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Comfort and joy; Practical gifts and fun toys can soothe babies, making for calm parents

By Kristi Elliott, Source: Tribune Media Services

Holiday shopping for a child under the age of 2 can provide some challenges. Does it count as giving a gift for the baby if it’s really more beneficial to the mother? Does baby need yet another onesie? Should baby be spoiled with toys when the only thing she’s going to end up playing with is scraps of wrapping paper and scattered boxes?

Fortunately, a lot of practical products fit right in with a baby nearing toddlerhood’s desire to “do it myself.” There also are a slew of products out there that will make life happy for baby -- which makes for a happy momma as well.

Elmo’s Tickle Hands

18 months +

$29.99, major retailers

Send baby into giggle fits with these furry red mitts designed to look like the hands of everyone’s favorite Sesame Street monster. Push Elmo’s nose on one hand, and the glove sings a song encouraging kids to dance and move, and then vibrates to help get the laughs rolling. The mitts are designed for kid-sized hands, but mom or dad could get a couple of fingers in them to help turn a fussy baby’s frown upside down. The toy comes with a DVD that helps kids learn Elmo’s latest dance. Bonus for parents: The packaging for this toy uses minimal tape and tie-downs to keep it in place, so kids can tear into it and be ready to be ticked in seconds. The required AA batteries come pre-inserted into the toy.

Zoocchini Five-Piece Dinner With Friends Set

12 months+

$23, children’s boutiques and online retailers

What better way for a “big boy” to celebrate the holidays than by eating at the table with his very own dinnerware? This whimsical animal-themed set is perfect for holding the attentions and withstanding the abuse of a near-toddler. All sets come with plate, bowl, fork, spoon and sippy cup with lid. The items are BPA- and phthalate-free. Zoocchini also offers giant plush animals that compliment the critters on the dinnerware set. These big, cuddly toys come in a plastic paint can good for toy storage.

Wonder Pets Schoolhouse Adventure Playset

18 months +

$39.99, major retailers

Little fans of the Nickelodeon show will get hours of enjoyment out of this playset, which is full of all the great rescue surprises that make the Wonder Pets a favorite. Kids can carry out the adventures with the flyboat and all of the Wonder Pets characters including Linny, Tuck, and Ming Ming and a baby piglet. Setup for the playhouse isn’t too complicated, with just a few big pieces to snap onto the base, but it’s all snug enough in the package that parents of the show’s biggest little fans may want to help Santa set this up before sunrise. Talking elements of the playset require three AA batteries, which are preloaded.

Sophie la giraffe

All ages

$12-$20, children’s boutiques and online retailers

This tres chic natural rubber teether proves that babies and parents still fall for the simple things in life. Sophie’s cheeky smile and squeaky belly are sure to delight babies and parents alike. Friends Chan, Pie and Gnon offer the same concept with different colors and shapes for baby to enjoy. This French favorite has made a huge splash in the baby world in the United States in the last couple of years.

Soft Hugwear Bear & Blanket Set

18 months +

$13, Wal-Mart stores

This giant, soft plush teddy bear holds either a big cuddly blanket or a pair of socks, making it a comfortable and practical gift for children and parents. The size of the bear is the only thing holding it back from being a gift for all ages; the 14” stuffed animal is probably bigger than most newborns.

Little Superstar Jammin’ Band Musical Microphone

6 months +

$49.99, major retailers

Parents who spent their pre-baby days entertaining friends with “Rock Band” competitions will happily accept this easy-to-use and versatile toy to make future rock stars of their kids. A real working light-up microphone that amplifies baby’s voice and rewards vocalization with encouraging phrases. Baby can press the light-up piano keys, guitar and drum on the microphone stand in two modes of play to hear ten songs (six sung), musical riffs, fun phrases, scats and sound effects. A detachable maraca and tambourine add rhythmic fun. The stand is a perfect height for a sitting baby in its lowest position. When baby is ready, the stand height can be extended with a sturdy handle for extra stability to make it just the right size for a standing baby. While the stand pieces may look menacing, the main microphone unit is ready to entertain baby right out of the box.

Cuskiboo

All ages

$36, children’s boutiques and online retailers

Part blanket, part washcloth, part toy, this simple item is designed to be a comfort aide to help baby sleep. Easily washable, the cloth arms and legs of this import from the United Kingdom will comfort and soothe babies with its touchably soft bamboo fabric.

© 2009, Tribune Media Services