We all know that youth will always have an edge in pop culture and consumerism. But now even babies in utero are in on the commercialized luxe life. A new show on WeTV, Platinum Babies, debuting on Friday, November 6, will highlight wealthy parents-to-be who are sparing no expense when it comes to getting ready for their little one's arrival. In the first two episodes you'll meet Victoria and Tom, and Tara and Andrew, and watch along as they shop, shop, shop, par-tay (celebs on hand, natch), get massages, et cetera. I don't think I'll be DVRing this show, as I feel a little bit icky thinking about what I assume will be baby exploitation and massive, blatant product placement.

Packing lunch is not just for kids anymore, as the budget- and health-conscious know. But there's no reason it can't be done in style and in a green manner, whether for the kids or for you. Kids Konserve's waste-free lunch kit was designed by two environmentalists and comprises a recycled cotton lunch sack, cloth napkin, stainless steel beverage bottle, food cozy, two stainless steel food containers with plastic lids, and a recycled aluminum name tag. The stainless steel is made from safe, certified food-grade materials, much of it recycled. All Kids Konserve products are non-toxic, non-leaching, and BPA-, PVC-, phthalate-, and lead-free. Lunch kit, $40 - $42

Tree houses, as so many other things, are marching relentlessly into the future. Not long ago a trip to the lumber yard and a bucket of nails could turn the average suburban kid into an arboreal mammal. In the new millennium, however, it takes Daniels Wood Land.

The company does brisk trade making large-format environments for large spenders like major studios, theme parks and casinos. When it comes to kid-scale Daniels makes a prodigious and diverse selection of tree houses that could more accurately be called tree resorts -- there are nine different versions of pirate-themed structures alone, one that comes with its own oasis.

The play houses are made from redwood, cedar, and Douglas fir and usually feature things like "master's" quarters and balconies. The logs that form the bases are from fallen trees, not cut down, that are hollowed out with a chainsaw. The adventurous can enter through the doorway in the base and hoist themselves up through the trap door hatch, or monkey up the rope ladders. The more leisurely can simply ascend the staircase.

If you just need some rehab work done on a tree house, Daniels also does custom plans, facades, shooting galleries, and themed environments. When it comes to decor, one of their specialties is, of all things, chainsaw carvings of bears. And hey, if you get a Daniels play house and the real estate turnaround doesn't happen as quickly as everyone's saying, there's no reason you can't rent your pirate ship out -- Johnny and Keira not included...

We've heard the story before. In fact, Volvo has even marketed itself on this premise: You can't fit the whole family in that tiny sportscar of yours, so you trade in for a Volvo station wagon. Things could be worse. But along with it you're going to need to replace that Ferrari and Porsche gear with Volvo paraphernalia, too. Otherwise you'd look silly, right? Well since you switched rides for the kid, why not take the kid along for the ride also? That's what Volvo figures, and so has included stuff specifically for the kids in its latest Motorsport Collection.

Aside from the usual array of windbreakers and polo shirts, Volvo is highlighting this Team Manager t-shirt, especially designed for your favorite little backseat driver. The colors match those of the company's Swedish Touring Car Championship series, in which it's promoting its proprietary DRIVe green technology system. Just to let everyone know who's boss, it's got the words Team Manager printed – instead of embroidered, to optimize comfort – on the back, like all the sponsor logos, and is available straight from Volvo's website along with the rest of the collection.

Sometimes, the hardest part of choosing a vacation spot is balancing between your wants and the kids' needs. Sprawling out on the beach or sipping a cocktail by the pool works for you, but children need distraction ... constant distraction.

In perhaps the most creative travel offer I've seen this year, Eden Rock – St. Barths is offering an easel, a paint brush and a palate of watercolors. Rather than splatter aimlessly, each kid will receive a one-time lesson with the Eden Rock Artist in Residence (the next is still to be announced).

Even for the caliber of guest that you find at Eden Rock, this can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

During the lesson, kids will also be exposed to the gallery's exhibitions in progress. In the recent past, this gallery has been home to the likes of Richard Prince and Will Cotton. The natural St. Barths aesthetic plus that created by the artists invited to show their work in the gallery yields a unique combination that is sure to inspire any budding artist.

The lessons are only available when the artist in residence is, in fact, in residence, so check with the Eden Rock Hotel when making reservations. The program runs through August 2009.

Kids are notoriously rough on their toys and sometimes it's worth it to spend a little extra to get something that can stand up to the abuse. Outdoor toys like bikes not only take a beating from your kids but from the weather also, which is why some parents might opt to splurge on this titanium tricycle. Not only does it have a nearly indestructible and rust-proof titanium frame, but it also looks classy with its carbon seat and white leather saddle, plus bright white wheel rims.

Although I still prefer the traditional red tricycle this one does look pretty snazzy. $2,500

Cute? Yes. Cuddly? Yes. A little bizarre and screwy looking? Yes.

That's how I describe these stuffed animals from Donna Wilson, the collection being called simply "Donna Wilson Creatures." And 'creatures' is really the only way to describe this eclectic mix of plush creations which includes a snail named Stick, a dog named Oscar, and several mystery creatures named things like Stripey Head, Peeping Tom, and Angry Ginger. They look hand-drawn and unique, which I love, but most of them also have eyes that sit way too far apart, which I don't like (makes them look like they're missing a chromosome or something). Prices range from $84 to $164 each.

It couldn't be more true that in order to have a healthy world we have to have healthy children, and Healthy Child Healthy World is a non-profit organization that makes that principle their main aim by working to protect our youth from harmful environmental exposures. Working through education, laws, governmental agencies, advocacy, and spreading awareness of environmental issues this charity is a no brainer because not only are they helping kids but they're also helping the environment (something we could all be doing more of).

We Are Together is a film about children living in the Agape orphanage in Africa. It chronicles their lives, individual personalities, and incredible journeys through life. They are also all part of a choir and have recorded an album that coincides with the film (absolutely beautiful music!), with profits from the both the film and CD going to benefit children in South Africa.

There are lots of ways to support the cause, including joining their email list (which includes getting a free music track download), donating money, or simply by purchasing the CD and watching the film (coming soon to HBO).

All children should have the right to play but for some on the world's most disadvantaged communities, the simple joy of sport and play is not always available. The Right to Play program uses the medium of sports and activities for a variety of purposes including teaching HIV prevention, helping rehabilitate children affected by war, encouraging the healthy, phsycial, social and emotional deveopment of refugees and simply bringing laughter and play to children in need. The program accepts donations and trains volunteers as coaches but one simple way you can help is by buying a mini red ball which is available at Adidas stores.

Isabelle Fields was inspired by the story of a little girl named Alex from Philadelphia who successfully raised a staggering 6 million dollars for cancer research through sales from her lemonade stand! Isabelle vowed to do the same, she began making scented soaps and candles, sales took off instantly... and every penny goes straight to cancer research programs and children's hospitals. Her cause is getting quite a bit of press, I first heard about her products in Us Magazine. Check out this little girls charming products, prices range from $14-$24, and help her realize her dream of helping others! Isabellehelpingthechildren.com

Drawbridge was founded in 1991 and currently covers 6 counties in California, with plans in 2008 to expand to two new locations. You can participate in any number of ways, including hosting their traveling art exhibit called "Through Our Eyes."

Luxury baby line Aristabrat, is famous for their over the top designs and insane use of bling. A huge celebrity following and tons of press make Aristabrat one of the most in demand lines for haute tots. While looking for shower presents I came across this adorable three piece gift set. A onesie embellished with Swarovski crystals and stylish graphics, and a rattle and pacifier made of sterling silver and covered with crystals. The set retails for $299. Pricey, but worth it, yours will definitely be the coolest shower gift!

It seems lately that this country is having a lot of issues in a lot of different areas, but one of the biggest is health care. Millions of children in this country are without health insurance and live in families that cannot afford to pay for their basic medical needs. The Children's Health Fund works to provide guaranteed health access for all children nationwide, along with contributing healthcare support services during emergencies (9-11, Hurricane Katrina). The Children's Health Fund was founded back in 1987 by pediatrician Irwin Redlener, MD and singer/songwriter Paul Simon.

My mission to find the perfect stroller is well underway, and my recent obsession is the Mutsy stroller company. The price tag that reads $215 seemed to good to be true...and sure enough....You have to buy the base separate! The bassinet part, costs $215 and comes with a comfy pad for baby, and features the shelled protective encasing that promises to protect your lil guy, this thing looks like it could stop a bullet. The base part is an additional $544 (ouch!) and offers the smoothest ride possible, all terrain wheels and a unique swivel feature. Very cool stroller but for around $700 total it's a little out of my range. Next!