the hippest kid

Pirate Costume by Wovenplay

This pick represents something I never thought I'd see: organic fabrics used on a child's costume. I could get very used to this whole mass-marketing "be green" trend.

Available at Tiny McSmall.

Mozartkugel

I recently learned about this controversial thing called the "Mozart Effect". Jude is obviously not going to become President now since I dropped the ball on this bit of musical baby brain-building. Oh well, I don't think I could pass the background checks required for White House access anyway.

Nonetheless, this Mozartkugel Music Box will be making a late entry into our home based solely on its beauty and simplicity. If it can perform grey matter miracles too, BONUS!

Available at Plastica.

Make a Plate

I think there is a Melamine meme going on.

First, I found these adorable aliens. Next came these trashy-hip mud-flap cuties and retro wallpaper designs. And just today I learned that The Wurst Gallery is curating an online exhibit of "Dishwasher Safe" art. 

After seeing the super cool hand-drawn creations by Eddie Martinez, I decided that Jude needed in on the action.

Using a Make-a-Plate kit, original artwork is converted into an unbreakable plastic plate. It won't be long before we'll be eating off our very own mealtime masterpieces.

Available at the Wurst and Target.

Slumber Bags

--Quick Pick--

When I was a kid, I had a sleeping bag that vaguely resembled a lion... albeit one that was pancaked by a semi. The flattened head functioned as a pillow and the lion's body was the bag. It even had little paws and a tail. Quite simply, I LOVED IT!

I think these super cute bags at Hearth Song have the potential to be just as endearing to the little Dude. And bonus, he won't lie awake wondering if all sleeping bags look like roadkill.

Available at Hearth Song.

Kid Tough Digital Camera

Jude hasn't experienced many important moments without a camera shoved in his face. My poor kid had the misfortune to be born to an amateur photographer.

I too suffered this fate as a child. My dad seemed to be around for every awkward phase of my life with that damn camera of his. You'd think I was the bershon poster child with all the attitude I gave him.

My child seems to be going with the flow much better than I did. He steps right up and poses like Zoolander whenever he sees me coming his way. In fact, Jude has shown so much interest in photography that I went on the hunt for a kiddie camera.

The results? An actual digital camera made just for tots! The product demo on the Fisher-Price site shows the camera tumbling down a flight of stairs, which bodes well for sturdiness. It also has a LCD screen preview, just like the grown-up cameras. This will be handy when trying to explain that whole stealing the soul of your subjects that occurs when he pushes the shutter.

I've wracked up some serious "turnabout is fair-play" karmic debt with this kid. I'm simultaneously thrilled and mortified by the prospect of Jude taking pics. I may need to brush up on my scowl!

Available at Fisher-Price.

Forest Friends Bower

It seems that Jude's imagination just exploded overnight. Sticks have become magic keys. Mom's legs now span rivers as bridges and an empty refrigerator box is transformed into a scary cave.

I saw this Tolkeinesque hideaway and thought about what wonderful enchanted adventures it could inspire. Some Middle Earth fantasy play can't hurt unless it goes on into adulthood.

Available at Magic Cabin.

Toy Piano by Schoenhut

As a child, I grew up with a plethora of musical instruments in my home. Ours was definitely not the case of the cobbler's children having no shoes. My dad was a musician and owned a music store.

Although Jude is only 2, I want him to have an early exposure to making music. I know what joy it brought to my life and I figure there's a 50% chance that he's got a musical gene in his body. I like to imagine that it sits in between the eczema and apple cheek genes that I gave him.

He already has access to some of my drums, but I wanted something sized just for him. After looking around, I found this funky little toy piano. Apparently Schoenhut has been making these things for eons.

Which reminds me of a sidebar topic... having a kid has really opened my eyes up to some unusual discoveries. For example, I never knew that I'd be replacing Jude's shoes every time I fed him. I also didn't know that my butt could slide down the back of my leg.

I found this cute little piano at Harmony Online via the Twink website. I've posted about Twink's wonderful toy piano musical creations, so I knew he'd be the guy to go to on the subject. The prices seem fair and the shipping is free, so soon I'll be enjoying the sounds of a two-year old pounding bananas into the keys. Like mother, like son, I hope.

Color Wheel

--Quick Pick--

Jude is a total savant when it comes to knowing his colors. He knows the difference between navy and turquoise blue, for pete's sake. It's the result of being raised by an art school mommy with a creativity agenda.

It shouldn't be surprising that I would love this combo color wheel and puzzle.

Available at Pottery Barn Kids.

Bed Tent

--QUICK PICK--

Grab a flashlight and have a camp-IN. I know I won't miss the bugs and peeing in the woods!

Available at Target.

I have a love/hate relationship with blowing bubbles. I LOVE the way they sparkle and delight Jude. I HATE the temper tantrums that ensue when he can't fully master the art of dipping and blowing.

Today, however, I found this nifty gadget at the local toy store and think it shows some promise. The bubble wands are chunky enough for little hands. I also appreciate that in this case, the term "no spill design" means "doesn't leak at all, even when thrown down the driveway to see if it cracks like an egg".

Available at Sensational Beginnings.