apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

For the really little ones, here's a soft vegetable rattle set, just to let them know there's something to look forward to.

Start practicing those knife skills early! This Cutting Food set lets younger children cut wooden bread and vegetables. The knife makes a satisfying thwack as it slices through the velcro, which has provided quite a lot of entertainment for some toddlers I know.

When they're old enough to hang around the oven, these Hothead Oven Mitts are sized for small hands and double as puppets.

From Montessori, The Learning Tower helps children participate more fully in activities otherwise occurring above their heads. This stool has high safe sides, letting them lean right up against the counter or sink. It's adjustable and can double as a puppet theater, desk, or something else imaginative.

Combo sandwich and drink holder lets them have organic juice or plain water and a homemade sandwich instead of soda and lunch line food.

Mobi storage bags come in nearly two dozen brightly colored designs. At $4.99 for 20, the price is a little steep for sandwich baggies. But they're so darn cute, and surely they're reusable. They would also make great treat sacks for birthday parties.