Munchkin BPA-free 10oz insulated straw cup

We have tried many a straw cup in this home. Many didn't make it past the first day because they simply leaked too much. This one has stood the test of time and is the one I have repeat-purchased (not as replacements, but as extras).

The insulation is not what you'd find in a Foogo.... it won't keep the juice or water super-cold for long, but it also won't start to get lukewarm or ferment too quickly either. I don't believe a cup of this style exists that will never EVER leak; however, this one has done the best at only releasing a few tiny drops when shaken, thrown, turned upside down, etc. Once in awhile, if left sitting full at certain temperatures, it does seem to back-up and leak up out of the straw, then drip down and pool around the base. Annoying, but lots of cups do that.

Cleaning has been relatively easy. There are only four parts: cup, lid (with hinged straw keeper), and a two-part straw with attached valve. Threading that straw can be a bit tricky at first, so take your time and do it when there isn't a toddler standing beside you begging for their drink. You kind of need to flip the keeper open and closed a few times while pushing the straw up through the bottom, until it bends properly and lines up with the hole and you can pull it out through.

I have yet to find a plain one without a licensed character on it, but of course my daughter loves that, and she can easily identify it as her "Dora cup" when asking for it. The flip-top is easy for her to close, but at 2 and a half years old, she still needs me to open it for her as it does click shut firmly.

Purchased at my local Shoppers Drug Mart. Available where Munchkin products are sold.

Gerber Graduates Tossables plates

I know, I know. Plastic isn't good. But honestly... I find it really hard to completely avoid it all the time. Frozen foods come in plastic bags... the inside of my fridge and freezer are plastic for crying out loud! But I am becoming vigilant about not putting plastic in the microwave or dishwasher. The good thing about these plates is you aren't supposed to do either of those things with them anyways.

These come in a package of three: monkey, tiger and hippo faces. They are thin, translucent, almost bendable plastic, but sturdy enough to handle daily wear and tear. Each plate has two sections (nice for toddlers who like their food organized, and keeps runny foods from getting other dry foods wet). My daughter enjoyed moving the food around (or eating it) the first few times she used them, to try to find the eyes and mouth of each animal.

I am a little confused by the name: does "tossable" mean that they are disposable? Or just that you can throw them around and they can take a beating? I'm not sure. But they are definitely reusable.

The same cannot be said for the matching sippy cup, which has been declared the worst sippy cup in the world.

Purchased at my local Walmart.