I feel like I’ve purchased every conceivable lunch box system in the world: from bento boxes to Tupperware containers, my kitchen is consumed with countless lids and pieces.

I cannot tell you how frustrating it is in the morning to pack lunch when I’m already late (I’m late as soon as I wake up every day; it’s mayhem and I hate it), and I cannot find the coordinating lids and tops and what not.

That’s why it’s wise to always stick to the KISS strategy when it comes to tots: Keep It Simple, Stupid! I have bento-style containers like this, but each compartment has a piece that comes out. It’s way too complicated for this harassed mommy. One container, multiple compartments, and one lid, courtesy of EasyLunchboxes. This simple, easy, affordable, and disposable-when-it-gets-gross container is AWESOME.

The compartments are completely separated, so they can toss this around all they want and the food won’t get mixed up. It’s not leak-proof, so no soup or liquids, although ketchup and yogurt seem to do fine if you’re confident your tot won’t keep it upside down for long. Which means, you can even buy econo-size yogurt and put it in one of the sections. For me, it’s sandwich or whatever the entree is, fruit and a snack item like yogurt, pretzels or cheese.

Its lightweight, easy-to-open lid makes it manageable for tots, and it’s the perfect size for elongated lunch bags (not the square metal ones from when we were kids). They come BPA-Free in a set of four – dishwasher-safe but I still wouldn’t heat the container at a high temperature. Then again, if it gets all warped, it’s cheap enough to toss and get more. On Amazon for $13.95 (for a set of four).

Baby clothes made from organic materials are essential for some parents, especially for their very little ones. There are so many choices now, but most still lack the cute factor that non-organic clothes offer. This is most notable when it comes to prints since it is hard to make organic dyes that are bright. The Softbaby Organic-Soft collection has both the look and lifestyle you want. The organic cotton they use is free of any chemicals whatsoever, and only eco-friendly water-based ink is used for printing. These one-sies and baby tees for newborns, babies, and toddlers are super gentle on their delicate skin. In fact, they possess a softness you’ll want for yourself – and you’ll equally love the designs. With a name like “Softbaby,” how can we resist? At Softbaby Clothing for $28-$30

Moncler down jackets: totally snobby, but not really my style. I’d probably change my tune if I lived in a cold climate, but they’re a little too sporty and generic for me. But this bright fuchsia blanket, on the other hand, is totally unique (and runs at a fraction of the price).
So puffy and pillowy, it almost looks like it could double as a sleeping bag – which is how I would treat it. I’d keep the fleecy soft blankets in the bedroom and use this durable down one for outdoor adventures. You never know when your tot might catch a chill, and stuffing this alongside the stroller will serve as a cozy buddy in any situation. Just make sure you and your little one don’t have feather allergies!
At Barneys New York for $205.

The Gap has this season’s best graphic tees for our little ones. They are following in the footsteps of Crew Cuts and their adorable appliqué T-shirts – but at prices that you want to pay. All of these darling tees have long puff sleeves and tulle trim at the cuffs and hem for an extra special touch.

For Valentine’s Day, it would be super-cute to surprise your tot with one of these. You can say, “I love you” to them and then they can say the same to their friends, family, and teachers. The cats in Paris and in love (in Bashful Pink) and the rose petal heart (in Maui Rose) certainly evoke the love message! For other moods, you have your pick of happy caged birds (Barely Pink), breezy balloons (off-white), or whimsical poodles (pink tulle). I just can’t decide between them – they are all fabulously cute. But at this price, what’s there to decide?! Take one of each! At Gap for $19.95 each.

Finally, a solution for the Bugaboo making it more tot-friendly – as well as parent-friendly: Tray Vous is the first full-sized tray accessory for the Frog or Chameleon strollers. Created by Lauren Moore, a busy mom who realized her favorite stroller was missing something, it’s a cup-holder and tray for snack time or a work station for toys, crayons, books, and games. A sippy cup holder keeps beverages in place and raised edges keep their stuff from falling off.

Tray Vous makes for a great way to help keep your tot entertained while you run errands. And, yes, it’s FDA-compliant and free of lead, BPA, PVC and all phthalates. This is one of those things you won’t know how lived without once you have it – I’m just surprised it’s taken this long to show up! At Tray Vous for $34.95.

I imagine many moms hooking onto a theme for their tot’s everything and going crazy finding and fulfilling it. Perhaps it’s polka dots, or frogs, or color combos – look no more. Pink Taffy Designs has got it covered for you. The Shop by Theme department of their “Unique Children’s Boutique” is one cool stop and shop for the motif-crazed!

If polka dots is your pattern, you can find car seats, snuggle sacks, Diapers & Wipees, leg-warmers, rugs, messenger and hobo bags, and even lunchboxes covered in them! If you’re more into the princess theme, you have your pick of sneakers, wall-hangings, pedal cars, tricycles, tees, tank tops, and tutus, bracelets, hats, and a fabulous table and stool. The prince doesn’t get quite as many choices, but we all know girls need more!

Whether it’s a western, sporty, or jungle-safari theme, you’re set. And there are more – from “Monkey” to “Things with Wings.”

This is a clever, and convenient, way to find a few of your favorite things. And it’s especially great for gift-giving when the shower or party is totally theme-motivated!

When a toddler duds start to get more costly than my own, I have to stop and pause. This Baby Dior dress ($745-$825) and Gucci jacket ($1,450) are both perfectly adorable – for us moms! So, strictly hypothetically speaking, would you spoil your tot as a Dior girl, in the classic New Look fashion with a fitted waist and pleated A-line skirt, or a Gucci glamour-puss, decked out in a vivid lavender leather bomber jacket?

Both are totally on-trend (and if you ask me, totally overpriced for someone who won’t appreciate them!). It’s all about painterly patterns this spring, and Dior’s bold brushstroke stripes are just right. Leather in unexpectedly girly hues is also making a strong showing. I’m just glad I don’t have a girl of my own, or else I’d be a little too tempted to deck her out right now!

There are some days (make that many days) when this saying would turn my frown upside down. It’s just like a kid to have such an amazing perspective, although this T-shirt was certainly conceived up by a grown-up. But it’s kids who actually put this outlook into action!

I just love it – all parents can relate! And even if your tot is having the naughtiest of days, it will be hard not to crack a smile when they’re wearing this tee. I also think I love this shirt because it reminds me of George Costanza, when he started doing the exact opposite of what he normally would do, going against his instincts, and finally his life fell into place (I miss “Seinfeld”!). On Lil’ Swanky for $42.

The Gyro Bowl may be advertised as “spill-proof,” but anyone with tots will tell you, if they want to spill something, they will! This is not some sort of Harry Potter magic bowl with a force field keeping all contents inside. It’s a bowl that sits inside a gyroscopic rim, allowing it to rotate and stay even. But it works on gravity – and gravity will always win. It can prevent accidents while walking, riding in a car, or with just your average wiggling.

But that’s if you hold onto it by the rim, as intended. If you hold it by the bowl, it does not rotate, thus allowing the contents to fall out if tilted. So it doesn’t work so well with younger tots. If they decide to toss the bowl, yes, things will go splashing. For older tots who don’t “want” to spill, it is a great tool for building their confidence by avoiding accidents. It’s rather fun – more like a toy or game. My own four and six year olds love it! And if you really do NOT want to spill, it does have a lid! On Amazon for $9.89.

…Although, in these sparkly sensations, I have a feeling she’ll be tapping her feet a lot more than that.

Trendsetter Dorothy was only 13 when she clicked her glittery ruby slippers.The pigtailed adventuress had the right idea. Glitter is a must for any self-respecting and princess-loving girl – old or young! And not just the costume-y ones that come in the Disney packages.

There’s a new troop of glitter-coated slippers (and loafers and boots) that are far too chic to be reserved for Halloween. These freshly be-sparkled shoes – Stuart Weitzman’s are a tad glam-rock, while Enzo’s are a cute tap-style take on the classic – are for the tot snob with the discerning eye. Not to mention, an eye for all that glitters. It’s only a matter of time before she’s requesting diamonds!

Todd Oldham continues to reinvent himself: he’s a fashion designer turned interior designer turned kids’ art guru. His 2009 book, Kid Made Modern, shows tots how to make craft projects inspired by mid-century artists. His latest collection, by the same name, is set to hit Target on May 20. It offers a huge assortment of arts and crafts, with all the kits and tools you need to make all sorts of fabulous things. From jewelry-making with felt and beads to a DIY comic book (including a book of comic cells, stencils, rubber stamps, and everything you need to make your own comic book), his creativity and quality is of the highest caliber.

Even his crayons are extraordinary! He has a giant crayon with 64 colors all mashed together so each stroke will produce multiple colors. And, he has designer duct tape so you can use it to create your bag, jewelry box, or refurbish an old chair. The possibilities are only limited by your tot’s imagination – and yours, too, because trust me, you’ll enjoy this as much as your little one!

See more at A Bullseye View.

I admit these pricy Gucci Children’s sunglasses are a bit ridiculous considering how kids drop, break, or lose anything that’s not actually attached to their body. But, how cool would your tot look in these? The Metal-Rimmed Shield Sunglasses have aloe/khaki/green frames, and, of course, sport the Gucci logo at the temples. Why, they’re so cool they even have a teddy bear printed on the inner arms. Is that to remind mom that they’re for kids only?!

Michael Kors once told me his secret of youth is to always wear the same aviator sunglasses. And it’s true – he hasn’t changed in photos in twenty years! So, why not start our tots early? I know it’s a total waste of money, but if you can afford it, get them and then buy an equally cool glasses neck chain so they won’t lose them! At Neiman Marcus for $170.

The 2012 Caldecott Medal, presented to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children, went to A Ball for Daisy, written and illustrated by Chris Raschka. This charming story is told with no words, and it doesn’t need a one. It embodies the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Spoiler alert: It’s a story about Daisy, an unstoppable dog, who loses her beloved ball (it actually explodes when another dog plays with it), and she falls into despair. Raschka delves into a gamut of emotions, such as sadness, loss, loneliness, happiness, and love. Thankfully, it has a happy ending.

It is a perfect book for interactive story time for you and your tot – especially one who is learning to form longer sentences (you can go through the book, verbalizing what is going on and ask your tot to do the same). Similar to the appeal of the silent film, images alone are sometimes so much more powerful (if you haven’t seen The Artist, get a sitter and go!).

I’m using this winner of a book to teach Chinese to my tots. It’s easy to convey meaning when you have perfectly illustrated pictures showing exactly what you are talking about. On Amazon for $10.19.

When it comes time for the “big girl or boy bed,” there are a few things to consider. Safety is number one: you don’t want mission- or slatted-style headboards and baseboards that little heads or feet can get stuck in. Durability is another biggie. Tots in new beds are known to jump and bounce around (whether we warn against it or not! What kid doesn’t love treating their bed like a trampoline?!). And practicality helps – some storage perhaps?

Today’s Tot Austin toddler bed has it all. With a solid, curved headboard and footboard there are no openings to entice little tot parts. It’s made of solid birch hardwood (no composites here) that is strong and durable, so it can happily take toddler abuse! And concerning functionality, it has a trundle drawer on metal runners underneath the bed that’s perfect for extra storage (and prevents little ones from hiding under the bed). And, of course, it comes with removable guardrails. You have a choice of cherry, natural, or oak finish to match any décor. So, as long as you’re not against putting it together yourself, the this is a great choice for after-the-crib and before-the-adult-bed. And at this price, you just can’t beat it!

On Babyage for $119.99 (marked down from $199.99 – and shipping is free!).

If you’re still trying to dissuade your tot from a living pet, why not try Huey first? Granted, it is a lamp, but it’s a robot glowing chameleon lamp that changes colors just like the real reptile. Huey will match the color of whatever surface he sits on. It’s not easy to explain to a small child how a chameleon actually has the ability to change color (how do they do that?), unless you have a cooperating Huey on hand. He will show your tot what a fantastical world we live in, in which science sometimes (almost all the time) seems like magic!

Wow, we had lava lamps, and now our kids have Huey the Color Copying Chameleon Lamp! That’s progress! At Think Geek for $29.99.

Let your girl dress down – and let her T-shirt dress up! This combines the concept of playing dress up with that of toying with dolls. Made of 100% organic cotton, you can choose between five different girls (your daughter will probably want the character with hair color that matches her own) and then she can choose the dress she wears.

Each comes with a Velcro bathing suit and a removable tutu dress (designed by Danielle Helmer), so you can buy additional outfits for your T-shirt friend.

This is a fun idea for little girls, but Lotty Dotty oddly carries this concept for grown women, as well. I wouldn’t recommend that – this is too cutesy, by far. Leave this for your daughter’s enjoyment only please!

At Lotty Dotty for $45.

Along with several partners, mom-of-two Jessica Alba just announced the launch of the Honest Company, an eco-friendly line of family essentials, which are available through a monthly subscription service at Honest.com. The safest and most sustainable products tend to be created by parents for parents, and there is no better mom for the job than Jessica.
“I’ve spent way too many hours researching products and driving around trying to find safer, eco-friendly options for my kids,” she says. “We had to make it easier.” Voila! After surveying moms all over the country to find out what families need most, the Honest Company launched a product line of diapers, wipes, bath and skincare, and household cleaning products all from natural, non-toxic ingredients.
They also make shopping as easy as possible. Each month, all the products are curated into a personalized bundle that’s not only made just for you and your family, it is shipped automatically. And this is just the beginning of their “honest” approach. Except much more to come from this earnest company.

Planning ahead is one of those things that sound like a good idea that somehow never comes through. Well, I’ll make it easy for you to start your warm weather preparation – get the suits ready before the weather turns nice and you’ll be sitting pretty with your lemonade in hand. The Mini Social is having a sale on Sunbusters swim wear, these all come with SFP so you get that added protection for peaceful mind when you are in blistering heat. Doesn’t that sound nice? The boardshorts are only $14 and the 2 piece suit with rash guard top is $24. There are a bunch of styles to choose from but like all sample sales, you must move fast. Shop now and feel good about being one step ahead.

What a great, fun way to reinforce that second (or third) language your tot is learning: French and Spanish Bingo! Covering six categories: animals, nature, market, colors, clothing, and vehicles, the game includes a pronunciation guide, along with colorful tiles to learn French or Spanish in a creative and enjoyable way. The object of the game is to fill a card with tiles by matching the pictures. And it is recommended for tots as young as three.

I just wish Eeboo had these clever Bingo games in more languages. I am trying (although, admittedly, not very hard) to teach my kids Chinese. Everywhere I turn, I am being tortured with guilt for not doing a better job. Maybe Eeboo can help me out!

There are so many resources available now (especially living in a melting pot like L.A.) that there is no excuse to avoid learning a new language. Forget dieting, my New Year’s Resolution is to teach my kids Chinese!
Spanish Bingo, $11.55, and French Bingo, $12.50, available on Amazon.

I can’t imagine a bathing suit cuter than this: a juicy watermelon number, complete with full, seed-spotted peplum flair, for your little one to make a splash in. Peplum is a major trend for spring – not that your tot cares about what took over the runways, but this sweet feminine look is extra-cute on little girls.

Soft yet striking pink nylon is fully lined, and it even has lime-green piping as the rind, and an accenting bow to match. Summer is the time for fun, and that especially includes getting a little camera-happy. Oh, do take way too many pictures of your tots in their bathing suits. At the beach, in the pool, wherever – these are always the shots that inspire extra ooohs and ahhhs when you look back. When she’s posing in a suit like this, you’re bound to get particularly wistful. At Barneys New York for $68.