Boca Beth is a Spanish learning backpack kit complete with English/Spanish DVD, CD, coloring book and Boca puppet, even una maraca. There is no shortage of information and your child will learn a decent batch of phrases and words in Spanish. Love the captioning on all the products, a real literacy-promoting plus! The CD has an old elementary school songs feel. Our testers were entertained by the DVD using the Boca puppet while they absorbed the lessons.
“I like comiendo (eating).” “I like comiendo, too!” They learned that one quick, didn’t they?
Boca Beth is a useful tool, especially if parents aren’t bilingual. $31.99 at www.bocabeth.com.
In a word – adorable. Kimochis are uber cute attention grabbers. But the real benefit is how they help kids express themselves. “Toys with feelings inside” is the company’s motto. Each Kimochis character represents a different kind of personality. Our sample, “Cloud” is moody – happy moments and not so happy moments. Just flip him around and his mood changes, from smile to frown – simple and effective.
Other colorful feeling tokens are included representing shy, happy, brave, mad and more. I thought it was a useful tool to recap the school day with my second grader. Our toddler loved to spin around with his new friend; a great bedtime or travel companion. Kimochis are $25. Additional pack of feelings $12. Learn more at www.kimochis.com.
Got a crawler on your hands? Say goodbye to dingy-looking baby knees with Baby Kneez! This is a smart accessory for the baby on the go. Available in several different colors, one size fits from infant through 4T. In addition to the extra support, they are a cool-looking complement to most outfits. Baby Kneez fits under or over pants. Great for the outdoor activities! $12.99 at www.babykneez.ca.
This darling ensemble, with chunky contrast panels, is one of the newest styles from Llum. Their miro dress can be dressed up or kept casual for any occasion – the long sleeves perfect for chillier temps. The miro dress is machine washable and comes with matching bloomers. Available in sizes 1T-5T. On sale for $50 at www.urbanbabyrunway.com.
I’m sure many of you can relate. Potty training can be scary for some kids, when they have to use the intimidating big toilet. Mall bathrooms were the ultimate showdown for me- but I digress. On the Go Inflatables is a clever travel tool, so there’s never a break in the education. This inflatable potty seat is super convenient to toss into your bag for the inevitable “I have to go potty” moment, no matter where you are.
Complete with a stabilizer ring underneath, back rest and handles to hold tight, this mobile seat actually stays put comfortably to help ease those fears. Our tester loved it – especially the handles! Easy to inflate and deflate too! Available in pink and blue styles (even with happy face character), just $8 at www.onthegoinflatables.com.
GEAR TV COMING SOON!!
Baby keepsake books are a dime a dozen, but they all offer something unique and beneficial for doting parents. I particularly like “When You Were a Baby…” because it’s affordable, simple and your child’s adorable face is seen throughout the book! This book is designed with a one-of-a-kind die-cut hole that enables baby’s face to appear with every page turn (just add a photo), making them the star of the story!
No endless stickers to peel and place, no complicated pockets and bulky compartments. Let’s face it, not all parents have the time or energy for such involved projects. With this book, all you need is a permanent marker. Fill the pages with the loving memories of each milestone: birth, crawling, first self-feeding, first bath, first word, first birthday, and more. The book is durable for little hands to play with too and an easy reference when you want to go down memory lane. $8.95 at www.meadowbrookpress.com.
Here’s an interesting take on your standard crib mobile. The BalanceBaby photo mobile lets family faces take center stage. Each photograph is held inside a clever photo bag with mounting board inserts The mobiles themselves are handcrafted wood available in snow or blackberry. A little bit of a splurge ($80), but a great gift idea for the mom who loves pictures. You can even use it outside the nursery when ready. Order online at www.shopbalancebaby.com.
These adorable pillows are a fun way to welcome the first (second, third etc.) tooth fairy visit. Available in a variety of boy and girl styles, you can also personalize these pillows with a monogram or your child’s name. A clever little tooth pocket is also included to make sure the “tooth transaction” is a successful one. Each pillow is machine washable and a great decor addition even before your child’s first tooth falls out. Learn more at www.ultimatetoothfairy.com.
