I grew up in a suburban neighborhood just outside of Boston. My parents were Italian immigrants and left the sun-soaked island of Sicily for cold winters, the Red Sox and yes, the American dream.

I grew up speaking Italian (and Sicilian dialect) at home, English (no Bhaston accent) in school. Every summer I spent with my family in a small town perched high in the Eastern hills of Sicily. Itala is its name and there I would sip on lemon granita with sticky sweet brioches in the morning and sing Italian songs as my grandfather played the accordion in the evening.

Growing up with two roots, one in Boston and one in Sicily, taught me an appreciation of different cultures, languages and people - something I retain to this day.

So when my first nephew was born, Massimo, I knew that he too would and should experience the best not only Boston has to offer but also the rest of the world. Children are curious, open and smart and it's our job to foster exploration and discovery.

When I would go to buy gifts for Massimo, I never could find what I was looking for. So, I decided to start an in-depth search for something as singular as he is. My journey brought me to Il Cocco di Mamma. It's an online boutique filled with unique gifts for the children, bilingual or not, who deserve something as special as them.

I hope you'll enjoy your shopping here. As we say in Italian, "tante belle cose," or all the best and most beautiful things to you.

Ciao!