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.

One of my son’s favorite books is the Dorling Kindersley Animal Encyclopedia. He received it as a gift from his grandparents when he turned 3, and now it’s so dog-eared and well worn we could use another copy. Although the publisher recommends this book for grades 3 to 7, my son loved it at age 3, and enjoys it even more now that he’s 5. It provides a wealth of information about all types of animals of 2000 species, from flamingo to gorilla, and the beautiful, colorful photos for which Dorling Kindersley is famous. It’s difficult to find the hardcover version online, but I did see a used one at Amazon.com for $14. If you buy it, I’m sure your child will love learning about animals as much as my son has.

Here is a wonderful little set for children who love animals. These Animal Themed Deco Sets from Gifts Define are cute beyond words. Each set has a theme and includes three hand-made animals, a decal sticker, and a mini suitcase to hold it all. If you prefer, you can pick your pets instead of ordering one of the existing themes. I absolutely love the little hedge-hog. I think this would look great on a shelf in a nursery or bedroom. I know my older daughters would love to play with it, too. It promises a lot of fun, imaginative play. You can purchase a set for $58 at GiftsDefine.com. It would make a wonderful gift.

If you love the look of all the hip screenprinted shirts for kids that are out there, but aren’t fond of some of the prices, check out these fun tees from Crywolf Clothing. The line is designed by Toronto artists Rose Change and Stephanie Drabik. Their clothing is fun and often a bit quirky–what more could you ask for? Their kids’ line features a number of bold animal prints. My eye was immediately drawn to this rhino. It is available in either yellow or white and in sizes from 2-12. It would be great on either a boy or a girl. It has that hip look that will work with just about anything from jean to khakis to a bohemian skirt.

Best of all, these shirts are very affordable. This tee retails for $12, but it looks like tees from much more expensive brands. You can purchase one at CrywolfStoreUSA.com. Check out the other designs as well. I know my girls would love the penguin design. At $12, you can afford to buy more than one. They would also make great gifts for animal-loving children like my own.

This little bunny from Baby CZ by Carolina Zapf is the ultimate in upscale toys and gifts. Available in a number of colors from baby blue to oatmeal, it is sure to delight the little one who is lucky enough to receive it. Made from 100% cashmere, it is designed to be super-soft and cuddly. Its simple classic look will surely make it a great friend. You can purchase one for $50 at BabyCZ.com.

  
Just about the cutest knitted cap I’ve laid eyes on in a while, this custom made Silly Monkey Hat is made by Etsy seller tiptopapplesauce. It can be made for anyone, baby right up to adult (for the youthful in spirit.) For the safety of children ages 3 and under wearing the hat, the eyes are crocheted. A bonus to the already cute cap is that you can choose just about any color you please; the seller will make it to your specifications. Also, if monkeys aren’t your thing, she’s got other animals and shapes that you’re sure to love. Handmade with care and $45, it’s the perfect accessory for your little tree climber. Get it at Etsy.com.
 

I always loved the Harry the Dog books when I was a child and have enjoyed introducing them to my children. There is something very sweet and innocent about them.  I was therefore pretty excited to see this cute little stuffed Harry.  This 10″ tall toy is made from super-plush chenille for cuddling.  His black spots are sewn-in and he has his classic green collar with gold studs–just like he does in the books.

This is the kind of stuffed animal that you actually don’t mind having around the house. I think this would make a wonderful gift for a small child, especially if you pair it with one or two of the books. You can purchase one for $19 at LaLaLing.com and help bring your child’s literary adventures to life.

The Boon Stuffed Animal Bag solves several potential problems at once–providing a tidy way to keep the stuffed animal mess under control, while offering comfortable, child-friendly seating.

The idea is simple.  The seat arrives without any filling (which means no styrofoam beans to harm the environment or to leak out in your home).  You stuff the seat with all of the stuffed animals that are likely taking over your home the way they are taking over my own.  Then your child can enjoy relaxing with a good book or favorite toy on his or her very own chair.

Several colors and styles of these animal bags are available.  They retail for $89.99 each and can be purchased at ModernTots.com.  They make fun gifts too.

These Adjustable Boys Animal Belts are sold separately but you might want to buy more than one - because you can never find a belt when you need one. These animal characters are so cute you’ll just want more than one. Your little guy might not fuss about wearing a belt if he gets to choose from a whole menagerie. Visit BarefootBella.net where you can purchase this item for just $8. Animal characters available include Monkey, Elephant, Tiger, and Lion in red, blue, black and tan.

Every child should have the Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit books in their collection. Those stories were among my favorites as a child. This Classic Peter Rabbit Puzzle, Toy, and Book Set by Cricket would make a wonderful gift for any child, and is a great way to introduce him or her to the world of Peter Rabbit. The set includes a Peter Rabbit board book, lightweight blocks that can be combined to make six different puzzles, and a 13 inch plush Peter Rabbit toy. This would be the perfect new baby gift as well. You can purchase this set for $39.99 at Cricketmag.com.

I’ve seen the usual rocking horses and rocking chairs but plush rocking zoo animals are new to me. I like the idea of giving my children a Giraffe Plush Rocking Animal, made by Trademark, for its originality. Who wouldn’t delight in having a creature such as this in their play room? I know my sons would find it far more interesting than the neighing black and white horse we currently have residing in our toy room.

The price is reasonable, on sale at $56.95, and the joy it will provide is precious. Add it to an animal themed nursery or simply put it in any room of your house, since it is not tacky or ugly in any way. It currently lives at KiddieToys.com but could be the next member of your family.

Not only do I love the price of the Jellycat Hedgehog but I adore how cute it is as well. Made by Jellycat of London, it’s small enough to carry anywhere and fluffy enough for happy cuddling, at 6” in height and designed with softness in mind. At $8.50, it makes a great addition to a stocking or gift for a shower (along with a cute outfit or nursery bedding perhaps.) It’s easy to care for, as it is surface washable and made for stuffing into small bags and pockets. Sold at the very popular HannaAndersson.com, this hedgehog is made to be loved by people all ages.

We have a number of Kathe Kruse dolls at our house, but I am always surprised by the number of other fun toys available from this German toy designer.  My latest find is this adorable stuffed, soft Elephant Rattle.  Made from a soft cotton fleece, this toy is perfect for tiny hands that are just learning to grasp.  The toy has taggies for legs and ears, and babies are sure to love chewing on them.  Because of the high-quality of all Kathe Kruse products, you don’t have to worry about this toy going into little mouths.  The toy also has a rattle inside, which is sure to delight little ears and to help infants begin to to develop a sense of cause and effect.

You can purchase one of these sweet little elephants for $21 at TwoGirlsandaBoy.com.

We have built-in shelves in our nursery, and I’ve been scrambling for cute little toys to fill them.  I recently fell in love with this cute stuffed penguin. Safe even for newborns, this sweet little friend is made from 100% organic cotton yarn and environmentally-friendly dyes.  The company also uses fair trade practices, so you know that you are buying a product that helps make a difference in the world.  Whether you choose to give it as a gift, give it to your child to play with, or use it as a decoration for a nursery or bedroom, you are sure to enjoy this toy.  You can purchase one for $29.95 at chocolatecakeclub.com.

Little kids love to play mommy or daddy with their stuffed animals, pretending to take care of them and tucking them in for a nap or to go to bed. That’s the idea behind The Tuckins, a line of stuffed animals made by Teetersaw, Inc. Each Tuckin comes with its own bed so that your child can “tuck in” her new friend. The look of each Tuckin is retro, looking homemade and therefore not exactly perfect. They will easily fit into your child’s bed or on her pillow so they can sleep with her at night or during naptime.

There are a variety of Tuckins available, including Bunny, Monkey, Doggy, Kitty, Bear, and the Tuckin Piggy pictured above. Each costs $14.95 at OddDoll.com.