Looking for something unique for a new baby? Check out this Funkie Baby Sashimi Bib Set. I love the bright orange trim, and the Sashimi theme, while becoming more common, is still unexpected. I think this set would go over wonderfully at a baby shower. It includes an oversized bib with a Velcro closure and a “Go Mat” for changing and burping on the go. You can purchase this fun, made-in-the USA set for $39 at artebebe.com. The bib can be purchased separately for $19.

For Christmas, we got our youngest son, who is 14 months old, a wooden race car from Toys ’R Us. Not only is it the perfect size for his little hands but it is environmentally friendly, it rolls very nicely, and is attractive as well. He likes taking the race car driver in and out of the car and the slot fits his new Apple Grove Pals inside it quite nicely as well. Only $4.98 and not the only wooden toy to be chosen from (there was also another vehicle and a shape sorter at our Toys ’R Us store.) It’s recommended for ages 2+.

This eco-friendly infant lounge set by Barefoot Dreams is blended with bamboo, making it breathable and comfortable for baby no matter what the season. The 60% bamboo, 40% cotton mixture is not only soft, it’s also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and hypoallergenic. Plus, from now through December 20, Layla Grayce is offering Free Gift Wrap on any Barefoot Dreams purchases over $50. Just use code BDWRAP when checking out. This set sells for $40 at LaylaGrayce.com.

These cute little slide whistles will make a perfect stocking stuffer. Each cute little whistle is approximately 4.5 inches long and designed for ages 3 and up. At $1.95 each, this is a very affordable crowd pleaser. If you want these as party favors, you can purchase a set fo 12 for the discounted price of $17.95 at BlueberryForest.com.

This fun backpack from Zid Zid kids is a practical gift idea for a little guy on the go. Many kids are fascinated by planes and other mechanical gadgets, and this plane-shaped bag is a great way to carry around toy cars, daily necessities, or other treasures. The metallic vinyl and brightly colored accents make it attractive and hip. It closes with a zipper for easy access. You can purchase one of these handmade bags for $52 at theredballoon.com.

I’m in the thick of planning for our little one’s first birthday. I’m feeling a bit at a loss because daughter number two got what I would consider to be the perfect first birthday gifts. Since we still have them, I’m not sure what to get for number three. I’ve been devoting far too much time to obsessing over this. Here are some of my resulting thoughts about great first birthday gifts.

A great push toy is a wonderful option. I bought this great Natural Doll Pram from Haba for my middle daughter and we are still loving it. You can purchase one for $152.99 at sbkidsco.com. Although I’m not completely convinced we need another wooden push toy, it feels like a first birthday must. So, I think we will be gifting daughter number three with the Plan Toys Woodpecker Walker, which retails for $78.50 at nubiusorganics.com.

For a little girl, a simple doll is a perfect gift. Many boys will appreciate one too. My pick is Baby Stella. You can purchase this soft doll for $24.99 at amazon.com. I’d recommend getting sucked in by the accessories, though. I’ve found them to be pricey, and a bit under-sized.

A pull toy goes a long way in entertaining a new walker. I love Djeco’s line of wooden pull toys. Daughter number two received the kitty, and I bought the donkey for one of my nephews on his first birthday. Prices vary by animal. Plan to spend around $30-$35. You can check them all out at oompa.com.

Finally, a set of nesting cups or blocks makes for a lot of educational fun. I love the look of these Eric Carle blocks, but was disappointed when I received them and discovered they are made from cardboard. I will say that they have held up better than I expected. You can purchase a set for $20.99 at amazon.com.

We have a lot of Robeez for our girls, but lately I have been noticing some adorable styles for boys. I love this Funky Monster pair. I like the silly, colorful monsters that decorate the toes of these shoes, and they really pop against the black background. As is the case with all Robeez, you can be assured you are getting high-quality shoes that are safe and comfortable for growing feet. You can purchase a pair for $28.95 at robeez.com.

Here’s a great idea: Eco Dough is an all natural modeling compound that is as safe and eco-friendly as it is fun. Made from plant, fruit, and veggie extracts, it comes in a number of colors and is packaged in compostable cornstarch containers. You can purchase a set for $22 at thelittleseed.com. This would make a very thoughtful gift.

I recently saw this product in Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine and thought it looks like a great idea.  The first few weeks of nursing my younger two daughters were absolutely miserable. If I hadn’t had a better experience with my first, I’m not sure I would have made it through. After my youngest was born, I specifically remember dreading getting in the shower because even the pressure of water on my nipples was almost unbearable. Made by Belmama and Cherub, the Shower Hug is designed exactly to combat this problem. Made from soft knit terry velour, it promises comfort and support in (or out) of the shower. Although I’m well passed the point of needing one now, I would gladly have paid $29.95 for one of these back in December. The product is available with pink or blue trim and can be purchased at showerhug.com. It would make a  thoughtful gift for a nursing mom.

These great Finger Puppets for UNESCO LIFE by Fable & Lore look inviting with their sweet clothes and yarn hair. They also support a great cause. Profits from each $10 puppet sold goes to provide education programs in countries with low literacy rates. Not only that, they are made from fabric scraps that would otherwise end up in a landfill. No two puppets are alike. Choose from fairy, dragon, knight, wizard, or princess at myprincesscloset.com. This also makes a great gift that gives back.

I picked one of these up at a close out store a few months back, and we have been really pleased with the quality. My daughter has lots of toys to choose from, but she gravitates toward this one when it is available. Something about the combination of soft fabrics and wood appeals to her. It makes a pleasing sound, too. All of the products in this line are made of high-quality hardwoods and are packaged in 100% recycled paperboard. You can purchase one for $6.95 at babyearth.com.

Toys and jewelry from Haba are favorites at our house. My middle daughter just inhertited some of my oldest’s jewelry collection, and I am enjoying seeing these pieces again. Everything is unique in appearance and very well-made. As I was browsing online recently, I came upon this great Malena Flowers necklace from the company. This attractive piece is mature enough that my ten year old would likely still wear it (I might even be tempted). It is made up of red and orange beaded flowers and green “vine” beads.” This will definitely add a special touch to any outfit. It is fun for dress up play, too. You can purchase one on sale for $12.95 (marked down from $19.95) at BlueberryForest.com.

LittleMissMatched’s line of fun, silly socks continues to grow. Anyone who has a big box of unmatched socks on their dryer like I do will appreciate the ease of these socks as well as their design. This fun set from the “Fabulous” collection features a pattern of candy, fruit, and puzzle pieces . You get a pink one, a green one, and a blue one. You can buy the set for $8 at littlemissmatched.com.

With school shopping in full swing at my house, I have pencils and crayons on my mind. Though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend sending these to school (especially if your child is as forgetful as my own), these natural crayons from Inntrax are a wonderful treat. We got some of these for all of the kids last Christmas and they were a big hit. Not only are they fun to use (and great conversation starters), but they are eco-friendly–made from twigs that would otherwise be burned. This set includes eight handmade crayons in different colors. You can purchase it for $21 at thelittleseed.com. I think it would make a wonderful “you survived the first day of school/preschool” gift.

A friend of mine makes knitted toys and I think her collection is adorable and really creative. Her daughter is surrounded in toys made from her mother’s love, even colorful stacking blocks, but if you’re like me, you don’t know how to knit so you can’t do the same for your little ones. What can you do but cheat by buying cute, knitted, eco-friendly toys on Etsy.com?

I found a matching set in Turtle and Baby Socks by seller ShaynaLove. The turtle is made up of non-allergenic stuffing and is totally washable. The socks are very stretchy but are considered to be size one. I think besides being a great buy for both dresser and toy box, this will make a perfect shower gift. For only $14.99, you can’t beat the gorgeous colors and lovely craftsmanship.