Every now and then I come across an idea so smart it makes me go “Doh!” (think Homer Simpson) “I wish I had thought of that!” Such is the case with Thing of the Month, a site packed with subscription based clubs in an excellent (and ever growing) selection of interest areas. Take for example the 12 month Flying Objects Club - once a month for an entire year a package arrives at your doorstep containing some freekin’ fantastic flying toy, be it a bird glider, a frisbee, a kite, a rocket, an airplane - all of which can take to the air and fly. Most of the clubs are kid-focused, although I tell you there are several I would love to subscribe to. Whether your passion is crafting, science, board games, robots, paper automata models or great toys for your toddlers there is a club for you. Come on, what kid (big or little) wouldn’t love receiving mail like this every month!

Depending on the interests of the recipient and the size of your pocketbook, you can select from 4, 6 and 12 month clubs or buy the items individually. OR if you’re a little impatient and want, say, all of the kits in the 6 month Origami Club right now - there’s an express option just for you. Below is just a partial sampling of the available clubs:

Birthdays are a big deal when you’re a kid. Although we all know that the first one is really a celebration for the adults who managed to keep their crying, colicky, peeing, pooping, hungry, helpless bundle of joy alive for an entire year - that and a photo op for the one time in the kid’s life when he’ll be permitted encouraged to dive into a piece of cake head first. And while Junior’s mugging for the camera with his frosting hair-do you may as well dress him in an outfit suited to the occasion - and what better than a shirt emblazoned with his birthday number (and coordinating number of cupcakes, if you so choose!)

Liliputians NYC boasts more than two dozen number shirts for your birthday boy or girl, and a great selection of coordinating pants and skirts. Big graphic numbers in celebratory prints are beautifully appliqued onto soft cotton tees, most of which are available for ages 1 through 8. And while it’s fun to have a new outfit for that special day, your kiddo will look great in these great shirts all year long.

And better still, our pals over at Liliputians are offering one lucky Junior Society member the opportunity to select any one of their birthday shirts in your choice of color and style absolutely free! Simply leave a comment on this blog post listing your favorite style Lilliputian birthday shirt by 11:59 pm this Wednesday, August 15th. I’ll draw one name at random and announce the winner on Thursday. (We won’t hold you to the style you list on your comment should you change your mind between now and when you win!)