I’m starting to think seriously about first birthday gifts for my soon-to-be one year old. I always like to give a pull toy at that age. This attractive Ma Me Pa Turtle Pull Toy from Maya Organic really caught my attention when I was checking out options online. I love the shiny, bright colors that I know will attract my daughter’s attention. I think my three year old would enjoy it too, to be honest. This great toy is made from sustainable wood in India and finished with non-toxic natural dyes. It is designed for infants 10 months and up. You can purchase one for $28 at dandelionbaby.com.

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.

With the weather warming up, my littlest one seems happiest in just a onesie. So, I’ve been on a quest to find some especially cute onesies that are worthy of being worn as outfits. My latest find is this great Pink Dot Turtle design from Ambajam. It is made from 100% pre-shrunk cotton, and features an adorable turtle applique. It is available in 3-6 and 6-12 month sizes. You can purchase one for  $27 at kitsel.com.

Here’s the perfect gift that combines music, crystal, and turtles. The Tiffany The Turtle Collectible Music Box by Ardleigh Elliott features a turtle, Tiffany, with a new friend, a bumblebee, on her back. Not only is the turtle named Tiffany, but the design of this music box was inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

This music box is handmade of Heirloom Porcelain and hand painted. The shell has Tiffany colors, with silvery accents, a Limoges-style hinge, and Swarovski crystal. The music box plays “Everything is Beautiful,” and is 4 1/2 inches wide x 2 1/4 inches high. It would make a great Christmas gift for a little girl, or even a shower gift for a friend who’s having a baby girl. This gift will be a collectible and cherished for years to come.

You can view Tiffany the Turtle more closely and buy it for just $39.99 at CollectiblesToday.com.

When October comes around, children just can’t stop talking about the Halloween costumes they want to wear. You see them pouring over catalogs and flyers for this year’s favorite character costumes. While there’s only one day to wear the costume, there are plenty of days leading up to the big day. Your child can start the fun wearing this Spooky Mocks Turtle with front appliques by Hanna Andersson.

Made from pure cotton ribknit for comfort and machine washable, this product is Certified by Oko-Tex Standard 100. The Mock Turtles are available in toddler to pre-teen sizes and are currently on sale for $20  at HannaAndersson.com. Choose from Pansy Purple/Black, Orange Tree/Black or White/Black.

I used to take my children, from a very early age, up to the Griffith Park Observatory several times a year to see the planatarium shows, to watch a lunar eclipse, and to climb to the roof of the observatory to the giant telescope.  One night we chased a comet across the city out into the desert just for a better view. What a night.

As parents we can pass onto our children our awe of the universe. With so many man-made things to distract them, we owe it to our children to open their eyes to the wonder of nature around us. A good way to start is right at home - where they live.

This Twilight Turtle is not just a fun, furry, night light but it projects a complete starry night sky onto the walls and ceiling of any room.  Spend a little extra night-time with your children and enjoy sharing and talking about the stars.  It also comes with an illustrated Star Guide. Price: $33.99 at rightstart.com.

Written on the Turtle shirt is “Can you find these hidden objects?” Fun for the child wearing it and for those around him, this tee is meant for interaction and attraction! It comes in pink, blue, yellow, and white and is available in sizes 6M right up to 4T.

Big siblings can have fun checking out little sib’s shirt and even make it their baby gift to new bro or sis. Great for class trips (get one for every kindergartener and they’ll be easier to find—I helped a little girl find her teacher because of bright, matching shirts at the zoo) or for gifts.

I like the idea of matching it with shorts in solid green or, if you find some, turtle print shorts (or one of the other objects pictured on the shirt.) In 100% cotton, it’s the comfy choice.

It’ll certainly suit either boys or girls and can be found at www.kidspuzzles.com for $15.99.