5 in 1 Super Sports Inflatable Bouncer
(Little Tikes $299.99 Score:) The 5 in 1 Super Sports Inflatable Bouncer is the latest from Little Tikes' line of inflatable climber/activity toys. This bouncer measures 10’ x 10’ x 7’. Comes with two hoops but if you have a large group of kids, we’d put the balls away and let them enjoy the bouncing and sliding part of this toy. Comes with a heavy duty blower for quick inflation and a storage bag. The neighborhood of kids that tested this toy loved it and the parents enjoyed that they could put it away at the end of the day without making a permanent commitment of lawn space!

Age: Preschool,Early School Years. Award Year: 2007.

ESPN Better Batter Baseball
(Fisher-Price $69.95 Score:) We had mixed reviews about this batting toy. All of our testers loved that the each time the ball is loaded, it plays music from ESPN and says encouraging baseball phrases. We agree, that part is really fun. In order to start the ball loading, you push (with your bat) or step on the red target on the "plate". That was also fun and easy to do. Here's where there was a source of disagreement. The ball is suspended (in the zone) by an arm that has Velcro on it. The ball sticks to the Velcro. For some of our testers hitting it off the Velcro was not a problem. Even some of our hard swinging 3 year olds could do. Others (including some grown ups) had great difficulty getting the ball off the Velcro. For this group, it was necessary to pull the ball of and then re-attach it. Once reattached (but not on as tightly) this group could now also hit the ball. We also found that if you hit out and down, it is easier to get the ball off the suspended arm. For some, a simple t-ball will do the trick. If your child is not a slugger, this may be the way to go. Our best advice, try your neighbor's before you invest in this one. It is much more expensive than a simple t-ball.

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

Alex Sack Racing
(Alex $19.99 Score:) Maybe it's all our years going to camp, but nothing screams summer to us as much as sack racing. Can you say color war? Of course we were so excited when these new versions came into the office. Each pack comes with two (there are four different animal motifs to select from). The first question was to see if a grown up can use them -- unless you are really really tall--they'll work just fine which makes this a great family party activity for the whole family.

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

Little Tikes Drive Chip and Putt Golf Trainer
(Little Tikes $24.99 Score:) The latest in the Little Tikes line of golf toys for older toddlers and preschoolers, this set got high marks from our testers for being really sturdy. Comes with two clubs--players can hit the ball of the T or on the arm. Since this toy involves moving clubs adult supervision is a must-especially if you have more than one golfer. A good active toy that helps to build big muscles and eye-hand coordination. The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 2009.