I think most parents, eager to get their children off to the right start, begin purchasing books for their babies even before they arrive. Pretty soon, you find yourself swimming in a sea of board and picture books. That’s why I love the idea of these upscale bookends. The dinosaurs caught my eye, but many other animals, even some ultra-modern robots, are also available. Made out of leather by artist Sandy Vohr, these are truly a unique way to showcase your child’s growing library. Such quality work doesn’t come cheap, however. Plan to pay $170 when you purchase these at theredballoon.com.

Going through a dinosaur phase? It seems to happen in every house that has kids at some point or another. If it’s currently your turn, you may want to check out this fun tee from Glug. Featuring the skull of an Allosaurus, this cotton tee is sure to please dinosaur enthusiasts. You can purchase one on sale for $19 at theredballoon.com.

Usually I find that the options for girls’ clothing at Gymboree are far better than the boys’ choices. When it comes to Halloween costumes, however, the opposite always seems to be true. While I’m not terribly excited by the princess and fairy costumes that abound on the site, I quite like this dinosaur costume. Available in sizes from 6-12 months up to 4T/5T it is mostly sweet with just a little bit of fierce thrown in. I think most children, boys and girls alike, go through a dinosaur phase at some point, and this costume would be a perfect choice for such kids. You can purchase one for $29.75 at Gymboree.com.

I love to read to my girls, but there are definitely evenings when it becomes a chore. Those are the nights when I rely on Jane Yolen’s dinosaur series. We love these books. I have fun reading them because they are short, funny, and the rhyme makes them a pleasure to read. It is hard to feel tired or exasperated while reading one of these books. They also teach great lessons about manners, friendship, responsibility, etc. We have quite a few of them (and I can recite many by heart), and I would highly recommend them to any parent. You can purchase “How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?”, the book that started it all, for $16.99 at Borders.com. While you are there, check out the other great books in this series. You will not be disappointed. This is the picture book version. I actually prefer the board book versions for younger children.

Last on my list of spring items for boys is this reversible hat from Janie and Jack. The dinosaur print will surely bring a fun touch to any spring outfit while keeping your little one safe and comfortable under the sun. Made of soft cotton twill, this hat even comes with chinstraps to help keep it in place when you buy it in sizes 0-24 month.

I love the fact that this hat is reversible–it’s like getting two hats for the price of one. The other side (which you can see pictured on the website) is a “grass green” plaid which would look great with a variety of outfits. You could pair this hat with a coordinating piece from Janie and Jack or use it to complement clothes your little boy already has in his wardrobe.

Normally selling for $18, this two-for-one bucket hat is now on sale for $13.99 at janieandjack.com.

What little boy could refuse to put on his Dinosaur Pajamas? He’ll be happy wearing them, and you’ll be glad because your little guy will be warm and cozy on those cold winter nights. Made by Petit Lem, there’s a matching Dinosaur Robe that would make a perfect gift set with the pajamas. Usually, kids don’t get too excited about clothing but I think this Dinosaur set would be a hit. Visit BarefootBella.net to view this item that is on sale now for just $8 (down from $20). Available in sizes 12-24mos, 2T & 4T.

My daughters’ pediatricians office has several of these banks, and they never fail to captivate my kids.  It never occurred to me that they were something that I could purchase for our home until I ran across them online while searching for something else entirely.  Each bank is made by hand and is so fun to use that kids will want to put their money in it.  Each time you put a coin in the dinosaur’s mouth, you get to watch it slide down the curving track and into the big belly.

The belly can hold up to 1000 quarters, and is easily opened with a screwdriver.  It is made using non-toxic paints, and will accent your child’s room or playroom. You can purchase one for $49.95 at shop.happymothers.com. This would make a great holiday gift.

Dinosaurs will always ignite our imaginations, young or old. Children and most adults think of dinosaurs as part of the mystery and awesome power of nature. This handmade Dinosaur Quilt by Posh Tots features a collage of dinosaur images and is made of  high-quality, heavy cotton.

You can order this quilt in Twin and Queen sizes and the coordinating standard pillows shams are also available (sold separately). If you’re deciding on a new theme for decorating your child’s room, why not start with this fascinating quilt and let your imagination run wild. You can view this item and other dinosaur bedding items at poshtots.com, where the quilt sells for $225.

Where we live, we’re experiencing a steady onslaught of rain today. When I picked my son up from preschool, he had to trudge through puddles in his sneakers, getting them soaked. He could really have used these rain boots from Kidorable today.

These boots are shaped like a dinosaur’s head, with eyes, mouth, and even teeth, making them fun for toddlers and little kids to wear. Your child won’t mind putting on his boots before going out the door when they look like this. They are made of rubber, with a rubber sole, and have a rounded toe for comfort.

The Kidorable Dinosaur Rain Boots are available in a variety of toddler and little kid shoe sizes at Amazon.com, where they’re currently on sale for $15. After the deluge we got caught in today, I’ll be purchasing a pair for my son right away!

What it is about boys and dinosaurs? My son wasn’t even interested in them until about age 3, and now, he can name every type of dinosaur that ever walked the earth. His favorite is Tyrannosaurus Rex, which is why I noticed this T-Rex Fleece Sweatshirt made by Jumping Beans. It’s in a great color scheme - navy blue, with a green T-Rex on the front. With raglan sleeves and ribbed trim, this soft cotton fleece sweatshirt will keep your little dinosaur lover warm and cozy on cold winter days at daycare, preschool, or school. Plus, he can show off to all his friends wearing his cool dinosaur shirt!

This sweatshirt comes in sizes from age 4-7. Right now you can purchase this sweatshirt on sale at Kohls.com for just $9. At that price, you might want to pick up some other styles available, including football, skull & crossbones, and Rock N Roll Monster. Any of them would make a great gift for a boy or a girl.

This would be so much fun for kids to wear! And your little one may actually keep it on in rainy weather just because it is so much fun. My little nephew loves dinosaurs - and the first time we showed him the movie, Jurrasic Park he flipped - literally!

I can imagine him pretending he’s a mighty dinosaur in this rain coat.This is could even double for a Halloween costume. You know how chilly some October 31st’ can be.The pockets are the two dinosaur patches in front, snaps (not buttons) for easy closure. Made from high quality PVC with polyester lining.

It comes in sizes up to 18 mos. Price: $27.20 (sale) at mychildclothing.com.

I love my little boy in stripes and this dinosaur pajama set would suit him wonderfully. With a Henley style snap collar (for easy on and off) and long john fit, any little guy’ll be stylin’ and comfy too.

Made for boys aged 12 months, the Blue Striped Dinosaur jammies are 100% cotton and perfect for a first birthday gift. I suggest wrapping them up with a new dinosaur toy and maybe some fuzzy slippers for your favorite little man.

If his daddy has Henley style shirts, he’ll feel like a big kid when he gets his. So many little boys are fascinated by dinosaurs, including mine, and the folks at thestylishchild.com serve up roaring fun with these long john pajamas. For $20.00, you can’t lose.

My son has the Little Tikes B.C. Builders I-Fell Tower and after the initial confusion over how to put the tower together, he has had no trouble throwing it together and either pressing the button to knock it all down or using the dinosaur’s tail to destroy it.

He’s a fan of puzzles and couldn’t be any happier than when he’s playing with something that involves assembly. What little person doesn’t love destroying (with permission!) what he’s built up?! Perfect for the imaginative preschooler mind, the colorful set comes with a dinosaur that makes constructions noises, boulders, a tower, and some cavemen.

You can get yours at amazon.com for $58.20.