Books are a perfect springboard for inspiring creative games and craft activities.
This article features a few of the new books that lend themselves to word games, dramatic play, story telling and art. We will be adding more titles in the coming days. Click here to see the books and games to play with the first of our Read It! Play It! Winners for 2012.

So proud to announce that Joanne's book The Prince's Bedtime is now being sold at the Buckingham Palace Gift Store! If you have or know a little one that has trouble getting to sleep, this is a must read! Even better, you can order your paperback copy now (it also comes with a audio dvd) for only $9.99 by clicking here. 

Here are seven great ideas for the new year!

1. Take a toy inventory. With all the new toys that probably arrived at your house this season, this is the ideal time to do some "new year" cleaning with or without your kids.  If your kids are old enough, have them help with the process. Get three boxes to start: one for give away, one for storage, and one for trash.  Having a cleaned up "play" space can make all the difference!  Just like grown-ups with a cluttered desk, an overstuffed play room may be well-intentioned--but difficult for kids to focus on any one building set or game.

2. Find a Craft Project. Whether it's one of the kits on our list or something you've always wanted to try from the craft store, winter days are the perfect time for trying out a new project together with your child.

3. Put Up  a Map.  Watching tv or a movie?  Where does it take place?  Where do all of your family members live?  Mark the map!  

4. Grow Something. While many of us are dealing with snow and more snow, a little sign of things to come can brighten everyone's mood- whether it's forcing some bulbs or an avocado pit!  Take pictures, keep a journal...pull in some of those writing and observation skills!

5. Puzzle time. Whether it's a 20 piece or 500 piece puzzle...problem solving  and working on a task that isn't instantaneous is a good skill set for everyone.

6. Game time. Pick a game that the whole family can play that involves real interactions rather than solo play of computer games.

7. Read a Chapter Book. Reading aloud to your kids shouldn't end with picture books. Sharing a great story a chapter or two at a time takes readers to a new level they may not be able to do alone.

When you think of science toys if the first thing that comes to mind is a chemistry set - think again! If your eyes glaze over at the thought of science kits as boring old learning toys, blame that on the past and take a fresh look! Children have a natural curiosity for toys, books, and films that involve science and discovery. Wake up your wonder and theirs with these science activities. This is the time of year to
1- Bring in some branches of forsythia and watch it bloom.
2- Plant some seeds or bulbs and watch them take off on the windowsill.
3- Do some cooking and talk about how substances change and what causes them to do so.
4- Inspect snowflakes with a magnifying glass.
5- Add some white paint to the easel and have kids mix up some pastels paints.
6- Click Here for some great new and classic choices to keep that enthusiasm alive and well.

There are two major films, Hugo and War Horse based on books written for young people, granted for older young people. Why not bring home the books that inspired the films -  do it before or after seeing the film. Click here to find out what they will learn from both.

We believe there are basic gear toys for each age group. These toys are developmentally appropriate for each stage and  are the type of toys that your children will come back to time and again. Given that we spend so much money in the toy stores this time of year, it's important to bring home a wide-variety of playthings that will keep them engaged long after the holidays are over. We took the added challenge of preparing a list of toys all under $100, most under $40.  You can watch Stephanie on Today Show from December 13th by clicking the link below.  And for all the complete reviews and shopping information, click here.

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A recent article in the New York Times indicates a renewed interest in the learning value of block building. Parents and teachers attending block classes are discovering the connections between learning and play. What's the buzz about?  Read our take on this hot topic...

In a year when budgets are tight, choosing toys with long term play value is more important than ever. Almost all new toys are exciting when they come out of the box. The true test comes weeks later. We ask our testers to write to us two or more weeks after they arrive. We want to know if the toy they are testing is still being used and enjoyed. Most of the playthings that measure up in this test are open-ended toys. The best of these are not toys for watching, but rather those that involve active doing. Construction toys, art supplies, puppets, dolls, housekeeping props, miniature settings, and athletic equipment are among the classics that allow kids to shape their own games. Click here for 12 good open-ended choices.

Every year we see a lot of toys that are "refreshed" with just enough tweeking to make them feel almost new. We sometimes forget that to kids most things are new. It would be a shame if kids missed out on building blocks or crayons or trucks, just because they weren't invented yesterday.  Don't be afraid to bring home some of the favorites you played with not so-o-o-o long ago. Here is a short list of some of this year's Blue Chip list.

Our list is full of fun games, activities, dolls, and other fun props for play. Here are 20 of our favorites for this year. Click here to read the reviews.