Find a Tadpole

Soft Rocker

2010-04-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

Kids are so noisy. Really, really noisy. In fact, if it's a contest between one of those requisite NYC jackhammers pounding away on a busy corner or a houseful of kids, I might have to opt for the jackhammer as less painful to the ear. My point? Kids are noisy enough by themselves; they need no noisemaking toys of any kind.

Noisemaking toys include musical ones, at least until the kid can take lessons and see music as a serious pursuit. But I'm a not a big enough meanie to disturb their pretend play. That's why this rockin' guitar, made of fabric and stuffing, is so ideal. It comes complete with a handy strap for hanging and strumming. It's covered with skulls and crossbones, giving it a folksy edginess, like a guitar quilted by Heavy Metal Grandma. And, best of all, when the kid wants to really stay in character and wreck his or her "hotel room," this oversized pillow can't do much damage. So let the little wailers channel Pete Townsend anytime they'd like.

Seriously, this is so superior to the plastic noisemakers! Find it at www.huset-shop.com.

Totally Rockin' Totes

2010-04-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

Once your little girl gets to be around seven or so, she has stuff. Stuff for camp, stuff for school, stuff for sleepovers, sports and just hauling around town. She's loaded for bear and bearing life's essentials. The one thing you know for sure: you don't want to get stuck carrying her stuff.

So take a look at these super cool metallic totes. Sure, they're not Louis Vuitton (if they were, and you were considering purchasing them for your kid, you'd be an idiot, no?), but they combine a classic simplicity of shape with that metallic flash girls covet. That means she'll be able to locate her "stuff" with a minimal amount of fuss, while keeping her fashion I.Q. at high levels.

And did I mention the price? At just ten bucks a pop, these bags are cheap enough to buy in multiples. They'd also make a great "wrapping" for a girl's birthday gift. See them at www.juvieshop.com. It's the ultimate carry all for the shiny happy girl in your life.

Summer Romper Room

2010-04-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

There are certain fashion items that only look good on kids, but are dragged out to be sold to adults anyway (case in point: my Lilly Pulitzer entry). The romper certainly fits that category. Recently, I was in a store and the saleswoman held up a romper for my inspection. I had to inform that I was too old to wear that; that I was too old to wear a romper at 20.

Now, a romper on a little girl is a completely different matter. Take this romper, from Chasing Fireflies. Done in basic black, its off the shoulder design (with smart straps to keep the thing on) transforms the romper from a preschool item to elegance. Really, this romper looks like Halston for little girls. It's adorable. And it's practical, too. My girl doesn't like skirts or dresses anymore (she has a tendency to end up upside down), so the shorts aspect of romper really work for her. Once she's upright again, she'll look femme and ready for dinner.

I've only seen this fashionista item at www.chasing-fireflies.com. It's $48, which might seem steep, until you realize that it's a complete outfit she can do anything in. All she needs now are some gladiator sandals and she's ready for action.

Magnetic Blockage

2010-04-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

While every new parent runs around like a chicken with its head cut off, reading the latest research on childhood development and looking for the toy to transform Junior into the next generation's great genius, the basic wisdom of the ages gets lost in the frenzy.

I'm talking about the best toy for kids ever: blocks. Blocks are a two fold toy, boosting both motor skills and brainpower. They are simple and reliable. They can even be esthetically pleasing. And these blocks by Tegu incorporate a new wrinkle: magnets. The magnets hidden in the blocks allow building at new angles and altitudes. Junior can build anything from little people (above) to operational vehicles and truly suspended suspension bridges. Now that's an educational toy! Plus, Tegu blocks are decorative enough for all you fussy parents in your pristine mid-century houses (I'll let you have your delusions of decor for the time being).

Tegu tends to sell out fast; they just got a shipment in and they're probably going to sell out soon. Check them out at www.tegu.com. And get started on building a blockade.

You'll Never Find a Cuter Scooter

2010-03-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

Although The Toad came of age in the vile '80s, and ultimately eschewed ladylike preppie prints for goth hair and ripped jeans, those pink and green hues still hold some appeal. And if you have a little girl, the east coast siren call of prepdom becomes even more irresistible.

Because, let's face facts: if you tried to don some loudly patterned mini skort and wander down your main drag, you'd just look like an ass. Your eight to ten year old girl, on the other hand, will look simply adorable. Angelic. Ready for the primetime tennis club action. And that's why this Lilly Pulitzer printed "scooter" (a polite WASP word for "skort") is so perfect. Made in mini-kiddie sizes, it perfectly displays your girl's cute dimpled knees in an innocent way. Plus, she can still play tennis and hang upside down in the thing.

The Lilly Pulitzer scooter comes in two styles, but this one is best (the other boasts bows, which cannot be worn with true irony). Find this current release of a preppie relic at www.garnethill.com.

Developmental Dilemmas Solved By the Book

2010-03-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

Childhood is often hard on everyone. The kid is constantly grappling with the new, the challenging, the potentially terrifying. And the parents are dealing with constant change and conflict.

Here's a handy tool to help guide your child through difficult moments. They're books, but not books for you. Instead, the Change is Strange book series gives your kid a personalized guide through major milestones, such as giving up the pacifier, dealing with the parents going away for much needed r&r, or adjusting to the reality of a new sibling on the way. The web site makes the process simple: just choose the book you'd like, fill out the online form, and a book which directly reflects your kid's life arrives in the mail. For instance, the pacifier volume boasts your child's name, nickname for their "binky," and plenty of other pertinent info. And given a child's deep self-involvement, they're far more likely to respond to this personalized plea for stoppage than from some ordinary picture book written for the immature masses.

Check out all the titles on www.changeisstrange.com. Because sometimes, it's best to solve problems by the book.

FREE Kid-Friendly Haggadah!

2010-03-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Passover is getting ready to pass over, and while there's much to look forward to in terms of the Passover Seder, the kids squirming in agony isn't one of them. The whole process is just baffling to the little ones, especially the all important Haggadah. Incomprehensible!

Until now. Finally, there's a kid-friendly Haggadah that makes the Seder a truly family friendly activity (as long as you're not too much of a traditionalist). Introducing My Haggadah: Made It Myself, a kid version of the weighty tome filled with accessible activities and explanations. Plus, in its PDF downloadable format, it's FREE! Yes, you heard right: FREE. You can download it, print the puppies out, copy them, and bring them to your Seder for all kids to enjoy. What a perfect price for Passover peace.

Go to www.madeitmyselfbooks.com and download your copy today. Now all you need to do is hide the matzoh and kick back with the soup and brisket.

Cool Baby

2010-03-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

There always seem to be more babies being born. And more baby showers to attend. While that ultra-luxe baby wipe warmer seems like a good idea, I have a better one.

Try this CityShade stroller sun blocker out for size. All infants need plenty of airing (actually, maybe it's the new moms who really need the airing, but baby has to come along), but the babes don't need the nasty sun in their eyes, or cold wind in the face. This ingenious CityShade fits on top of most of those new mommy mega-strollers, and works perfectly to keep them snoozing comfortably. They're pediatrician recommended, so those safety fuss pots will be satisfied. And they come in a variety of colors (although, as gothy as The Toad can be, she does not recommend the black one since it'll really retain heat).

Check out the CityShades at www.citymum.com. And keep baby a cool customer and away from the chemical sunscreen.

No Paas for Easter

2010-03-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ah, Easter. How The Toad loves the chocolate, bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and egg dyeing parties. And your kids love them, too.

But here's a thought: what exactly is in those Paas Easter Egg dying kits that make those eggs so brilliantly colored (and dye your kid's hands for days as well)? I'm pretty sure it's nothing good for a body. That's why the eco-brand Eco-Kids has come up with its Eco-Egg Dyeing Kit. Working in a similar fashion to the dreck you pick up in your market's Easter aisle, these color pellets are created from shades found on Mother Earth. Using organic dyes from produce like red cabbage, blueberries, potatoes and more, those eggs will be beautiful and FDA-color-number-whatever FREE. It's enough to make a bunny hop around in rhapsody.

Celebrate Spring organically at www.eco-kidsusa.com. And give a pass to the Paas.

Sugar High

2010-02-22T08:36:00.001-08:00

So the term "sugar high" is not really something most parents advocate; it implies kids bouncing off the walls and multiple dental visits (although there's really no scientific evidence for the former). But Toad begs of you to make an exception for this cookbook.

First off, teaching kids the proper way around a kitchen is a great thing, a skill they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives (you're teaching them to feed themselves, after all). And what better way to pique interest than with dessert? Children are little sugar cravers, and a bit now and then, for the purpose of kitchen knowledge, is permitted. This cookbook is amazing, chock full of really yummy recipes that kids will want to make and parents won't mind eating, either. The recipe for the New York, New York Crumbcake alone is reason enough to gift this book to a deserving child (this cake will blow your diet and blood sugar sky high, but it's soooo worth it).

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey Desserts for Kids really does deliver for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get ready to watch the flour fly and your waistband expand. Find it at www.chroniclebooks.com. And keep the goo flowing.

Thinking Out of The Box

2010-02-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

Parents are desperate. There, I've said it. They are desperate for stuff to occupy their children so that they might have a somewhat civilized lunch or dinner out, or converse with a non-child owning friend.

The problem is, of course, that parents end up toting the world around with them in order to care for and entertain their kinder. This might be good for the super-sized tote companies, but it's bad for backs and convenience. Why not think outside the box? Like this Matchbox Theater by Leafcutter Designs. Each Matchbox Theater comes complete with tiny puppets fashioned from non-operational matches, an explanation of the characters, and a script. It's ideal if you have older children, who can direct as the younger kids demonstrate their puppet chops.

There are many rather intellectual and quirky productions to choose from, or you can design your own. Order one today at www.leafcutterdesigns.com, and carry an entire theater in your pocket.

An Earful

2010-01-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

If you've ever had to deal with a kid suffering from an earache, you know the true meaning of the term "powerless." There really is nothing sadder than a small child caught in the painful throes of ear pain, tears a-rolling, asking "Mommy, make it go away."

It made me quake inside. Then I stopped being a bad mommy and a ninny in general and got down to business. One of the best home remedies for an earache, it turns out, is hot, moist heat. And that means a hot water bottle in some incarnation. While most hot water bottles are too big and smelly (the scent of warm rubber doesn't really improve anything), this little travel one, covered in what the website terms "minky" is the ideal size for placing on a small child's ear. And boy, does it work. They stop crying fast, you can get some Advil down them, and then you and yours get a reprieve until the doctor visit in the morning. The little hot water bottle is a life saver.

Find this "minky" version, in gender appropriate pink or blue, at www.fashionhot.com. And be the super mom who makes the hurt go away.

A Whale of a Time

2009-11-30T19:16:00.000-08:00

Do you know a kid who's bored with Legos, who's done with construction, and who's longing for a meaningful imaginative play gift? No? Well, you might want to consider this fabulous set anyway.

This whole shebang is like living "Free Willy." Or, "Rescue Willy," if you will. The Whale Rescue Mission puts a powerful Killer Whale in danger, and only the child, equipped with a boat, a helicopter, a rig, and a crew, can save him from disaster. The whale's jaw moves, so it can articulate its thanks as it's hauled from the hazardous sea, presumably to be deposited in calmer waters (and NOT imprisoned in some Shamu concentration camp, please). There's many lessons to be learned while playing with this toy, and most of them can be taught during bath time. Most excellent.

If the Whale Rescue doesn't float his or her boat, check out the Mummy Set or the Everglades set (shrink-wrapped bodies and gators, respectively). They're all about 50 bucks for hours of fun. At www.constplay.com.

Self-Cleaning Hip Hop

2009-11-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

The thing many kids ask for during the holidays is a pet. Normally, this is frowned upon, since puppies and kittens can truly get caught in the holiday shuffle. But what about something far less demanding? What about... frogs?

This Frog-O-Sphere from Brookstone is a pretty nifty idea. They call it a "miniature community" consisting of a little aquarium, rocks, something called "Living Gravel", a plant, a cleaning tool and TWO African Dwarf frogs (I guess two makes a community. Maybe a calling them a couple is just too personal?). Anyway, this little ecosphere is pretty self-contained, requiring you and yours to do not much more than feed the happy hoppers (they're actually swimmers) twice a week with handy pellets. I myself have had these frogs in the past, and I must say that they're pretty cute and fun to watch.

Did I mention that the entire set up is just $40? And they supply a year's worth of food? Check it out at www.brookstone.com. It's hip hop you'll want your kids to play.

Star Maker

2009-11-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

If you live in a populated area, chances are you have night time light pollution. Simply put, there's too much artificial light at night to allow the natural light of the stars to shine bright. That means that kids have never really seen the actual night sky in all its glory on a regular basis.

While this tiny facsimile of a night sky isn't the real McCoy, at least kids can use it to identify the stars in their proper places on the correct night. Just tap in the time, date and place, and the Star Theater reproduces your night sky right in the bedroom, complete with labels for proper star and planet identification. It's like having your very own planetarium, and is just the perfect gift for the curious nine year old in your life. This way, once you actually go camping or at least go somewhere without that light pollution, the kid can ID the stars.

Find the Star Theater (complete with meteor maker) at www.hearthsong.com.

Lightweight for Lightweights

2009-11-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

I think it's always nice to have a toy or two lying around the living room, just in case someone (be it child or adult) wants to play. Of course, that doesn't mean plastic dreck. It means something arty and interesting.

These subtle cork blocks are arty and interesting. They're functional enough for any child (because, no matter how hard you try, most kids just aren't all that interested in aesthetics). But they're just fabulous enough, with an artsy pedigree and ultra-safe environmentally sound veggie dyes, to be of interest to design oriented adults. In short, these are a perfect gift for a parent who loves, as perhaps you do, to leave a toy or two out on the coffee table for the masses. Bring your friend a set, and see what evolves upon your return: a skyscaper, a castle, a canned soup factory.

An added plus? These are cork, folks, so no one gets hurt. Check them out at www.momastore.org.

Bites On The Run

2009-11-01T19:08:00.001-08:00

Every mother knows the drill: you're out with your small child, and suddenly they're gripped with starvation style hunger. Problem is, you're unprepared. Besides hiring your very own boy scout to keep you loaded with delicious and filling snacks, what can a mother do?

These Little Bites silicone storage jars might be a start in the right direction. The lilliputian scale means they're easy to store, either in the car, your bag, or at home. They're equally at home in the fridge, at room temp, or in the microwave. And they are blessedly free of nasty chemicals like BPA, Phthalate, and lead (because poisoning your children as you're nourishing them is bad, bad form). Plus, they're an ideal baby shower add-on gift for a new mom, who will know nothing of the hungry wolf-like screams that can emanate from a backseat strapped, ravenous toddler. Give them the Little Bites and save them from this dreadful fate.

Find these adorable containers at www.mightynest.com. They don't come with the actual snacks, but I'm sure you can figure that part out.

Name in Lights

2009-10-26T07:34:00.001-07:00

I want to reiterate strongly that I am not a fan of the monogram. I've always found them stuffy and silly in virtually any permutation. But when it comes to kids, all bets are off: they need to develop a love for letters, especially their own.

And what could be a better (and sneakier) way to throw a little ABC into their little lives than through this fabulous light fixture? Created by artist (NOT actress) Amy Adams, each little light shines a different letter of your choice. You could suspend these in a corner, with a lone first initial. You could spell out a three letter name in a staggered arrangement (for cost purposes, I wouldn't recommend anything longer). Or, you could go for the simple ABC, CAT or DOG. So many lighting options!

The light's bisque color also gives you tons of latitude in terms of kiddie decor. Check out the letter light at www.rompstore.com. At $110.00 each, these lights aren't exactly cheap, but what price would you place on literacy, anyway?

Sleeping in the Fall Foliage

2009-10-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

Fall is a great time to do an overhaul on the little details at home, like pillow sham colors, sheets and accessories. And if your kid (or a kid you know and particularly like) needs new sheets, may I suggest these for the fall season and beyond?

Fact is, I loathe most "kids'" bedding. It's usually a themed disaster, merely a marketing tool at worst, or a juvenile visual cacophony at best. But these are modernist, classy, and boast some staying power. Boodalee's "In the Trees" sheet set is a simple wood grain print on lovely crisp bedding. It's fairly unisex, mostly because it's orange, a color that mixes equally well with blue, brown, or even pink (for the ecologically minded girly-girl). And because these are "good" sheets, as opposed to those pilled-up, threadbare messes from bargain stores, they'll actually last as long as good sheets should (which, depending on child-level punishment, could mean years of use).

You can find "In the Trees" at www.velocityartanddesign.com. And if, for some reason, orange doesn't float the decor boat, they have many other kiddie bedding choices, none of which are lame.

Send In the Clown

2009-10-16T15:44:00.000-07:00

So you must remember this toy. The Bozo bop bag, in all its ugly glory. And oh, it is an ugly thing, but some toys become classics for a reason.

Because, let's face facts: you can teach the kid non-violence all day long, but every once in a while, they really need to cut loose on something. That something might as well be Bozo. First because he's a clown (I really, really HATE clowns; they're nastier than any monster), and second because this is harmless good fun. Bozo bounces back. Bozo takes no offense. Bozo takes all the abuse. And, once the kids have gone to bed, you can whale on Bozo's indestructible frame, too. Wow, good fun for the kids and therapy for you, all for under thirty bucks (well, maybe a little more, since you might want to spring for an electric pump to plump Bozo up to fighting form).

Summon Bozo into your life by going to www.backtobasicstoys.com. And the next time your child is beyond frustration, just send in the clown.

Wild Thing

2009-10-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Not only is Halloween rapidly approaching, but the movie "Where the Wild Things Are" is finally ready for release. When these two things collide, your child's "Max Suit" is born.

Take, for instance, this Canis Lupus ear warmer. It's warm and furry and obviously very wolfy. In fact, when paired with a white union suit, it could approximate a Max outfit, but with a ton of panache. Although the ear warmer is around 30 bucks or so, a union suit is cheap (and anyway, have you gotten a look at costume prices these days? Who's making them, Versace?).

One of the great things about this item is that it goes way beyond Halloween, into the longer term world of the make believe, or even where wild things still tread. Check it out at www.etsy.com.

Sailed Into Town For Candy

2009-10-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Ah, Halloween. The magic night approaches. And are you prepared? If your little boy still doesn't have a costume, here's one that might float his boat.

Say an ahoy to this sailor costume. It's so cute. The adorable blue jumpsuit (so easy) includes a slightly muscular torso appropriate for a deck swabber. The little cap perches rakishly on his head. And that's it. No fancy makeup to apply, no sweaty body begging for a hydration IV halfway through your candy route. It's military, which might appease your tyke, but boasts no guns, camouflage, or war insignia, which might appease you. Who doesn't like a guy who's in town for a little fun, or a lot of sweet candy haul?

Plus, this costume might get repeat wear in the dress up pile. What could be better? Find it at www.costumersupercenter.com. It's a great way to take him on the town.

These Boots Were Made for Abuse

2009-10-08T09:41:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but in this household we have a serious problem with children's shoes. No, it's not the fashion touches, the colors or the fit. It's the fact that, within about two weeks, my daughter can reduce a perfectly respectable pair of shoes to a demoralized, shredded mess.

I honestly don't know what little kids do to footwear; I suspect they carry their own tiny garbage compactors around and run their footwear through it daily. Luckily, with these Timberland Asphalt Trail boots, I think I've managed to stop the Shoe Shredder in her tracks. Hopefully, these extremely sturdy motorcycle-ish boots would fit the bill for your hard walker as well. The soles are thick and impervious to wear. The leather is a bit stiff, and of the kind that actually looks better with a few scratches and scuffs. Yet, they're still stylish enough to match with a cute dress, tuck skinny jeans into, or pair with leggings and a tunic. I think these Timberlands walk all over those fancier European shoe brands, with their fey suede appliques and delicate sensibilities (you know who you are).

At about $90, the Timberland Asphalt Trail boots aren't exactly cheap. But having to buy replacement pairs every two months would cut deeply into your monthly nut, too. Just imagine: a single pair of boots per season. Try living the dream and order a pair at www.zappos.com.

Lady Made in the Shade

2009-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when searching for appropriate girl gifts, it's really handy to have an actual girl on hand to vote yay or nay.

Take, for instance, this very lovely "Bohemian" parasol. At first glance, it looks like something any little girl would love. It completely adds a new element to her dress up routine. It shades the sun from her little face. A grouping of them (priced at $24/each, actually affordable) could be arranged as a makeshift creative shelter. And each and every parasol is different from the colors to the patterns. After much perusal, I showed this find to my discriminating little girl tester, and she confirmed its brilliance. Now, of course, she wants one (indeed, she's having delusions of grandeur and thinking she's "Head Tadpole").

Order the parasol for any little girl and watch her squeal with delight. Just don't let her sing in the rain with it; it isn't waterproof. Available in all its multicolored glory at www.wisteria.com.

Baby Art That Endures

2009-10-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's not often that I repeat a blog entry, but since this item was featured on Find A Toad months ago and this is Find A Tadpole, I decided to make an exception. Meet the baby shower or first time baby visit gift that's completely unexpected and original: artist Susan Arena's print series, Joseph's Alphabet.

Arena is a working artist in Los Angeles, educated at Harvard and Yale with many shows under her belt. Her Alphabet was inspired by the birth of her son (and also inspired by simple practicality: it's easier to work on many smaller pieces than huge ones when you're a first-time mom). Each letter boasts a visual representation done "Arena style," with whimsy, humor, and just a little bit of delightful creepiness. Order one which corresponds with the Baby's first name, and I guarantee you have yourself a winning gift. This is real art that can hang in a nursery (or on the kid's bedroom door as she grows), for years to come.

I've posted a couple examples of her work here, but really you should hit her site at www.susanarena.com to have a look at the entire series. If you really like the Baby in question, you could even spring for the entire Joseph's Alphabet as an art/educational investment. Check it out! It sure beats handing over another "receiving" blanket.

Magic Rabbit

2009-09-28T23:28:00.000-07:00

I know it's hard to believe, but Halloween is on its way. And one of the fun things parents get to do (before the kids are old enough to have set opinions about alter egos) is choosing a costume for the little kid.

By "little," I mean between the ages of 2-4 and too young to protest. That's how, for instance, I got away with dressing my two-year-old as a skunk one year. And that's how you can dress your unsuspecting child as a rabbit-in-a-hat. Really. As you can see from the photo, this costume is a complete bunny with a "hat" hoop skirt completing the ensemble for easy walking. It's completely hilarious. If you can talk an older child into accompanying them dressed in the magician outfit, so much the better. Your kid will get a hefty candy haul, guaranteeing you weeks of pilfered "fun-sized" Snickers. Excellent.

Such an ingenious costume doesn't come cheap: about $98. But oh my, the memories. Check it out at www.chasing-fireflies.com. And if the pop-up bunny doesn't seem magical enough, this site has the best costume selection I've seen in a long, long time.

Dress for Party Success

2009-09-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

There are nothing but parties coming in the next few months. Besides the never ending birthday events, there are holidays and family get-togethers galore. And every little girl loves a party dress.

Problem is, the party dress prices. I regularly see admittedly lovely stuff for well over $100. That's just crazy. However, after scouring blogs and online sources, I found Redfish Kids clothing. The dresses, as you can see at right, are sophisticated without turning little girls into little temptresses (no spaghetti straps or clingy cuts here). The Mandarin, for instance, looks like a classic cheongsam, but in a cute way (no, your daughter will not look like a concubine). The Lucky dress looks more classic little girl, with a big skirt and old-fashioned line, but the pattern is refreshingly hip. The greatest thing about these dresses is that you can easily dress them up for a party, or layer them over some jeans for a laid back school look. Now, that's versatility.

And the price point? Under seventy bucks. Yeah, ok, that's still some money, but considering the wear she'll get out of one of these dresses, I don't think it's unreasonable. You can even pass it on to a fortunate friend or relative (and they'll really want to take it). Find these two dresses and many more at www.redfishkidsclothing.com.

One Old Fossil

2009-09-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Likely as not, if you have or know a child between the ages of about eight and ten, they are fascinated by fossils. No, not grandma and grandpa, but real fossils from a real long time ago, like prehistoric times.

Now you don't have to go to the museum to look at one. Just order a fossil fish. He hails from Wyoming, but long before cowboys and skiers traversed its slopes and valleys, think 50 MILLION years ago. He swam in salty seas, met an untimely and ancient demise, and was buried in mud before turning into stone. Now he's a rock that your child can examine to her heart's content. What a totally cool science lesson.

Dig Finny Fossil up at www.theevolutionstore.com. He's just $29.00 for a little piece of history.

Shine a Little Doglight

2009-09-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

Although I personally don't know anyone having a baby at the moment, they're persistent little scamps with a habit of being born all the time. I'm sure you know one, and thus need a gift.

This is not something you'll find on any baby registry. In fact, it's quite quirky and odd. But, for the right parents (let's face it: the infant could give a hoot about how the nursery looks), this nightlight might cast a perfect glow. The Carlos nightlight features this proud yet Elizabethan collared chihuahua (recent operation or hotspot???) who sits quietly on a table or nightstand, helping a sleepy new mom or dad find their way cribside. Carlos is the perfect little dog: useful, cute, and never barks. Because the last thing new parents need is a noisy canine.

Adopt Carlos and send him on his way to a new happy home. He's waiting at www.mattermatters.com.

Get the Baby a POD

2009-09-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

There's lots and lots of things no one ever tells you about having a baby. Many simply can't be explained until the baby is here. But bathing isn't one of them.

Few things are a bigger challenge for a sleep-deprived, hormone-addled new mom than bathing that baby. That silly tiny tub. The infant's prone position. Your back breaking crouched position. The possibility of drowning or at least dunking the kid accidentally. The soapy squirming. It's just impossible. This gadget, however, looks like a good solution. It's a baby bathing bucket called a WashPOD. Fill with water and stick the baby in upright (NOT head-first, please. Are you really that tired?). Holding the baby upright with one hand, wash with the other. You don't need to worry about scrubbing, since an infant isn't usually covered with dirt. And it's far easily to gently wash little faces and ears when they're not at risk of submersion.

The bucket has a limited lifespan of only six months or so. But it'll save a lot of hassle and worry, not to mention back pain. Find it at www.giggle.com.

For Your Little Worrywart

2009-09-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Although we'd all like to idealize childhood as fabulously worry-free, that's really not the case. There's plenty to keep a kid wrinkling his brow with anxiety, from bullies on the playground to spelling tests to lousy lunches. Let me repeat: childhood is NOT a worry-free zone.

However, as we adults know from our many forays into therapy of all kinds, voicing and articulating our fears and concerns helps take the bite out of them. Here's a gift to help children do the same (because, honestly, they're way too young for shrinks). This Worry Woolie Notebook acts as a fuzzy repository for all those worries banging around in their young brains. They can scribble them down, draw pictures, write lists, plan coping scenarios, and face those fears in black and white (or purple ink, whatever). Plus, the Woolie's just so cute; he's bound to put a smile on any kid's face, no matter how heavily the weight of the world rests on her small shoulders.

Order this sunny friend at www.etsy.com. It'll make your little worrywart forget his troubles.

Stamp Out Invites

2009-09-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

There are always kid's birthday parties to plan. And while many have resorted to the uncouth social hammer of the Evite, some dedicated mommies prefer the old-fashioned paper (recycled, of course) invitation, distributed through snail mail.

These "Small Object" stamps would be just perfect for personalized invitation making. While professionally printing unique invitations for a four-year-old might be expensive idiocy, making some cute ones by hand could earn you the Martha Stewart Good Mommy Award. Just use these kiddie scrawl stamps on the front of the cards, handprint the info inside, and voila, fabulous invitations are ready to go.

Of course, these stamps are multipurpose, since after the invite making session they become an art aid for the kids. Excellent. Order them at www.roseandradish.com.

A Quality New Home

2009-09-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

No, not a home for you. This is a home for your kid's dolls (or stuffed animals, Lego people, fairies, or whatever wants to reside there).

Many dollhouses these days are made out of cheap plastic dreck. It's doomed to landfill from the moment of purchase, and it singularly lacks charm. Dolly deserves better. Now, all your child's inanimate friends can glory in a quality new home. This dollhouse is made of wood. It comes completely furnished and includes two residents, although the living arrangements can change at any time once the domicile comes home to live at your house. And just look at the paint job! It's not big enough for Barbie, but since she already has the lion's share of goodies I say that's just tough luck.

Good news: it's also on sale! Grab it on www.oliebollen.com for $99.00. It'll last forever, but not in that landfill sense. Plus, check out the wooden castle while you're at it, just in case Dolly needs a country estate.

The Perfect Hangout

2009-09-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

School may be starting up again, getting those kids out of your hair, but don't rest on your laurels too long. They'll be back, and they'll need somewhere to go.

That's why this Forest Friends Bower seems so ideal. Not for your kid's "forest friends," but for his real ones. This incredible handing canopy is much more than mere decoration. This thing is big and funky, and comes complete with its own "forest friends," including an owl and squirrel, plus a moss-covered top and weighted "roots" that keep this fanciful shelter open wide and ready for play. Sure, you get all this fun, but there's more: this thing can hang outside or in, off a tree branch or over a bed, in the front yard or down in the finished basement. It's the perfect kid hangout for many locales.

While the "Bower" seems pricey at $139.00, it may see you through many a summer's afternoon and rainy morning. And you can't put a price on peace and cooperative play. Order it at www. magiccabin.com.

Banana

2009-09-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

Ah, the banana. It's nature's perfectly inoffensive food, easily digestible, potassium rich, and neatly self-contained.

But sometimes nature's self-containment system fails. And when that happens with a banana, it's a fairly gross mess. Unless you're a big fan of banana slime all over the inside of your bag, a more bullet-proof coating is necessary. This nifty banana holder really does the trick. It's long. It's yellow. There's no mistaking what it's holding. Plus, the banana inside stays pure and pristine, ready for your child to consume it neatly at the park, or for you to gobble upon finishing your Boot Camp class.

Locate this fruit safety system at www.honey-bunch.com. It keeps your bananas from going, well, bananas.

Stylin' Back To School Supplies

2009-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

School starts late for LAUSD, not until September 9 (my kid has actually been asking when she gets to go back, since summer has lasted about a million years already). This year, there's a list of supplies she'll need (since California's budget crisis makes it impossible to pass out paltry pencils to the kids it's supposed to educate). And I figured, why not buy the best supplies around?

In light of this, I went on a search. The site See Jane Work has some of the best back to school stuff I've seen, and the prices are perfectly good. Take, for instance, the Gummi bear dual purpose pencil sharpener and eraser. Or, the clear, non-goopy Gluestick Jr. Or, how about the adorable Kitty Cat stapleless stapler? Such good stuff, and you don't have to schlep to Office Depot to buy it, either. The site even offers environmentally responsible pencils.

View all this back to school bounty and more at www.seejanework.com. And then, send your kids back to the classroom with a smile.

Family Portraits?

2009-09-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Decorating a kid's room, a boy's room in particular, is a real challenge. I mean, do you go for the all sports motif, or immerse him in deep space instead? And what about the the race cars (don't you want him overly interested in fast cars at an early age? C'mon, you know that you do).

So how about something a bit more offbeat, even elegant? Take these portraits by Berkley Illustration, for example. They're understated, tastefully produced, and just a bit creepy. They're also better dressed than any of my ancestors. The animals range from the strange,like the Great White Shark or the accurately lounging Brown Bat, to garden variety yet formally attired Squirrels, Deer, and Big Cats. There's even a Turtle.

Pick three (they're SO reasonably priced), frame them and hang them for a decorative display and a homage to the weird. They'd also be excellent in a kid's bathroom.

Find these fine art portraits at www.velocityartanddesign.com. Because if your kid has to hang out with his decor, it should involve these guys.

Practical For Life

2009-08-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Teaching a child life skills is a huge responsibility. Literally, your job, as a parent, involves teaching your kid to get up in the morning, take care of themselves, and launch themselves into their day (unless, of course, your parental dream is to have some slacker lounging about the house). To this end, here's some help: Montessori toys.

For those not lucky enough to send their children to a Montessori school, these Practical Life toys give your kids a taste. These toys are actually learning devices, teaching kids "grown-up" activities like managing buttons and zippers, learning how to tie a bow, learning how to sweep and clean a floor, and so much more. Kids like this kind of thing; it makes them feel important and competent, valuable feelings for a productive life. Kids don't think of these tasks as work, but as fun accomplishment. It's a win/win situation for everyone involved.

Find these fabulous toys at www.alisonsmontessori. com. Order these highly affordable toys and watch the skill set explode.

Baby Book That's Worth a Look

2009-08-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

So there are babies being born. And gifts to buy for them. And most baby books are the most disgusting, frilly, noxious things on the planet; truly an affront to books everywhere.

Except for this baby book. This one is pretty cool and graphic and stylish. The sedate colors are refreshingly unisex, and the bunny is so simple and sweet, without being cloying. This is, simply, a very nice baby book which begs to be filled with trivia, facts, figures and offerings from the little tyke, until the ripe old age of three (at which point the kid can fill his own book). Done well (and not even requiring scrap booking tools), a baby book can be a joyous heirloom. Really.

All this class and zero pink doesn't come cheap: about $110. But it sure beats another Diaper Genie (do they even make those things anymore?). Find it at www.aplusrstore.com.

Time for ABCs

2009-08-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

It's almost back to school time! How great is that? But what about your younger, not-so-ready for school time players stuck at home with you?

It's never too early to educate. And, it's never too early to educate in a funky-cool manner, either. Take, for instance, these cut alphabet blocks from the 1930's (when kids didn't go to school until they were five, and then they walked five miles in the snow even in the springtime, blah blah blah). There's fifty big wood letters in this set, enough to spell your underage tyke's name and then some, not to mention the fascinating structures built with them once the reading urge wears thin.

These are one of a kind, and it's a bit of a cash drain at $95, but they've already lasted a lifetime, so I'm sure they could add a great deal to your child's life, too. Find the ABCs at www.threepotatofourstore.com.

Catapult!

2009-08-25T12:13:00.001-07:00

It's the end of summer. It's hot. The great outdoors are sounding less appealing, but you don't want your kid lying around the house like a lox, staring at the tube.

Here's a project that'll keep both of you busy for at least an afternoon. Meet the Catapult construction kit. This medieval weapon of choice just needs glue, scissors and patience. Think of all the fun to be had, safely tucked away in a bedroom, catapulting lego figurines, cat toys, balls of foil, and any other small and relatively harmless object for long distances. Build structures and destroy them. Annihilate whole armies with makeshift cannonballs. And accept the fact that sometimes playtime is a violent, yet satisfying business.

Find this weapon of mice destruction at www.uncommongoods.com. And remember: school starts soon.

Construct-A-Meal

2009-08-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Trying to get a toddler to feed him or herself is always a challenge. Table manners go out the window, encapsulated in the moment the lethal fork leaves your child's hand and goes whizzing toward your head.

Here's some flatware your kid might just want to keep in their little fists. Made of lightweight plastic in yellow and black, the shovel (!), fork and spoon look like a construction site. Indeed, they're modeled to resemble those much admired bulldozers and dump trucks that children of all genders like to push around. And now, they can use them to push their food into their faces. Problem solved! At least, until you try to take the silverware away.

This toddler version of Tiffany flatware is available for purchase at www.vat19.com.

Handy Monsters

2009-08-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

There really are times, even in this age of the digital and electronic, that simplicity rules. Especially when it comes to entertaining kids.

Take a look at these completely ingenious hand temporary tattoos, for instance. Each tattoo turns an ordinary hand into a spectacular, expressive hand puppet. Invented by spanish designer Hector Serrano, the tats go on in a jiffy with a little water and keep the young ones occupied far better than any crummy video you could turn on. Plus, each package offers eight different monsters and animals, for a whole menagerie of fun. They also could be a great party favor, since a set of eight costs about eight bucks.

These are not available in the US just yet; find them at www.npw.co.uk. It's a handy way to occupy a little play time.

Betty Delivers for Boys and Girls

2009-08-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

My grandmother had a Betty Crocker Cook Book for Boys and Girls. I perused its dog-eared pages obsessively. The Igloo Cake, the Penuche Icing, the Pigs in Blankets all made such sense to me.

This completely retro cookbook will make complete sense to your child, too. It's lighthearted and friendly, but with specific instructions for perfect presentation (although I personally have my doubts about the "Three Men on a Boat" atop of cheerios; sinkage seems most likely). It definitely hawks tons of Betty Crocker products within its pages, but since most of them are obsolete, there will be no fights at the market. It also encourages cooking for the parents. Imagine that: real breakfast in bed (hopefully, not the aforementioned "Three Men in a Boat).

One warning: to their credit, the publishers left the old text untouched. This is not particularly politically correct eating. But surely you can get beyond this; your kids certainly can. Order hours of kitchen fun at www.barnesandnoble.com.

Tinker Tailor

2009-08-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Actually, not so tinker after all. This real Singer sewing machine is fully operational, so you can put your kid to work, hemming pants and fixing all your separated seams.

The kiddie labor idea aside, this machine really is the bomb. It's small, but it boasts a real foot pedal with backward/forward powers. All the specifics, from bobbins (do they even have those in sewing machines anymore) to needles is just like the big models. Plus, it comes with pre-cut fabrics for very easy, rewarding projects. They call it the "fashion center," but I call it a great solution for rainy days.

True, all this utility doesn't come cheap. The whole thing is about eighty dollars. But you could use it in an emergency, too. Find it at www.youngexplorers.com. And get ready to start buying those Vogue patterns.

Energy Pig

2009-08-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Decorating a kid's room takes a fair amount of thought. I'm not talking deciding between the SpongeBob Squarepants or Disney decor; I'm talking some interesting, tasteful stuff that'll stimulate the kid AND not make you want to heave.

That's why I like this silly lamp. It's an energy-saving piggy, done up in minimalist black and white and boasting a super-efficient curly florescent bulb for a tail. Yeah, I know, those fancy new bulbs give off some seriously crummy light, but it's so good to set an example. Apparently, the big plus of those inadequate bulbs is their stay-cool capacity; no burn risk for you or your tot. And it's just so cute.

Find the pig lamp at www.momastore.org. And teach your kid that, sometimes, it's ok to be a pig for the planet.

Not Burberry, Better

2009-08-07T07:50:00.000-07:00

During the winter months in Los Angeles, it sometimes feels like my girl's drowning in hoodies and slickers. Where's the class, I wondered.

Here's the problem: the "class" would involve big names like Burberry. And if you buy a Burberry trench for your child, you're a choad and shouldn't be reading this blog. I mean, really, for shame. What you need to find is a reasonable facsimile for a mere fraction of the price, which my friend Alison did for me, rather effortlessly. Can you believe this Burberryesque trench is from Target? Even better: can you believe that it's under twenty bucks? Ok, fine, it probably doesn't repel water like a Burberry duck, but who cares? It's so cute. And if there is a real downpour, you'll be reaching for that tacky slicker anyway.

Order this stylish moneysaver at www.target.com. And remember to silently thank Alison for possessing both class and thrift.

Elephants Never Forget the Time

2009-08-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

If you have a child between the ages of three and six (or know someone who does), you know that time is of the essence. Getting ready, getting fed, getting out the door all depends on being on time. Kids, of course, must be taught to tell time, but with the preponderance of digital, time is reduced to silly numbers on the screen. How do you make learning to tell time fun?

Turn to a classic. Modernist George Nelson invented many iconic clocks, and this Elephant Clock is among them. Check out the fun, yet spare design (fingerprints!). Use its analog format to teach the kid the proper structure of time (that old-fashioned dial makes all the difference). And rest easy knowing that you're also exposing the kid to plain old-fashioned good taste. What could be better?

On top of all that, elephants are beloved gender neutral creatures, comfortable in any bedroom and almost any decor (maybe not Princess Disney. But if you have Princess Disney slathered all over your girl's walls, you probably aren't reading this blog). Order Mr. Nelson's elephantine creation at www.velocityartanddesign.com. It's a gift the child will never forget.

Jammed

2009-08-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

No, I don't mean the strawberry kind. I'm talking about a traffic jam, something I'm sure every person in America knows something about. But this is a game, and what an absorbing game it is, too.

I have a version of this traffic game (called "Parking Lot") on my iPhone, and my girl loves to play it (she's gotten pretty good, too). The premise of this in the box game, Rush Hour, is that a particular car is caught in traffic and the cop must help to extricate it from the jam. There are traffic laws and laws of physics to obey, of course. And the board's set ups are generated from cards you select. The great thing? It's a solo game that'll keep your kid occupied while you work, make dinner, or have a phone conversation. Plus, the kid is really using that gray matter. It's excellent.

Help your kid get lost in traffic by ordering Rush Hour at www.amazon.com. It's the only traffic jam you'll actually welcome.

Super Booster

2009-08-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Little people (your little kid, for instance), often have big problems at the dining table. No, I'm not talking about the hurling of spaghetti, I'm talking shortness and failure to see over the table edge. A boost is what's required.

Thus far, though, I've never seen a booster seat that's ever been anything but hideous. Or huge. Or glossy, reprehensible plastic. Until now. This booster is made of something soft and squishy. It's also lightweight for easy cartage in your car. And take a look at the design. It's the Yellow Pages. This mammoth directory costs a forest of trees to produce; it's the dinosaur of directories. But you can have a constant reminder of business searches past every time you whip this out for the kid.

This item could also be useful for ultra-short in-laws in deli booths, but I'll leave the ultimate alternate uses to you. Let your fingers do the clicking at www.oliebollen.com.

Draw on the Furniture

2009-07-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Toddlers, little heathens that they are, love taboos. Especially when the infraction involves a Sharpie marker and your Corian countertop. Crazy making!

I know it seems counterproductive to get your little muralist a gift that encourages this behavior, but at least it'll keep them occupied and away from the remodeled surfaces. This Color-It footstool is extra-sturdy cardboard that can hold up to 60 pounds. Its plain white expanse just begs your child and friends to draw all over it. Just let them go wild: paint, the evil Sharpies, mud, whatever. It's just cardboard, after all. And for your child, it's a satisfying way to engage in a taboo without timeouts.

Color-It also comes in briefcase form, just in case your kid's a budding rebel executive. Find it at www.momastore.org. And let the defacement begin.

Insta-Tent

2009-07-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

On these hot, hot days and equally steamy nights, your children long for the outdoors. And while that backyard overnight sounds fun, who really wants to hammer and peg together that real tent?

Avoid the grunt work and get this kid's camping tent instead. There's absolutely no hammering, struggling, cursing and stretching required. Just shake the tent out of its bag and it opens automatically, creating a sun shaded environment for children by day and a bug shelter by night. The bonus? You can't really fit in it, since it's for kids! You can stay inside, in the air conditioning, while the kids pretend to camp out. Brilliant. What I'm not sure about is just how easy it is to stuff that auto-unfurl tent back into its home, but hey, every activity has a small downside. It's still superior to scraping mud off of stakes.

The camping tent is online at www.magiccabin.com. Order it for insta-fun.

A Sense of Scale

2009-07-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Kids love looking at pictures of animals. But what most books can't deliver is a sense of scale: just how big or small is that animal, anyway?

Life-Size Zoo solves this dilemma. Brimming with life-size, to scale shots of over twenty different zoo animals, this book gives kids an idea of how they'd measure up against a gorilla, or just how petite that meerkat really is. Plus, it has games, tons of nature facts, and plenty of encyclopedic info for your curious child. It's bringing the zoo into your home, but without the smell.

This is also a very economical gift, at the extra special price of just twelve dollars. You can't beat it. Order online at www.amazon.com. And let the safari begin.

The Key to Quiet Time

2009-07-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

You know how you can go out and buy fancy cat toys all day long, and all the cat does is play with one of your socks? Well, babies and toddlers are very much the same. One of the most popular "adult" items that fascinate babies is a set of keys.

With this set of "Love" keys, you can hand the baby a realistic and convincing version of what you're carrying around, but without all the sharp edges and eye poke potential. They're made metal (in either silver or gold), clank authentically, and each key is a different shape and size (so far superior to those cheapy plastic versions, the cat toys of the toddler universe). And, they're easy to carry in a purse, just like real keys (the perfect restaurant distractor).

Order the "Love" keys at www.mollaspace.com. It just might be the key to some parenting success.

Do It Yourself Baby

2009-07-27T09:07:00.000-07:00

This isn't exactly a gift for someone else. It's a gift you buy for yourself so that you can fashion baby gifts all by yourself. So, if the idea of creating gifts from scratch makes you break out in hives, this entry probably isn't for you.

This book delivers a ton of gift ideas for crafty individuals with lots of time on their hands (sound like anyone you know well?). Yet, it doesn't have that Martha Stewart vibe that's so perfect, it's impossible to pull off and leads to much wailing and hair yanking at 3 am. All in all, the book is worth having in your gift arsenal, especially for stocking stuffers, decorations, and small stuff just to treat your baby right.

Order the book online at www.fredflare.com. And do old Martha one better.

Sprouting Up

2009-07-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes popular sayings are really true. Like when people peer at a tiny newborn and say "She'll be off to college before you know it." Babies and children do tend to grow like weeds, and while the first few years of a child's life seems interminable to the exhausted parents, it really is a short blink of the eye.

Help those overwhelmed and exhausted parents document their babe's true growth. Dynomagic's Lil Sprout growth chart is rollable, clear, and flexible for easy shortage, so they can whip it out for fast measurements whenever. But the great thing about this particular chart is that there are photo pockets along it. Simply cut out an appropriate age/height snap of the kid and place it next to the appropriate measurement on the chart. It's instant documentation, growth spurts and all.

This is a very inexpensive gift. You could up the ante by adding one of those new, tiny polaroid cameras for instant visual gratification, but that's up to you. Find the Lil Sprout at www.dynomagic.com.

Appropriate Dress

2009-07-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Living in Los Angeles, I've seen just about every inappropriate little girl outfit imaginable (including a three-year-old wearing a t-shirt that said "Porn Star." I considered calling Child Services). It's not right, making little girls look like putanas. That's why a dress like this is so wonderful.

This adorable "Sevilla" dress manages to be cute and frilly without being cloying. It's long without looking princessey. It's not particularly low-cut. The colors are bright and fun but your girl won't look like a carnival, either. And, she can wear it out to a party or over a bathing suit. Plus, its gypsy charm suits virtually any type of girl. What's not to like?

Did I mention the price? It's just 48 dollars. Yeah, that's more expensive than Target by a long shot, but this dress is cuter, better made, and is of hand-me-down quality. Compare that price to other desirable girl brands, and it becomes a veritable bargain. Take a look at www.chasing-fireflies.com. It'll keep your little girl looking, well, just like a little girl should.

Multi-Medium Buy

2009-07-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

It often seems, in an age of Nintendo and X-Box and Wii, that the simple pleasures of being a child get lost in the multi-media fray. Take, for instance, the simple acts of drawing, painting, or putting on a puppet show.

Well, kids still want to do these things, and this nifty multi-use easel makes it easy. Just check out the pics: on one side, you've got a chalkboard, on another, a whiteboard (I guess if your goal is to raise a tiny executive, that whiteboard will be put to exhaustive use), it functions as a regular easel for painting, AND it magically transforms into a puppet theater. Your child decorates the frames (totally included) for the theater, for instant dramatic effect. And all you have to do is leave them to it (and then, unfortunately, come back in to watch the puppet show, complete with unintelligible mutterings and much puppet wailing and thrashing about. Earplugs NOT included). It's just good, not-so-clean fun for everyone.

This fabulous multi-purpose unit sells for about 100 bucks, which isn't bad when you think about all the kid can do with it. Order at www.halfpintcitizen.com.

Draw It or Wear It

2009-07-21T11:17:00.001-07:00

Toddlers and eating out. A pretty oxymoronic situation, since eating out with a toddler is the fine dining equivalent of letting a bear run amuck in the refrigerator: horribly messy, highly unsanitary, and should be illegal.

But sometimes a parent has to bite the bullet and take the toddler out. Thus, entertainment becomes paramount. These wearable crayon rings could save the day. Give them to a parent in need of booth relief. They can wear the assorted colors and pull them off digits when necessary. Or, string 'em on a chain and keep them in a purse for easy access. They're easier for tiny uncoordinated hands to grip and scribble with, and are less likely to "take an eye out" if thrown. And, finally, it's just such a cool parent present.

I won't lie: at fifty bucks a set, these aren't cheap. But hey, what decent wearable art is, anyway? Find these rings of parental solace at www.thefutureperfect.com. And let them eat in peace.

New Little Peacock

2009-07-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

I've never been totally sure how I feel about baby slings. My tiny premie infant couldn't deal; she ended up in some desperate little ball at the bottom of it, requiring a crowbar for extraction. However, I've known women who swear by them. So what do I know?

I do know that this particular baby sling is, by far, the prettiest I've ever seen. Called the Peacock, the sling features that ethnic embroidery so popular with today's hip new moms. It works pretty much the same as every other sling on the market, balancing the bundle of joy's weight across Mommy's shoulders, hopefully leaving her hands free to handle kitchen knives or juggle oranges, or, god forbid, read a novel whilst baby slumbers. It would make a lovely baby shower gift, and it's decorative enough that a few gallons of spit-up might not blunt its aesthetic value.

Locate the Peacock Baby Sling at www.lilyandserena.com. This site has beautiful linens as well, but I would save those for later in the kid's life, when the spewing has died down.

Birth of Bigfoot

2009-07-17T18:36:00.000-07:00

Having a baby means a world of "firsts." First smiles, first diaper, first solid food, first footprint. Yeah, I said "footprint."

This baby gift commemorates the baby's first official footprint (NOT carbon footprint, for god's sake. Why freak the little tike out immediately about environmental affairs). The kit's perfect for exhausted new parents who need something interactive to do with the infant. Simply press Jr.'s tootsies into the plush crushable foam, and the footprints stay forever (sort of like Neil Armstrong's first footprint on the moon). It's so much chicer than bronzing those baby shoes.

This is really a fabulous shower gift. No one else will give it, I promise. And there it will be, on the proud parents' mantel, forever: a pair of feet yearning to march off to better things than bottles and naps. Find the baby foot print kit at www.aplusrstore.com.