Rebel With a Cause - Mealtime Bliss

My son just started feeding himself, so I’ve been on the hunt for a child’s dish set that isn’t, A) endorsing some cartoon character or, B) simply hideous. My search led me to this sleek Rebel Set by Stelton.

First it’s so exquisitely designed that, were it larger, I would use it for myself. But it’s not only pretty; it’s practical, and is actually engineered with a child’s eating habits in mind. The wide, concave edge of the plate easily catches “runaway” food, and the bottom is rubber to prevent skidding. The round-handled spoon is substantial enough for a child to easily grasp. The beveled lip of the mug minimizes spillage as baby learns to drink with a cup, while the wide base makes it more stable. The set, created by award-winning Norwegian designer, Johan Verde, won a 2006 iF product design award for excellence in lifestyle products.

Only one thing gives me pause, it’s porcelain not plastic. Seems to me this would result in a short shelf life, but so many reputable designers make porcelains sets now (Haba for one), that I guess they’re pretty sturdy. Only one way to find out.

Available at scandinaviandesigncenter.com.