Here’s a fun bath time toy for your toddler: Dirty Dogs by Alex can be an enjoyable way for your toddler to learn about cleanliness. These Dirty Dogs spotted with “mud” can be washed clean in the bath along with your little one (the spots disappear with warm water).

Your child will have fun seeing his dirty spots come clean, and it will also be a good time to encourage your child in his own cleanliness. In case he resists bath time these Dirty Dogs might help to get him into the tub.  The set comes with 4 rubbery dirty dogs and one washcloth. The dogs can spit water out of holes in their mouths (for your child’s enjoyment).

Dirty Dogs are recommended for children ages 6 months and up. Visit bestdressedkids.com where you can buy your own Dirty Dogs for $14.

This cute little toy from Speesees is a great alternative to plastic teethers.  Made from 100% organic canvas and stuffed with 100% organic cotton, this organic rabbit toy is absolutely safe for little ones to put in their mouths, and feels great on swollen gums. It can also be thrown in the washing machine if it starts to get a bit dirty.

If organic fabrics and fair trade practices are important to you, this is a great purchase.  It would also make a cute shower gift–either on its own or as a present topper or gift-basket addition.  You can purchase one for $12 at WildDill.com.

Everyone loves the classic story “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown. Now you can introduce your child to this timeless tale, along with its main character - the bunny. Made by Crocodile Creek, this Goodnight Moon Set includes the board book and the lovable bunny.

This is a wonderful bedtime tale, one I’ve read to my son over and over again. (I’ve read it so many times now that I don’t even need the book, it’s committed to memory). The cute 7″ rabbit can help you tell the story to your child. You can purchase this set at PeppyParents.com, where it sells for $18.50. It would be the perfect Christmas gift for a child of any age.

One of the items we received when my son was an infant was an activity mat. I wondered exactly how beneficial it would be, until I put my baby on it and he absolutely loved it. He could bat at the toys on the hanging bar while he laid on his back, and then get up and move when he was old enough. He learned to roll, crawl, and sit up while on his activity mat.

The Shangri-La Activity Mat and Portico looks like a top-of-the-line activity mat. First of all, it’s reversible, so your baby is exposed to bright colors  and soft, smooth, fuzzy fabric on one side and stimulated by black and white on the other. It has a pop-up, fold-down leg so it’s easy to set up and to store. It also comes with 8 removable clip-on Kushies Zolo toys that are compatible with other toys of the same brand. The manufacturer says it also includes a “pressure activated sound pod,” which would stimulate the auditory part of your baby’s brain.

These activity mats are great for developing motor skills, sensory stimulation, and all-around fun for your baby. You can view this activity mat at babygeared.com, where it retails for $120. It would make a great Christmas gift.

Musically-inclined toddlers will love this Child’s Acoustic Guitar. At just 23″ tall, it is the perfect size for small hands. Made entirely of rosewood, it comes in a variety of colors suitable for boys or girls. It also comes with an extra pick (your child will lose the one that comes with the guitar almost immediately if you don’t keep it in a safe place) and extra strings.

My son received this as a gift last Christmas, and the only warning I have is that the strings need to be tightened continuously, using a Philips-head screwdriver, to keep the guitar in playing mode. Other than that, this is the perfect guitar for little musicians ages 2-5.The price is right, too, as it’s currently on sale for $21.99 (regularly priced $29.99) at KidsInstruments.com.

The year my son was 2, he awoke to find this gift under the Christmas tree. He was so excited that he played with it exclusively for most of the day, creating new musical melodies (and cacophonies) we’d never heard before. The Toy Upright Piano, made by Melissa & Doug, isn’t a full-sized piano, but rather, a miniature version made of wood. It contains two octaves of black and white keys, and stimulates the musician in toddlers. This piano is a great first introduction to music for your little one.

The piano stands 13″ tall and comes with a Learn to Play Piano songbook. Recommended for ages 2 and up, it’s currently on sale for $47.96 (regularly $59.95) at Gummylump.com. Trust me — it makes a wonderful Christmas gift.