We have a little musical piano for the boys to bang away on in the playroom. Now and then, they stop and have a go at it. Listening to my 16-month-old “sing” along with his banging is quite amusing. I grabbed our little steel piano at a second hand store for a couple dollars, but if you really want something with wow factor, there’s the Schoenhut My First Piano in red. Attractive and made with keys that are connected to little hammers and steel music rods for “chime-like notes”, it’s a sophisticated choice for $54.99 at www.oompa.com.

Instead of using the same old plastic tubs and totes for storage, why not consider a sweet felt house to put your child’s things in? 12” x 8” and great for all the little cars, dollies, pretend food, and other things that get underfoot, the hand made Houses are on sale for $52.99 (down from $69.99.) The great thing about these is that they’re even machine washable, which is always a good thing when children are involved. I love the little decorative felt flowers and climbing ivy adorning the houses. I think I’d keep all those books that gather next to rocking chairs and beds in our house in these lovely little storage houses from www.littletreehouse.ca.

Here is a unique gift idea. Made by Lunt Silversmiths, his Brown Bear, Brown Bear Silver Frame and Book Gift Set includes a copy of the childhood favorite Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?by Eric Carle. The frame is etched silverplate on brass and measures 3″ x 5″. It comes attractively packaged and would make a wonderful gift. You can purchase the set for $44.95 at bunnyburybaby.com.

Little Bunny Books create personalized books for your children, containing characters created by you (or you and your children). All books measure 8″ x 8″ and are available in softcover or hardcover , printed on 100% recycled paper. A variety of titles are available for you to personalize, including “My Incredible Imagination - Your Child’s Birthday Adventure,” “Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer - Your Child’s Seasonal Scrapbook,” and “Around the World - Your Child’s Continental Safari.” Softcover books are $24.95, and hardcover sell for $34.95, at LittleBunnyPress.com.

This fun first book is made out of wood for durability. Made for children 12 months and up, it helps little ones learn about animals and their homes. The four pages feature eight silkscreened illustrations to delight early learners. You can purchase this unique book for $14 at ittikid.com. It would make a wonderful first birthday gift.

My mother is a children’s librarian, and Good Boy Fergusis one of her favorite picture books. Subsequently, my children have enjoyed it as well. I didn’t realize it was so popular until I came across this nightgown. Available in toddler sizes, it is currently on sale for $19 (down from $33). This would be a great gift for a child who knows the story. If your child hasn’t yet met the lovable Fergus, why not pair this with a copy of the book? You can buy it at mylittlepumpkin.com.

Was my son ever happily surprised at the end of The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle. I was too, as I was not aware that it was equipped with its own sound mechanism. I bought it for 75 cents at a second hand store because we have the beloved The Very Hungry Caterpillar by the same author. Eric Carle’s books make perfect gifts for children and with Christmas coming, we can all use great ideas. If you get the paperback edition, you could roll it up to fit into a stocking. The board book is $15.63 at amazon.com, where you can find tons of other Carle titles as well.

Sally J. King is a mother who was inspired by her youngest son’s anaphylactic reaction to peanuts to create her own healthy kids’ recipes. While reading labels to try to avoid peanuts in foods, King realized how many other dangerous chemicals are in the foods kids eat. Her recipes combine healthy food choices with food and lunches kids want to eat. Some of the recipes in her book, Lunchbox Love, include Chocolate Chip Carrot Bread, Whole-Wheat Cheddar Biscuits, Applesauce, and Chicken Fingers. In addition, all of the recipes in the book can be used with spelt, barley, or oat flours if you or your child is allergic to wheat. I can’t wait to try out some of these delicious-sounding recipes on my family. You can purchase King’s book at Amazon.com for $10.95.

Here is a fun and practical gift for any imaginative little boy. This set from Books to Bed features a hardback copy of the beloved story Peter Pan as well as a pair of Peter Pan pajamas. What a great way to encourage reading and enjoy some snuggly winter evenings. It is available in sizes from 2T up to 7.  Several other book-themed sets are also available. You can purchase one for $44 at RonRobinson.com.

For my niece, whose name our youngest child drew for Christmas and who will soon be one, we found the loveliest gift. While perusing the bookstore, we came upon the Peter Rabbit Snuggle Book. Though it cost us a bit more at Chapters than it’s listed for on PotteryBarnKids.com, it’s worth it. It’s made of organic materials, is soft and snugly, and will be a joy for her parents to read to her. Have a gander at the well-known rabbit for $14.99.

I had rather forgotten about this toy, which both my oldest and middle daughter enjoyed. We were cleaning out our garage today and I came across this in a box of other musical instruments. My youngest, who will be one in another week, went crazy for it. The set includes a number of fun, colorful insect-themed instruments, which all stow away in a drum. The great thing is that none of them are too loud, so you can give your child free reign to make music. You can purchase the set in Target stores or online at Target.com. It retails for $19.99.

Here is a great deal on a high-quality musical instrument that both boys and girls will enjoy. The Today’s Tot Marching Drum comes with a drum stick and a strap for marching. This is sure to be a big hit. Available in red, blue, or green, this toy is on sale for just $8.20 (down from $49.99!) at babyage.com.

How would your child like his or her own DVD from Santa? Children’s Presents is offering a personalized, seven minute long Santa DVD featuring your child’s name spoken prominently in the video. The video teaches kids a moral lesson as Santa’s elves compete in a talent contest. It also comes with a personalized DVD case. This special gift is just $19.95 at Santa-DVD.com. But remember, you must order by December 15 to guarantee Christmas delivery!

This classic book is one of my favorite Christmas read-alouds. Truth be told, I read this to my kids throughout the year. The gorgeous illustrations by Jan Brett add a new dimension to the familiar tale, and I always am a sucker for rhyming read-alouds. You can purchase this in hardcover for $12.23 at amazon.com, and start your own Christmas tradition. You will not be disappointed in your purchase. It makes a great gift, too.

Being a mom today isn’t easy. From play dates, to music lessons, to getting your child in the “right” preschool, then school, to sports, mothers have to juggle it all and still stay sane! Author Christine Carr, herself a mother of three, tackles these problems and more in her book “Mother Daze: Tales from the Imperfect Playground.” She writes it from the point of view of a mom, which makes her stories even more compelling. This is a must-read for today’s moms. You can purchase this engrossing book for $10.17 at Amazon.com. Bet you won’t be able to put it down!