Kate Landers Events creates custom-made party accessories, such as these Felt Party Hats. Embroidered by hand, styles range from a farm scene to a friendly lion to your own custom design and color combination. What a great idea for an original children’s birthday party! They range in price from $16 to $29.50 each at KateLandersEvents.com.

My son will turn 6 in about a month, and I think I’d like to surprise him at his birthday party by using these Colorflame Birthday Candles. Not only are the candles multi-colored, their flames are colored as well. They are non-toxic, biodegradable, and smokeless, so as not to poison the air before your child blows them out. I think he’d love them, and his friends at the party would be amazed. They’re easily worth the price of $2.99 at ThinkGeek.com.

I’m in the thick of planning for our little one’s first birthday. I’m feeling a bit at a loss because daughter number two got what I would consider to be the perfect first birthday gifts. Since we still have them, I’m not sure what to get for number three. I’ve been devoting far too much time to obsessing over this. Here are some of my resulting thoughts about great first birthday gifts.

A great push toy is a wonderful option. I bought this great Natural Doll Pram from Haba for my middle daughter and we are still loving it. You can purchase one for $152.99 at sbkidsco.com. Although I’m not completely convinced we need another wooden push toy, it feels like a first birthday must. So, I think we will be gifting daughter number three with the Plan Toys Woodpecker Walker, which retails for $78.50 at nubiusorganics.com.

For a little girl, a simple doll is a perfect gift. Many boys will appreciate one too. My pick is Baby Stella. You can purchase this soft doll for $24.99 at amazon.com. I’d recommend getting sucked in by the accessories, though. I’ve found them to be pricey, and a bit under-sized.

A pull toy goes a long way in entertaining a new walker. I love Djeco’s line of wooden pull toys. Daughter number two received the kitty, and I bought the donkey for one of my nephews on his first birthday. Prices vary by animal. Plan to spend around $30-$35. You can check them all out at oompa.com.

Finally, a set of nesting cups or blocks makes for a lot of educational fun. I love the look of these Eric Carle blocks, but was disappointed when I received them and discovered they are made from cardboard. I will say that they have held up better than I expected. You can purchase a set for $20.99 at amazon.com.

Here’s a fun, unique way to send a message or invitation: Kookie Stationery is a jumbo-sized cookie featuring personalized messages. Each kookie comes with an edible-ink marker so that you can add your own personal touch before giving it to someone special. It also comes with a display package shaped like an envelope, and a built-in easel. Kookies are available for various occasions or reasons (including birthdays, Halloween, other holidays, and more) and cost $9.99 each at KookieStationery.com.

I can’t believe that my baby is over eight months old. We’re already starting to think about her first birthday, which is followed just a week later by her sister’s fourth birthday (and soon after by Christmas, agh!). I’m thinking that one of these fun shirts from Janie and Jack would be a great way to celebrate. There is a different design for each year from 1-8. Unfortunately, each is only available in one size, so if your child is large or small for her age, this might not be the best option. My baby is a chunk, but I think she’ll fit into the 12-18 month 1st birthday shirt. I’m afraid however that my tiny middle daughter will swim in a 4T, although I think that design is my favorite, and perfect for my daughter, who is named for a bird. You can check them all out at janieandjack.com, where each retails for $24.

Here’s a great idea for your little one’s next birthday. This “Birthday in a Box” by Petey Pie’s includes a handmade shirt, bib and party hat for the birthday girl or boy. The shirt features a cupcake and whatever number age you request; while the hat features a Happy Birthday with number or initial; and the reversible, extra-large bib features cupcake and initial. With over 40 fabric samples to choose from, you can custom-design your child’s own Birthday in a Box. View all of the choices at Petey Pie’s etsy shop (seller name: southernsweetcheeks). The set costs $64.

I wish I had the talent to trust myself to make my son’s birthday cakes, but alas, some of us are not gifted in that way. However, a new website, CakesAndKids.com, promises to help moms (and dads) who want to make special cakes for their child’s next birthday. Julie Degnan provides practical ideas and tips to help anyone, she says, make their own character or themed cake for a child’s birthday. (Apparently she hasn’t seen some of the messes I’ve created in my kitchen!) It is an appealing idea in these hard economic times. On the home page of CakesAndKids.com is a menu featuring many popular kids’ characters, including SpongeBob (my son’s current favorite and the theme of his birthday party this year), Dora the Explorer, pirate, and Wall-E. Check them all out at CakesAndKids.com, and if you’re brave enough to try to create your own cake for your child’s birthday, more power to you!

There is no shortage of products to help you celebrate your child’s first birthday, but there are fewer options for subsequent birthdays. If you are looking for a fun way to celebrate your little super-hero’s second birthday, check out this fun shirt that boldly proclaims TWO! Best of all, since it isn’t clearly birthday themed, it can be worn all year long. Moms and dads might get a little sympathy, too, since two’s are known for their antics. You can purchase one of these shirts for $28.95 at thesillywagon.com. It is made from 100% cotton.

If you are looking for a special outfit for your little one to wear on his or her first birthday, look no further than this birthday pants set from Liliputians NYC.  The Silly Sock Monkey Pants Set is available in pink, blue, white, or brown.

The shirt features a friendly sock monkey whose hat announces your child’s age.  Both short and long sleeved versions are available.

The pants are made to look as though they were made from the same fabric as a sock money, and are cuffed with a  birthday-themed fabric.  I’m not sure how practical this outfit would be after the big day has passed, but it is a very fun idea.

The set is 100% cotton and machine washable.  It is available in a number of sizes, from 6 months to 8 years.  You can purchase one for $99.95 from TheSillyWagon.com.

The Polka Dot Cupcake Monogrammed Birthday Dress is a fun idea for your little cupcake on her birthday. This dress comes with your choice of name or initial monogram and the applique cupcake has your little one’s age inside.

Think about ordering this birthday dress well ahead of time. Don’t worry about it becoming inappropriate to wear after her birthday. She’ll be this age all year long! Then you can keep the birthday dress for a keepsake.

This adorable dress is available  in sizes newborn to 2T and in your choice of monogram fonts. It is just $54.99 price at Kangaroodles.com.

Birthdays are so special for little kids, so it’s only proper that they have a special birthday outfit! I love Sweet Baby Jess’ frilly purple birthday dress. Any little girl who wears it will feel like a princess for her special day.

Made in the U.S.A this dress has a ribbed collar, a 5-layer tulle shirt, solid inner lining, a mesh applique with a crochet cupcake and removable wings in the back so she can pretend to be a fairy or butterfly.

It’s machine washable, too! You can get a Sweet Baby Jess Birthday Dress for your little butterfly at bestdressedkids.com for $79.00.