One of the things my mom bought my boys for Christmas this year was a table and chairs just for them. It’ll make coloring, reading, and playing in the play room much easier, as they have to sit on the floor or on the couch at present. Though ours was a Toy Story set on sale for $20, the Personalized Kids Racetrack Table with 2 Chairs would probably be a big hit in our house. We have some car lovers around here who would enjoy the racetrack and a big boy who likes to read his name. For $129 at Walmart.com, personalize it with your children’s names and enjoy the storage area at clean-up time.

Who says girls can’t be super heroes? Even the most girlie of girls will enjoy saving the day in this cute cape from Ellie Bellie. Granted, an old towel or sheet can be just as much fun, but this custom-made cape, which comes in your choice of heart, star, or lightening bolt design, makes super hero status a bit more official. The fun accessory is machine washable, and closes with a magnet, so there are no ties or pins to fuss with. You can purchase one of these great little capes for $30 at jujubeaneboutique.com.

My middle daughter has a coat very similar to this one from Guess. I bought it on clearance a few years ago, and for some reason she never wanted to wear it until now (when, of course, it is starting to get too small for her).  She looks absolutely adorable in it, however, and I wish we would have put it to use last year. It can easily be dressed either up or down. It works with a dress, but if you pair it with jeans and a sweater, it is equally believable as casual wear. If you like this look, you can purchase one for $59.50 at shop.nordstrom.com. It is available in toddler sizes.

My daughter’s school bag last year was one of these great Fleurville Kids Messenger Bags. I’m sad to say that she decided that drawing pictures on it with a Sharpie marker would improve its character. Before it met this fate, however, it was a great-looking bag that held up through all kinds of adventures. I like the fact that it can be used as either a backpack or a messenger bag, although keeping track of the removable shoulder strap proved to be a bit of a challenge in our house. I’d definitely recommend this bag, and it looks like there are some fun new styles for both boys and girls. You can purchase one for $49.95 at thetrendytote.com.

With all of the rain we’ve been having, I’m afraid that this summer is going to bea horrible one for mosquitoes. The trick is finding something that will keep kids safe from bug bites without covering them with chemicals. One product that we have used in the past is this Kids Herbal Armor Insect Repellent. It has a pleasant (citronella) smell, and is effective for up to four hours. You can purchase a bottle for $8.50 at greenfeet.com.

I have fond childhood memories of playing croquet in the backyard with my family. I didn’t know croquet was still a popular kids’ pasttime until I saw this Noddo Croquet Set by Land of Nod. Made from wood, the set includes 2 mallets, 2 polka dot balls, 6 wickets, and 24 stands. The set can be used indoors or outdoors, for fun even on rainy days. Perfect for spring and summer fun. This croquet set retails for $39 at LandofNod.com.

As much as I tried to get my son to wear other shoes last year, he practically lived in his Crocs. Being a big Mickey Mouse fan he’s going to love these Disney Kids Caymans too, with Mickey’s silhouette as the holes. Last summer, when he was still a bit wobbly on his feet, Crocs definitely helped him feel a bit more stable while walking, with their slip-resistant soles. They are perfect kid-friendly shoes, easy for kids to put on and take off themselves.

The best thing about these shoes is that they are anti-microbial, odor resistant, and easy to just wash off when they get dirty. They are extremely comfortable and have great toe ventilation so kids’ feet don’t get too hot. They also weigh practically nothing so they’re great for packing for a trip to the beach. I was also happy to find out that they are recycled through Soles United, a footwear donation program established by Crocs who last year contributed 2 million pairs of much-needed footwear to children domestically and around the globe.

These Disney Mickey Mouse Crocs can be purchased at their outlet store at crocs.com. They come in various color combinations. Sizes vary but most are available in toddler sizes 4/5, 6/7, 8/9. They are currently on sale for $14.99 (down from $29.99).

This beautiful Kids Novelty Quilt and Sham are currently on sale at LandsEnd.com at a deep discount. The quilt, available in the Birds pattern above or Snowflakes pattern, normally retails for $149.50 for twin size, and is now on sale for just $29.99. The matching sham, regularly $29.50, is now just $4.99. The quilt is available in twin, full queen, or king sizes. This set would make a great gift for a child, or a nice, inexpensive way to redo a child’s room. View this great deal at LandsEnd.com.

Jildor is currently having a sale on all Chooka Boots for Kids rain boots. This Green Frog Rubber Rain boot, normally $25, is on sale for $12.50. They have a full net lining, with non-slip rubber soles. Other styles available include Turquoise Spider, Pink Kitty, and Tattoo City Turquoise. Sizes are limited. To view all of the Chooka rain boots on sale, go to Jildor.com.

We haven’t had much spring weather, but we have had a lot of rain lately. With spring hopefully about to make an appearance soon, I’m sure there is more wet weather right around the corner. With wet weather comes the need for new raincoats, boots, and umbrellas. This sweet little raincoat from Juicy Couture is a great choice for the season. I love the bright and cheerful apple print, which is sure to cheer up even the gloomiest of rainy days. This coat, which has been seen on Violet Affleck, is available in sizes from 2-10. It retails for $168 and can be purchased at MilkShop.com.

I love rain boots for my kids. I’m not sure what it is about them, but they just seem so cute and fun. There are lots of varieties on the market these days, but if you want a great-looking pair that is sure to hold up to whatever your child dishes out, check out these Wellington Boots from Hunter, makers of the original Scottish wellington. They have a very classic look–available in navy, green, or pink. It would be very easy to find a cute raincoat and umbrella to match. They are made from rubber with an antibacterial lining. They are a bit more expensive than many other brands, but they are built to last, and you will be able to pass them on when your child(ren) outgrows them.

You can purchase a pair for $58 at jcrew.com. They are available in sizes from a toddler 10 to a children’s 4.

Old Navy is currently having a sale on many children’s and baby items — and not just the winter clearance items, either. Spring clothing is marked down up to 40% from regular prices. There are also some great bargains on winter items, such as sweaters and outerwear, with sweaters that were $20 selling for $6. Items such as the Pique Polo for Baby (shown above) which normally retail for $8.50 are marked down to $5.10 during this sale, which lasts only until February 19. Act now if you want to take advantage of these great prices at OldNavy.com.

Computers are such an integral part of our lives today, and no one is a better example of that than our children. My son had computer lessons during his first year of preschool, when he was just 3 years old! He was able to teach me how to use the touchpad when I got my new laptop. It’s a new world, and GeoSafari realizes that. Their Laptop for Kids is designed especially for kids ages 3-7. It has adjustable time limits for games, so that your child doesn’t spend too much time on the computer, reading exercises, alphabet, science, phonics, sight words, and more. It comes with 63 laptop cards containing 2000 questions in 126 lessons, and additional cards are available for purchase.

This laptop is an award-winner, having won the Dr. Toy 10 Best Educational Products and the Seal of Approval 2001 from the National Parenting Center. You can purchase this educational toy for your child at DiscoverThis.com, where it is currently on sale for $57.95.

 
This Bear Kids Onesie by Birdlette Design was recently featured in Cookie Magazine. All of the t-shirts and onesies made by Birdlette Design are double-silkscreened by hand. Their tees and onesies feature a variety of cute animal silkscreens, in addition to the hot pink bear on the navy onesie shown above. Other animals include elephant, warthog, kangaroo, and guinea pigs, to name a few.

Onesies are available in sizes from 3-6 months to 18-24 months, and tees from 6-12 months to 6T. Both come in long or short-sleeve styles. As they run small, the manufacturer recommends ordering one size larger than your child would wear. You can purchase these tees or onesies at etsy.com for $28.

I’ve been looking for a nice, comfortable, warm pair of snow boots for my 4 year old son for a while, and I think I’ve just found them. These Kids’ Snow Blast Boots made by Lands End are sporty and stylish, yet really look like they would protect little ones’ feet from the snow and ice. They are insulated with 400 gram Thermolite, for ultimate warmth. Microlon uppers repel whatever Mother Nature throws their way. Just as important, they are easy to get on little ones’ feet and have front cinch straps. They are antimicrobial, and have reflectors so others can easily spot your child when he’s out and about. Add all that to cushy insoles and toe protection, and these boots that I would feel good about putting on my son’s feet.

These boots are spot-cleanable, and available in a variety of colors and sizes for toddlers, little kids, and big kids.  You can purchase a pair for $35.50 at LandsEnd.com.