RE: toddler plates/utensils?
I have both some cute Melamine plates with characters (Clifford, etc. Gifts but I think they came from Target and run $4-5) and some cheap plastic tupperware types that came from Walmart. While DS likes the character plates and they are micro and dishwasher safe, they tend to heat up a lot in the microwave. The Walmart plates have deeper compartments and came with lids - a nice bonus for meals on the go. They were $1.88 apiece and seem to be good so far. They were in the housewares section, not the kids.
We have lots of different types of utensils, the Sassy you mentioned, disposable First Year's, a travel set of First Year's (metal utensils with carrying case) and a set of unknown brand with big rubber handles but metal ends. He also does better with the shape of the Sassy, but likes the look and feel of the metal utensils. He LOVES to stab things with the forks!
HTH
Susan
mom of Thatcher 9/10/01
Susan
Thatcher Bennett 9/01
Ava Grace 9/07