This week in my best toys for the holidays series I want to focus on gifts to buy for the new parent. Since most often gifts take the form of stuffed animals, dolls and baby accessories, I thought I might focus on a few things that I found particularly attractive or useful when my son was very young.

I admit, I’m still a little freaked out by the revelations that we’ve been plying our children with scary chemicals like BPA and phthalates in the toys on which they chew. I’m sure my son missed at least two words on his spelling test last weekbecause when he was an infant I bought him a plastic teether.

Fortunately, new parents today have some choices. This Camden Rose natural teething ring is manufactured from maple hardwood, sanded and finished with natural beeswax. No chance of unfortunate chemicals in this teether! I like the size and shape since it makes it easy for baby to hold and for mom or dad to slip on a handy hook or arm when it starts spending more time on the floor than in baby’s hand.

At 3 months, when children start putting everything in their mouths this teether becomes a necessity. At 3 years or later, this wooden ring fits right in with blocks, pretend play accessories or other toys. That’s what I like, a toy with multiple uses!