What's Inside? Toy Box from One Step Ahead

You know what's hard?

Buying toys for a 3-month-old.

I mean, what are they into at that age? Basically, they like your face. Any face, really, but mostly the faces of mom or dad. So what's a gift-giver to do, buy a kid a face?

Probably not going to happen.

But you know what, holiday shoppers? I am here to help. Seriously, I am. Because I am about to tell you about a toy -- created by parents, no less -- that my resident infant absolutely adores. The What's Inside? Toy Box is a treasure trove of playtime for the smallest people you know.

This seven-inch soft-sided cube contains eight small plush toys, in shapes including a rocket, a sun and the cutest sausage dog you've ever seen. Developed by Chelsea and Scott, a parent-owned small business, the toy is available from One Step Ahead.

One Step Ahead was already one of my favorite places to find great, innovative toys and tools for young children, and the What's Inside? Toy Box proved me right once again. I love the size of the toys inside, because they are just big enough to interest my son and just small enough for him to hold.

Also, they don't have any small parts that could get into his mouth, and thank goodness for that. I mean, I almost lost a finger to the little dude this week. EVERYTHING goes in his mouth right now.

The toys also provide a great way for parents to interact with their babies. We like to play "what's in the box" -- I reach inside and pull out one of the toys, and of course, I am always VERY SURPRISED to see that sausage dog again.

Speaking of the box, just this morning I watched my son reach for one of the brightly-colored designs on the sides. Appliques and ribbons give kids lots of ways to experience color and texture, and they also encourage their curiosity.

I can't say enough good things about this product, seriously. It is so hard to find good toys for the wee ones. I highly recommend this for every gift-giver with a baby on their list.

WIN IT: We have one What's Inside? Toy Box to award to a lucky reader of The Full Mommy (retail value, $34.95). To enter, send an e-mail to winfullmommy (at) gmail (dot) com with "WHAT'S INSIDE" in the subject line, by Dec. 1, 2008. The winner will be notified by e-mail. Please read the official rules for entering our giveaways.

COUPON CODE: If you want to go ahead and buy one, One Step Ahead is offering The Full Mommy readers a special discount on all their products. Just enter BLOGSAVE when you check out and receive a 15% on all purchases over $85, now through December 7, 2008.