Most children don’t want to carry an umbrella in the rain, preferring to get wet. For us moms who worry about them getting sick, however, umbrellas are a must for those rainy days. This Disney’s Cars Lightning McQueen Umbrella is one I think I might be able to persuade my son to carry. Cars is his favorite movie of all time, and of course, Lightning McQueen is his favorite character. This beautiful umbrella has a handle in the shape of Lightning McQueen. It measures about 20 inches long, the perfect size for kids. The umbrella is also quite reasonable, selling for just $9.99 at duebeibambini.com.

I’m not entirely convinced my 3-year-old would get hours of play from the Double Track Racing Tower. It might be too simple and the cars too generic. He has wooden trains that have never caught his interest. However, it is slated for children 18 months and up. For younger children whose imaginations are sparked by wooden toys (and for parents with a preference for natural toys), this set is a good choice. Children would certainly enjoy watching the cars transition from upper to lower tracks. Challenging friends and parents to races or going it solo will be fun for your little ones with the Tower from HearthSong.com for a slightly inflated price of $69.98.

Sprig Cars were recently chosen by Scholastic’s Parent & Child Magazine as one of the top ten toys for the 2008 Holiday Season. One reason is that every Sprig car is made of recycled plastic, so it’s eco-friendly. These cars take no batteries. Instead, they are powered by your chid’s imagination.

Each car measures about 8″ x 6″ x 6″ and is a chunky shape, appealing to preschoolers. When your child sends the car across the room, it lights up. There are many to choose from, including the Baja Scout Dune Buggy pictured above, the Rally Racer, and the Discover Rig. If you purchase an optional Adventure Guide to ride in the Discover Rig, you hear motor sounds and songs. These cars are recommended for ages 3 and up.

The Baja Scout Dune Buggy by Sprig Toys costs $23.95 at PeppyParents.com. This would make a great Christmas gift for your little racer.

This Selecta Treno Toddler Road and Rail System is a little train lover’s dream. Made in Germany entirely of wood, it brings back memories of simpler wooden train systems of yesteryear. 17 tracks are included, some curved, some straight, and all have train tracks printed on one side and a road printed on the other - so your toddler can use this with trains or cars. Such versatility in a toy will provide hours and hours of enjoyment for your child.

One engine with a squeaker, one carriage, one freight wagon, 9 stacking blocks, and one conductor are also included in this set. Safe velcro couplings connect the train. The colored paint on the wood is made from non-toxic, water-based dyes.

What a Christmas gift this would make! Recommended for ages 1 1/2 years to 5 years, the Selecta system is available for $135.50 at BabyNaturopathics.com.