Housewares makers not kidding around

CHICAGO, March 16 (UPI) -- The idea of kids in the kitchen isn't anything new but a new line of kitchen utensils for children is about to hit the U.S. housewares market.

Prototypes of the spoon, whisk, brush, measuring cup and spatula in bright colors by Fiesta Products were on display at the International Housewares Association show in Chicago.

The Head Chef series features kitchen utensils mounted on silicon bodies with bendable arms and legs and suction-cup feet. Company spokesman Ed Bloom said it's the first line of kitchen tools made especially for children.

"In the past, most tools were just a smaller version of the real thing -- if they worked at all," he said. These are whimsical."

Lumisource is showing a huggable, bendable desk lamp named Nessie and RPM Toys featured My Little Weatherbuddy -- a temperature gauge that shows children how to dress for the weather.

Neat-Oh is taking its foldaway play mat portable, with backpack mats shaped like cars and fairy castles.

The annual trade show opened Sunday and runs through Tuesday. It is not open to the public.