I like the idea of the Edushape Play and Sound Mat. I think it could entertain a baby who is either not on the go, just starting to push herself around, or really on the go and popping in for some fun now and then. It could really last in a playroom or play area for a couple years. The flowers have buttons on them that baby can push; the reward for pushing them is a melody. With textures, mirrors, and a price tag of $50 at diapers.com, it’s an idea for a young baby’s Christmas gift this year that isn’t cheap but isn’t overly expensive either.

The mamaRoo Bouncer promises to be the next big trend in infant gear. Made by innovator 4moms, it moves up and down as well as side to side. It even mimics the motion of a car. It comes in a number of fun, modern colors, and features attached toys decorated in the style of famous artists. The product is expected to hit stores in January 10, 2010. You can pre-order one for $269.99 at modernnursery.com. Or, find out more, and watch a video at 4momsonline.com/mamaroo.

The baby section of the Target website is very handy. You can shop for gifts by gender, personality, and price. I chose only Shop for Boy Baby and found tons of great ideas. For safety reasons, I’m very interested in the Little Playzone with Sounds and Lights. If I have something I have to do, my littlest son ends up in his playpen; to be able to put him in a larger area that he can crawl around in would be much more ideal. The only downside I can see is that it is not attractive in the least. I’m not big on the gaudy colors for something that would take up so much space somewhere in my home. However, it can be used to keep baby safe in and outside, could keep little ones from touching their older siblings’ baby inappropriate toys, and will feel much less restrictive to baby than a playpen.

At $99, it is rather expensive, but the lights and sounds included for baby’s enjoyment probably increase the cost. Find it at Target.com, along with a ton of other interesting baby gear that I haven’t seen in stores.