Some cribs also carried the Fisher-Price name Photo © CPSC

I've only ever owned a couple of recalled items -- a crockpot and a pendant from a bubble gum machine -- so when I saw this crib recall and realized it was my son's crib, I had to catch my breath. Even though he hasn't used that crib in a very long time, it was still a shock to see. With more than 2 million of these recalled, I know I'm not the only one with that feeling today.

There have been 110 incidents reported where the drop sides on these cribs have detached and, as a result, 4 children suffocated while others were injured. Broken, warped and lost plastic parts as well as improper installation are to blame and, personally, I feel it's no surprise since these cribs have been around since 1993. That means one crib could have been taken apart and reassembled many times. Baby Products Guide Heather Corley agrees and talks about the dangers of the drop-side crib design, saying:

"A big problem with drop-side cribs comes when they are taken apart and stored for a while between babies. When the crib is re-assembled a few years later, missing hardware, loosened screws or bolts, or assembly errors can all contribute to a drop-side coming loose. Similarly, when cribs are sold at garage sales or thrift shops, parts may be missing or a lack of assembly instructions can allow errors to happen when it's time to put the used crib together."

The company is offering a free repair kit that parents can get by calling 877-274-0277 or visiting the Stork Craft site. Until you get your kit, please find a safer spot for baby to sleep. To see more crib views and learn more about which models are being recalled (including some Fisher-Price branded cribs), visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission site.

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Marbles: not the greatest toddler gift van Ort / Flickr

Yesterday, I shared with you my gift lists full of my favorite toddler gear for this year. Now, I'd like to ask you to share, too. What has been the best and worst gifts your toddler has ever received? What about stocking stuffers? What are your favorite items to load that sucker up with?

I'll share here, because I just like complaining, and this incident served me right. My son was born on the first of November, so he didn't really remember his first Christmas, since he was just a wee little guy. The next Christmas, however, was a blow out of amazing gifts. We started to open presents and most of them were filled with age-appropriate toys, books and other great stuff. Then came this package that carried a rugby looking fleece shirt. Awww, cute little rugby player, right? No. This thing was a size 10. Yes, as in, it was for a 10-year-old boy.

I was grateful, but confused. Was I really to carry this shirt around for the next 10 years of my son's life? Later, Grandma told me that she'd gotten it for a dollar or something on sale and just couldn't pass it up.

Fast forward 10 years to the coldest winter I can remember (that came on like gangbusters) and I'm the mom who hasn't gone winter clothes shopping. I'm staring at a closet full of thin, too-small T-shirts when what do my wandering eyes see? That rugby shirt, hanging there dutifully in the very back of the closet. I threw it on him along with his coat and gloves and off he went to play in the snow. It was his favorite shirt to wear all winter.

So, that gift was both the worst gift (I thought) that turned out to be the best gift my toddler ever received. Thanks Grandma Sylvia! You truly did know best.

Now, it's your turn. Please share your story:

• What are your favorite stocking stuffers for toddlers?
• What's the best gift your toddler has ever received?
• What's the worst gift your toddler has ever received?

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Radio Flyer Scoot About Photo © PriceGrabber

I made a run to the library today and along the way caught a glimpse of the mall. There wasn't an empty parking space to be had. I cannot even imagine how bad it's going to be on Friday. For all of you celebrating this week -- Happy Thanksgiving and good luck on all your gift buying excursions! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Gift Ideas for Young Toddlers
These toys make great toddler gifts for the 9-to-18-month-old child who is just beginning to gain mobility and become interested in the mechanical workings of the world around him. You'll want to purchase sturdy toys that can handle repetitive use as well as toys that allow him to practice his emerging social and motor skills.

Gift Ideas for Older Toddlers
These toys are for the 18-to-24-month-old child who is mastering mobility and exploring the more physical aspects of his world. These toys help him refine his large motor skills plus they allow him to practice his growing vocabulary.

Gift Ideas for 2-Year-Olds
These toys are for the 2-to-3-year-old child who can be very active at times and yet will readily engage in quiet, cognitive activities at other times. This age is a time of both balance and discovery, which can be enhanced with the right toys. These gifts will do just that.

And of course, don't forget about getting your toddler some stocking stuffers. I like to use this time of year to replace old, worn-out items like socks, crayons, markers and toothbrushes and then I throw in a few fun items, too.

Stuck on what to get for Dad or Grandma? I've got a round-up of great gift ideas if you need help figuring out what to buy for other folks in the family, too.

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And speaking of gingerbread houses, Barbara writes:

"I am trying to build a gingerbread house. I need snow and, of course, I do remember when you just beat Ivory flakes. If I grate the bars, will I get the same effect?"

Yes, this will totally work. Craft recipes (like soap crayons and paints) sometimes call for Ivory Soap Flakes. Unfortunately, the company stopped making the flakes in 1993. Here's how you can make your own soap flakes and maintain the quality of these recipes.

I do recommend using the smaller holes (like the kind used to make extra-fine cheese) for this activity and of course the finished product will not be edible. This is fine, though, since gingerbread houses are rarely eaten, anyway, and are purely for visual effect. Even if you could eat it, some of the items (like gum drops and hard candies) that make great decoration are actually choking hazards for toddlers, so close supervision during this activity is required.

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