Whee - it’s the middle of the week, time to run around the web and see what goodies are out there:

• Little ones who like stuffed animals and blankets should love Pig in a Blankie - they’re pretty damn cute. You can also get different animals and customize your blanket/animal combo. Our advice? Either get one well before traveling so that Junior has time to fall in love with it, or make this a new toy but be sure to bring along any old tried and true faves.
• If you love to come home with new trinkets and clothes when you travel, these folding suitcases by French company Goyard are perfect for you. [via BornRich]
• Although we have railed against cartoon characters, we love literary ones - and Harry Potter is no exception. Join the rising Pottermania from August 2 to 5 in Toronto at Prophecy 2007, one of several themed conventions/events across the world to celebrate the new movie and final book in the chronicles of the infamous boy wizard.
• Subtlety and fashion come together in these detailed map scarves, which include major and some minor attractions for cities such as Paris, New York and Vienna. [via Vagablond]
• File this under Things To Try At Least Once: a floating swimming pool. You’ll find one - the Badeschiff - in Berlin on the Spree River. Apparently refusing to be overcome by the filth of the river itself, the citizens of Berlin take dips in a former barge that has been converted to a floating (but stationary) swimming pool. The pool, which features a bar, also hosts events such as yoga, live jazz sets and films. Not the best bet for the younger set, but something your teens may find rather cool. [via Gadling]

The Nutcracker Suite always comes to mind when one thinks of taking a child to the ballet - it’s magical, it’s holiday-related, and for some families, attendance can even become a tradition. While the beauty of the Nutcracker can’t be denied, there are other ballets, performed year-round, that are equally as suitable for children, meaning you don’t have to wait for December to roll around to introduce your child to - or reacquaint them with - the beautiful world of the ballet and the classical music that accompanies it. Certainly with a tween or teen, the choices are even more plentiful, and the vibrant world of ballet combines dance, music and storytelling in often breathtaking performances that this age group can appreciate. Although the ballet season is coming to a close, here are some final performances worldwide (stay tuned for more on the 2007-2008 season in the months to come): (more…)