I think that making a Barbie cake is a bit of a rite of passage for those of us with daughters. I just made my first one for my middle daughter’s fourth birthday a few weeks ago. I’m not cake decorator, and the results weren’t beautiful (that is NOT my cake in the picture), but it was definitely well-received. On New Year’s Eve, I saw a Barbie in our host’s sink and guessed correctly that she had just made one for her daughter’s birthday as well. You can find a lot of great recipe ideas for these cakes online, but I think that Pampered Chef is the gold standard. They offer this recipe on their Web site at pamperedchef.com.

You can purchase their famous Batter Bowl (which makes the dress of the cake) for $15 here. I use this product all the time since it can be used for both mixing and baking. Check out allrecipes.com for tons of fun pictures and ideas for making this work.

I’m always on the lookout for new and fashionable clothing for my 6 year old son. Recently I found this cool Roadster Tee for Boys at Baby Eggi. Featuring artwork by Mark Mahoney, this tee is made of comfortable 100% cotton jersey. It comes in two color combinations: orange sleeve with navy collar, and green sleeve with navy collar. Sizes are available from 12 months to 8 years for $28 at BabyEggi.com.

This cute little bag attaches to a stroller and carries everything from diapers to wipes to snacks — whatever you may need while on the go with your baby. Made by pint size social, the Magic Stroller Bag is lightweight, roomy, and attaches to just about any umbrella stroller with the two grommets at the top of the bag. It’s available in a variety of colors and sells for $72 at PintSizeSocial.com.

From now through July 26, when you order a clearance item at LeapFrog.com, you’ll receive an extra 10% off by using the following code at checkout: CLEARANCE10. There are some great Leap Frog items on clearance right now, including this Learn n Groove Radio. Regularly $21.99, it’s on clearance for just $9.99 (plus 10% off!) To check out all the great buys, visit LeapFrog.com.

Silikids, manufacturer of an innovative line of silicone-based children’s products, has just expanded their popular siliskins collection of safe, silicone bottle sleeves with the introduction of stylish red siliskins. Silikids siliskins come in universal sizes separate from a bottle.  They are designed to fit a variety of large and small glass baby bottles and slide on and off for easy cleaning.  These safe, silicone sleeves help prevent breakage of glass baby bottles.  The translucent silicone also allows you to see the measurements and liquid in the bottle.  Siliskins are hypo allergenic, have no open pores to harbor bacteria, are dishwasher and microwave safe and can be boiled to sterilize. Siliskins are available in the new red color in two sizes, universal wideneck small and universal standard small.  You can purchase Siliskins at  Silikids.com for just $6.95 each.

You’ve probably heard how you can find out whether you’re a “spring,” “summer,” “autumn” or “winter” and which color clothing you should wear to go with your individual characteristics. Well, now your children can dress to their “season” as well. ALittleColour.com has a service which determine’s your child’s color profile. Simply upload 2 or 3 photos of your child, showing his or her full face and hair; answer a few questions about your child’s eye color and hair color; and within one week, you’ll receive  a detailed and specific analysis of your child’s color profile, a book of more than 45 color swatches for easy selection and coordination of clothes, and advice on color issues specific to your child. They will do adult color profiles as well. Each color profile costs $120 (with discounts for additional children in your family). You can learn more by visiting ALittleColour.com.

Want to teach your kids about preserving the environment while they’re eating dinner? This plate by Smiling Planet could help. Stating, “The world is full of wonder, let’s make her smile,” the plate encourages children to be eco-friendly as they clean their plate. The plate itself is earth friendly as well, with no BPA, phthalates, lead or toxic inks used in their production. Each 8 inch plate costs just $14 at SmilingPlanet.com, where other styles of eco-friendly dinnerware are also available.

Although they might have a humorous name, Hooter Hiders Nursing Covers by Bebe au Lait serve a serious purpose: to make breastfeeding in public more private for both Mom and baby. The beautiful shawl with a discreet opening at the top allows Mom to breastfeed while in public without stares and comments. It also allows Mom to maintain eye contact with baby. Hooter Hiders are available at Nordstrom.com for $35.

Most likely your son doesn’t have occasion to wear a two-piece suit very often, but if he does, some of the best values on nice, quality suits for toddlers and little boys can be found at Nordstrom. Featuring a classic, three button blazer, and pleated pants with elastic waistband, the suit is designed to be comfortable while still making your little man even more handsome than he already is without it. Made of wool, the suit is not designed for wear in the warm summer months; but at $140, it’s a pretty good value at Nordstrom.com. Sizes available include 2T, 4T and 7 (for an extra $5).

All kids love to blow bubbles. It’s even better if said bubbles have a specific, pleasant scent to them. Enter Maison Francis Kurkdijan Les Bulles d’Agathe Pear Scented Bubbles. (Say that three times fast!) Created for six year old Agathe (according to the description on the website, that is), they were designed to help children discover the world of scents while playing. (They do come in other scents, such as cut herbs and cold mint). These bubbles will cost you, though: a 1.5 oz bottle is $18 at BergdorfGoodman.com. Might be a nice summer treat for a special little boy or girl who loves bubbles!

I’ve mentioned before my firm belief that having a poster of the alphabet in my son’s room as a baby helped him to learn to read faster. That’s why I really like this alphabet wall hanging by Bookhou. Made of birch plywood, it includes all the letters from a to z in lower case format (a great plus, as some of the traditional alphabet wall hangings for kids are in capital letter form). Measuring 15″ wide x 20″ high, this is the perfect size to hang on the room of your child’s nursery, or even their bedroom if they’re a bit older. This item sells for $50 at Bookhou.com.

Pediped has  introduced the next generation in ultimate comfort for children with Memory Foam Technology (MFT) in their signature ballet flats and sandals for boys and girls.   This responsive,  high-density material in the shoes’ insoles mold to a child’s foot and spring back when pressed to absorb shock, and minimize impact.  The MFT insoles also react to body temperature, distribute weight and provide support where needed. One of the cutest styles for boys is this navy/orange one, Brody, a durable, rugged sandal. You can purchase it for $52 on pediped.com.  This line comes in 5-12.5 Look for new Fall/Winter 2010 MFT styles from pediped debuting this month (July 2010).

Peau-Ethique is offering a new line of colored, funny soft toys made in Peru with organic cotton. My particular favorite is Bella Whale. This handmade, knitted toy has a bell inside and is brightly colored, sure to grab baby’s attention. There are many others available as well at Peau-Ethique.com. While not available for purchase at this site, click on the “where to buy” link to see where you can purchase one of these cute soft toys. The recommended price for Bella the Whale is about $18 USD.

SoYoung Mother designs these hip, trendy Cooler Bags that makes Mom feel more fashionable while toting around bottles or lunches in the hot summer months. They are PVC-free, phthalate-free, and lead safe, and have a coated linen exterior with a fully insulated lining. The detachable long strap is perfect for wearing the cooler bag as either a messenger bag or a backpack. The adjustable carrying handle allows the cooler bag to be secured to another bag or hung from a stroller, for easy transport. A wide variety of trendy, fashionable styles are available at SoYoungMother.com for just $24 each.

Perfect for the 4th of July, this star tank top by Spanish children’s clothing designer Bobo Choses features a royal blue background dotted with black stars. It’s available in sizes 2 year, 4 year and 6 year, and currently is on sale at TadaShop.com for $28.50 (regualrly $38). Check out some of the other cute clothing from this designer while you’re there.