Zolo Stacrobats
(Kushies $45 Score:) Five colorful fabric acrobats and three colorful balls can be balanced (sort of) and arranged in multiple ways on their colorful magnetic fabric balancing three-ring circus style pad. Magnets inside make for interesting experiments that will be going ka-boom on a regular basis. A fun toy for interacting with young toddlers. Play figures store in the magnetic base, so toss the plastic bag they come in. This is a pricey toy, but attractive. 1 & up. (800) 841 5330.

Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2005.

Lamaze Spin n Stack Rings
(RC2/Learning Curve $24.99 Score:) This stacker has four big plastic rings decorated with interesting textured fabric and ribbons that spin when the music in the post is activated. We thought the big ring would be too big for little hands, but our 10-month old tester loved it and soon figured out how to hit the post to activate music and make the base spin. (800) 704-8697. Still top rated, the Classical Stacker (Fisher-Price $19.99 ) has a post with twinkling lights and sounds as each ring is put on. (800) 432-5437.

Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2006.

Roll-a-Rounds Swirlin' Surprise Gumballs
(Fisher-Price $17.99 Score:) Roll-a-Rounds Swirlin’ Surprise Gumballs is a ball drop with a lever that pops the gumballs out. It employs more direct cause and effect, but it does tip over easily. Either is a better choice than the Jungle Friends Treehouse, a frenetic ball drop with over-the-top sounds and twirling bases. We really like the big Drop & Roar Dinosaur best. (800) 432-5437.

Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2006.