What's better than a scarf? A Snood.

When I was in Spain last month, I was introduced to Snoods from Kid Cashmere, these beautiful handmade cashmere sleeves from mom Jolie Sutton. Over the head they're like ear-warming hats, but down around the neck they replace scarves - maybe even better, after hearing all those scary stories about little kids who get their scarves caught in bad places. (Eek.)

All the items in the shop are handmade from Italian and Scottish spun cashmere, and silk yarns, making them really smooth and not the fuzzy kind of cashmere that ends up in your mouth. And now that I know how to wash cashmere and roll it in a towel to dry (thanks Martha!) taking care of them is really easy.

If you're putting together a special holiday present or baby shower gift, I love the gift set that includes the Snood and matching cashmere mittens - the funky kind without fingers. So very European and fabulous. There are also children's ponchos that I wish came in my size and lovely cashmere baby caps too. Because if you're going to do the cashmere thing for babies, best on a garment that is least likely to be the target of spit up. -Liz

Congratulations to Hilary S., very lucky winner of the pale pink cashmere Snood and mitten set!