PlanToys Musical Band — $49.99
Made from chemical-free recovered rubber wood and finished with rounded edges and non-toxic paints, PlanToys' instruments are a certifiably kid- and environment-safe alternative to plastic and PVC. This pint-sized drum set frees preschoolers to release their inner Keith Moon while developing basic rhythm and coordination skills — but older kids may like the kit too. Especially if it keeps little brother or sister off their Rock Band instruments.
Ages 3 and up.
Get it at Amazon.
Folkmanis Jack Russell Terrier puppet — $19.98
You probably already make funny animal sounds to crack up your toddler. To send him completely over the edge, put on this fuzzy, realistic-looking Folkmanis dog puppet and make it do a barking doggie dance. Trust us. Works every time.
Ages 2 and up.
Get it at Puppet Universe.
Natural Pod Chef's Kitchen — $355 Canadian, approximately $305 US
If you're searching for an heirloom quality, top of the line, beautiful play kitchen for your budding chef, the Natural Pod Chef's Kitchen is the perfect present. This playset features fun details such as; moveable knobs, a sliding board for chopping, towel rack, removable sink, storage cupboard and an oven with sliding tray. Constructed from sturdy ecologically sound woods and finished with a natural beeswax, The Natural Pod Chef's Kitchen is a work of culinary art for your child's cooking fantasies.
Ages 2 and up.
Get it at Natural Pod.
Babble Exclusive: Enter the code babblefreeship08 and get free shipping on your first order with Natural Pod.
Maple Landmark Woodcraft Circus Train — $60
It's a fact. Kids love trains. And parents love non-toxic paint and cars and tracks made from maple from Vermont. The Maple Landmark Woodcraft Circus Train set is chugging towards the circus with a giraffe, elephant, lion, classic engine and a wagon caboose that looks like it came straight from the animal crackers box. If the circus theme is just too cute for your tiny but aggressive conductor and you want to "Thomas" it up a little bit - you can also drive your own trains on these universal tracks.
Ages 3 and up.
Get it at Nico & Zoe .
John Deere Turf Tractor with Trailer — $200 and up
You only need to know two things about the John Deere Turf Tractor with Trailer:
• It's a tractor
• A kid can drive it
Everything else is gravy. The cheerful green color, the easy-to-use accelerator and brake, the three speeds (2.25 MPH, 4.5 MPH, and reverse), rechargeable battery and high speed lockout — your kid won't care at first. Because this is a tractor that he can drive himself. (Bonus: this mini-tractor is actually quite handy for yardwork. A small pile of mulch or sticks fits nicely in the trailer, and your kid will probably love being asked to drive mulch around the yard or transport a pile of leaves to the curb.) We've even seen the trailer used to transport another small child. This tractor goes on and off-road; other models are suitable for pavement only.
Ages 3 - 7.
Get it at Amazon.