(Snap Circuits $25.95) Our toy tester really enjoyed working with this 58 piece set that gives you the instructions for building 10+ models with the light up brick pieces. While you're having fun putting together your build, you're also learning about circuits. "I love that it comes with wheels" -- our tester built a small vehicle powered by a 9 volt battery (not included). Unlike a lot of STEM toys, this is not overwhelming. Marked 8 & up -- a good parent child kit to explor

(Playmobil $129.99) We are delighted that Playmobil brought back their classic Castle build. These sets are ideal for parent-child play opportunities. They call for parental involvement for the building and then your child has an amazing pretend setting for spinning their own stories of castle intrigue. The castle comes with lots of great features including a working drawbridge, hidden passages, a trap door, etc. Comes with 3 knights to get you started. This would be an a

(Mindware $24.95) Here's a fun and fast-paced game that our preschooler testers love to play. The game comes with five plungers which adds a new dimension to this match game. Set out one set of cards on the table face up so everyone can see them images on the cards. As each player takes a turn flipping a card over from the draw pile -- the race is on to find the match. The first to plung and claim the match, wins the pair. Ages: Preschool, Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfo

(Smart Games $19.99) An elegant brainteaser for teens and adults. The black circular board comes with a rainbow of pieces -- each has a different shape and includes spheres in three different sizes. The game play is simple but challenging. In each of the 120 challenges you are told which pieces to start with on the board. The challenge is to then fit the remaining pieces on the board so that all are used. The level of difficulty increases as you go through the book. Designed

(Educational Insights $26.79) Here's an innovative and engaging kit for parents and kids to explore together. The box comes with everything you need to create vehicles with cardboard boxes you have a home. The set comes with two tools for making it happen - one for punch a hole in the cardboard (a better activity for the grown up in the room) and a screw driver for the plastic bolts that are included. There are wheels, license plates, and details for personalizing your vehicl

(LEGO DUPLO $19.97) Toddlers will enjoy this small DUPLO building set that's focused on vehicles! Our tester loved that there were different colored bases to work with -- yellow, red and green. There's also a helicopter in the mix. This 42 piece set is a great place to start with older toddlers who are ready to build and then enjoy playing with their creations. At first, you'll model how to put the pieces together and don't worry so much about matching the picture on the box.

(Basic Fun $24.99) Not the traditional Lite-Brite with pegs, but a really fun drawing platform that our testers enjoyed. The clear acrylic "glowboard" comes with five markers, 3 backgrounds and stencils. Our testers were more interested in adding their own creations. The board comes with feet so it can stand up, but we recommend drawing on the board when it's flat. Once you've added your drawing -- you can adjust the lights so they flash between different colors or you can pi

(Vango $14.99) If you loved playing the card game Spit as a kid, you'll really enjoy this twist. The cards have the ingredients and toppings for mac 'n cheese. See a match between the card on the pile and the card placed down -- if you are the first to smack the oversized piece of noddle -- you get to claim that match. Smack down incorrectly and you have to give up one of your matches. The first player to get all the ingredients, toppings, bowl and utensils wins. A fun fami

(Hape $21.99) Hape has created a beautifully crafted puzzle with the The Metropolitan Museum of Art - inspired by Monet's Water Lily Garden in Giverny. The 49 piece wood puzzle comes in a wooden frame. Our testers loved that there was also a picture of the image that fits in the frame - giving younger children extra guidance when working on the puzzle. While marked 4-7, we think the sweet spot for this puzzle is more 6 & up and would make a lovely parent-child play opportu

(Corolle $25.20) Perhaps the sweetest doll that arrived in our office this year. A 12" doll with a soft body, a vinyl face and hands. It's the perfect first doll for older babies and toddlers. The baby is wearing a white bunny outfit with floral trim on the sleeves and feet. The hat comes down but is permanently attached to the outfit. The baby has a bald head which makes this a better choice for this age group. Ages: 9 months & up Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 20