I love slipping little notes into my boys' lunches when I make them in the morning… and I'm thankful that (so far!) they aren't yet too embarrassed to have a note from mom with their food. But I love this idea that makes sending a message with them to school that much easier! More

I love the sounds of chirping birds when I go outdoors… even though it's still chilly outside, the birds are telling us it's only a matter of time before the world warms up again! If you're in the market for a new lunchbox for your little one, here are a few cheerful birdie bags to help herald the start of spring. More

The Montessori weaning method encourages babies to work toward eating independently as early as their introduction to solid foods, from learning to set their places to cutting their food and pouring their own drinks. It can be difficult to hunt down dishes specifically designed for Montessori, so we've rounded up everyday dishware that mimics the Montessori weaning staples. More

The Banana Saver
• $6
• Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

I know, this product seems a bit ridiculous and certainly single-use, but you should see what happens to the bananas I pack for my son in the ten minutes between our house and his preschool: bruised, blemished and brown. Short of bubble-wrapping them, I think this product may be the answer to my problem.

Kangovou Dishware Set
• $59
• Kangovou

This 9-piece set is not only attractive, it's thoughtfully designed and free of BPA, PVC and phthalates. The stainless steel cores wear "protective jackets"which help keep the contents hot or cold. Available in 4 colors.

Ba Baby Bottle Holder
• $14.99
• The Original Baby

This bottle accessory reminds me of the easy-to-grip O-ball (and it can also be used as a toy) and helps infants gain confidence in bottle holding. It's compatible with all wide neck bottles.

Kids Melamine Cup Set
• $22.50 (set of 6)
• Huset Shop

I love Danish company Rice and have eyed these colorful cups many times. Excited to see them at Huset to avoid international shipping. Great size for kids to drink from or to organize brushes, crayons, etc.

Adiri made a splash in 2007 with the Natural Nurser bottle which had a breast-like silhouette and colic-reducing venting. The Natural Nurser had a bit of a cult following, but many parents found it to be too leaky, didn't like filling it upside down and preferred to have one bottle with different flow nipples instead of buying separate bottles. The bottle was discontinued in 2009, but...it's baaaack, rebooted as the NxGen Nurser. More

Takenaka Melamine Tableware
• $10.50-17.50
• My Sweet Muffin

My son loves divided plates and bowls so one food does not "contaminate" the other. These BPA-free melamine bowls and plates from Japan can go in the microwave and dishwasher and come in several cheerful colors.

Baby Face Plate
• $25 (on sale)
• Pomme

Donna Wilson's playful knits are rivaled by her sweet ceramics. This baby face plate might be too precious to entrust to a young kid, but I love it nonetheless.