Kids on the coast

The veggies you see in the grocery department are chosen for popularity but, wild and wonderful organic veggie seeds are still available. Raise Derik the Dragon Carrot or Lucy Lettuce from seedlings and reap the goodness. This little brown paper bag will give you and your little farmer all the information you need about which crops grow well with one another, how to plant, nurture and when to harvest. RRP $4.50. Dig into www.heirloomorganicseedlings.com Read more

In this era of eating on the run, it’s about time food products became simple for baby too. Now you can warm his or her bottles without a microwave! Organic warming cartridges enable iiamoGo baby bottles to self-heat, so milk is stored at the optimum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. The bottles meet international safety standards and are BPA and phthalates free. RRP $49.95, warming cartridges $14.95 for a 6 pack. Find out more at www.ittybittygreenie.com.au Read more

You’ve already recognised the seemingly endless entertainment that decorating a meat pie with tomato sauce holds, so why stop there? Microwave and dishwasher safe, this plate allows the parent or child to decorate a face – with food! Make each meal exciting with a different face to create and eat. If mashed potato is not appealing, perhaps a white-haired grandpa would be easier to swallow. RRP $16.50. Discover this Food Face at www.urbanbaby.com.au Read more

Teaching your kids to hold cutlery in each palm was difficult, let alone attempting two pieces in one hand! Now there is a simple solution, where two chopsticks become one. A rubber figurine holds the chopsticks together at one end making the pincer motion easy for your child to grasp. The chopstick slips neatly into the bowl lid, which doubles as a plate. Brightly coloured with an eye-catching pattern this set is sure to bring ease and fun to the dinner table. RRP$24.95 a set. Available at www.urbanbaby.com.au Read more

Your toddler may no longer have the satisfaction of throwing their cutlery to the floor when using the Groovy Gripper, but you’ll never have to crawl under the table again for that elusive spoon. The Groovy gripper attaches to the child’s clothing with a clip and string, and can be transformed from a fork to a spoon and even a rusk holder. RRP $24.90. See how it works at www.groovygripper.com.au Read more

Going travelling during the next school holidays? Don’t have enough hands for the luggage AND the kids? This innovative seat attaches to standard carry-on bags, allowing you to glide through the airport while the kids lounge in comfort. Recommended for children up to 18kg, the chair folds flat to easily fit in overhead compartments. RRP: $100 and available at www.rideoncarryon.com.au Read more

Inflate your next kids’ party with these super huge balloon tubes. Simply tie off one end and blow up using the other. Once inflated, balloons will sail huge distances when thrown or bounce off the ground and generally provide endless fun. Balloons come in packs of three and there are three different packs to choose from. RRP: $9 and available at www.coolthings.com.au Read more

Transport yourself back in time with these delightful vintage kits for kids. Ladybird has stocked the tins with suitable products. Choose from a Doctor’s and Nurse’s kit, First Aid kit, Let’s Get Crafting Activity Kit and Tricks and Magic Activity Kit. We trialled the First Aid Kit on a long cub scout hike. It fits the bill and even came in handy! RRP $30 and available at www.larkmade.com.au Read more

Hold off the hungry hordes with these creative placemats. While you cook (or wait for food service in a restaurant), kids are kept amused with designs that amuse and inspire. Nurturing the inner artist, these mats are doodle-friendly with the use of washable or dry erase markers. Just clean off with a damp cloth and colour again and again. Placemats measure 40.5 x 35.5cm and the kit includes markers. Three different scenes are available for around $40 each and they are printed on foldable silicone. Visit: www.urbanbaby.com.au Read more

This delightful puzzle from Colorific uses a wooden bone to turn the cogs and change the expression on the face of a cheeky puppy. It is made out of durable, quality timber, this puzzle is recommended for those from 2-4 and develops motor and cognitive skills. If you DO lose the key, the puzzle still works with little fingers, so all is not lost. Other designs are available and prices vary. Available at Big W, K Mart, Toyworld and Toys R Us. For other designs visit www.colorific.com.au Read more