Pearl River has a great selection of lunchboxes, most are stainless steel but this melamine lunchbox set will brighten up any kid’s day. Three tiers clip together with a metal handle ready to be loaded up with delicious lunchbox goodies. For the little snacky bits, the top tray is divided into three useful compartments.

Size: 6.5in. x 6.5in. x 9in. (h. with handle)
Also comes in blue/green

US $31.50 from Pearl River

Shipping to the US and Internationally

This adorable wooden steamroller from Bajo is perfect for little tykes. Ages 1+

US $10.99 from Oompa

Shipping within North America only

Lori Joy Smith is one of my favourite illustrators. Her sparkling new 2006 Christmas cards in sets of four are now available at her “little shop”. Her clear, bright illustrations would be just perfect for kids. You have the choice of either four different designs or all the same.

US $15.00 for a pack of 4 from Lori Joy Smith

Shipping within the US

This balsa wood flying machine has a 17 inch wingspan and is powered by an elastic band. It’s lightweight and designed for long distance travel. Ages 10+

US $5.19 from Guillow

Shipping within the US; inquire for overseas rates.  Minimum $10 online purchase required.

These jump boots strap onto regular athletic shoes to let kids enjoy the fun of a trampoline anywhere. The skid-resistant material is safe to use indoors and out. Ages 5+

US $90.00+ from RedEnvelope

Shipping to US only

Wall decals are a great way to decorate a dull wall quickly and easily - especially if you are in a rental property. Fun farm animals will have kids breaking out into rounds of “Old Macdonald” day and night… Includes sky, tangerine, kiwi, lemon and 4 each of 6 farm animals. 24 decals/pkg.

US $45.00 each from Modern Nursery

Shipping to the US
No International shipping stipulated (try Sparkability)

I have a set of these little cardboard suitcases in my studio which old little odds and ends that have no where else to go. They are very useful and very cheery. I have just ordered a set each for my kids as I know they will look great in their rooms and be perfect for holding hair ties and clips, little doll bits, toy cars, shells, marbles, secrets and treasures. The come in great colours including a hot pink, a canary yellow and an apple green.

From AU $14.95 for the smallest from Baby’s Got Style
Other colours can be found here

Shipping to Australia and Internationally.

This 38 piece pirate ship comes with figurines, furniture, a telescope and even a treasure map. Ages 3+

AUD $129.00 from Bambini Pronto

Shipping within Australia and Internationally

New from Chronicle Books is “Game Night” by Scott McNeely, a 56-page illustrated paperback book which is accompanied by a deck of playing cards, a score pad, winner’s log, color sticker sheet, six dice and dice shaker. Turn off that TV, pop some corn, take the phone off the hook and round up the family for a night of frenzied gaming.

Size: 9-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 2 in; 56 pp.

US $24.95 from Amazon

Shipping to the US and International destinations

There’s nothing like a funky, wooden, orange, 2 sided kitchen centre to take kids to make-believe culinary heaven. One side is a stove top and oven while the other side is a sink and dishwasher. PlanToys are made from natural, chemical free rubber wood and finished with non-toxic and child friendly colors. Adult assembly required.

Size: (assembled) H 41.25 x W 16.5 x D 16.5 inches

US $129.99 from Oompa Toys

Shipping to the US, Canada and Mexico
International shipping available for orders above $300

One of my favourite pre-Christmas excursions is to AK Traditions in Prahan. Their signature doll Dinara was designed here in Australia and each is made by hand in the Krygyz Republic in central Asia using beautiful natural textiles such as handmade wool felt and yarn. Dolls may vary according to the availability of fabrics and yarns. Please contact the store via email with your preferred currency and the code of the item you are interested in. The code for Dinara (above) is Dcd

Price on application from AK Traditions

Shipping to Australia and International shipping available to select countries

This brilliant electronics building kit safely teaches kids about electronic circuits. There are over 500 projects for them to make, including radios, doorbells and a voice recorder. Ages 8+

US $61.99 from Amazon

Shipping to continental US only