From lazy days at the pool to evening bonfires at the beach, summer is jam-packed with photo ops requiring that your camera be at the ready. BuiltNY's 'Hoodie' camera case is made of cushy neoprene to protect your fragile LCD screen, has an hidden interior pocket for storing memory cards or extra batteries, and comes with both wrist and belt straps for easy access. Plus, the graphic prints make them far more appealing than the typical boring black canvas.

For kid-friendly cameras to slip inside, click here

If every other kid in school also has the Dora bag, consider upgrading to something truly unique. Vessel's Zoo Collection bags are made of sturdy canvas and have bright, graphic designs that featuring giraffes, elephants, and porcupines. The company also makes zippered sacks that are perfect for taking toiletries to sleepaway camp and adorable beach hats.

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If you think an Ipod is the be-all end-all of mp3 players, prepare to be proven wrong. With the Sansa Fuze, you can store up to 2,000 songs, listen to preset FM radio stations, play videos or peruse photos on the color screen, or lay down your own tunes with a built in voice recorder. Best of all, when the little gadget is full, you can purchase a tiny memory card to double the capacity. The Fuze comes in five colors, with an impressive 24 hours of battery life so you can rock out all day long.

Say goodbye to your bulky nylon laptop bag, with its thick, seatbelt-like chest strap. As our computers are getting smaller and sleeker, so are their carrying cases--like this bag from Urban Junket, which combines handbag and briefcase in one. The rich mahogany leather and detachable crocodile- textured pouch make this piece lust-worthy while the internal organizational pockets and zippered laptop sleeve are all function.

If the weathermen are correct, the coming months are going to be especially rainy, and nothing can sour your morning like an inside-out umbrella on your way to work or school. Thankfully, the clever people at Senz have put their heads together to improve upon traditional models. Don't let the wacky shape put you off; its award-winning, aerodynamic build is what gives it the strength to withstand winds up to 70 mph, keeping you nice and dry through the spring.

The onset of boredom while on the road is next to unavoidable -- and doesn't make the journey feel any shorter. Next time you find yourself in a mid-level panic over what to do with the kids, turn off the Game Boy and look to Think-ets. The little mesh pouch holds a host of fantastical trinkets including a tiny building block, a horse, a silk flower, and twelve more to spark the imagination. Instructions for 10 different games come with the set, but these intriguing little figures may even inspire them to create their own.

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In need of some comfy, portable seating? We recommend Mia's floor pillows from Bliss Living, made in brightly colored patchwork prints, accented with covered buttons, and trimmed in dupioni silk. At almost two square feet, they're hefty enough to be extra cushy, and don't let the luxe fabrics fools you -- whether on your living room floor, inside a great blanket fort, or just in front of the tube, these cushions are made to be well-used.

We are always on the hunt for something small and desirable to hold other small and desirable things. Snapdesign's graphic makeup bags and coin purses are our favorites of late. Beautifully handmade in a variety of colors and styles and embellished with decorative top stitching, you can buy matching sets or mix it up. The leather holds up well in even the most high-traffic purses, and the zip closure will hold business cards, travel items, you name it!

If you're looking forward to taking the babes out on your run in the ever-warmer spring weather, try out the new Phil & Ted Vibe. Improving on the original inline model (which lets two kids ride in a single-width buggy), the vibe is 2 pounds lighter, has a wider seat, and is lower to the ground for a smoother ride. With a one-touch brake, waterproof fabric, and a tough, aluminum frame, we can't wait to take it out on the jogging trails. For more great strollers, see our story.

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It's a common conundrum: You want to display photos easily, but you don't want to ruin them with pin holes. To help, OXO's MagTacks combine a pin and a magnet -- you push the tack wherever you like, then use the magnet to secure your photo or note. And as always, OXO has gone the extra mile to create a smart design: when not in use, simply flip each pin over and slide it into it's magnetic cap. Voila: total protection from pricked fingertips. We think it's a great way to display artwork, too.

When planning a birthday party, there are lots of details easily forgotten (where are the candles/matches? Little Jimmy is allergic to peanuts? How old is Aunt Jane, anyway?) Now you can be sure to remember one: a cheery, festive banner. Especially useful for impromptu parties (as those long-planned for), you can reuse this year after year -- the all-fabric set comes with tie-on numbers, from zero to nine. As for the age thing, you're on your own. See our birthday party index for fun party ideas!

These Happy and Cheeky mixing spoons from Kid Central Kitchen definitely earn their name -- we just look at them and smile! We're also betting they'll make any picky eater that much more eager to experiment in the kitchen. Made from melamine and available in a selection of bright colors, a whole set would make for a nice pick-me-up in the kitchen -- we suspect you might start enjoy them as much as the kids.

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Want a touch of the exotic in your kids' decor? These Morrocan-made Zid Zid bookends are a playful way in. Made from faux leather and beautifully embroidered, these pudgy pachyderms can stand up to the weight of 50 books. (They're filled with natural sand, so you know they aren't going anywhere). We think they'll blend in nicely with Junior's other stuffies (click here for more newborn gifts) -- and when he outgrows them, they even look swank enough to go in your room!

Marimekko designers Maija Isola and Kristina Isola have taken classic Nordic animals (we especially like the elephant), and turned them into bright, eye-catching towels for the kiddies. Though they're big enough for the beach, they aren't so juvenile that you can't keep 'em in the bathroom-in fact, we recommend you do. They're cheerful, and besides, the 100 percent cotton will be downy soft on your family's skin.

Boon, the perennial inventors of cool-looking kids' products, is now offering up these ingenious little Benders. From 9 months and older, babes can use them to learn the art of eating with utensils. Bend the easy-grip, dishwasher safe spoon or fork at its flexible neck to create an angle; the better to get those blended yams into their mouths, my dear. As they grow defter at wielding a spoon, you can slowly straighten the apparatus out. Pretty smart, no?

We know you're already something of an artist during feeding time (getting the food into her mouth, airplane-style, takes a creative type). The new Skip Hop Palette Plate masters the art of finger foods - three microwave-safe drop-in bowls fit into the palette, and there's even a skid-resistant cup area and matching utensils. After meals, pop on the translucent covers and stick the leftovers in the fridge.

Puzzling over the tough-to-buy-for person in your life? Think about small, useful gifts you can glam up, like the Cristofle eyeglass case and business card holder. More than mere accessories, these items are so luxe you'll feel like you're giving jewelry, but they aren't so froufrou (although they are French) that the more masculine on your list will be offended. We think they're great for a boss or coworker. Call (877) 728-4556 for ordering information.

Carrying your baby around is a joy, but sometimes those painful baby carriers can make you feel a little like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Not so with the M1 Carrier from Regal + Lager. The ergonomic design supports the back, almost to the point of posture-correcting, but still manages to be comfortable for long-term wear. Several straps make adjusting a breeze, and the material wicks nicely, keeping little baby's drool under control. The whole thing is actually very intuitive, once you figure it all out; sort of like parenting.

It looks high-tech, but upon closer inspection it's hard to imagine who wouldn't find use for Gecko Grip Level from Black and Decker. No ordinary bubble-in-a-tube tool, the Gecko is equipped with specially designed Gripper pads to hug the wall, preventing the level from slipping while you mark your target. And in an extra stroke of genius, designers built in sliding "Accumark" tools, which allow you to pinpoint the precise distance between the nail and the top of the frame. (No more estimating with thumb and forefinger). So go ahead; decorate those empty white walls!

Much lauded for it's hydraulic folding system and it's easy-to-navigate three-wheel design, The Quinny Buzz stroller just got a stylish makeover. Quinny's limited-edition Thumbprint Collection owes its whimsical, hand-finished look to designer Lela Rose, whose children Grey and Rosey generously lent their thumbprints to the cushy seat cover's pattern. Lela then added intricate cross-stitching and cherry red accents for a homespun yet modern feel. The strollers first become available tomorrow, so move fast; only 300 were produced. And check out our road tests for more great stroller picks.

Samsung's brand new U3 MP3 player may finally lead you out of the iCraze. The affordable little portable comes in five bright colors and works right out of the box. Just plug it into your computer's USB port--which doubles as its charger--and you can load it with up to 1,000 songs or other files, including MP3s, text files, jpegs, and more. Plus, unlike the seemingly-similar Shuffle, this one actually has a screen--meaning you won't have to navigate your playlist blind. It even boasts an FM radio, voice recording, and up to 15 hours of battery power. Sounds smart to us.

Now there's no need to use those clunky, germ-ridden restaurant boosters; the Little Beetle Baby Chair can fit in your purse or diaper bag and go anywhere with you. The lightweight fabric chair folds into a small pocket. Unfold it, and your child over 6 months can be strapped snugly onto most regular chairs. The beetle is even machine washable. If only they made strollers this easy!

Though it's billed as the ultimate homework tool, Leapfrog's FLY Fushion Pentop Computer just may revolutionize your own note-taking system. The sleek little pen boasts a calculator, MP3 storage, and even a Spanish dictionary. To use it, just jot down ideas, notes, and reminders on the special FLY paper. Write down a math equation, and you'll hear the answer instantly. Write out an English phrase and you can hear the Spanish equivalent. And once at home, plug that guy into your USB port, and your notes convert automatically to an email or a searchable word document. Meet George Jetson...

For kids, the pain of a broken bone is somewhat tempered by the glee of wearing a cast their classmates can sign. Now, with Ouchies Make Your Own-Ages, you won't have to go to the emergency room to get in on the fun. 20 pink, blue, purple, orange, and yellow bandages and three markers come packed in the tin, so that the kids can entertain themselves decorating while you swipe on some bactine. We can't promise distraction to the point of no tears, but the resulting badges of courage will be much more personal.

Just say no to plastic. Sigg's water bottles, long considered the go-to favorite for the fashionable environmentalist, marry Swiss design with a myriad of pretty colors and patterns. Made from single-sheet aluminum, the bottles are crack-resistant, effective against leeching, and impossibly lightweight; they also protect against residue build-up for easy cleaning. As a result, drinking filtered water from a Sigg vessel is actually healthier than spring water bottled in chemical-laced plastics--for you, your kids, and our landfills. Any questions?

In an ironic nod to the quick fix, this Yellow Pages Booster by Modern Tots is lightweight, portable, and pretty cute with your kid plunked on top of it. Made from foam and suggested for kids 3 and up, the seat is far less slippery and unsightly than a real stack of yellow pages (and in our internet age, it's probably more useful, too). Click here for more of our favorite boosters.

Pack any sack lunches lately? The lunchtime garbage generated by just one child reaches roughly 67 pounds each year -- and keeping your house in sandwich baggies can cost a good amount, too. Just in time for back-to-school, Lunchopolis has a solution. The lead-free insulated lunch box comes with four reusable plastic containers and one bottle, which all fit snugly together in an upright position (no more smashed sandwiches!) for easy packing and taking. The bottle even has a wide enough lip to hold ice cubes, meaning it can double as a cold pack for any perishable food.

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.

Wouldn't you love a bag that does it all--gym clothes, diapers, beach gear, work stuff, etc? Check out the Built NY Duffle. Made from the same stretchy neoprene that has made their lunch totes famous, the bag can even pinch-hit as a cooler. It comes with a nylon webbing strap that eases the load on your shoulder, and though it repels moisture, the bag is also machine-washable.

The Chameleon Quick Change Handbag Insert, though possibly not the most glamorous thing you'll ever own, will definitely make your life easier. Available in three sizes and 11 colors, you can match almost any purse in your arsenal and benefit from a pocket for everything--money, cell, cash, credit cards, you name it. When the time comes to switch bags, just pull it out of the old and stick it in the new.

The new Comfort-Lite Deluxe Portable Lounger by Brookstone will allow you to enjoy the beach or fireworks in style. The ergonomic design takes the stress off your neck and legs, the nylon is breathable to keep you cool, and you can fold the whole thing up and throw it over your shoulder. The chaise comes in four colors and is also rust and mold-proof.

Sure, it's nice to see a photograph of a new baby along with the announcement, but the dirty secret is that all newborns kind of look the same--like wrinkled prunes. Why not shake things up a bit and broadcast the personality lurking within your new addition? E-mail a picture of the tot to Rattle-N-Roll along with the pertinent info, choose from five rockin' templates (or work with them to create a custom design), and it will have the announcements--and even a couple of real posters--shipped to you in 10 to 12 days. We dare any friends and family to ever throw these puppies away....

Nothing is more emasculating than carrying a bag with pink polka dots or flowers. (Never mind that it's stuffed with binkies, toys, and powder-scented wipes.) But rather than pull Dad off diaper duty just so he can retain his street cred, get him one of these testosterone-friendly totes. The city-chic Fleurville Re-Run comes with a wipe case and changing pad and has a fleece-lined pocket for electronics or sunglasses; we also love that it's made out of recycled plastic bottles. JJ Cole's System bag has a sportier look, a smart pacifier pod for baby, and an MP3-player pocket with cord escape for Dad.

This durable foam bath-spout cover, from the innovative company 4Moms, does double safety duty by incorporating a quick-reading thermometer that displays the temperature of the water as it pours out. The backlit screen is green when the water is safe for washing up in, fades to blue when it is too cold for comfort, and flashes red when it's too hot. And should the temperature suddenly shift, an alarm will warn you. Basically, it worries about every detail—so you don't have to.

Potty training is hard, but at least now you can make it less disgusting. Instead of, er, dumping the contents of a kiddie toilet into an adult toilet, why not opt for the two-in-one Transitions toilet seat from Kohler? It includes a smaller, child-friendly seat as well as a regular adult one; is easy to attach to any toilet with just a couple of screws; and even comes in three color options to match. Quick-release, slow-closing hinges make cleaning easy and slamming impossible. Plus, it just might instill that ever-valuable putting-the-seat-down habit in little boys ... or their fathers.

If navigating your kid's messy room feels like tromping through a jungle, these Ape Hangers might be fitting. Crafted in Sweden from durable Valchromat board and available in red, brown, and black, they hang nimbly by one arm from any hook or clothes rod. They are sturdy enough to take a beating and make picking up a room more fun than a barrel of ... well, you know.