(Learning Resources $39.99) Can't believe it's 25 year since this clever working calculator/cash register entered the toy market. It remains a clever way to combine math skills with pretend play! We still love the gender free original red or blue version of this Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award Winner. When kids play store with this smart new register they learn to use a solar powered calculator, make change, use coupons and charge cards. The screen tallies and kids pre

(Vtech $59.99) Our tester gave high grades to the KidiZoom Creator Cam kit comes with a steady/sturdy table-top tripod (which can also be used as a selfie stick) and a green screen. The camera can take both photos and video, has a rotating lens, so that kids can take selfies and record themselves easily. Kids can learn how to make their own movie magic and disappear with the green screen and edit their videos on the camera. They can add 20+ animated backgrounds including one

(Mindware $46.99) Our toy tester was absorbed for hours building and then playing with this 64- piece construction toy that turns into a hotel with colorful bedrooms, a pool and even a working elevator. This calls for following directions, dexterity and creativity. She loved the decorated panels that clipped together to create rooms. She liked using the reusable stickers and the multiple ways to build and rebuild the setting that became a place for pretend play. the kit inclu

(Green Toys $19.99) Load ‘er up! Lots of pretend play with this stout cargo plane that opens with a ramp so that the small car can get aboard and roll out when they reach the destination. A light, uncomplicated plane that comes loaded with a red car to deliver. Kids will no doubt find other cargo to load and unload. Loads of pretend play will easily take off when little pilots grab the handle and taxi down the runway. Like all of Green Toys affordable well- designed products,

(Green Toys $14.99) If only this would do it for the raging fires in California? Designed for tub or pool, the two prop fire plane can pour it on...the water, that is. Tip it forward or back and a well spring spills out. Here’s the good news, unlike many water/bath toys that hold water and can develop a backup of bacteria, this plane opens and can be brushed out with a bottle brush or put it in the dishwasher for a total clean-up. Made by a California based company, a portion

(Vtech $39.99) Vtech has done a version of this talking toy for over twenty years and although the colors change and the sounds, it never gets tired. Of course, V-tech is hoping to teach your toddler to count and get a leg up on math. Don’t worry about the math. This is a toy for active repetitive play. It’s fine that the sports center counts when a ball goes through the hoop and the scoreboard lights up with the numerals from 1-10. Kids will even like the words of praise and

(Hasbro $114.99) Collectors started asking about this when this Boba Fett Helmet was first announced. Our tester was not disappointed. The electronic helmet features a viewfinder with illuminated rangefinder HUD. Just press the button and magically your viewfinder drops down and sets off 2 red LEDs that begin flashing in a “hunting” mode. Of course, true fans know Boba Fett is “one of the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy.” A special gift for that teen who is all about

(Child's Play $8.00 each ) We’ve told you about Child’s Play’s separate board books of popular nursery rhymes, recently redone with new and charming art. Each sturdy book contains dozens of familiar rhymes—best of all they include simple directions for movements to teach children as you say or sing the rhymes and play the games. Lively illustrations are inclusive and diverse, so that all children see themselves pictured in their first books. Pat-A-Cake includes many lap time

(Mattel $24.99 each) Both of these dolls are more collector’s items than play dolls. That said, we think some tweens will like adding these heros to their shelves as inspiration. They have biographies of the women they represent on the back of the box; a little reading that may lead them to find out more, on line or even in a book. We grant that Billie Jean King's calves look a little weird and Ella is so young, when even grandma’s of today remember her as an older woman, but

(Arklu $24.99 each ) We've told you about Lottie Dolls for years and we really want you to know about their very timely Lottie Kid Activist, inspired by real-life kid activist, Mari Copeny. Kids living in cities around the country will recognize this gal and perhaps play out some of their feelings and create their own activist parades with this 7 inch activist Lottie holding her "Kids Voices Matter" sign. Wearing her "stand Up" Jacket, shorts, sneakers and carrying her megaph