(FoxMind $29.99) A Canadian company brought this fast-paced game for school aged kids and family game fun a while back. It's new to us this season. It's a two player game or can be played by two groups. Each side gets five identical patterned blocks. They compete to be the first to arrange the blocks to match the patterned card drawn from the pile. These cards range in difficulty, so for starters, we suggest playing the easiest ones first. The blocks have patterns on all four

(Thames & Kosmos $50.00) Kids can make endless coding maps for Huey, a color sensing robot to travel on. The set comes with 81 puzzle shaped tiles that kids put together in small or giant maps. Huey can recognize the color discs that tell him to go forward, right, or left. There are 18 maps kids can build' they grow larger as the challenges grow more complex. Kids can also create their own maps, but watch out! There are "red ghosts" that will stop Huey in his tracks while ki

(Thames & Kosmos $49.99) No need to build the robot, Andy comes out of the box ready for coding action. Kids use the arrow and go buttons on top of Andy's head to program up to 30 actions. He's got built in lights, sounds, and movements. They can also use the cards to play coding games or dance to Andy's music. This is for the youngest beginning coders. 4 and up. Ages:Older Preschoolers, Young Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2022 Click here to purchase

(Fisher Price $39.99) With two Little People racing cars, this giant size Hot Wheels raceway is designed with ramps and loops that are likely to be a sure fire hit with older toddlers and young preschoolers. Unlike most raceway toys that can be rearranged in many ways, this is set to stay in one position once an adult assembles it. So, this is not what you'd call an open-ended toy. Designed for younger kids than the traditional Hot Wheels tracks, the cars are bigger and the s

(Hey Buddy Hey Pal $27.99) One of our favorite games of the year! It's a Color Matching game that involves sequencing and seeing patterns. Players need to be the first to stack their cake pieces in the same pattern as the card displayed in each round of play. First to do so gets to ring the bell and wear the baker's hat. Comes with multicolored pieces of cake, frosting, baker's hat, bell, candles. Great idea for a small birthday gathering or a Happy Un- birthday party any da

(Hape $31.99) We told you about this fun musical toy several years ago. It’s not brand new but your baby is. It comes with several sound modes, including piano, guitar, drums. You can also adjust the tempo. Older siblings can use the color-coded music book for an easy start to recognizable melodies. They can play by color or use the stickers to label the keyboard. And yes, it does have a volume control. 12 months and up. Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

(Hape $12.99) A great floor toy that makes a gentle chiming sound and wings flap as the penguin wobbles. Easy for sitting up baby to activate with a swipe of the hand. It will not roll away but does move some, encouraging baby to do the same. Good choice for babies not yet crawling, but sitting up with ease. An early lesson in cause and effect. 6 months and up. Ages: Infants Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2022 Click here to purchase product on Amazon.com

(Fat Brain $21.95) You probably have some dimpls in steady use already, but these three new versions will make a splash at bathtime. In fact, they may help reluctant bathing babies into the water. The three newest dimpls not only float, they are ideal for scooping, pouring, dunking, and dripping. A perfect choice for the older toddler’s tubtime. 18 months and up. Ages: Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2022

(PlayMonster $19.99) A fun set for the holidays. There's a new activity for each of the 12 days or you can use this as a great go-to set when you have a house full of friends or family. The charms are easy to put together. Each is a "puff" design that you squeeze together. Younger crafters may need help adding the jump rings to their charms. With 293 pieces, kids can make makes 100+ charms, so there are plenty of charms to go around for a gathering. Ages: Early School Oppe

(eeBoo $24.99) An unusual game based on the color wheel with the colors numbered from 1-36. Players draw triangular playing pieces, each with three colors that are numbered. Players compete to place their triangle alongside matching numbered color, but be careful...if you make an imperfect match your opponent gets the points! This is an unusual kind of matching game with eye appealing foil playing pieces that call for careful visual skills and strategy by anticipating what yo