Every time I see a unique, efficient, and attractive way to store toys, I take notice. That’s why this Houses Foldable Box by Haba caught my eye. It’s bright, pretty, and looks enough like home decor to keep in a living room.

Made of a cotton/polyester mix, the box measures 11″x19″x14″. I can picture it in our family room holding toys, books, even magazines. The storage possibilities are endless. It wouldn’t have to be used solely to hold “kid stuff.” Being foldable is a plus as well.

The Haba Houses Foldable Box sells for $33.99 at Maukilo.com.

If I were going to purchase a Nativity Set to keep as a cherished tradition and bring out of storage each holiday season, I’d choose this one from Haba. All of the figures are made from beechwood, so they are not only sturdy but safe for children to handle. This would be a great tool to teach your child the story of Christmas, as he can move the figures and play with them without realizing he’s learning at the same time. The Nativity Set includes a manger with a star, Mary, the Christ child, Joseph, a shepherd, a lying sheep,a standing sheep, a donkey, an ox, an angel, King Balthasar, King Melchoir, King Caper, two palm trees, a lying camel, a standing camel, and a camel herder.

You can purchase the Haba Nativity Set for $97.50 at HunkyDoryOnline.com. This may sound expensive, but when you think of the many years of holiday memories it will help build, I think it’s well worth the price.

If you can’t wait until Christmas to give your child a gift, you might want to consider buying this Gifts Advent Calendar by Haba. It takes the form of a Christmas tree made up of 24 small cardboard boxes. As your child counts down the final 24 days to Christmas, she can open a box each day and find a small wooden toy and memory game inside. You can reuse this calendar next year and fill the boxes with small toys or candy.

Made entirely of cardboard and wood, you can view and purchase the Haba Gifts Advent Calendar at HunkyDoryOnline.com, where it sells for $34.99.

We had a rainy morning today, and it made me realize that my toddler is ready for her own umbrella.  My older daughter has a great umbrella from Haba (the Leafy Roof model), and I’m thinking that my little one would love this circus-themed one.  This umbrella is very appealing, with its bright colors and mini circus performer.  It is also made especially for use by preschoolers who may not be able to wield a larger umbrella.  The inside of the umbrella features a starry sky print.  Our other Haba umbrella has held up very well, so I know I will be pleased with this one.  And, because it is so fun and cute, I know I can get away with passing it off as a gift.

You can purchase one of these fun Circus Umbrellas for your own little boy or girl for $19.99 at oompa.com.

This is the first baby swing I’ve seen that has a canopy attached to it. It almost looks like a glider. Having an indoor swing like this Airy Fairy Baby Swing from Haba will help entertain your children on rainy days or on days when your child may be getting over a cold and needs to stay indoors. If you’re purchasing a swing you want to be sure it’s of good dependable quality with a secure system for attaching the swing to the ceiling.

The Airy Fairy Baby Swing features extra security features to ensure your child fits safely into the swing. It has safety straps in the front and back, a high seat and netting on the back of the seat to help keep your child cool and allows air to circulate.

The polyester fabric is washable. The maximum weight load is 45 lbs. Designed in Germany but you can order yours at oompa.com for $119.99.

Sure, you can have an egg race using large spoons and real eggs, but wouldn’t it be neat to have all the accessories for a real Egg Race like this set by Haba? It’s always good to have a few items like this around when you have children because you never when you’ll need to come up with some fun outdoor activity. This set comes with 2 balancing sticks, 2 frogs, 2 clown  heads, 2 eggs, 2 half-bowls, 2 rings, 2 discs, 2 big bowls, 4 small bowls, 2 half cylinders and a bag for storage. The object, of course, is to carry all the objects from the start line to the finish line with the balancing stick.

The Egg Race Set is recommended for ages 3 and up. Visit KangarooBoo.com to view this item, where it is priced at $31.28 (sale). It would make a great holiday gift.