I’m always looking for new ways to make food more exciting for my 5 year old son. These Loopa Gyroscopic Toddler Bowls just might do the trick. This weighted bowl is attached to an outer ring, which is attached to another ring, acting as a handgrip. The ring system helps to keep the bowl upright, preventing spills (another added benefit, and probably the main one for most parents of toddlers!) The benefit for my son would be possibly getting him to try something new (how much more appealing would green beans or, even, spinach seem to him in a bowl like this?) At $9.99, it’s inexpensive to try. You can purchase this innovative bowl at ThinkGeek.com, where it’s recommended for ages 6 months and up.

This upscale set of infant cutlery from Kay Bojesen is attractive both attractive practical. Made of stainless steel, it is ergonomically designed for small hands. The pusher is perfect for early eating experiences. You can purchase the set for $45 at babygeared.com. While it is more expensive than some other options. It won’t melt, break, or discolor, and will last to be passed down from child to child.

Here’s is a fun gift idea, particularly for first time parents. Made by Mullins Square, the Baby Mess Kit includes everything you need to keep yourself, your baby, and your home as mess-free as humanly possible. The set includes a spill mat, a bib with a velcro closure, a washcloth, and an infant spoon. I love the bright, fun pattern. While it is highly giftable, you also might want to keep it for yourself. You can purchase the set on sale for $25.95 at SpiffyBaby.com.

My mom bought this pack of spoons for my youngest son when he started eating solids. I love it! I’m so much more satisfied with the Soft Tip Infant Spoons by Munchkin than I have been with any other baby spoon I’ve had. The spoons are long enough to reach in the baby food jars, which is a definite bonus, and they’re easy for my little one to hold himself. They are also made in an array of attractive colors and are meant to be soft on baby’s gums. I saw them at peaceofmindbabyproducts.com for $5.99 (6-pack.)

This is an ingenious idea that makes it much easier to feed baby and to teach self-feeding. The Baby Dipper Bowl and Spoon Set consists of a contoured bowl, which helps get the food onto the spoon; a spoon that fits into the lower corner of the bowl; a non-slip base to prevent (ok, lessen) messes; and transparent sides so you can see how much your little one has eaten. No more chasing the bowl around the table, or chasing the food around the inside of the bowl. At just $9.99 per set, this is a true bargain if it really works in making feeding easier for parents and babies. You can purchase the Baby Dipper Bowl and Spoon Set at BabyDipper.com.

Friday, April 10th, there’s a sale at Babies R Us on Take & Toss toddler feeding products. If you go into the store and buy 3 Take & Toss products, you’ll get a 4th free. If you’re in need of some more little cups, spoons, or bowls, now’s the time to get them. My 6-month-old is even a fan of the cups, so I’m taking this sale into consideration. The stuff isn’t overly expensive, with a 7 pack of cups costing $3.49, and it’s all cute and colorful.

Trebimbi makes some truly amazing children’s tableware, and this Party set is no exception. Available in several fun colors, it includes an easy to use bowl, a cup, and child-sized cutlery perfect for new eaters. Everything is dishwasher safe, so clean-up is simple. You can also attach the cutlery to the plate and cup to keep everything together. That way, you can just reach in the cupboard and have everything you need for meal time. That in itself is worth the price. You can purchase the Trebimbi Party Children’s Tableware Set for $45 at BareBabies.com.

Developed by a busy mother of two sets of twins, the Baby Dipper Bowl is designed to allow you to feed your baby with only one hand. It features a non-slip base, a contoured interior, and spoon-shaped corners to make food easier to scoop out. I think this is a great idea for busy moms and would be wonderful for children just learning to self-feed as well. I know even my three year old, who is a pretty tidy eater, is always asking for more of something because she is having trouble spooning up what remains on her plate. You can purchase one for $12.96 at babydipper.com.

This place mat is made to hold its own plate securely in place. The Stay-Put Mat & Plate by Mate is an interesting idea that really makes sense. The plate itself has three compartments and includes a fork and a spoon that attach onto the mat until you’re ready to sit down with your child. The mat has a skid-resistant surface to help keep everything in place. It’s a little bit of a twist on those baby bowls that have a huge suction cup on the bottom (not very attractive). It can also help with keeping a hot plate away from little fingers. When you bring the warm plate from the microwave it can slip right into place.

The Stay-Put Mat & Plate are BPA-free, pthalate-free, and pvc-free, so you can feel good about using it to feed your child. You can view this product at SkipHop.com where it is priced at $20 and comes in Orange, Raspberry, and Sky Blue.

This Palette Plate Feeding Set by Skip Hop is age-appropriate for both babies and toddlers. I didn’t realize at first that it serves three purposes: food preparation, storage and serving of finger foods. It has three drop-in bowls that are microwave safe and fit right into the Palette Plate when you’re ready to serve. It also comes with translucent covers for storage and matching utensils.

If you think about it, this is also an opportunity to introduce your children to primary colors. And besides, it just looks like fun. When your kids are having fun, they might eat more of their food than they play with. Visit SkipHop.com to view this item, priced at $28.

The Beetle Spork was designed as a travel spork or spoon. Although it could really be used by children or adults, kids love it and it encourages them to eat with utensils. Made by Hog Wild, it folds into a beetle then unfolds into a spork or spoon, and comes with its own travel case. It can be thrown into a lunchbox, backpack, or picnic basket for on-the-go-dining. The Beetle Spork is dishwasher safe. It would also make a great gift.

A Beetle Spoon (sold separately) is also available. The Beetle Spork comes in assorted colors, but you can’t choose the one you want - the retailer chooses that for you. You can view the various styles at Amazon.com, where the Beetle Spork retails for $8.50.

Here is a silly, yet practical shower gift that is sure to delight any parent-to-be.  Designed to look like a pizza, this “snack” is really a set of very useful items that will come in handy for a new baby.  The Baby Pizza Lover Gift Set includes a receiving blanket, a hooded towel, an embroidered bib, 4 washcloths, 2 pairs of booties, a teether, and a fork and spoon.  Made by Bliss Living, this is one gift that is sure to get a lot of attention.  It comes pre-wrapped for easy gift-giving.

You can purchase one of these sets for $58 at BlissLiving.com.  An equally cute “hoagie” is also available for the same price.

This Silver Plated Bear tableware set by Stephan features a knife, fork and spoon with a silver teddy bear on each handle and comes in a rosewood box with a hinged lid. It’s a very elegant gift for a special occasion. I think I’d put this set away until it was time for my child’s first holiday dinner; Thanksgiving, Christmas–any time when the whole family is gathered around the table. Your child will feel very special when you present her with this special gift.

Make this tableware set a family tradition and remember that our children grow up so fast right out of our sight. Sprinkle special moments with good memories and enjoy them for years to  come. The tableware set is priced at only $18.99 at BabyAnt.com.

Baby on the Go Feeding Set offers us moms an alternative to everyday Tupperware or Rubbermaid containers when we’re packing a take-along lunch for our children. I like this set because it’s child-serving-sized and  with its bright pink (or blue) coloring, it’s easy to spot in the dishwasher or in the back seat of the family car. I also like the carrying case which neatly fits all the necessities. It looks like a perfect idea for trips and picnics.

This portable meal and snack set includes 4 sippy cups with 8 lids, 2 bowls with lids, 2 fork and spoon sets, and 2 small serving cups with lids. It comes packaged in a multi-use carrying case, and would make a great gift for mommies on the go.

Take a closer look at this product, which sells for $27 at BellyDanceBaby.com.

Here’s a bright and handy gift to include with that car seat or stroller gear you’ve purchased for baby’s shower. Whenever baby is on the go she is going to need her own personal snack/lunch supplies. You don’t want to have to search through all your tupperware and plastics for a suitable container for baby’s foods. Have this ready and available by making a space for baby items in your kitchen. I used to keep a stainless steel basket on my kitchen counter where I would place the washed bottles, nipples, teethers, cups, etc. separate from all the other kitchen utensils and items. And with this bright lime-green color you’ll be able to keep track of baby’s containers more easily.

The feeding set contains: 4 sippy cups with 8 lids, 2 bowls with lids, 2 fork & spoon sets, 2 small snack cups with lids in a printed tumble bag. Purchase one for $20.00 at healthytimes.com.