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.

Here’s is a fun gift idea, particularly for first time parents. Made by Mullins Square, the Baby Mess Kit includes everything you need to keep yourself, your baby, and your home as mess-free as humanly possible. The set includes a spill mat, a bib with a velcro closure, a washcloth, and an infant spoon. I love the bright, fun pattern. While it is highly giftable, you also might want to keep it for yourself. You can purchase the set on sale for $25.95 at SpiffyBaby.com.

Friday, April 10th, there’s a sale at Babies R Us on Take & Toss toddler feeding products. If you go into the store and buy 3 Take & Toss products, you’ll get a 4th free. If you’re in need of some more little cups, spoons, or bowls, now’s the time to get them. My 6-month-old is even a fan of the cups, so I’m taking this sale into consideration. The stuff isn’t overly expensive, with a 7 pack of cups costing $3.49, and it’s all cute and colorful.

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.

We were given something similar to this Hobby Horse Parade Enamelware Set for my son when he turned one and we absolutely adore it. You can keep this set by Golden Rabbit as something special to pass on, but we use ours every now and again on special occasions and it’s been perfect. Based on an original classic 18th century design, it features a young boy riding a horse surrounded by hobby horses on the edge of the plate. I really like the traditional look to this set.  It would make a wonderful gift for any little boy. This enamelware set has been made using a particular manufacturing process to strengthen the enamelware and as a result it is extremely durable, as well as oven and dishwasher proof. It has also been sealed with a stainless steel rim for chip and rust resistance.

The set includes an 8.5 inch diameter plate, a 5 inch diameter bowl with lid and a 4oz mug. It all comes in a keepsake box. It is on sale for $28.00 (down from $33.00) at mysweetmuffin.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.

Baby on the Go Feeding Set offers us moms an alternative to everyday Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers when we’re packing a take-along lunch for our children. I like this set because it’s child-serving-sized and  with its bright pink (or blue) coloring, it’s easy to spot in the dishwasher or in the back seat of the family car. I also like the carrying case which neatly fits all the necessities. It looks like a perfect idea for trips and picnics.

This portable meal and snack set includes 4 sippy cups with 8 lids, 2 bowls with lids, 2 fork and spoon sets, and 2 small serving cups with lids. It comes packaged in a multi-use carrying case, and would make a great gift for mommies on the go.

Take a closer look at this product, which sells for $27 at BellyDanceBaby.com.

I am a sucker for cute little dish sets like this one from Baby CIE.  Somehow these beautiful, coordinated sets lull me into the belief that meal times will be clean and uneventful.  That never quite happens, but the sets sure are cute, and my kids always love them.

The Baby CIE Ballerina Dish Box Set is a top of the line set.  It includes a great divided tray, a spoon, a bowl, and a cup.  All are made of high-quality melamine and feature an adorable print of poodles and ballerinas labeled in French.  Any little girl will love this set, and it would make a great gift.  You can purchase one for $34 at MilkShop.com.

This is a very sweet little set of dishes that would be perfect for a toddler who is just learning to eat independently or for a slightly older child.  This Dish & Cutlery Set is decorated with fanciful illustrations from the book Children of the Forest by beloved Swedish author Elsa Beskow.

The set includes a plate, a bowl with a suction cup bottom, a mug with a lid, and matching cutlery.  The set is completely dishwasher safe for easy clean up, but it cannot go in the microwave.  You can purchase the set for $39.95 at ThreeSistersToys.com.