(Petit Collage $22 Each) A charming collection of small 10” fabric dolls that arrive in a little boxy room with cardboard furniture to assemble. Theodore Tiger is a musical cat with a music room play set. Recording his own demos , no doubt. Frances is a friendly Fox with a reading room where he enjoys books, and there’s Beatrice Bear, who loves to paint. Put her paintings up or add some to her collection. Or Rubie Rabbit, who loves to cook in her mini kitchen. These are like

(Mindware $40.95) Cooking is one of those activities with many rewards, not the least of which leads to eating. For kids, there are all sorts of school skills that are put to use—reading a recipe and following directions involve the mechanics of reading and comprehension. Then there’s math involved in the measuring. After that there’s science as children experience first-hand changes of things are transformed from hot to cold or vice-versa. What happens when a chunk of butter

(Spinmaster $19.99) We’ve enjoyed other HedBanz games and this one is sure to make a hit with Harry Potter fans on your list. In fact, it’s strictly for players who know their way around Hogwarts. Without looking at the card, each players stick a card into the Hedbanz, and then players take turns asking the other players what is on his card, by asking questions that can only be answered with a yes or no. For a correct answer you get a chocolate Frog token. Get 5 and you win!

(Loopdedoo /Ann Williams $29.99 No end to the magic of spinning your own friendship bracelets! A perfect DIY loom for a family gathering or birthday party or sleepover party. Set up the loom in minutes and choose the colors and style and in another few minutes you produce a unique bracelet to wear or give. If comes with 12 skeins of 100% cotton embroidery thread. They will need a scissors and we suggest looking at one of the how to videos the company has prepared will be a

(WowWee $19.99) Solo time or team mode, this active game will entertain kids from 7-77+ Hands Full is off the couch fun for up to four! It challenges players to keep their hands full while they jump, high five, shake, dance, twist, and you name it! Hold on tight—if you let go—you lose! There are 3 games in one with 15 moves. Great way to get players away from screens big and small and using up some of that energy supplied by Christmas cookies and candy canes. Marked 7

(Child's Play $8.99 paper) by Roozeboos Beginning readers will find the limited text “possible” and the subject one they often grapple with—making choices. The idea here plays out at the beach with the big and little choices. It a reassuring book that is really talking about the many choices in life. A good book for sharing that can lead to further talks on the subject. Early school. Also easy to read , Sand Between My Toes Ages: 5-8 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 20