(eeBoo $11.99) Kids can make colorful butterflies and flowers with the abundant supply of textured and precut crepe paper and pipe cleaners in this kit. Making them involves some folding and following directions, with some showy end products that can be used to decorate holiday gifts, or as decorations. Marked 5 & up. We think 5’s will need a good deal of help before they can do these solo. That said, 5s, 6s and 7s will like this colorful craft kit. Ages: Early School Years O

(Fat Brain $9.99) Put this on the high chair table and watch the fun begin. It’s a suction based toy with suction cups on both ends. Stand it up tall or stick it down on both sides. Either way, it will move easily when baby bats it with the slightest swipe of a hand. The three colorful loops that are attached to the bright orange silicone base have interesting textures for little fingers to explore. pipSquigz Loops can be enjoyed for two-handed play, as well, when the suction

(Gamewright $19.99) One of the best games of the year! Got high marks for being different from other games out there. Each player draws a secret card that tells them which three totem pieces need to be in one of the top three positions. Then the fun begins. Each player then plays one of her action cards that will either move a piece up or down on the totem pole - or worse - remove a piece all together. There's some strategy here as well as good fortune. You play four rounds t

(Ceaco $7.99 each) Our testers loved working on these 100 piece puzzles as a family. The puzzles have interesting shapes and go together in ways that are sometimes surprising. As always puzzles do very well with our toy testing families that enjoy unplugging and working together. The 100 piece puzzles are a great size for school aged kids and parents. We love the one above with the whole PEANUTS gang as well as the puzzle with Snoopy and Woodstock on the beach. There is also

(Magformers $51.00) With squares and triangles and a large magnetic base, this thirty-piece set of tiles can be built free style or by following patterns on the idea sheet. A wonderfully versatile building set for preschoolers. The set comes with 8 triangles, 12 squares, a magnetic board, and a step-by-step idea sheet. For safety sake the magnets are inside the translucent colorful tiles. Preschoolers will begin their hands-on learning about the nature of magnets. Use these f

(Creativity for Kids $10 and up) These weighted stuffed toy have reversible sequins that turn color when they are smoothed from one side to another. They are believed to provide soothing comfort to children with tactile issues. Not only can they be fidgeted with, the extra weight gives comfort and security. They come with reusable stickers that can be placed on the plush side (preferably not on the sequins.) We told you about the larger sequined Happy the Hedgehog, $24.99. Th

(Creativity for Kids $5.99) Here’s one that you have to do when the moment is right. It’s a keepsake that you make with air dry clay of your child’s (grandchild’s) little hand. Simply press their little hand into the white clay, punch a hole in the top for hanging, paint and decorate it with the glitter paint and red and green paint. Let it dry and hang it with the golden ribbon that comes in the kit. This is a handmade craft you'll want to keep for always. Ages: Toddlers, Pr

(Creativity for Kids $12.99) Sure, you can paint any rock, but this kit comes with all the ingredients ready and assembled. With 10 rocks of good size and 30 transfers that can be added after the rocks are painted. Four special transfers come in gold and the others are black. Add snowflakes, mittens, presents, gingerbread cookies, stars, candy canes and so many other holiday designs. The package suggests spreading holiday cheer by hiding rocks around your community. A nice id

(Creativity for Kids $12.99) These may well become keepsakes, little 5” X 4” sweater ornaments with their own hangers to hang on the tree. Kids decorate them with the felt, rhinestones, bells, and other trims that attach with self adhesive backing and craft glue. All included in this little kit with three mini sweaters and supplies inside. Marked for 6 and up. although we think older kids will like doing thee up, as well. Ages: Older Early School, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfol