Although I ended up an average height, I was always short as a child, and my girls all seem to be following in my footsteps. I’m afraid we have first hand experience using makeshift booster seats like pillows and phonebooks. I think it is important to have a sense of humor about these things, however, which is why I cracked up when I saw this Yellow Pages Booster Seat. Made from easy-to-clean foam rubber, it is designed to give children ages three and up a soft boost at the dinner table. You can purchase one for $24 at http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=12500&Code=WWF003&loc=related.

With three children who have to take a packed lunch to school/daycare every day, lunch bags get a lot of use at our house. Unfortunately, they also have a tendency to get lost. This can be a bit hard to stomach. I’ve learned the hard way that fancy lunch bags are not the way to go for us. That’s why I like this simple cotton tote lunch bag from ECOBAGS. The organic cotton equivalent of a brown paper bag, this simple style does the job without breaking the bank, which makes losing a few along the way a little easier to tolerate. It is super-easy to clean, too. You can purchase one (or a few) for $7 at http://www.nubiusorganics.com/ECOBAGS-Organic-Cotton-Lunch-Tote-P234.aspx.

At my house, my older daughters need no reason to stay in the bath. My four year old will stay in frigid water just to play with her bath toys. My baby, on the other hand, screams as soon as we turn on the faucet. She’s not old enough yet to be enticed by tub toys, but I can certainly see this Boon Splat Floating Ringtoss being a draw for reluctant bathers who are just a bit older. It sure looks like fun. It is also BPA free and easy to clean. You can purchase the set for $7.99 at http://www.allmodernbaby.com/Boon-13584-911-BOO1064.html.

Everyone I know raves about Phil & Teds strollers. The company certainly has a reputation for quality and innovation. This carrier recently caught my eye with its simple, striking style. Similar to the popular Bjorn, it looks like it has added support for moms and dads who will no doubt appreciate it. A Merino lining is super comfy for little passengers. It comes with a newborn head and neck support for the youngest users. You can purchase one of these practical carriers on sale for $79.99 ($10 off) at http://www.allmodernbaby.com/philandteds-CP7-PTJ1019.html. Shipping is free.

I love the bright and cheerful colors in this Catimini Spirit Denim Top and Skirt set. The green and magenta really compliment each other strikingly. Characteristically Catimini, this set has a lot of extra details that make it special. It would look great with some bright, funky tights. You can purchase this outfit in toddler sizes for $110.50 (down from $130) at http://www.forgetmenotkids.com/Catimini-Spirit-Denim-Raspberry-LS-Top-With-Green-Eyelet-Skirt_p_39859.html. It will definitely be an attention getter.

I think these Crayon Rocks look like a ton of fun. These all soy way crayons are made from soybeans grown in the US. They are the perfect size and shape for little fingers to grasp. My youngest is really interested in writing right now, and I think this would be a perfect alternative the the pens and pencils she is always trying to make off with. This cute set comes in an EcoBox, and retails for $29.80 for 64 crayons. You can purchase one at http://www.nubiusorganics.com/Crayon-Rocks-Just-Rocks-in-an-EcoBox-P1756.aspx. I think ti would make a fun and creative gift for a child of any age.

California readers may want to take advantage of an opportunity to shop the sales of the mini social in person. This Saturday, February 27th, you can take advantage of a special sale at the mini social warehouse (located at 120 E. Santa Anita Avenue in Burbank). The sale is open from 9 AM- 2 PM and features deals such as dresses from Splendid Littles for $19, eyeSpy cardigans for $35, and Park Vogel tees for $10.

I’m a sucker for a freebie, especially if it is something that I know will get used. So, of course I took advantage of this offer for a free sample of Pampers new and improved Cruisers, which are my preferred diaper anyway. You can pick one up at https://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pampers/brandsampler-login.jsp. The only catch is that you have to join Proctor & Gamble Everyday Solutions.

It is well below freezing today where I live, so even looking at these sandals makes my feet cold. That said, they are absolutely adorable. If you want to get a jump on your little one’s spring and summer wardrobe, or if you are lucky enough to be in someplace warm (or to be headed someplace warm soon), you can pick up a pair of these fun shoes for $37.50 at http://www.pureandhonestkids.com/browse.cfm/4,6554.html. They are available in toddler sizes from 4-10. I think they will look great with skirts, dresses, or even shorts.

With Christmas only a week behind us, retailers are already giving us a gentle nudge to start buying for Valentine’s Day. If you like to make a big deal of the day, check out this onesie for your little one. It is made from 100% cotton and features a Valentine’s Day themed graphic. At $28, I think this is a bit of a splurge for one day of wear, but I suppose you can use it as an undershirt at other times. The onesie comes in either 0-6 or 6-12 month sizes and can be purchased at http://www.polkadotpatch.com/baby-s-first-valentine-s-day-organic-unisex-baby-bodysuit.html.

Here’s a clever gift for someone expecting twins. This set of two 100% organic cotton onesies is perfect for twins of either sex. I love the orange color, and the “womb mates” is both cute and silly. It is available in either 3-6 or 6-12 month sizes and retails for $60. You can purchase the set at http://www.polkadotpatch.com/womb-mates-fun-organic-twin-bodysuit-gift.html.

If you are stocking up for a new little boy, or looking for a gift for one, here is a great deal on a sweet little shirt. Made by Pepper Toes (the boys’ version of Baby Lulu), this top features a friendly puppy on a white background with blue accents. Best of all, it has been marked down to just $5.50 (from $22). The bad news? It is only available in 0-3 months. You can pick one up at http://www.forgetmenotkids.com/II-Pepper-Toes-Doggy-World-LS-White-Tee_p_39346.html#.

Fans of Zutano’s colorful clothing for infants and children will want to check out these sweet little bunny toys. Hip Hoppy Bunny is 10 inches tall and comes dressed in a Zutano outfit that is selected at random to surprise you. You choose whether you want a boy or girl, and whether you want a chocolate or cream bunny. You can purchase one of these fun toys for $16.69 at http://www.bambinomountain.com/HH02C.html.

Here is an innovative way to feed a small child–the Food Face Dinner Plate is a new take on the magnet toys we all knew and loved as kids. Instead of magnetic shavings, you decorate this crazy guy or gal with food. If you don’t like levity at the dinner table, especially where food is concerned, this may not be the best plate for you. If you love the idea, you can purchase one for $11.95 at http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=12503&Code=WWF006&Product=Fred - Food Face Plate - Make Art for Dinner!.

The Moby Bath Spout Cover by Skip Hop is a great way to protect little heads from bumps and bruises in the tub. This cute little guy gits over the faucet, adding a layer of protection against accidents. We have a similar product that I have been very pleased with. This model, however, has a few features that mine does not. It is dishwasher safe–which is great for keeping germs and mildew and bay. It also has a hooked tail that can be used to hang it up to dry when bath time is done. You can purchase one of these innovative products for a very reasonable $11.95 at bunnyburybaby.com.