(Fisher-Price $45) Our testers enjoyed this small pretend setting that has lots of opportunities for language development. The scanner beeps when you scan any of the 9 items. There's also three ways to pay: coins, bills and a credit card. The cash register has many buttons to push and explore with music and games. You can also change the language including French, English, German, Italian or Dutch. Our testers quickly set up shop and enjoyed ringing up orders. Ages: Toddler

(Fisher-Price $43) If you have a Thomas & Friends fan, you'll want to consider this playset from Fisher-Price. Full disclosure here, we were skeptical since we tend to prefer wooden train sets but this setting quickly won both kids and adult over as a fun toy train experience. Our testers loved all the different movable pieces including the shed for the trains has one lift for repairs and then separate lifts to propel the trains onto the roundabout. There's also a bridge tha

(JustPlay Toys $79) Our preschool testers adored Gabby, the latest animal from the FurReal collection of interactive dolls from JustPlay Toys. The showy "watch Gabby grow" was fun but not the main draw for our testers who loved how the Tiger made noises when she was feed. Gabby will also roar back -- (not in a scary way) and she will also burp when she's had a lot of pretend drinks. You can reset Gabby to her baby size and then activate her to grown again which was our first

(Fisher-Price $17.59) Our toddler testers LOVED this new 2-in-1 Vacuum from Fisher-Price. Most toddlers really enjoy pretend vacuum cleaning -- and this one is really a great scale. It also comes with a removable "duster" that spins when the vacuum is pushed. Our parents liked that there is a lower volume option with a vacuum sound. There are also songs as options. Ages: Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026

(Creativity for Kids $24.95) Our testers loved this set that comes with a unicorn in a little bag that they could use to carry around their pet -- or use separately "when I leave her home." But wait -- there's more...the kit also comes with a makeup kit that includes washable makeup for the unicorn. Comes with two colors, two sets of eyelashes (that can be removed and reused) as well as some gemstones that have adhesive. The Unicorn can be washed so that the makeup can be r

(Creativity for Kids $15.99) Our testers thought this was a really great kit with lots of things to make and use. Comes with a see through belt bag with purple trim and stickers for decorating. There are also 3 headbands and 4 hair clips that are ready for embellishment. And picking up on a major fashion trend, there are beads and a clip for making your own bag charm and bracelets. Would make a great birthday or holiday gift for the 6 & up crowd. For a smaller kit, look at

(Mattel $31.99) If you have a Barbie and ballet fan in your house, you'll want to check out this very special Barbie in the Nutcracker. She comes in a fun display box where you can make her tutu spin. Barbie's feet are adjustable so she can go en pointe. Her arms are also posable. Her legs lift but do not bend -- so no pliés possible. The company's video shows an African-American Version but we are not finding it online. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Awa

(Creativity for Kids $24.99 each) Here's a fun and novel activity kit with a big payoff at the end. The set comes with a fully assembled Unicorn (or Dragon) that is see through. The kit comes with stickers, gems and accessories to add to each. Now here's the payoff -- you plug it and now you have a beautiful night light . Each use a USB Cord for power. Adding the accessories calls for fine motor skills -- that may require some adult assitance depending on your child's age. Sc

(Thames & Kosmos $19.99) Here's a fun and challenging word game from Thames & Kosmos. Each player picks their "drink" colored dice (ice coffee, lemonade, grape soda or fruit punch), their plastic tumbler and drinking straw boards (where you build your words). For each round, a player takes a turn rolling the four dice that go into the ice cube tray. The goal is to create words that include the letters in the tray. You get points for matching the letters and for the length of

(SimplyFun $25) Here's a wonderful new math game from SimplyFun that's a great way to work on building confidence -- without feeling like a drill. The game play is easy to learn. You roll the die and then from the cards in your hand, you add cards to reach the "elevator number. The player that completes the number, gets to take all the cards. The player with the most cards at the end -- wins the game. We wish the elevator had dimension -- to feel more like an elevator - but