One of the most important things to expose your child to, even at a very young age, is the alphabet. I remember handing alphabet blocks to my son at 6 months of age, and he began recognizing letters at age one, which is probably also part of the reason why he was an early reader. That’s why I really like this book Alphabet Soup by Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes. It’s a scavenger hunt that helps little ones learn letters in a whimsical way. You can purchase the softcover version of this book for $19.95 or $29.95 for the hardcover version at blurb.com.

I’m partial to any artwork for kids that includes the alphabet. When it also includes animals, that makes it even more fun and easy for kids to learn their ABC’s. This Animal Alphabet Drawing by etsy seller cgregori fits all of the above requirements. It’s 11″ x 14″ printed on thick stock paper designed to resist creasing. This print would look great framed and hung in a child’s nursery. Visit etsy.com to view this great piece of kids’ artwork, which sells for just $12. It would also make a great gift.

I love unique yet traditional-looking artwork for the nursery. That’s why I noticed this C is for Car print recently while browsing ModernClassicsKids.com. Artist Jaimee McClellan creates this and many more beautiful works of art perfect for hanging in your little one’s nursery. This fine art photograph is available in four sizes: 4″ x 4″ for $8, 5″ x 5″ for $10, 8″ x 8″ for $20, and 12″ x 12″ for $40, at ModernClassicsKids.com.

This crib bedding set is just perfect if you want to keep the gender of your baby a surprise. Even though it has blue in the bedding, I find it quite neutral looking with its soft multi-colored palette. Great for a girl or a boy this is an adorable 4 piece set including the comforter, bumper, crib skirt and a fitted sheet. Made of 100% ecru cotton it was designed by two moms of toddlers for Banana Fish. They came up with a very fun motif, which is also modern and stylish. As well as the alphabet it has varying size polka dots and an assortment of animals. I wish we had seen this bedding before my son was born. Even though we knew we were having a boy we wanted to choose neutral bedding that would be good for any future sibling and this would have been just the thing. It also has a very reasonable price tag. You can purchase this one for $162.00 at babyearth.com

Our fridge is covered in all sorts of magnetic toys, letters and numbers in the hopes of entertaining my son while I’m busy in the kitchen.  These fancy wooden letters by Djeco are possibly the most attractive ones I’ve seen. The best thing is that they are not only magnetic but are wooden too, so maybe I can finally get rid of the generic plastic ones we have scattered around. These are sure to make learning the alphabet and to spell out words much more entertaining with their bright multi-colored and fun designs.

These letters come in a set of 38 wonderfully colorful magnets guaranteed to cheer up any dreary looking fridge. They are made by Paris based company Djeco who have been producing superior products for children for over 50 years. They are made from high quality wood and paint and either meet or exceed European Safety Standards. They are for children ages 3 and older and are available at PetitBaby.com for $19.99.

I am absolutely in love with this adorable organic ABCs t-shirt from Nina and Tom.  Made from 100% organic cotton, this shirt features an adorable alphabet, written in a child’s handwriting on lined “paper.”  Underneath, the shirt reads “Now I know my ABCs/ Next time won’t you sing with me?”  Equally appropriate for a boy or a girl, the shirt is available in toddler sizes 2-4 or 6-8 and can be purchased for $22 from NinaAndTom.com.  I really wish I had found this before my daughter’s third birthday/Christmas as it would be absolutely perfect for her.

Every parent wants her child to play with ABC blocks, hoping that the child will absorb some knowledge from these blocks that will help the child when it’s time to learn to read. Most children will inevitably put these blocks into their mouths from time to time, making a parent worry about the safety of these toys. Maple Landmark has produced a line of toys called Schoolhouse Naturals that are made up of only hard maple wood - with no chemicals, just wood glue used as necessary, and are laser-engraved with no chemical detailing.

This Natural ABC Block Set looks like the perfect first letter block set for a child. The set consists of 16 blocks that measure 1 3/4″. Each has a letter engraved on it against a background of an object beginning with that letter. Most importantly, you can be sure that it’s safe if he puts it into his mouth. Recommended for ages 12 months and up, you can purchase these blocks for $98 at MapleLandmark.net.

It is so important to make learning fun. In Zolo A B Z: An Alphabet Book, the A,B, Zs are the beginning. Your child will enjoy the fun and zany illustrations, including “Kangaroos in the Kitchen,” “Flocks of Flamingos” and “Jiggly Jelllyfish” to name a few. Do you remember how much fun you used to have reading and reciting fun rhymes? You and your child can make each other giggle when you share this fun book. It also comes with 150 colorful Zolo stickers.

The book is 46 pages long and priced at $16 at Zolo.com. It would make a great gift for the holidays.

These are real blocks like we used to have when we were kids. These PBK Blocks (by Pottery Barn Kids) are big and smooth and feature graphic art and oversized letters. Each 2.25″ sq block has two letters, two words and two colorful pictures.

There are many, many alternatives for blocks made out of everything from bubber and plastics to sponge and fabric materials. And those are fine, depending on the age and development of the child. These PBK Blocks are a little retro but still charming and fun to look at and touch (notice the rounded edges). You can order a set for your child at PotteryBarnKids.com for $39. The collection of 26 blocks comes in a canvas bag for storage. They would make a great gift .

The Parents Busy Zoo toy is a great option for moms and dads who want to find high-quality, educational toys this holiday season.  I bought one of these for my toddler when she was about 18 months old, and it has really been very well-received at our house.  My daughter still plays with it, and other children who have come over to our house have been drawn to it as well.

Designed for children ages 12 months and up, this wooden toy features a bead maze, cute animal alphabet spinners , peek-a-boo doors (a favorite in my experience), and much more.  The colors are attractive and appealing and the toy adds a bit of cheer to any child’s bedroom or play room.  With so much play value, it does not surprise me that the toy has received a Parents’ Choice Award (2006).

You can purchase one of these fun toys for $49.95 at Target.com.

Here’s a cute and cozy blanket that might actually help your child learn the alphabet. This 100% cotton blanket from ducduc is made to be both super-snuggly and visually-appealing.  It features a hand-drawn alphabet with both capital and lowercase letters.  Each Alphabet Cotton Blanket is custom knit and measures 34.5 x 37.5 inches.

Two color schemes are available: orange/blue and pink/brown.  This would make a wonderful and educational gift for any young child.  You can purchase one for $98 at babygeared.com.