I’m always looking for new ways to make food more exciting for my 5 year old son. These Loopa Gyroscopic Toddler Bowls just might do the trick. This weighted bowl is attached to an outer ring, which is attached to another ring, acting as a handgrip. The ring system helps to keep the bowl upright, preventing spills (another added benefit, and probably the main one for most parents of toddlers!) The benefit for my son would be possibly getting him to try something new (how much more appealing would green beans or, even, spinach seem to him in a bowl like this?) At $9.99, it’s inexpensive to try. You can purchase this innovative bowl at ThinkGeek.com, where it’s recommended for ages 6 months and up.

These cute little bowl will add fun to mealtime for toddler’s who are beginning to self feed, or older children who need a smaller bowl for snacking. I love this hip design which is modern and fun. Designed by Jackie Shapiro, this bowl is dishwasher safe and built to last. You can purchase one for $9 at blackwagon.com.

This is an ingenious idea that makes it much easier to feed baby and to teach self-feeding. The Baby Dipper Bowl and Spoon Set consists of a contoured bowl, which helps get the food onto the spoon; a spoon that fits into the lower corner of the bowl; a non-slip base to prevent (ok, lessen) messes; and transparent sides so you can see how much your little one has eaten. No more chasing the bowl around the table, or chasing the food around the inside of the bowl. At just $9.99 per set, this is a true bargain if it really works in making feeding easier for parents and babies. You can purchase the Baby Dipper Bowl and Spoon Set at BabyDipper.com.

Trebimbi makes some truly amazing children’s tableware, and this Party set is no exception. Available in several fun colors, it includes an easy to use bowl, a cup, and child-sized cutlery perfect for new eaters. Everything is dishwasher safe, so clean-up is simple. You can also attach the cutlery to the plate and cup to keep everything together. That way, you can just reach in the cupboard and have everything you need for meal time. That in itself is worth the price. You can purchase the Trebimbi Party Children’s Tableware Set for $45 at BareBabies.com.

Developed by a busy mother of two sets of twins, the Baby Dipper Bowl is designed to allow you to feed your baby with only one hand. It features a non-slip base, a contoured interior, and spoon-shaped corners to make food easier to scoop out. I think this is a great idea for busy moms and would be wonderful for children just learning to self-feed as well. I know even my three year old, who is a pretty tidy eater, is always asking for more of something because she is having trouble spooning up what remains on her plate. You can purchase one for $12.96 at babydipper.com.

Skip Hop always delivers hip yet practical products for infants and toddlers that won’t destroy your budget.  Their Table Fun Feeding Sets are no exception.  Available in several fun designs, these sets include a plate, a bowl, a sippy cup, and a spoon and fork.  I particularly like this Sea Critters set, which is appropriate for either a boy or a girl.  The sea critters that decorate each piece are as cute as can be.  Designed by artist Eleanor Grosch, they are sure to delight your little diner. Everything is made from high-quality melamine, and is dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.

You can pick up one of these fun sets for $24 at MamasAndMunchkins.com.  It would also make a fun gift for an older infant or toddler.

If you love the bold designs of Marimekko, check out this great mug and bowl set.  Made especially for kids, the set includes a functional bowl and mug decorated in Marimekko’s popular Unikko pattern designed by Maija Isola.  This European-made set is sure to be a favorite with children because of its eye-popping colors and pattern.  Parents will love its appearance, too, along with the fact that it is both dishwasher and microwave safe.  What more could you ask?

You can purchase this set on sale for $29.95 at Oliebollen.com.  I think it would make a fun gift, and I know a lot of adults who would love to won it too.

If you are looking for an environmentally-sound and attractive alternative to traditional plastic bowls marketed for young children, you might want to check out these coiled bamboo bowls from Mini-Me. Available in a number of appealing colors, these bowls are attractive, and safe for little ones to use.

Measuring 11 inches in diameter, this bowl stands up to both hot and cold foods and is easily cleaned with just hot water and a sponge. Although the product is made in China, the company is committed to paying fair wages to its workers. Therefore, you do not need to worry that you are purchasing something that exploits workers in the Third World.

Each bowl sells for $11.50. You may want to buy some for eating, and some for decorating. You can purchase them from greenfeet.com.