet roundup of sheep, ram, and lamb picks for babies, kids, and moms alike! So shrug into your favorite wool sweater and start shopping (trust us, with items this cute, there’s no need to be sheepish)!

Zoo Animal Bookend – Ram
From the ever-lovely Serena & Lily shop (find it online or in the Hamptons), this sheepish bookend is the perfect touch of wooly decor for any child's bedroom. It's weighted to keep books in place while the exterior (which is 100 percent felted wool) looks more like a snuggley stuffed animal. $28.99, serenaandlily.com
Sheepish Throw Pillow
Keep your entire flock comfy this year with a cute black sheep throw pillow from Land of Nod! Crafted from 100 percent cotton canvas, this decorative element also corresponds to a fun set of kids' bedding with a similar motif! $19, landofnod.com
Hand-Knotted Sheep Toddler Quilt
Just call it the softer side of Restoration Hardware! This RH Baby & Child bedding features cloud-like little sheepies and an embroidered French-knot pattern--plus, it's crafted from a super-soft cotton-linen fabric and is available in two soothing colors. $119, rhbabyandchild.com
Gilded Dapper Animal Mug
With a whimsical--yet sophisticated--look, this porcelain mug from West Elm is a great option for adding a fresh look to your kitchen or dining room. The ram design is based on a real painting and dressed up by designer Rachel Kozlowski (which we think reflects the fact that Year of the Sheep individuals are known for a "sensitivity to art"). $6.99, westelm.com
Organic Patterned Rattles - Lamby
How sweet is this little lamb from Apple Park? Doing double-duty as a rattle and cute animal toy, this pink lamby--which is made from 100 percent organic and recycled materials--is sure to be a favorite for your little one all year long. $22, applepark.com
Mini Wooly Sheep Stuffed Animal
Available at local favorite the Pink Olive, this soft stuffed sheepy (named "Wooly") is a must for sweet Year-of-the-Sheep babes. Crafted from 100 percent knitted cotton, this cutie feels as nice as he looks. $48, pinkolive.com
Girls' Fuzzy Sheep Sweater
What could be warmer for winter than a literal sheep sweater? Not only is this crewcuts for J.Crew sweater made from fuzzy wool, it;s also got a super-cute sheep (complete with rhinestone eyes) knitted onto the front. $68, jcrew.com
Pommed Herd Tote
Here's a perfect Year-of-the-Sheep picks for stylish moms! Straight from style staple Anthropologie, this versatile tote by Jasper & Jeera features a fun and interpretive pattern of herd animals (sheep among them, of course)--and is roomy enough to pack up all your daily essentials (from baby bottles to iPads and beyond). The tote is made from cotton with leather trim, and features adorable wool pom details on the sheep. $98, anthropologie.com
Wooden White Sheep
Available at Park Slope's cutest indie toy shop, Norman & Jules, this wooden Holztiger brand sheep toy is a treasure to be enjoyed for years to come. Crafted from solid Maple wood and painted with a darling sheep's coat and face (using non-toxic and natural stains, no less), this barnyard friend is suitable for kiddos as young as 2 years. $11.25, normanandjules.com
Pink Pine Wood Rocking Sheep
We've all heard of white sheep and black sheep...but pink sheep? It's true, your little lambs can break away from the flock with this technicolor rocking sheep in a bright pink hue! Made by the brand Povl Kjer, this fluffy rocker (suitable for ages 3 and up) has a solid pine base and thick coat of wool "fur." $240, alexandalexa.com
Year of the Sheep Suede Slippers
For any fashionista moms looking to give themselves a post-holiday treat, check out Charlotte Olympia's dazzling gold-plated sheep- and Swarovski-adorned suede flats! These stunners are meant to complement "wise and compassionate women" and are sure to put a sparkle in your step for 2015. $397.50, net-a-porter.com
Ty Beanie Babies Hello Kitty Lamb Suit
Oh Hello Kitty: Is there anything she can't do? In the fine Sanrio tradition of having HK dress up for the Chinese New Year, this Beanie Baby is a cute and cuddly as it is clever. $8, amazon.com
"Sheep Happens" iPhone 5 Case
If you're a parent who loves cheeky puns, this iPhone 5 case is just the ticket for starting the year off on a humorous note! From the cute critter experts at Hatley, these sweet-and-sassy tech pick offers a slim fit and great phone protection. $9, hatley.com
Wool Felt Sheep Mobile
Make the age-old practice of counting sheep a breeze with this darling mobile from RH Baby & Child. The perfect complement to any play room or nursery, this mobile features ivory merino wool felt sheep suspended from a wooden ring. $59, rhbabyandchild.com
Aries Charm Bangle
Known for their versatile look and spiritual message, Alex & Ani bangles make a great gift for any occasion. We love this Aries (the astrological sign of the ram) charm as a gift for the March b-day moms (or moms-to-be) in your life, especially for the Year of the Sheep! $28, alexandani.com