Kid o is not your typical store , and even if you can't stop by the store on 10th Street- you'll figure it out right away from their website. Kid o is the direct result of founder Lisa Mahar's desire to find products for her own children that have both great design, but also an educational focus.

We really like the organization on the website- you can shop by environment, age, activity, or educational philosophy. Choose from products that support the Maria Montessori philosophy or the Reggio Emilia philosophy. If you shop by age you can also find holiday gift ideas and top ten shower gifts. Of course, not only is it easy to find stuff- but the products are all things you'll want to find!

The pink tower is a classic Montessori tool. It meets both of Lisa Mahar's goals- great design and educational focus. It looks like a modern sculpture, but the ten handmade wooden cubes also teach your kids dimension, weight and stacking.

Underneath the activities section, we liked the Super Sunprint kit for $16. Designed by educators at UC Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science, all you need to make photographic prints is sun and water.

For the bedroom, this constellation pillow is one of our fav's. Look closer and you'll find the constellations actually resemble everyday objects like computers, sneakers, and a guitar.

Have fun perusing this website- and be sure to check out the articles in every section like "how furniture choice can encourage independence" or "the benefits of block play for children."