As much as we feel punk rock changed our lives and we hope to expose our kiddos to what we’ve learned, we’re kind of conflicted about this funny little book. Never Mind Your P’s and Q’s: Here’s the Punk Alphabet, written by Paul McNeil and illustrated by Barry Divola, is pretty great we have to admit. The illustrations are histerical and each page introduces the alphabet in a totally unique way, for example “C’s for the Clash” and E is for Elvis (Costello, of course). But, uh, we feel really lame and totally unpunk saying this, but we might be changing some of the words a bit like “suck” and “up yours” when reading this one to our tots, at least until their older. The rest of the book, Blondie and Iggy Pop helping our tots to learn their ABCs, makes us feel warm and fuzzy in a punk rock kind of way. $22.99, here.

We grew up around board sports enthusiasts, but can’t say we spent too much time on skateboards ourselves. Maybe on our bums riding downhill, but other than that we were devoted supporters, and now we kind of regret not having learned to skate, too. Among the cleeo & bea tots, one of our little gals is quite the daredevil, so we won’t be surprised if she wants to pick up a skate or snowboard in the future. Nothing would please us more actually, provided she wears pads and skull protection. We love this little nutty helmet by nutcase, it’s one of the only ones we could find that would fit our tot’s nut. Equipped with one size spin-dial fit system, ABS injection shell, a shock absorbing liner and quick release buckles. Perfect for toddlers-5 year olds makes it an excellent deal for your buck.  Several cutie styles to choose from and of course this helmet can be used for biking or sooting. Size XS, $45.00, here.

We reviewed the bilibo mini last year as one of the best multi-use toys we’d seen to date. A bath toy and beyond, our tots have loved them, so we thought we’d feature the mini’s big sibling for its versatility, style and function. The original Bilibo is more than just a new way for kiddos to sit. Its unique form sets it apart from other seats because Bilibo can be used for so many other things. As a rocker, a table, a step stool, a helmet, or when stacked with another Bilibo it makes a perfect sphere to hide treasures in. Our only concern about the Bilibo is its price point. It seems a bit cost prohibitive. And for a design so simple, yet award winning, it may be swiftly overlooked by frugal parents. Look for it second hand.  $30.00, here.

There’s nothing like barbecue when having a picnic. We love this wooden barbecue fix’ins set by Educo. It’s perfect for pretend play and backyard, impromptu parties. Kiddos love the kebabs, we’ve seen them in action, and they’re quite neat. Tongs are also super for developing motor skills and flipping wood meats like fish and steak. Will provide hours of outdoor play, especially when mom or dad have the grill fired up. Non-toxic and great for the 3+ set, with a few small parts, so mind the little ones. Set includes tongs, kebabs + skewers, grilled fish, steak and condiments. Also, check out Educo’s sweet grill for the total experience. $27.99, here.

Our tots love to host tea parties, which is great because we enjoy drinking tea and heart pretend play. This tea set by Schylling ranks as the best present from grandma to date! Our toddler couldn’t put it down for 2 weeks straight. She even wanted to sleep with it at night. There’s just something so sweet and classic about having your first tea party. She likes to serve chocolate tea and wine at her parties and also enjoys giving mama and papa “nibblets” of her favorite treats on the plates. Our younger tot loves to gum up the tea set and smack the plates together. It does have a rather nice sound. Note: We had to remove the tea set lid so our little one could play with it. It was a definite choking hazard, but all other pieces are good to go. Easy for little hands to grasp and easy to clean as well, super lightweight and comes with its own suitcase. We wish the set was a little less girly, but other than that, we’re smitten. $17.99, here. 

We’ve been reading Tana Hoban’s books to our wee ones since they were only a few days old and now, as our tots are becoming toddlers, we’re getting into her photo books. They’re really beautiful. “Shapes, Shapes, Shapes” is one we recently picked up at the library and the kiddos can’t seem to get enough of it. As a photographer, Hoban exhibited great examples of shapes like circles, triangles and stars found in every day objects. In “Shapes, Shapes, Shapes” she does just that and asks the reader/child to find the shapes within each picture. We love the open lunch box with its checkered tablecloth, round and oval eggs and heart-shaped cookies. Perfect for kiddos learning the difference between a circle and square. $6.99 here.

We’re raising amateur photographers in our kiddos and are hoping that by the time they’re old enough to truly appreciate taking pictures, they’ll be able to find a camera like this. Maybe not quite like this, but close. We love this wood camera we found at romp and are bringing it back this week, because it’s the best toy starter camera we’ve found for the wee ones. It’s equipped with an adjustable lens, a see through view finder and a durable cord for toting, tourist style. Constructed from New Hampshire hard wood, likely to become kindling. The only thing this camera lacks is a case. Maybe we’ll have to sew one with our newly acquired sewing skills. Good looking, durable, and one of a kind eco-friend that will last beyond one kiddo. Priceless. 5″ x 3 1/2 “x 4″. $32.00 at romp.