There is certainly no shortage of toys, yet it can be so hard to find the kind of unique, fun toys that your little one will love and you won’t mind having around. We’ve got a dozen great gift ideas — a good mix of classic and modern options — sure to please all the little elves at your house.

for brother

	Solar System Ball. Why would you want to hold the world in your hands when you can hold the whole solar system? This cute and educational version of the classic, rubber playground ball is destined to be a favorite. $9 at oompa.com.
	Classic ABC Blocks. No toy box is complete without ABC blocks. We love this heirloom quality set made in Vermont from solid maple and printed with numbers, letters and pictures in non-toxic inks. $50 (and worth every penny) at nicoandzoe.com.
	Noah’s Ark from Tier Toys. Rain or shine, this Noah’s Ark is bound to captivate your little one’s imagination. Twelve stackable layers easily come apart revealing 22 pairs of animal figures. When the fun has sailed, everything fits back together for self-contained storage. $50 at amazon.com.
	Art Time Easel from Ecotots. This wooden easel is every bit as much a masterpiece as the creations it will soon hold. The real beauty — it’s constructed of just three pieces and assembles in minutes with no tools or hardware required. Available in four colors for $150 with free shipping at fawnandforest.com.

for sister

	Kaleidoscope Blocks from Haba. Wooden building blocks are much more fun with these colorful, sparkly accents. Your child will also be fascinated by the view of the world through these plastic prisms. $38 at amazon.com.
	Tea Set from Green Toys. Green tea anyone? It’s hard to believe this darling set is made from recycled milk jugs. Unbreakable, food safe and perfect for real or imaginary tea parties. $18 at amazon.com.
	70th Anniversary Madeline Doll. It’s hard to believe that Madeline is 70 years old — she certainly doesn’t look it. Despite the vast age difference, though, your little one is sure to love this adorable doll and the award-winning story that inspired her. $30 at kidspreferred.com.
	Belle Fairy Castle from Le Toy Van. If your little princess is anything like mine, than no ordinary doll house will do for her toys — they need a castle. This four-story palace looks like something straight out of a fairy tale and is exactly what every little girl dreams of. $165 at amazon.com.

for baby

	Hoots the Owl Zadyball. This adorable owl will squeak with delight when your little one gives him a hug. Dreamed up and sewn with love by a mom in Arizona, a Zadyball is the perfect first toy for baby. $20 at etsy.com.
	Eternal Layette from Tea. Inspired by the serenity of a sleeping newborn, the soft colors and simple designs are soothing and luxurious. Every exquisite piece in this collection is made from the finest pima cotton to be ultra soft on baby’s brand new skin. Sold separately and in gift sets from $20 at teacollection.com.
	Knitted Vegetable Rattles. This yummy set is hand knit for a soft, engaging texture. Your baby will be the first one on the block to love her veggies! $45 at oompa.com.
	Nubbi Fabric Ball from Haba. He may be a little too young for catch, but baby will still have a ball with this squishy toy featuring a rattle and rustling foil. $18 at amazon.com.

As if parents needed one more thing to worry about, this year we have to add Swine Flu to the list. The 2009 H1N1 Type A Influenza Virus (the official name for Swine Flu) is supposed to be particularly severe, but unfortunately the symptoms are like regular flu symptoms, which means you and your doctor won’t know, just based on symptoms, if it’s Swine Flu.

The regular, seasonal flu is already easily confused with a cold. So along with stocking up on antibacterial gel, you might want to brush up on the distinctions between a flu and cold with following chart.

Comparing the Symptoms

Is it Serious?

If your little one has the flu, watch for the following symptoms that signal a child needs urgent medical attention:

• Have fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Have bluish or gray skin color
• Are not drinking enough fluid
• Are not waking up or not interacting
• Have severe or persistent vomiting
• Are so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
• Have fever with a rash
• Have a fever and then have a seizure or sudden mental or behavioral change.

Adults with the flu and experiencing any of the following symptoms should seek urgent medical help:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough