(Big Jigs $13) A wooden puzzle board with the numerals from zero to nine. The numerals are slightly thicker than the puzzle board, so they are easy for small hands to lift out. They are brightly colored and have lively patterns on them as well. Under each numeral is a set of objects that matches the numeral. We wish the 9 had a straight side instead of using the printed form that is so similar to the numeral 6 and may be confusing. That said, it's a fun counting toy for begin

(Manhattan Toy $22) Straight out of Dr. Suess’ Cat in the Hat come the mischief makers, Thing 1 and Thing 2, only in this case they are both in a single puppet. Turn it one way and you see Thing 1 turn it around there’s Thing 2. We like this plump puppet with red body, white face with stitched features and flowing aqua bright hair. Puppeteers can fit their hands into the mouths and make them move. Thing one has wide open eyes, while Thing 2 has his closed, with an angelic loo

(BigJigs $26) A classic looking wooden puzzle board with the alphabet letters in lower case format. The colorful letters are slightly taller than the board so they are easier for small hands to lift out. Underneath the lower case letter is printed along with a small image of something that starts with the letter's sound and the matching word is there as well. 3 & up. Ages:Prechoolers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2018 Click here to purchase the product from Amazon.c

(Manhattan Toy $22) Here he is, the newest version of Wee Baby Stella, a “fella” and a soft doll that is safe enough for one year olds. He’s done up this season in a bright plaid romper with a purple and aqua pacifier stuck on his face. It has a magnet buried safely inside. As always, the Stella and Fella dolls have a tuft of hair on top and a belly button that tots are amused to discover. His onesy romper comes off and there are a number of other clothing choices that can be

(Creativity for Kids $25) Having a sleepover? This spa kit will make for a lot of giggles and fun. The Tropical Spa includes three water-based nail polishes in turquoise, pink and melon. It also has an inflatable Flamingo pedicure pool for foot soaks, 136 Nail art stickers, a spa mask, two flower toe separators, a pineapple shaped nail file, and a tropical flower hair tie. 7 & up Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2018 Click here to purchase the produc

(Creativity for Kids $13) This is essentially a decorating kit. The five pre-made animal masks come with holders and a supply of stickers made of paper and fabric, fur shapes, felt stickers, printed stickers, no mess adhesive dots, mini markers, and instructions. These are not just fun to decorate, they are sure to be even more fun for kids to use in dramatic play as they use their whole bodies in pretend. We think the 5-year old age on the package is somewhat unrealistic for

(Creativity for Kids $15) We wonder how many children today have ever seen a clothes pin or a drying line? Back in the day, before the advent of clothes dryers ( and even afterwards ) wooden clothes pins were a basic household item. Even then, crafty folks used them for making little dolls. This throwback craft is now packaged in My Story Book Dolls kit. It comes with six wooden clothes pins PLUS dozens of doo-dads for creating a cast of one-of-a-kind dolls. The kit includes

Crayola $15 A set of egg-shaped crayons designed for the youngest scribbler. The easy fit in the palm of the toddler’s hand allow for beginning exploration of color and lines. We found the color to be strong and pleasing. These are washable from skin and clothing. These will also be useful for children with fine motor disabilities. Ages: Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2018 Click here to purchase the product from Amazon.com

(Crayola $15) A set of 8 triangular shaped washable markers with intense colors. Designed to help kids learn proper writing grip, these fit into a toddlers hand with ease and have the added asset of not rolling off of table tops, the way round markers do. Perhaps on purpose, the caps are very hard to get off, so these will require adult help for opening and closing. We would point out that caps on any markers are likely to fit in a choke tube and are a choking hazard for chil

(Creativity for Kids $25) Happy the Hedgehog is a heavy huggable armful, designed to decorate, hold, and pet ( without the need to go to the veterinarian.) Run your hand over Hedgie’s sequin back and the sequins change directions and their look! Hedgie comes with reusable felt stickers that can be used and reused. Designed in a brown velour like body, Hedgie is seriously weighted to give it heft. 5 & up. SNAP: A comfort toy that responds with a touch of the hand. Given its we