'Tis the season to say "cheese!" Mamas love to take photos during the holidays — or any day of the year, for that matter, but getting lil ones to ham it up for the camera takes some work. Take a cue from pro photogs and bring on the photo props to take your holiday family photos from festive to fabulous!
Click through to check out our favorite holiday photo prop finds — and get inspired to create an impromptu photo booth at your upcoming holiday party!
The Thanksgiving release of Jim Henson's The Muppets, starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams, is right around the corner, and we're gearing up for the "Muppet Mania" that's about to overcome a new generation of Muppet fans with a few of our favorite Muppet finds, from pajamas and shoes to ornaments and books — featuring Muppets like Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Fozzie!
Get ready to go "old school" because retro robots are back! Loved by kiddos for generations, the truth is that robots never went out of style — and they are definitely a hot trend once again. From room decor to back-to-school supplies, ch-ch-check out these robotastic finds lil kids will love.
Get set for a Tiny Tillia invasion! The adorable British line of bath and play products that we introduced you to back in 2009 is back and it's bigger than ever. Now owned by beauty and bath giant Avon, Tiny Tillia has expanded beyond the bathroom and into the nursery with a line filled with toys, clothing, bedding, and more for mom and tot. 
Tiffany Lerman – novelist Jackie Collins's daughter – continues to place her endearing cast of cartoon characters (all based on members of her own family) in the line, appearing in patterns on the clothing and blankets, and stealing the show as the hoods on bath towels. The ultra-soft 100 percent cotton robes ($25) and bath mitts ($5) are as soft as can be and are perfectly priced for gifting. In fact, the entire range runs from $5 to $120 allowing families to outfit their lil ones adorably on a tight budget.
The purchase of a diaper bag is a truly personal decision that expectant mamas spend plenty of time agonizing over. While some fit everything but the kitchen sink, others have only enough space for the essentials. We've seen everything from flower and Winnie-the-Pooh laden designs to designer-logo ones that look just like our every day handbags. No matter what your style, finding one that both mom and dad are willing to carry that serve all of our needs is not easy.
The S. Stein Baby Case may just fit the bill. Made from sturdy canvas with either leather or suede pockets, the bags are designed to be opened and used, rather than rifled through in search of a lil one's pacifier. The snap-out waterproof lining has pockets for bottles, diapers and a change of clothes, while a separate area is specifically designed to hold a cell phone and wallet, making them easily accessible on the go. Designer Sherry Stein, who has worked at both Nike and The Gap, created the bag by piling what she considered to be essential diaper bag contents in one place and then creating a bag that would fit them all. Such a basic concept, yet brilliantly executed. Unfortunately, this ideal bag will set a mama back more than a few bucks at $395, but hopefully other designers will take notice and create similar ones on a more budget-friendly scale.
Pharmacies may have started loading up on Cadbury eggs a few weeks ago, but today is the first day of Lent, which means Easter is truly on the horizon. Take advantage of the 46 days left until the Easter Bunny hops into town by stocking up on unique baskets and egg-y goodies.
These Williams-Sonoma Personalized Easter Baskets ($24 each) are ideal for the pre-planner because they are only available via Internet and catalog. The baskets come in pink, blue and green editions and can be monogrammed for free.
The anticipation of how much shiny change the tooth fairy will leave and the process of preparing for her visit has always struck me as one of the most precious family traditions.
If you haven't committed to a fancy inscripted tooth fairy box consider this Oeuf Tooth Fairy Pillow (on sale for $20). The knit pillow molar has a tiny pocket on the back where you can slip your lil one's deposit to the tooth fairy, and because of its U-shape it also makes a great plane and transit pillow.
Whether you pack light with a slender bare essentials diaper kit or stick the kitchen sink in a fancy designer bag, it's crucial to have a plan for keeping baby's soiled and clean garments separate.
The Embroidered Baby Linen Organizer ($15 for a set of two) offers a smart addition to the diaper bag or a safe place to store clean and dirty frocks near the changing table. It has a mesh back for ventilation so baby's duds don't get too stinky.
Bare feet may be best for lil ones learning to walk, but before they are toddling, those toes need to keep warm. Keep your tot's feet covered up in Pretty Little's felt and crocheted booties in either the classic Mary Jane style, or the adorable animal and motif-inspired designs ($22 - $36). Handmade by a former babysitter in Portland, Oregon, these beautiful kicks are custom made from merino wool yarn and feature velcro closures. Perfect for baby shower gifts or even for your own babe's twinkle toes, these booties are sure to be a hit with the stroller set.
Does your daughter love the Little Mermaid and Ariel as much as Katie Sugar? If she has gadgets and gizmos aplenty and who's-its and what's-its galore get her a Mermaid Towel ($48) to keep her nonfinned half warm and make a fashion splash on the beach, at the pool, or after a bath.
The fancy towels come in the very authentic green and blue and more mythical pink and orange. The tail is 60 inches long, so it's ready for dress up — inside the house or on the water's edge. It stays put with twill ties along the top.
