Morphibians
(Kid Galaxy $24.99 Score:) These snappy vehicles run on land and water! With two button full-function radio control, these are less complex than some of the larger RC’s and have the added fun of float-ablilty. Very cool.

Age: Early School Years. Award Year: 2006.

Mini Automoblox Three Pack Sets
(Manhattan Toy $25 Score:)

For parents looking for "cool design" for the playroom, look no further. A set of three smaller versions of the PLATINUM AWARD-winning sleekly designed wooden cars. Part puzzle, part vehicle, these also got high marks from our testers who enjoyed taking the cars apart and putting them back together. The vehicles fronts and backs are interchangabel so kids can create original vehicles. 4 & up. The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Plan Toys Road and Rail Play Set Railway Station
(Plan Toys $169.99 Score:)

We have always been huge fans of wooden train sets. Last year's safety scare with many of the wooden trains had to understandably put a chill on this category. Which is why we were really excited when we first saw this new set at toy fair. The container is the railway station-- it opens up (your child will need some help here) and then you have an amazing play setting complete with track, trains, and station. Will work with other train tracks you may have from Thomas the Tank or Brio. A memorable holiday gift for any preschoolers.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Playskool Tonka Bounce Back Racer
(Hasbro $34.99 Score:)

Finding a remote control vehicle for the preschool set can be challenging. The controls can be too confusing and the vehicle can have too much power--which is why we were really happy when we tried out this new Tonka remote control vehicle. Much like the old Tyco remotes, this vehicle flips (once you get the hang of it, it's really fun to make happen). What's different? It's covered in squishy, soft plastic and comes with big soft rubber tires. In other words, no sharp edges or parts to hurt small hands. You do need to be close by for the remote to work. There are also three battery compartments (we'll admit it, we only saw two for awhile!). Other great remotes for this age group come from Kid Galaxy.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2008. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Playmobil Recycling Truck
(Playmobil $28.95 Score:)

With energy conservation looming large, Playmobil has brought back their Recycling Truck. A perfect hands on prop for making recycling part of your child's world--both real and pretend! Truck comes with three bins and two play figures.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2008.

Shake n Go Flyers
(Fisher-Price $14.95 Score:)

We loved the original Shake n Go Cars and these Flyers are the airborne version for active fun. The hand held launcher does look a little like a gun, but it is really a docking place for the lightweight plane. YOu click it into place and then shake the launcher until the lights and plane sounds begin. Press the trigger and va, va, va, voom! It takes off! They say 3-7. We'd say more like 5-8 would be able to make this happen and enjoy it! Comes in four different designs. Players will love the orange and silver Hawk, the green Show Plane, the silver and blue Ghost Jet and the green Fighter Plane. It is soft enough to use indoors, but not anywhere near your delicate treasures. Has great sound effects! A good buy for the money.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2008.

Kid Galaxy Movin' Motors
(Kid Galaxy $35 Score:)

Our testers love the clever motorized “robot” that you plug into the body of these construction trucks to make them go forward. Turn the motor around and it powers the dump bed of the Dump ‘N’ Drive Dump Truck or the Pick ‘N’ Plow Backhoe with a digger and claw on the back. These two work better than the Lift ‘N’ Load Bulldozer. These have a whimsical look as the motors have see-through sides that allow you to see the working fans and pistons. Easy enough for pre-schoolers to operate. One tester needed some help learning to load the motor into the right slots. These take 4 AA batteries. 3 & up. The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Kart Maniax Stunt Pit
(Mattel $19.99 Score:) Of all the new track sets from Hot Wheels our testers gave the highest marks to the Kart Maniax Stunt Pit. However, they all thought the set should come with two karts ($9.99 for each additional kart). We agree! Our testers also liked the Octoblast ($39.99 ) - the marquee racing set of the year. The cars travel quickly and it is more stable than most of its predecessors. Like most of these closed sets it will likely have short-term appeal.

Age: Early School Years,Later School Years. Award Year: 2003.

Down by the Docks Train Set
(RC2 Learning Curve $150 Score:) This "wow-ee" of a 45 piece gift set includes the Sodor Bay Bridge, a Lighthouse, and a Crane (with working magnet). Don't get caught up with the playmat, which is limiting—train layouts should be open-ended. Or, for a good, but less expensive layout ,consider the Conductor's Figure 8 Set (Learning Curve $44 ), a good starter set with 25 pieces, including a conductor's shed, tree, stop sign, signal, Sir Topham Hatt, and ramp. Comes with three train pieces. You can gradually add on bridges and other props for birthdays and other gift events. Still top rated, Around the Barrel Loader Set ($100/50 pieces ).

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2003.

Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends Rescue Hospital
(RC2 Learning Curve $50 Score:) It's Harold the Helicopter to the rescue! When Harold lands on the helipad a slight bit of pressure will pop the hospital garage doors open so the ambulance pops out. This little set comes with railroad track next to the building and road to surface ramp for ambulance. Also new and amazing a musical Merry-Go Round with magnetic wooden animals that can be rearranged.

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2003.