Snips & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

"What Are Little Boys Made Of?" is a popular nursery rhyme dating from the early nineteenth century. Everyone is familiar with the well-known stanza:

"What are little boys made of

Snips & snails & puppy dogs tails"

I recently came across another version, but cannot find any background on its origin. Instead, I thought I'd show off some fun 'gift' items that match the words to this charming poem shown in a box below.

Let's browse through the words and see what cute toys and other gifts for little boys match up with these darling words.

There's just something that seems to bind little boys and snakes together, much to the dismay of their mothers!

This 'alphabet snake' handmade in wood by John Darch is a clever and colorway way to teach a child the alphabet. Perfect for those little boys who love snakes and a snake that 'mom' won't mind touching!

Snake puzzle measures 8 inches by 13 inches and contains 26 pieces. It can be found in John's Etsy show called Caney Springs Crafts.

Handmade and Found on Etsy

In addition to the snail, boys like caterpillars. This fun plush Caterpillar hand-crocheted in teal & white is perfect for a baby boy's room or new baby gift. Soft and safe with embroidered features and filled with soft polyfil.

MUD - the perfect name for an animal who wallows in mud the way little boys seem to do. What is the attraction of a mud puddle to a boy? Mud the hippo seems to know!

What gets into more 'mischief' , a monkey... or a little boy?

They are both as much fun to watch play as a 'barrel' full of monkeys! :)

The fairytale Prince from Snow White is a 12 inch tall posable doll. And, yes, even little boys sometimes play with dolls - like this 'boy' doll or 'action figures'.

Dinosaur art created with these awesome Printoons. Includes large dinosaur-themed play pack, a 6-color ink pad, instructions and activity pages. The ink in the kit is washable.

The most popular Prince of all is in the shape of a FROG - and frogs are favorites of little boys!

This dinosaur kite is a cinch to launch and a delight to fly! It measures 45 inches across and over 7 feet long.

Perfect for tots, this wagon has seats that fold up or down.

The seats even come with seatbelts for very small boys (and girls) and the wagon even has cup holders just like daddy's car!

Boys love baseball from Babyhood, especially if their parents are baseball fans! :)

This cute crocheted baseball cap is the creation of Linda from Wisconsin, a 'mom' to a boy and 'grandma' to his little boy! The baby baseball cap can be found in her Etsy shop she calls 'Grandma Linda's House'.

Nothing is more popular with boys than a Bike. Just 12", this is a great size for 'little' boys. The bike includes sturdy training wheels for 'learning-to-ride' time. Amazon has bikes for boys in any size, from tiny tots size to big boy rides! :-)

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or at least they like to think they are!

This boys shirt with an appliqued tiger will be a favorite of a little boy in your life.

This hand-appliqued design by Julie, a Florida crafter, is available on clothing featured in her Etsy shop she calls juliesonny (and known by Chloe Belle's Closet).

A 'memory album' to record your little boy's childhood filled with all the adventures of his life.