Eight Great Gifts For Kids

Know a budding car collector? These cool, sleek wooden cars bring kids play back to the basics. Developed by an industrial designer, automoblox inspires creativity by allowing children to visualize and assemble cars of their own. Not your father's matchbox, these mod cars come in range of styles, from roadsters, to pick-ups and in an array of fun colors. The X9 sport utility with its deep purple roof and matching tires will hold its own on any toy shelf. Prices start at $10 for the minis and $38 for the classics.

Please both your littlest adventurer and their eco-conscious parents with toys made of Sprigwood—a durable, child-safe, bio composite material manufactured from recycled wood and reclaimed plastics. The collection of rugged trucks can handle any backyard (or urban) terrain without a trip to the body shop. If you have a toddler on your list, they will love the Discover Rig, which channels their kid power to generate the lights and sounds of the buggy. Chose one of the 'captains' to plug into the vehicles via a USB port to narrate five different adventures. The Discover Rig retails for $65.

Possibly the cutest stuffed creatures ever. The mismatched, patchwork creations have the "look of old and loved, but with modern twists. Our customers love them", says David Hauck, owner of Tadpole (voted Best Shower Gifts in Boston). All of the quirky animals like Pikos the hedgehog or Chicos the hen are constructed of plush wide wale cord, vintage prints and tweed and beg to be squished. Prices start at $19.99 for the baby styles and $39.99 for the full size, like Pikos.

Channel the inner Lance Armstrong of your littlest rider with a bike that gives them the thrill of the wind in their face while developing their motor skills and and sense of balance. In classic wooden models or cool aluminum mountain bike style, LIKEaBIKE, has no pedals so kids ride it as a hobbyhorse, pushing with their feet to generate speed. Perfect for playgrounds, sidewalks and off-road, children learn the independence of riding on two wheels and it makes it easy (and fun) for them to tag along on errands around town. Prices start at $315.

One size fits all ...babies that need protection from Jack Frost's icy touch.  This ingenious solution from Paris based 7AM Enfant is a convertible foot-muff and blanket that adapts to fit all strollers and car seats. "In Boston where winter hits hard, parents love this because you can dress your baby for indoors, then let the blanket do all the work" says David Hauck. The ultra-soft insulated lining is finished with a quilted waterproof shell and comes in four color combinations to keep baby snuggled in style.  Prices start at $103.

The classic heirloom rattle is a timeless baby gift. Unlike the traditional, Areaware's hand-tuned, 16 tone rattle has the chime mechanism on the inside, creating a beautiful melodic, twinkling sound. "Everyone who picks one up remarks on the sound", says David. In gold, silver or hermatite, these striking rattles are a delight to the mouths of teething tots and to the ears of all. Rattles start at $110

The perfect first chair for the Miss or Mr. Muffet on your list. A precious scaled down version of the classic upholstered rocker that is just right for story time (or maybe even a 'time-out'). Tricia Christian, sister of one of my colleagues, passed along this unique find. "The rocking chair is one of the cutest presents I've ever received for my daughter and it's become my go-to gift for the special little ones in my life. I love how it can be personalized and customized to match the room and personality. And babies and toddlers love it! Makes them feel like little grown-ups." You can choose from their stock selection of fabrics—chenilles, polka-dots or prints, or submit your own fabric for a one-of-a-kind chair. Rockers start at $78.

Looking to outfit the trendsetting tot in your life? Shopbabytrends has a comprehensive collection of brands that are as unique and distinctive as the children you dress. From pint sized versions of adult labels like True Religion and Earnest Sewn, to niche designers like Ferd specializing in clothing for boys to See Kai Run for the perfect first pair of mary janes, loafers, ballet flats or booties, this site is constantly adding new lines to their A-list.