Remember Sophie, the teether giraffe? I wonder if these fungal characters will turn out to be like her: a whole lot cheaper on the continent than in the States (read the post I just linked to to see comments explaining how much less that toy costs in France).

As with Sophie, you might just find that you like them well enough that you just don't care. Who knew you could make a mushroom cute? A quick search for 'Chan, Pie and Gnon' - a working on the French for mushroom, champignon - will find you many retailers, but I saw them first at Ecobaby Gear, where each costs USD $14.00.

Back in March I posted about a new contender to the swinging cribs arena: the Kanoe. Now, via British baby blog Bambino Goodies, I discover the Swedish Mawok, basically another design option for the same basic swinging concept - although the Mawok also allows for a gentle up-down motion.

As yet, the Mawok comes with one bedding design (and that's what you'll want, because it fits) in a couple of colourways - you have the choice of orange or brown when you purchase, and you can buy a spare in red.

For me, the best feature is that you can install it either on a permanent wall-plate of temporarily over a door - your pack comes with both options, meaning you can have your baby asleep, say, both upstairs and downstairs, or take the whole caboodle on holiday with you.

We have consistently featured sushi items for kids. This crocheted platter is a delight as it's perfect for the littlest ones. Each piece of nigiri and maki has a rattle inside and all are set atop a fabric bento box. A sweet alternative to ho-hum toys of the same kind and perfect for keeping babes interested while traveling or out and about on a stroller.

Surely everyone would appreciate the simple yet sophisticated design of this owl wall clock? Sadly, at £49.99, it doesn't come cheap. OK, stop me now before I riff on the 'and it doesn't GO cheep' jokes.

It's so rare to find breastfeeding gear that you'd actually voluntarily wear even if you weren't nursing, that I thought I'd share this with you. The Diva dress has a lot of features I like, from its colourways to long cuffs, and a great cut for those who might still be feeling a little more curvaceous than they are used to.

I guess I'd like to know a little more about the 'discreet panel' that can be 'lifted for easy access' - why don't retailers show more nursing-wear actually in action? For me, it's an important consideration just how much bosom one would be flashing, or otherwise. But beyond that, love it.

I love the idea of a pile of books next to my kids' beds. Not the neatest thing, but with this caddy, encouraging a love or reading and easy clean up stylishly is now pretty accessible. Finding a favorite book is made simple too, as they store at a 45 degree angle with the spines facing out. A must for budding bibliophiles! The caddy comes in four colors and is made out of smart wood and non toxic paints. No tools or hardware required.

Simple and sweet, and made out of bamboo yarn: what could look prettier and be more comfortable on a baby's little feet than these crocheted baby shoes?

Found on Misi ("Make It, Sell It") - yes, yet another glorious makers' Etsy-a-like.

God knows (or more like "Parent Knows") it's hard to get many kids to eat their vegetables! Why not make it easier on yourself by exposing them even before can eat. Just hang Petit Flaneur's veggies mobile over crib and watch as its gentle movements literally hypnotize your infant into eating right. No? Well, it's also great from a purely aesthetic standpoint. Handcrafted from 100% wool felt and birch micro plywood, these mobiles are so creative and fun that they certainly wet my appetite! (At least from a design point of view.)

Also available in the 4-and-other-non-food groups.

I just had to laugh when I saw this - the most full-on house-cleaning toy I've ever seen.

We all know kids love to help around the house, and a toddler-sized broom or mop is a great way to get them started on the concept of cleaning at an early age. But this? Well, this is for the kids that really love cleaning. From carpet-beater to mop, it's all in there, and there's even a headscarf too. Hilarious.

A recent school project had us making family trees at home. The kids really loved learning about their "ancestors"; we went back several generations, a jumble of Irish, Russian, Salvadoran and Nicaraguan folk. Sarah Neuberger of The Small Object has always made CUTE products that appeal to both kids and grown ups. That singular sensibility is apparent in this version of a family tree where love and family intersect. Fully customizable, it makes a great gift.

Play gyms: brash, plastic, obnoxious bleeping things, right?

Think again. I love the restful calm of this wooden play gym from Erzi, which allows for kids to play on each side and features pears, plums, and a tree. Simple, and gorgeous.

Website Ptolemy Toys will ship worldwide at cost of postage - and this is currently displaying at almost 40% off its full price - so if you like it, go for it!

My husband is the one who found this interesting Peekaru fleece baby carrier cover at Mom 4 Life a few weeks ago. As a mom who has recently re-joined the Baby Bjorn/Ergo Carrier ranks, I can absolutely see the value of this product on a practical level. It's a pain to tuck a blanket around baby's legs or to have to purchase a specific cover for a specific carrier (and if you're like me, you alternate between carriers to evenly distribute the aches and pains from one's back to one's hips). And in the winter, forget trying to find that maternity coat you've tucked into storage which would surely cover both you and babe.

The Peekaru seems to eliminate this quandry. Simply strap baby to your body, throw on the vest designed to cover you both, and go from there. Eco-friendly? Yes (made of 85% recycled materials). Practical? Absolutely. Pricey? A bit ($75 available here). Fashion forward? Unlikely.....

I just love the sweet simplicity of Goose Grease's dolls. Pure wooden forms always enhanced with lovely hues and just a dash of creative detail make them irresistibly charming. Perfect for decor or creative play...you can also order "portrait" dolls of your whole family.

Are mealtimes a source of frustration? This pop-art meal tray might just add a little levity and sunshine to the sometimes tedious duty of spooning the good stuff into a recalcitrant small one's pursed mouth. Just one of the many bright goods on offer from French Bull, a New York company retailing worldwide.

Seems like the love for Alexander Girard is never ending. Now available exclusively at Urban Outfitters a few of his designs for the home. I am smitten with this paper doll wall art to decorate a little girl's room. Sweet, simple, punchy.