(Goliath $24.05) We gave this a test run with our 4 year old Thanksgiving player. We have to say, this was a blast...with requests to play again! It was a late arrival but we're upgrading the award to Platinum. A good way to win over reluctant game players. This one is active enough and the rules are simple enough—with plenty of chances to win as well as lose. First you load the little bananas in the base of the tree and put the monkey in the middle. Players take turns rolli

(Wonder Forge $24.99) This is a bit like battleship for the very young. One player acts as Nancy and chooses a card with a picture of a piece of clothing. She alone knows the color, design and type of clothing the other players must guess. This is not a dress up game; it’s a game of deduction and players need to remember what colors, patterns and style have been guessed by others. Kids who love Fancy Nancy storybooks will probably like this best. It says 3 and up, but we thin

(Dial $11.99) A colorful board book by Sophie Beer, that celebrates something we could all use a lot of these days—kindness. We’re not sure you can teach that with a book and declarative sentences. That said, it is a way to talk with kids one on one about the simple acts we can do to be kind to others. It’s little things like sharing your treats, taking turns, helping, and just saying hello. We like the multicultural cast of players as well as the mix of older and younger cha

(Faber-Castell $14.99) Drawing faces is a skill that school age kids sometimes get self-conscious about. Their younger drawings begin to look “not good” enough to their critical eyes. This is a 40-piece kit that gives them some structure, tools and how-to tips. The kit includes 15 eco-pencils including six blendable skin tones for making multicultural faces. There’s also a dust-free eraser, pencil sharpener, 10 sheets of tracing paper, an easel backed mirror for self-portrait

(Ravensburger $30.30) You may have played and loved the original award-winning Labyrinth game. Now, for serious fans of Harry Potter, here’s a winning twist. Players must find pathways to the well-known residents of Hogwarts. As with the original game, no two games are alike. The board changes on each turn and you can make game play simpler for beginners by letting them see all the characters they are looking for on their turn. There are no sound effects, batteries or lights—

(Goliath $24.05) Our testers say they had a blast with this funny game of chance. First you load the little bananas in the base of the tree and put the monkey in the middle. Players take turns rolling the die and taking one, two or someone else’s bananas. But watch out! You want to be the player with the most bananas so you’ll want to catch the monkey when it flies up! No batteries are needed and there’s no strategy. You just want to be good at catching a monkey mid-air to ge

We are delighted to announce the Best Toys in the Infant Category for 2019. These toys have been awarded our top honor, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award! Infants don't need a lot of playthings, but having well-chosen props for engaging your baby in play is essential. To read our full review of each toy click through the titles below. You'll find our entire evaluation and shopping information as well. We also highly recommend looking at our Oppenheim Toy Portfolio G

We are delighted to announce the Best Toys in the Toddler Category for 2019. These toys have been awarded our top honor, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award! Toddlers are all about their new found mobility and curiosity. It's important to bring home a mix of playthings that play to their strengths and foster confidence in their ability to make things happen! And if you've ever played with a toddler, you know they love doing things again and again. Musical Toy Manhatta

We are delighted to announce the Best Toys in the Preschool Category for 2019. These toys have been awarded our top honor, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award! Preschoolers need a a mix of toys for active big muscle play as well as sit down quiet time. Toys for solo time as well as social play. To read our full review of each toy click through the titles below. You'll find our entire evaluation and shopping information as well. You'll also want to check our OTP Gold A

We are delighted to announce the Best Toys in the Early School Years Category for 2019. These toys have been awarded our top honor, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award! Early School Years children like more complex building toys, puzzles, and games. They're also ready to use fine motor skills for crafts. they need toys for social and active play as well as quiet solo time. To read our full review of each toy click through the titles below. You'll find our entire evalu