by Joyce Slaton posted in Products

Maybe you're on the hook for a birthday party gift this week, maybe you're going to a shower for your boyfriend's niece, maybe you just need a little something to make your own kids smile. If you show up with any of these things in a gift-wrapped box, you'll make everybody go "Awww!" without bankrupting yourself.

1. Green Toys Dump Truck: It's made in the U.S. It's made out of recycled milk jugs. It's super-solid and lasts forever, and just look at how cute it is! Everyone at the party's going to want to get this one out to play with it. (Amazon, $18.76)

2. Potholder Loom: The potholders that you wove out of stretchy bands didn't really work that great to shield your hands from hot pots and pans. But the aunts and grandmas you made them for cherished them and kept them always. Deliver the tradition to the next generation with this little-money, big-fun loom. (Target, $14.99)
3. Bird wings: There's not a child out there who doesn't want to strap these on and go flying all around the park. Bonus: They're gender-neutral, and work for a wide range of ages -- kids from toddler to elementary-school age will all love them. (Magiccabin, $17.98)

4. Fisher-Price Chatter Telephone: Whether the people at the birthday party are 8 or 80, they probably played with a pull-along toy that looked like this one (or at least bought one for their own kids). When you pull the string, the phone walks behind you, with its eyes goggling enchantingly....