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.

Here is an innovative way to feed a small child–the Food Face Dinner Plate is a new take on the magnet toys we all knew and loved as kids. Instead of magnetic shavings, you decorate this crazy guy or gal with food. If you don’t like levity at the dinner table, especially where food is concerned, this may not be the best plate for you. If you love the idea, you can purchase one for $11.95 at http://www.oliebollen.com/detail.aspx?ID=12503&Code=WWF006&Product=Fred - Food Face Plate - Make Art for Dinner!.

Looking for something unique for a new baby? Check out this Funkie Baby Sashimi Bib Set. I love the bright orange trim, and the Sashimi theme, while becoming more common, is still unexpected. I think this set would go over wonderfully at a baby shower. It includes an oversized bib with a Velcro closure and a “Go Mat” for changing and burping on the go. You can purchase this fun, made-in-the USA set for $39 at artebebe.com. The bib can be purchased separately for $19.

These cute little bowl will add fun to mealtime for toddler’s who are beginning to self feed, or older children who need a smaller bowl for snacking. I love this hip design which is modern and fun. Designed by Jackie Shapiro, this bowl is dishwasher safe and built to last. You can purchase one for $9 at blackwagon.com.

Our older children received stainless steel water bottles for Christmas. So far, they seem to be getting a lot of use. While checking out the clearance section of KidSurplus.com, I came upon this great deal on Klean Kanteen’s version for younger users. Equipped with an Avent spout, this bottle holds 12 oz and is BPA-free and environmentally responsible. designed for children ages 12 months and up, it is dishwasher safe and on sale for $13.99 (down from $19.99). I don’t see this brand on sale very often, so I think this is a great deal. You can pick one up at kidsurplus.com.

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.

We always carry a small cooler bag full of cups of milk and snacks when we leave the house. Though ours is neutral (orange with Tigger on it), the DwellStudio Lunchbox in Sparrow Lilac pattern is a lovely alternative if you’re not looking for boyish or neutral. I adore baby items with little birds and nature scenes and this pink bag is right up my alley. If I took a lunch out of the home, I’d be tempted to get it for myself! Insulated inside with 100% cotton coated canvas on the outside, I found it at Diapers.com for $36.

We all know at least one little girl whose last birthday was princess themed. What better than the Wilton Princess Cupcake Stand to display princess cupcakes at your little girl’s next party? Pretty and eye-catching and only $9.99 for the entire set, including the stand, 24 baking cups, and 24 toothpick decorations. Shop around buybuybaby.com for other coordinating party accessories.

Recently I was browsing though Oprah’s magazine, O, and I came across these adorable baby bibs. They’re available in two styles: O yuck! and O yum! and both styles are available in blue or pink. We learn, as parents, which foods elicit which response from our babies (even if they can’t speak the words yet, it’s usually written all over their faces!) I think these would make cute new baby or baby shower gifts. Made of 100% cotton with a velcro closure, you can purchase these bibs for $11 each at OprahStore.Oprah.com.

Here is an unusual baby gift. Made by Mally Bibs, this upscale pink bib is made from leather and features a leather applique of a woman/girl. It is reversible, with the applique on one side and a handy food-catching pocket on the other. It closes with a magnet and wipes clean. This would defintiely be a conversation starter at any baby shower. You can purchase one for $36 at RonRobinson.com. A boy version is also available, as are several animal themes.

Here’s a holiday gift sure to please baby and parents: You can purchase a 19″ tall designer Bibsy Bear, wearing a “Worth the Weight” Hug-a-Bib, along with a Clippy Cloth, for the special price of $30 at HugABib.com. The Hug-a-Bib has a 100% woven cotton interlock front and a 100% cotton corduroy back, with a soft inner lining surrounding an inner waterproof layer. The bib measures 9” x 11” . Clippy Cloth is made of 100% cotton interlock front & back, with a soft inner lining surrounding an inner waterproof layer. With a 100% Copper rust-proof clip, it measures 12” x 29”. What more could you ask for: a cute stuffed bear, large bib providing extra protection, and large, absorbent burp cloth! The price is normally $58, but on sale for the holiday season for just $30.

I’ve never been a huge fan of Dante Beatrix diaper bags for myself, but I think that the company’s signature look works much better in styles for children. This cute shark lunchbox is a case in point. The design is fun and fresh, and the laminated canvas is easy to keep clean. A number of other animal varieties are also available. You can purchase one of these fun, eco-friendly bags for $34 at 2modern.com.

There are numerous simple, modern high chairs that grow with your child. This Droog Highchair by Maartje Steenkamp is one that I just recently discovered. This chair is made from white beech wood that is notched to indicate different stages. The interesting thing about this chair is that you actually have to saw it off at each new level. I guess that limits use to one child, who hopefully will continue to enjoy it. Otherwise, the $371 price tag is a bit much to swallow. If this minimalist look is for you, you can purchase one of these seats at 2modern.com.

Here is a cute bib that is as functional as it is fun. Covered in plastic and equipped with a crumb pocket, this 12 x 9 inch bib is made for self-feeding babies and toddlers. A Velcro closure keeps it secure. I love the silly ant print, which will work for either a boy or a girl. Currently, this bib is on sale for $15 (down from $20) at babylaundryboutique.com.

I remember receiving a mug of my own for Christmas one year as a small child and feeling especially grown up and important. I still have that mug somewhere, too. So far, my older daughter has been less than impressed when similarly gifted, but I hold out hope for my other two. I’m thinking about this cute little mouse mug for my soon-to-be four-year-old. I’m always impressed by Haba’s quality, and the design on this mug is as sweet as can be. I’m confident it will be a hit. You can purchase one of these child-sized mugs for $8.99 at oompa.com .