( eeBoo $24.99) A gorgeous image of skaters in Central Park at night. A magical setting by Victoria Tentler-Krylov. These puzzles make great projects for families during the holidays. Equally special, Paris Christmas by Jennifer Orkin Lewis - features street scenes of people shopping with the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame in the background. Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this New York City Skaters puzzle on Amazon Shop Paris Christmas puzzle o

( Playmobil $197) A wow-wee kind of a castle with multi-levels and a bridge that connects the two towers. As with all Playmobil sets, this starts a construction set that makes a great parent/child project and leaves you with a terrific pretend setting. There's a dramatic spiral staircase, a dancing platform that allows the figures to spin, and two figures (a princess and prince) and thrones. We do wish there were more characters included in the set. There are other exte

( Corolle $44) A charming doctor's kit designed for 12" and 14" dolls -- complete with a doctor's bag (in blue gingham checks of course) and so many great accessories including a blood pressure cuff, a thermometer, a stethoscope, a retractable syringe, a bottle of vitamins. Comes with 3 batteries. Marked 18 months and up but we think the sweet spot is more like 3s and 4s. Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Click here to buy the Doll Sling on Amazon

( Corolle $37.23) Love giving kids props that are like the real thing. This beautifully designed Doll Sling with a fun floral print is designed to hold 14" and 17" dolls. It has adjustable strap which is a plus. There is also a matching Carry Bed. with pink handles. 3 & up. Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Click here to buy the Doll Sling on Amazon

( eeBoo $23.99 ) Dinosaur fans will love this new take on classic Bingo. Instead of matching numbers, you're matching the dinos! The set comes with 36 playing tiles, 6 game boards and a drawstring bag. Caller draws a card and names the animal, showing it to the other players. The player who has the matching dino covers the space on his board. First player to cover all the dinos on his playing board is the winner. Marked 5 and up, but again probably of bigger interest to

( Connetix $59.99) Magnetic building sets are all the rage with preschoolers. Connetix entered the market in 2019 when two families came together to "build" on this type of play. Our testers really loved their new Bright Portal Packs which give you three different size portals or windows to work with. The oversized portal can contain the two smaller sizes which makes them great fun. This set includes 48 pieces - the kit and the company's website has building suggestions -- b

( eeBoo $23.99) If you have a dinosaur fan in your house, you're going to want to consider this giant puzzle that features an alphabet of dinos. Thankfully, there's also a pronunciation guide included because many of the names are really challenging. The pieces are oversized to produce a satisfyingly giant puzzle. Each dinosaur is also shown with the capital and lowercase letter that it represents. There is also a 20 piece version of this puzzle as well. If dinosaurs are not

( Manhattan Toy $13 and $30) These are the sweetest dragons and our favorite huggable of the year. They are delightfully soft, squishy and come in a rainbow of colors. They have stitched features - making them a good choice as a first huggable for babies and toddlers. There are also two sizes 10" and 4". If you need something to hug -- get yourself one too. Ages: Infants, Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025

( Corolle $90) One of the sweetest dolls of the year! Corolle's new Maëlys is a 14" doll that is styled so perfectly. She has a multi-layer chambray skirt with sa lovely pink hoodie sweatshirt (with a unicorn on it). A matching pink headband and silver metallic sneakers. She is one of four new dolls in the Poupee collection: there's a blond, red head and brunette as well. Pricey but will become a favorite. Available at FAO Schwarz. 3 & up. Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Po

( Corolle $90) Corolle can always be counted on for very special dolls - the kind you remember as you get older. The new Cleopée is a 14" doll that is styled so beautifully. She has a navy tulle skirt with silver metallic polka dots. A sweet sweater with a heart that has a tiny floral pattern that's picked up on her headband. And our tester loved the silver metallic shoes. She is one of four new dolls in the Poupee collection: there's an African-American, red head and brune