Too bad there’s no Harrods in Boston. That’s where a London mama pal picked up her daughter’s unbelievably cute Miffy rolling suitcase. Meanwhile, you’ll just have to content your Miffy fix via print media. Among our very first baby books was "Miffy’s Magnifying Glass" ($5.99 at Amazon). The babe loved looking at the bright illustrations and that cute big bunny head, and I think the punch line is funny and fitting for parents in the trenches (literally) of diaper duty (although I should warn you that some reviewers on Amazon don't agree!).

Here’s to super sizing you’ll feel good about. James Diaz and Melanie Gerth’s series of jumbo books (shown: "My First Jumbo Book of Numbers") offers big, sturdy pages packed with colorful illustrations and lots of objects and colors to name. Babes will delight in the flaps, pull tabs, sliding pieces, pop ups, and wheels. A steal at $9.95, you'll be eager to expand your jumbo books collection to include the letters, colors, shapes, things that go, and dinosaur books. I picked up my jumbo books at Maxima Gift Center (locations in Arlington and Waltham, replete with cool gifts for both babies and adults); the series also is available at Amazon.

I am a huge fan of Melissa & Doug wooden toys, and was thrilled to find “My First Shapes Book." This wooden puzzle book not only has lots of great objects to help babes with their vocabulary and shape matching skills, but puzzle pieces are magnetic. We have had the book for several months and we still have all 32 pieces! I found my copy at TJMaxx, but you also can order a copy at Amazon for $14.99.