droolicious : children

Pink Axle - Between Rock and Your Soft Spot (That's Your Kid)

Whit Honea — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Pink Axle calls itself "the sweet side of rock 'n roll couture" and believes that kids are just as individual as adults. True enough.

They make soft caps, keyword being 'soft,' for newborns through 4T with rocking themes like skulls, guitars, peace signs and smooches. It's rock 'n roll, baby.

Make your kid the rebel of the nursery.

Buy Pink Axle caps for $19.99 on their website.

Glow-in-the-Dark Train Set: Ready for Thomas' Area 51 Adventure

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

My eldest two boys outgrew their wooden train sets by age 5, but had this Glow-in-the-Dark Space Train Station been an option, I'm betting we could've gotten a good three years more out of their train table.

Featuring 100 pieces -- including dozens that glow when the lights are out -- the set is compatible with Brio and Thomas & Friends wooden train sets. Its aliens, rockets and UFO mother ship, however, open up play well beyond either of those franchise's terrestrial borders.

$99.99 from Organize.com.

Rescue Pets Let Kids be Heroes and/or Pet Owners

Whit Honea — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:03:00 GMT

Does your child have pet wishes unanswered? It happens.

Now is your chance to set things right. Kind of.

Rescue Pets allow children to adopt a plush pet and register them online. They also allow children to go above and beyond the typical role of pet owner and venture into the world of veterinary science. It's educational!

Warning - the animals actually whimper and whine and it's only sweet for about 20 seconds. Still, they're awfully cute when they're quite.

Be Wild in Stella Blu Clothing

Whit Honea — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:01:00 GMT

Stella Blu Clothing makes t-shirts and onesies for rocking kids. Their line is self-descirbed as boorish and rebellious, but in a good way, and we are inclined to agree.

The designs are full of confidence, imagination and expression, featuring rock motifs and classic tattoos in sizes ranging from newborn to 6x.

Check out the Stella Blu website and see some mischief on the kids for a change.

Make Cotton Candy from Non-Cotton Candy -- No Sugar Required

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Let me back up: This curious little gizmo from Japan will spin up a fresh batch of cotton candy in no time, but this ain't your grandparents' spun sugar we're talking about.

Officially known as Ame de Wataame ("Cotton Candy from Candy"), the machine morphs the hard candy of your choice into cotton form, even if you prefer the sugar-free variety. Simply drop your candy into the top loader, turn on the heater, and let the sweet treat spin its way around your stick. (Gross double entendre not intended.)

Or, you know, drop $3 at the county fair for the same experience, minus the cleanup.

$198 from Japan Trend Shop.

LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary Leaving Hyperspace in September

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Yeah, I've been on a bit of a Star Wars kick this week, but after stumbling across this upcoming LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary from DK, I can safely say this is the find that tops 'em all.

Even though the book isn't due in stores till Sept. 21, speculation, the DK name and a compelling description at its Amazon product page indicate that we'll have plenty of illuminating close-ups to look forward to when this visual guide arrives.

It's listed at $21.99, but Amazon is offering a Pre-Order Price Guarantee of $14.95. Set down that LEGO Republic Gunship you've been building and preorder yours here.

Ze Super Zeros: Our Favorite Kind of Problem Children

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

The first thing I thought upon seeing Ze Super Zeros was "Backyardigans with busted parts," but it's that same imperfect cuddliness that gives the toys their edge.

Each hero comes with super powers and super problems that ultimately add up to, you guessed it, zero. For instance, Zebu here (my personal favorite) is great at hiding, but the poor thing is so good that he's always getting lost. Good thing he's got a cape that his friends can spot from afar.

$30 per hero -- check out the whole line at FAO Schwarz.

Green Baby: b.wise papers Birth Announcements

Aaron Burgess — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Sure, they're printed on paper, but b.wise papers' birth announcements still aim to reduce your new arrival's carbon footprint before it's been fitted for baby shoes.

The eco-smart announcements are printed on 100% recycled (50% post-consumer) card stock using vegetable- and soy-based inks, and they're even made up at a wind-powered printing facility. Plus, as the b. delightful ($138 for 50 cards) sample above shows, they look pretty great.

Prices vary but lean toward the higher end overall -- check out the whole collection (including holiday and save-the-date cards, as well as labels) at b.wise papers. (Image: Laura Negri Photography)

Stick a Light Bite Candle Fork in It

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:00:00 GMT

This could get a little tricky if you've got a 20-kid party and a birthday boy or girl who insists on having an accurate number of candles, but otherwise, Light Bites Candle Forks let you blow out and dole out with maximum efficiency.

Just stick a cande in the end of each fork, and then light, blow and serve. You won't get the joy of licking frosting off the candles, but you also won't get a mouthful of melted wax -- sounds like a fair tradeoff to me.

$6 from Amazon.

Little Sleep Machine, for When You Need a Little Sleep

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

I like the idea of the Little Sleep Machine, and not just because the gadget photographs so nicely. The preloaded audio player comes with three hours of soothing music, all of it loaded with natural delta-wave frequencies. As with some other audio sleep aids we've seen, your brainwaves are supposed to lock onto the delta waves and follow them into Snooze-ville.

Unfortunately there's no way to sample the music quality online, so depending on your tastes, there's always the potential that you'll get it preloaded with the sonic equivalent of Chinese water torture. Toddlers, however, are usually less discriminating about their tunes, so considering you can hook it up to speakers, I'd give the Little Sleep Machine a whirl in the kids' room. Especially since it means I can keep my iPod to myself.

$34.95 from Montgomery Ward, which I honestly didn't know still existed before stumbling across this one online. [The Awesomer]

Get a Leg Up with EZ Folding Step Stools in Your, Their Sizes

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Every kiddo needs a step stool -- and sometimes Mom and Dad do, too. Built to support up to 300 pounds, EZ Folding Step Stools come in two sizes (9" high for the little ones, 11.25" high for taller folks, both of which fold away neatly and include carry handles for easy storage and transport.

$21-$28 at Spoon Sisters.

Zooguu Fugu: 100% Toxin-Free Cuddliness

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

You don't need a specially trained chef or a death wish to enjoy this delightful little fugu from Etsy seller Zooguu (formerly Sweetestpea), and though we don't recommend nibbling on it, you're also not likely to get a tingling sensation when you do.

Being your happy little snuggle buddy, on the other hand, is totally doable where Zooguu's fugu is concerned: at 9" tall, with a generous 31.5" waistline, the little puffer even has soft fabric eyes for added cuddliness.

$90 from Zooguu's Etsy shop -- a little steep, yeah, but hey, you can have it custom-made in any color.

Agatha Von Vanderbeetle: Welcome Anytime in Our Backyard

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:30:00 GMT

This time of year, the only beetles I care to see are the ones sitting calmly in the toy aisle -- or, in the case of Ms. Agatha Von Vanderbeetle here, the ones batting their eyelashes at me from an Etsy store.

Agatha actually has quite the back-story, having made the journey (as an orphan, no less) from the harsh Australian wild to her present home with Etsy seller chunkychooky. No wonder, then, that she's such a rugged little critter, machine-stitched from denim, suede and various other hardy fabrics, and finished off with strongly attached (and really cute) eyes.

Learn more about Agatha's journey, and pick up a Von Vanderbeetle of your own for $28 at chunkychooky's Etsy store.

CES 2009: Local Sensor - New Technology Ideas From Nokia

Chris Ford — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Nokia was showing off some new technology at CES that has direct applications for parents and children. Nokia Local Sensor lets your Nokia phone know how far it is from a special tag that you can put on your keys, kids, pets or anything else you want to keep track of. The software on the phone then will point the way (like a compass) to where the tag is, also giving you an idea of how far away the tag is.

It also has the ability to shut your phone down and lock it if it isn't near the tag itself - a useful security feature that I haven't seen before on a phone. The location stuff I've seen before, but not an implementation as nice as the Nokia version.

It's in development now so there isn't a specific product, price or release date. But hopefully this might be something you can get for your cellphone in the future.

Let Them Be Their Own (Caped) Heroes

Whit Honea — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:02:00 GMT

Few things embody the joys of childhood like a cape trailing in the wind behind every great jump or wrapped snugly around every warm hug. A cape opens the mind to possibility and turns a child's thoughts to conquests for justice and freedom. The "I Am My Own Hero" cape (and mask) from Bodemi is made for inspiring playtime and encouraging flights of fancy.

The friendly people of Bodemi, including designer Boren Lon, were on hand at the Boom Boom Room Charity Event (supporting Los Angeles area Foster Children and the Jayneoni Moore Children’s Fund) to showcase their fun line of apparel and accessories. Everything they create is designed to "embrace the lifestyle of children" and we tend to agree with them.

The capes were a big hit. Even now they are a blur of flying color as my boys rush onward into the promises of their imagination while leaving echoes of laughter and the seeds of memories in their wake. Their capes look fantastic.

L'ovedbaby Goes Big in the Boom Boom Room

Whit Honea — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:59:00 GMT

Chris Noth of "Sex and the City" and "Law and Order" fame attended the Boom Boom Room with his wife Tara and their baby Orion.

The couple received the 4-in-1 Nursing Shawl from L'ovedbaby which was such a big hit that Tara put it to use on the spot. Here's why:

    * The L'ovedbaby™ nursing shawl offers mom a way to discreetly nurse in public, while protecting the baby from distractions.
    * The shawl travels well and always stays fresh in its matching drawstring pouch.
    * The complete 6oz. package fits neatly in any purse or diaper bag.
    * Machine washable and dryer safe...nothing could be simpler.
    * Extremely lightweight, breathable, and super-soft to the touch and on baby's skin.
    * Roomy neckline for added style and increased visibility between mother and child.
    * Full coverage of mom...both front and back; no special nursing clothing required.
    * L'ovedbaby's™ custom-made fabric complements any outfit...from casual to business to elegant. And, because it's not cotton, it's less likely to harbor bacteria.

See? Those are good reasons, right?

She also used it while waiting in the valet line at the Century Plaza Hotel. It was a long line.

I self-parked.

The Boom Boom Room is an event featuring Hollywood’s most famous families - expecting parents, moms, dads, their offspring and me, Babble's own Whit Honea. It consists of a "gifting suite wonderland built by 83 sponsors. This event draws celebrity families together to support Los Angeles area Foster Children and the Jayneoni Moore Children’s Fund."

Baby stuff and a good cause. We like it.

More Boom Boom Room:

Tim Allen and Jane Hajduk in Little Girl Frillies

Swedish Children's Toy/Furniture Thing

Chris Ford — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:04:00 GMT

What is it exactly with Sweden and modern design? The land of Ikea must be full of houses with great furniture, but not everything is exactly drool-worthy. To that end, I present to you Soft Transport - Boat.

Soft Transport was designed by Björn Dahlström and is part of a series of children toys made from "beaver nylon" and foam filling. There is also a car and a plane in the series, but the picture of the boat was the best. Sure. it looks "modern" but it sure doesn't look very fun. But then again, lots of times kids would rather play with the wrapping paper than the toy, so what do I know?

You be the judge. Check out the Soft Transport Boat at pid.se. Oh, and it will set you back "5.625 SEK" however much that is.

Give A Personalized Version of the Poky Little Puppy

Chris Ford — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:02:00 GMT

Everyone is familiar with The Poky Little Puppy, one of the twelve original Little Golden Books published in 1942. Now you can get a personalized copy of the classic children's tale, with a custom dedication and a photo of the child you're giving it to.

Just go to this web site, upload a picture and type your dedication, and for $25 you should get your book in 10-14 business days.

Or, if you're feeling nostalgic, check out all of the Little Golden Book titles at RandomHouse.com/golden.

Hand-knit Backpacks from Blabla Kids

Chris Ford — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:01:00 GMT

I must be on a backpack kick, because other than my totally awesome find of a pigeon backpack, I also found these great hand-knit backpacks from Blabla Kids. The only thing I'm wondering is, how does a hand-knit backpack only cost $42?

Every backpack is lined inside and is 12"x10". There are twelve different animal choices - everything from a lion to a butterfly to a panda (shown). They're not the biggest bags, but they seem perfect for all of your kid's little treasures. And getting them to want to carry their own stuff is 80% of the battle. Or maybe 100%.

Backpacks from BlablaKids.com, $42

7 Days of Traveling Helps: Lift the Flap Books

Chris Ford — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:47:00 GMT

Let me say first that I've already written about the best Traveling Help that I know, the Panasonic DVD-LS82 Portable DVD Player. But considering I've already shared that with you, I'll give you my number two Traveling Help. If you're going to be traveling with any child between the ages of one and three, you need to go get a lift-the-flap book. And then hide it until the trip is underway.

The last part of that is the key really. Go out shopping a week before your trip, buy some books and then don't show them to your child until the moment you need it most - either on the plane, train or in the car. Brand new things hold the most attention.

And lift the flap books are best, because you can read them to your child, and it also give them an activity (lifting the flaps). We've used this trick on multiple airplane trips, and it works every time. The problem is my youngest is starting to get to old for lift the flap, so now we're graduating to "Where's Waldo" type seek and find books.

Search for Lift the Flap books at Amazon.com

Big Deal: Lacoste Semi-Annual Sale On Now

Chris Ford — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 19:15:00 GMT

I love Lacoste. There, I said it. If you are also so inclined, check out the Lacoste Semi-Annual Sale on now. Clothes for boys and girls from the spring/summer collection are on sale for 25% - 40% off.

There all kinds of good stuff on sale, not the least of which is the classic pique polo (pictured) for $32.99 (regularly $45.00). They say "shop early for the best selection," so check it out now.

Shop the children's section of the Lacoste Semi-Annual sale at Lacoste.com.

7 Days of Beach Bests: Speedo Swim Socks

Chris Ford — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:20:00 GMT

Even though I'm a good four hours away from the closest ocean, the family and I do try to get to the beach at least once a summer. It's really a perfect place to bring the kids, but the sand can get hot, and what do you do about bringing a toddler who is just learning to walk to the beach? If shoes are still out of the question, I suggest swim socks.

These little neoprene booties from Speedo will keep your toddler's feet cool and safe, while still giving them the stability they are used to with bare feet. And they're made for swimming, so there's no need to pull them off until you're back in the car. They might be full of sand, but sand in the swim socks will be the least of the places you'll be picking sand out of.

Speedo Swim Socks, $10.99 a pair from SpeedoUSA.com.

Heart Enamelware Set

chrisjordan — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 18:04:00 GMT

Move over plastic. This enamelware set is durable, chip resistant, and dishwasher safe.

And best of all, NOT PLASTIC.

$38 at Chasing Fireflies

Ride--on: Plasma Car

modmom — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:03:00 GMT

Plasma Car can be ridden by moms, dads or tots. it handles up to 220 lbs. just swivel the steering wheel to propel yourself on a smooth surface inside or outside. $54 on Amazon

Click here to see video of physicist explaining plasma car on the discovery channel