Recently I wrote a review on a book of baby hat knitting patterns called Scrumptious Toppers for Tots and Toddlers. It was full of obnoxious hat patterns that would make even a baby cringe.

Baby Beanies: Happy Hats for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys is a far better effort. This collection of 29 knitting patterns is adorable and varied; there's everything from sweet and cute to wacky and silly – yet still not obnoxious. Baby hats are quick to knit and are the perfect use for yarn leftovers. Great for holiday gifts!

“Special Day Silk Hat” is a sweet, simple baby cloche with ribbon trim. “Pompom Bear” is another simple hat, knit in a square-ish shape to resemble teddy bear ears. “Pinky Snuggles” teeters on the obnoxious side, with its bright pink yarn accented by rings of complimentary novelty yarn – and a ponytail of yarn sprouting out the top.

“Flour Sack” returns to sweetness, with asquare shape tied at the corners with scrap yarn to resemble a burlap flour sack (or a polar bear). “Long Tail Hat” is a simple rolled-brim cap that tapers up and falls down with an I-cord “tail” and pompom. It’s cute, but I see a potential choking hazard. I want to make myself an “Accordian Hat” – contrasting rings of garterstitch against a smooth background of stockinette stitch.

“Alien Spaceship,” the cover hat, is kooky without being obnoxious. “Loopy Pixie” takes a pointy hat and finishes with a cutesy curl. The added earflaps don’t really match, though. “Scarf Hat” looks wonderfully cozy – a hat with ear flaps that extend to scarf length. “Frilly Hat” is sugary-sweet – a lavender hat with a ruffled edge, contrasting chenille trim, and pompom to match.

Once you've done with this, pick up a copy of Knitted Finger Puppets by Meg Leach, whip up a couple, and pack them up with a hat for the perfect gift. Mom is happy because baby’s head stays warm; baby is happy because he gets toys.

Knitted Finger Puppets contains instructions for 34 easy-to-make toys. The book is organized into themes: “Christmas at the North Pole,” “Under the Big Top,” and “The Enchanted Forest.” All the characters start with basic shapes, so the last chapter of the book offers a guide to basic body shapes, and suggestions for ways to make the characters your own.