(LEGO $28.99) Many Duplo sets are packaged with one project to build. That can be fun, but for beginners, we prefer a more open-ended set...

(Quercetti $30.99) Talk about action, this marvelous 55 piece set of gears includes six giant gears with kaleidoscopic action! Our...

(Fisher-Price $39.99) A classic miniature setting for beginning pretend play. The house opens for play time and then packs away easily...

(Fisher-Price $21.99) For toddlers and preschoolers this bag of 80 colorful pegged blocks is a basic. Toddlers will need some learning...

(Lakeshore $299) These are the kind of quality wooden unit blocks that you'll find in a good nursery school. The hardwood is smooth and...

(Leap Frog $35) Magnetic letters will get a lot of play on the refrigerator door. A classic game for preschoolers. This set of letters...

(Small World Toys $62) Neurosmith Music Blocks won our Platinum Award seal years ago. We're glad to note that it is still available and...

(Play Monster $24) We’ve told you about Platinum winners, Automoblox many times, toy vehicles that come apart and can be reassembled like...

(PlaSmart $69.95) We gave this ride on the Platinum Award way back in 2005 and it’s still a winner. It’s a low to the ground ride-on that...

(Magformers $38) With this 26-piece set your child gets an introduction to this excellent line of magnetic building pieces. Safe enough...