Susan Posnick's makeup line is perfect for the gal that needs high-quality basics with no frills attached. Her most dynamic product is COLORFLO, an all-natural, hypoallergenic, sweat-proof powder housed in a self-dispensing, refillable brush. It contains a UVA approved SPF 26 blocker for the sun's harsh rays. The pure mineral ingredients jibe well with sensitive skin, and are safe to use even after skin has been aggravated by waxing, peels, and other skin procedures. Use as a light powder, or build color with additional strokes--darker shades can double as a bronzer or eyeshadow under pressure.

The Toast Puzzle Place Setting at Broadway Panhandler will delight at the kids' table, buying you time to put the finishing touches on dinner (and maybe catch up with your guests over hors d'oeuvres). Hand carved from cherry wood and finished with flame-blackened "crust" edges, the utensils are enhanced with star and heart cutouts, and -- get this -- are fully functional. Call 866-266-5927 to order.

In the dog days of summer, enhance hikes, games, and outdoor adventures with Motorola's Talkabout two-way radio. No mere toys, these lightweight radios are as rugged as they look, and boast a range of up to 25 miles. Additional highlights include live weather alerts and a vibrate option for when you want to be the only one to know about incoming transmissions. Truly a step up from the walkie-talkies of old.

If you're the parent to an artistic boundary-pusher who's bored with old-fashioned pipe cleaners and Elmer's, offer up these outlandish Brain Noodles from Love. The jumbo, fuzzy pipes are perfect for accommodating a larger-than life imagination -- and may just afford you hours of extra quiet time. Build a colorful crown, a furry specter...or even an entire castle. Your height's no longer the limit!

This Nancy Koltes candelabra is so decadently fun, we couldn't help but take notice. Made from resin and painted in colors you can't miss, it's baroque with just a hint of Pop, adding a playful element to any room. Unlike most striking works of art, it's not too fragile for everyday -- the material easily wipes clean after each use. We like to think of it as low-maintenance luxe: plenty glam, yet not too precious. Call 212.995.9050 x12 to order.

Let's face it: as much as you want to encourage creative, active play, sometimes fingerpaints are enough to make you want to pop in a DVD instead. Enter this adorable smock by Petite Violette. Durable cotton fabric and a waterproof coating come together with attractive prints, to make a covering for your kid that's less rubber-duckie-raincoat and more budding-Picasso-in-training. The smocks are lightweight enough to avoid protest, and boast simple Velcro fasteners to boot.

Joining the ranks of long-time Tocca favorites Stella, Florence, and the classic Touch, Cleopatra Eau de Parfum is the newest addition to their fragrance family. Inspired by its namesake Mediterranean seductress, Cleopatra is sensuous and floral, with hints of warm patchouli and vanilla musk. With Tocca's signature attention to detail, every note is fine-tuned to perfection. And who wouldn't want to attract a man like Julius Caesar or Marc Antony?

Face it, now that you have kids that fine crystal won't make it out of the cabinet for another 18 years. But it doesn't have to be all cheesy plastic all the time. Mepra's Polycarbonate Collection looks nice enough to fake it. Use it inside or for dining al fresco--the polycarbonate plastic makes it unbreakable, dishwasher safe and microwavable. Besides these fun multi-colored glasses (which come in two sizes), the company also makes beautiful bowls and coffee cups.

Got an insatiable appetite? The Hungry Guides are adding to their collection with the release today of Hungry? Seattle Family. (They've already covered Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.) Perfectly sized to fit in a glove box and packed with easy-to-read icons, including those for vegetarian and exceptional kids' menu, and ambience factors (such as "noisy babies ok"), the book has helpful information for more than 200 restaurants. Thankfully there's also an icon for "drinks for Mom and Dad." Fun for the whole family whether you're a longtime local or just a tourist.

Remember how fun it was to catch lightning bugs in a jar? Today, kids can take insect obsession to the extreme with the Big Bad Booming Bugs Giant Bug Projector. Catch bugs with the bug scooper, pop 'em in the projector, and spend hours freaking out younger siblings with freak-show shadows. Or, if your child is less sadistic, get him the bug watch. Admire the little blinking guy in a wrist-worn dome for a few minutes, and then release the latch to set free.