Our Must Haves For September

Study after study show that our kids are experiencing hearing loss because they're listening to music and movies too loudly. BuddyPhones ($25 each) limit volume to 85 decibels — a safe level for kids' ears— but do so in a way that won't leave kids swapping out the headphones for their parents' earbuds. Each set comes with five sets of stickers so kids can customize their headphones, and, perhaps most exciting, each set comes with a built-in audio splitter so up to four kids can plug in to watch the same movie or hear the same music simultaneously. Genius!

— Rebecca Gruber, Moms editorial director

This collection is a blogger's dream — everything is gold and beautiful — and I think most moms will want things out of this collection for their home decor, let alone for their teen's room! The line has some really timeless pieces like the heart sheet sets and a ladder book shelf, and some quirky purchases — like a unicorn head or a lamp with duck feet — that take a tween room to a teen room with a little bit of gold dipping and fun. My personal favorites? These critter pillows ($39 each) with gold sequins — they might actually inspire your teenager to want to make their bed in the morning!

— Alessia Santoro, Moms assistant editor

So often, the most adorable children's cups and bowls are also the most impractical – with function taking a backseat to an eye-catching design. But the My Natural feeding line offers the best of both. The brand's Eco Bowl ($10) features an ergonomically correct, environmentally sound design that children will also love to eat from, thanks to subtle ear ridges that keep spoons in place, a slip-resistant base in the form of feet, and a unique spill-proof front that's made to look like a fox, owl, or raccoon.

— Kate Schweitzer, Moms editor

This personalized storybook ($30) is truly special. Rather than having their name slotted into pre-made spaces like in other personalized books, this story is completely different for every kid, based on the letters of their name. In the story a little girl or boy wakes to find they cannot remember their name, and must go on a magical adventure to find out what it is. When ordering, you choose whether the book is for a boy or a girl, and then type in their name so that the story is randomized based on the letters. This book helps children learn their letters, what their name looks like, and how to spell it — not to mention, they get to go on a special journey to find it.

— AS

For some babies, bath time is the best time. For others, well, not so much. Try to make bath time more fun with SoapSox ($15), which come in a variety of animals — shark, dolphin, hippo, and more — and make washing up a more bearable experience. The gentle terrycloth material is ideal for sensitive baby skin, and the animals make getting soapy seem more novelty. If your child loves their SoapSox, it can be put in the dryer and loved as a stuffed animal during the day, then be a friend who can get ready for and experience bath time with your tot.

— AS

Toys that inspire creativity and imagination are my absolute favorite. These gear builders ($22, originally $28) are great for exploring different possibilities, learning about reactions, and using creativity. Your child will likely never build the same setup twice, meaning a unique experience every time she plays with them, which will make it less likely to end up in a dusty, not-played-with box under the couch.

— AS

Since subscription services are all the rage for adults, why not consider one for your tot? The Hoppi Box ($75 for one box, $264 for four boxes/year) is a toy subscription for your little one that nurtures their development. The high quality, age-appropriate toys will be suited for your child's stage of development, encouraging motor, cognitive, and social skills along the way. This box will definitely help some parents to avoid making meaningless purchases in the toy aisle — we've all been there.

— AS