An animal theme is a pretty safe bet if you don’t know the gender of your baby. And what animal is better for your little tadpole than happy hopping frogs? They’re little, they eat bugs and they look cute on baby items. Here are five baby essentials that happen to be decked out in all things frog. So I guess it is easy being green.

No one can predict which stuffed animal or blanket your baby will grow attached to. But the Angel Dear Froggy has an advantage as a lovie contender since it is part blankie and part plush pal. The friendly frog face and soft material will make anyone want to cuddle with it. It is available on its own, and is also sold as a set of three, in A Pair and a Spare. That way your baby will never be minus one little speckled frog.

While the little green friend on the Nova Nature Natural Frog Teether is busy contemplating its next meal, your little one can feel free to chew away on the teething handle. Made of natural rubber and decorated with non-toxic paints, this is one thing that you will want your baby to stick in their mouth. As a PVC, BPA and Phthalate free product, it won’t bring chemicals into your pad.

You will think you have found your frog prince in this multitasking Boon Frog Pod. It can be mounted to the wall in the bathtub, and used to store toys and baby wash bottles. The holes in the holder will allow toys to dry, and in turn last longer. And the toys will have somewhere to go besides the bathroom floor. Now that’s something to hop up and down about!

The Bestever Frog Baby Mat will be your baby’s first best friend. It is a comforting place to lay down, try out tummy time and start to learn to play. The soft fabric and stuffed mat can easily be moved around the house. So you can know that your little one will always a plush place to lay down, and will have a friendly face to look at too. Because babies need to relax too.

The Pretty Lady Anne Happy Green Frog Burp Cloths bring a sense of style to burp time. How can a baby not smile while looking at those friendly frog eyes, while expecting the long awaited burp to show up. The cloth’s soft flannel and peanut shape create a soft spot for your baby, while actually staying over your shoulder to do its job.

Froggy or not, any baby products will do the trick, but we suggest choosing ones with some fun and friendly froggy flare.

~ What gender neutral nursery themes have you used? ~

Moms and moms-to-be are invited for a day of shopping, education and information at the Babes & Babies event in San Francisco! You can shop from 65 designers and companies offering baby and toddler clothing, accessories, gear, toys, resources and much more, at discounted prices! You will enjoy speakers on topics including sleep training, diapering, cord blood registry and more.  There will be gift bags for the first 200 families, play spaces and activities for kids, as well as a raffle with incredible prizes, including a Stokke High Chair, Joovy Stroller and Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump! The event will be held on Saturday, November 3, from 9:30am - 2:00pm at St. Mary's Cathedral, Patron's Hall, 1111 Gough Street at Geary) Street. You can get 

DISCOUNTED Admission with the code TOTS. Entry for 2 people for $5 with the code TOTS at appelandfrank.com, or you can pay $5 for one person online or at the door.

WIN FREE TICKETS HERE! Please leave a comment telling us what your favorite local SF Bay Area spot is to hang out with your little ones. We will randomly choose two winners from this blog, Facebook and Twitter, to each win one pair of tickets, on Monday, October 29, 2012. Good luck!

Thank you Appel & Frank!!

If you are attempting to raise a mini-fashionista, while also making sure they get to attend college, then you are in for a treat!  Jana Francis, founder of the Steal Network explained how her sites work to save you money on purchases for your babies, kids and scrapbooking hobby.  "Basically we post a new 'steal' every morning at 9am MST on BabySteals.com, KidSteals.com and ScrapbookSteals.com, 45-80% off retail, until it sells out! We ship all products same-day, and most US customers get their 'steals' within four days.  All of our products are brand names. BabySteals:  Ju-Ju-Be, Petunia Pickle Bottom, BabyLegs, HALO, Dwell Studio. KidSteals: DC Shoes, Etnies, Sprig Toys, Patagonia, Umi Shoes, Crocs. ScrapbookSteals: My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, Fancy Pants Designs." What a deal!  ~ Parents: What online deals have you found? ~

I was first introduced to Plastica by my friend Wendy, both an admirer and creator of all things plush, be they animal, vegetable, mineral...or chicken!  I had no words to describe the cuteness that was this "stuffed" poultry.  I looked around the site some more, and asked Carla at their shop which toys they have been selling a lot of this season. She said that the most popular toys have been the following: the inflatable Rody ride-on toy; Playforever vintage style vehicles; Soopsori wooden animals with blocks; Kid O floating ducks and the build-it-yourself Totem Tree by KIDSONROOF.  I find the wooden animals and floating ducks to be especially adorable, and the Totem Tree to be so original.  ~ Parents: What unique toys have you found this year? ~

My friend Sara received a one-of-a-kind PachaMamma plush toy and wanted me to see how cute they are! I asked the company's owner, Janie, what kinds of fabric are best for these unique buddies.  She said that "stuffed animals can be made from just about any fabric: 100% cotton, corduroy, minky, knit fabric and more! Although my favorite fabric to make stuffed animals with is corduroy!  It gives a soft, sweet look while providing a little texture.  Parents could send me a specific fabric, or I am able to get more fabrics at my local fabric stores!  Stuffed animals, or any product from my store can be personalized.  A great option for gifts!" Sounds like another great opportunity for "Upcycling" some favorite baby clothes or blankets.  ~ Parents: Have you turned any favorite baby items into keepsakes? ~