Placemats are invaluable in kitchens with kids. And the more wipeable the better. We love this simple idea that allows you to customize easy-to-clean kiddie placemats to your child's interests while at the same time letting you consider your room's palette.

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By now, everyone's back to school, but a few of us (*raises hand*) still need to get our act together. Anyone else still need some good lunch options? Lego love + lunch supplies = BINGO! More

Rings Glasses

• $.95 - $1.50
• Crate & Barrel

So many readers sang the praises of these glasses in response to this Good Question about real glasses for kids that I wanted to take a look myself. Indeed, they're small, stackable, sturdy, attractive and...cheap. Ikea has similar glasses and these are an ideal alternative.

Wee Tea Cups by Gleena

• $25
• Gleena Ceramics

These cups aren't necessarily made for children (the maker notes they are a nice size for sipping tea), but I think they'd make a lovely gift if not for the tabletop, then as a holder of special treasures. Choose a letter or for an extra $5 you can have it customized on the inside with a name or word.

If you have kids you probably have Eric Carle's books in your home. Their popularity hasn't waned since their publication and many deserve the label "classic." So it isn't a surprise that Pottery Barn Kids has licensed imagery from two of the most well known titles, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear for a line of home goods. More

Mom always told us not to play with our food. But what about the placemat? These cute animal placemats come with instructions to turn your mat into an origami version of the animal printed on its front. More

Picnics have always had a touch of the genteel about them. Wicker cases full of artfully stored china and cutlery. A bright checkered tablecloth covering lush green grass, preferably under an ancient tree with long lateral branches. Champagne, or maybe all the makings of a delightfully refreshing Pimm's Cup. Just you, your beloved, and Radio Raheem. That's right. Raheem is back and he is crashing your picnic. More

Alphabet Animals Silicone Placemat

• $18
• Modern Twist

The only thing that can make Modern Twist's kids' placemats better is to keep adding new great designs...and they have. If you haven't felt these in person I can tell you that the texture is soft and supple and they clean up in a snap. This new design helps teach the alphabet and provides the fun of coloring in each animal. Another new design features barnyard animals. Free of BPA, lead, latex, phthalates + other harsh chemicals.

These aren't your typical crinkly plastic bibs. No, siree. In fact, they're made in Nepal of hand-felted wool: More

Kathy of Safe Mama regularly shares cheat sheets for parents seeking safe products for their kids. She has covered everything from BPA free toothbrushes to PVC free rain gear. With her latest cheat sheet, Kathy provides options for parents looking to ditch plastic altogether. More