With the recent announcement of the Color of the Year for 2010, a fabulous shade of turquoise, I thought that I’d take a look at some of the fun gifts inspired by these classic color charts!

Mugs

Choose your favorite shade from this assortment of ten colors!  Or, an entire set of ten!  (individual mugs, $14.99)

Travel Accessories

Each one of these items is really practical, but pack a punch of color with creative flair!

• Laptop/Messenger Bag, $88
• Passport Cover, $23.99
• Coin Purse, $16.99
• Luggage Tags, $14.99
• Wallet, $39.99
• Book Bag, $44.99

Playing Cards

Bring a touch of class to your card games with this colorful card set by Roger La Borde. (Playing Cards, $13.99*)

T-Shirts

Match your preferred strength to the relevant Pantone colour and get that perfect cup every time!  (Pantone 4 Coffee T-Shirt, from $25.14)

Cufflinks and Key Rings

Designed to resemble the iconic Pantone chip, these cufflinks and key rings are made of stainless steel and feature coloured enamel in seasonal colors. (Cufflinks, $67; Key Rings, $45)

Each one of these items would make a fabulous gift for the creative people in your life – both those who create art and those who are inspired by it!   What Pantone color are you?

You may also enjoy:

• Color Trends for 2010
  

* It’s serendipity when the products we love are from the sponsors we love

Penelope Peapod

This is an adorably outfitted doll who arrives snuggled inside of her own basket bassinet.  The bassinet transforms into a portable drawstring bag that is perfect for travel or playdates!  Choose from dozens of adorable patterns, as well as doll clothes, blankets and furniture. (ages 3 and up, Penelope Peapod, $40)

Little Humbugs

Inspired by nature, these dolls are Bird Keepers (blue), Gardeners (pink) and Butterflies (purple)!  Sized at 12″, these plush dolls resemble little fairies and each come with their own zippered carry case, just like a real life chrysalis! (Little Humbugs, $22.99)

Custom Dolls from Chloe In Style

These dolls have got it just right!  Using 100% wool sourced from a happy and well tended sheep herd in Ontario, the dolls are dressed in reclaimed fabric outfits and have hand stitched facial features.  You can select the doll’s clothing, eye and hair color, freckles (yes or no!), hair length and skin tone to match its recipient for a truly special gift.  (Chloe In Style, $69)

Thank Heaven for Little Girls Dolls

These colorful and Cute Dolls are hand knit of super soft, 100% cotton in South America and perfect for girls of any age!  Make your pick by hair color -  lavender, brown, lime green or orange! (Thank Heaven for Little Girls Dolls, Land of Nod, $40.95)

Princess on the Pea Bed Set

I just love this whimsical toy from Denmark offered by Pink Olive!  The set includes a “princess” doll, her bed, lots of quilts and of course, the pea!  This is not a gift that would be forgotten after the holidays!  (Princess and the Pea Bed, $98)

My First Christmas Doll

This new little friend will always remind the little girl in your life of her very first Christmas!  These soft, squeezable dolls have embroidered and appliqued faces and are dressed in velvety dresses, removable Santa hats and holds a candy cane! Personalization is also available. (“My First Christmas” Doll, Lillian Vernon, $16.98)

Do you have a favorite doll?  Please share!

Ugly Dolls

These quirky little guys are so ugly that they’re actually super cute!  Hand sewn from polar fleece in a variety of colors, these huggable characters appeal to boys and girls of all ages!  Each Ugly Doll comes with its own name and unique story, ready to be adopted! (all ages, Ugly Dolls, $21.95)

Seapals

Offering a new alternative to the ever popular Webkinz, Seapals are plush stuffed animals that “live” in an online aquarium which can be decorated and cared for by your pal.  Kids can interact and play games with other children earning “pearl points” as they go.  Dozens of cute sea animals are available like turtles, lobsters, manta rays and pink anemone fish. (ages 3 – 9 years, Seapals, $10.50, $10.50)

idbids

Short for Iddy Biddy, this eco-friendly company has created a trio of characters designed to teach children about keeping our Earth happy, healthy and green!  With these cute toys, parents can instill green living without installing solar panels on the roof!  Here’s the roster:

• Scout – a fluffy white cloud who knows all about air and air pollution
• Lola – a hot pink flower who teaches about trees and plants
• Waverly – a bright blue water drop who cares “deeply” about oceans, rivers and lakes

(idbids, $39.99)

(Not So) Scary Monsters

Who said that monsters need to be scary?  FAO Schwarz has an terrific “menagerie” of mythical monsters that offer more laughs than chills!  These eight, pop-eyed, long limbed tentacle beasties have arrived from England and are sure to delight! (Scary Monster, FAO Schwarz, $29)

Do you have a favorite stuffed animal for kids?  Please share!

Super Hero Capes

Craftsbury Kids has a cape for every kid!  These satin capes are lined with a super soft velvet chamois and decorated with all sorts of fun designs for boys and girls.  Choose from lightning bolts, flowers, Jolly Roger, rocket, dinosaurs and more! (ages 2 to 10, Satin Capes, starting at $38, two sizes available.)

Prissy Poofs

These are fantastically fabulous dress up skirts, or poofs!  There are dozens of styles to pick from, including seasonal designs.  Each poof is made of tulle with embellishments like ribbon, shimmery pom-poms, hearts and more!  These are truly an exceptional offering in the world of dress ups! (Prissy Poofs, prices vary)

Do you have a favorite child’s dress up?  Please share!

Flippy and Friends

Flippy is a whimsical little tadpole who encourages kids to use their imaginations to be anything they wish!  Four books and stuffed animals to go with them are just delightful! (all ages, Flippy and Friends, $6.99 – $12.99)

The Encyclopedia of Immaturity

Published by Klutz, this hilarious 410 page book is filled with hundreds of crazy tricks and goofy ideas for hours of laughter and silliness like:  how to bounce a doughnut, fake a sneeze and much more!  This book promises to amuse kids and grown ups, too! (Encyclopedia of Immaturity, $13.57)

Fancy Nancy Book and Doll  ( ages 4 to 8 )

Pick up this debut book and adorable cloth doll who arrives with red yarn hair that’s decorated with bows, butterflies, a crown and other fancy “stuff” and dressed in sparkles, glitter and glitz! (Book, Doll)

Knuffle Bunny:  A Cautionary Tale ( ages 4 to 8 )

Sure to amuse both kids and grownups, this story tells the tale of “knuffle bunny” and what happens when a special “lovey” is lost!  The bunny stuffed animal is a great tag along! (Book, Stuffed Bunny)

Other Favorites:

For Baby to Preschool

• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

For 4 to 8 Year Olds

• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
• How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight
• Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse
• Clack Clack Moo:  Cows that Type

For Ages 9 to 12

• The Silver Spoon for Children:  Favorite Italian Recipes
• The Dangerous Book for Boys
• The Daring Book for Girls
• The American Doll School Book (for playing school with American Girl Dolls!)
• Egyptology
  

  Do you have a favorite fun book for kids?  Please share!