With all the concern about the safety of children's toys these days, it is worth your peace of mind and your child's health to invest in something that is free of BPA, phthalates and other toxic chemicals. But this investment doesn't have to break the bank - or your budget. You can spend just a few dollars more for a toy that is made of the highest quality materials, is more engaging than those pastel-colored plastic car keys and will be a heck of a lot safer for your little one.

Take the Tulpino rattle from German toymaker Selecta. This colorful grasping toy is made from hardwood coated with environmentally friendly, safe paint and finished with a coat of beeswax. So when your little one stops rattling and starts teething on her Tulpino rattle, you can rest assured she isn't ingesting anything harmful. And just because a toy is safe doesn't mean it’s boring! While the Tulpino's wooden handle is perfect for tiny hands, the colorful little balls click-clack against each other and can be spun around by those same little fingers.

My favorite feature of the Tulpino is the small (literally) element of surprise Selecta has thrown in with all that clicking and clacking. This wooden rattle has a mirror on its base, and nothing says fun like a baby seeing a reflection of herself on what is sure to be her new favorite rattle.

You can purchase Selecta's Tulpino rattle for $17.50 from Amazon.com. A bit more than those plastic car keys, but it will last longer and you'll know exactly what's going into your daughter's mouth when she chooses to use it as her favorite teether. - Emily H.