Shangrila Activity Mat

I never purchased one of these mats because they were all too hideous, and I figured I could just dangle things over my baby’s head myself. Cut to me borrowing one from a friend two months after my son was born. Mats are simply are a must. They delight babies. Sometimes they're the only thing that will get you through that 5-o'clock fussy hour. I still spent most of my time lying on the ground next to my son as he gazed up at the dangling toys, but at least my arms didn't get tired.

Next time around, I think I will invest in my own mat, now that I've found this relatively attractive option from Shangrila. It has all the usual bells and whistles: hanging critters, multi textured surfaces - but the reversed side also features bold black and white graphics for "neuro-optic stimulation."

At $120, it's a little more expensive than some, but that's what registries are for.