A versatile tabletop easel flips from chalkboard to magnetic dry erase board and holds a paper roll, as well. A good size tray holds chalks, markers or other art supplies, depending on the media they are using. This is basic for creative fun and will be used for years. 3 & up.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

There are two versions of this game. The more elaborate board game version comes with a two-minute timer, a playing board, pawns, and 100 cards. Turn over two cards and race to be the first to find the objects pictured. Players get to move their pawns on the game board for each object found and extra moves are awarded for returning the object to where it belongs. (Say yea, for neatness!) First player to move across finishing line wins. This is a good game for indoor fun for the family or play date. A simpler version of the game, with more than 100 cards, comes without the timer and playing board. Use your own timer and keep score as the game progresses. First person with X number of cards wins the round. 2-4 players.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens, Teens, Adult. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

You get 40 feet of sticker tape and 80+ sticker designs. For family parties guests can go home with personalized stickers with velvet, metallic, and glitter finishes. Easy to operate with pleasing finished products that kids can do with independence, once they learn the way it works. Refill kits (9.99) are also available so this is not one of those disposable craft kits.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

One of the most addictive new building sets we've ever tested. Pleasingly open-ended, this Danish-based company  has just come to the states. There are two different sizes of the shape, the mini (20 mm) and the midi (50 mm).  Each size come in different color schemes (basic, neon, pastel).  The pieces are made of soft plastic (that doesn't hurt your fingers) and can be used to build whatever your child wants them to be- which is why we love them. A fun way to build fine-motor skills. There are also themed sets that we have not yet reviewed.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

This craft kit involves macrame-type weaving with thick color cords that produce showy results that kids can enjoy wearing with pride. It comes with eight colors, buckles, stickers, scissors, glue, and clear instructions. There are enough supplies to make eight bracelets. A fun kit for play dates or sleep-over craft fun. Marked for 7 & up, but we think most kids of seven will need lots of help getting started and finishing up. We'd say it's a better choice for 8-9's.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Stephanie wants to be a superstar. She works out in her rehearsal studio with a revolving platform. She has a guitar, keyboard, and microphone. For dancing she has a ballet bar and mirror and before she goes on stage she puts on her make-up at a dressing table. A 198-piece set with one mini-figure. 5-12

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Handsomely packaged in a roundish cardboard carrying case, this 100-piece puzzle has three levels with distinct scenes: a country highway, a city roadway and city street jammed with vehicles and traffic light. There are buses, taxi, firetruck, garbage truck, as well as farm and passenger vehicles.   They say 5-8. We think 5-6 will need a lot of help and the upper range will enjoy this more.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Handsomely packaged in a sturdy cardboard carrying case, this big 100-piece puzzle is challenging. The pieces are not overly large and there are lots of creatures in the sea. The horizon will offer good starting point clues, as will the bigger fish in the sea. They say 5-8. We think 5-6 will need a lot of help and the upper range will enjoy this more.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Four cardboard puzzles come in this carry-all cardboard case. Each features a racing scene with multi-ethnic drivers. The four puzzles have 6, 9, 12, or 16 pieces, each in its own plastic baggie. They need to be kept separated. Naturally, they get progressively harder, so you may want to put the harder ones away and introduce them gradually. 3-5

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013.

Four cardboard puzzles come in this carry-all cardboard case. Each features a little veterinarian at work in her office, caring for animals and doing her computer entries. The four puzzles have 6, 9, 12, or 16 pieces, each in its own plastic baggie. They need to be kept separated. Naturally, they get progressively harder, so you may want to put the harder ones away and introduce them gradually. 3-5

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2013.