( Mattel $25.54 each) Each of these fashion dolls make that "wow-wee" kind of gift for kids in the fashion doll zone. The house of Barbie brings all their magic to these two stunning dolls. Glinda is resplendent in her lavender gown and tiara - and her magic wand is pink perfection. Elphaba comes with her broom, hat (the one Glinda gave her), and Grimmerie. Marked 6 & up, but we have a feeling this will be big with adult collectors too. Ages: Preschool, Early School Oppenhe

( Mattel $24.99 each) If Wicked is big in your house, you'll want to consider these special dolls from Mattel. Push each of the doll's middle and you'll hear a snippet of For Good. We wish they sang more of the song, but will still be a memorable gift. These are marked 4 & up. There are more elaborate versions (non-singing ) for the next age group. Ages: Preschool, Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards 2025 Click here to purchase Elphaba on Amazon.com

(LEGO $15.99) A truly great kit for open-ended LEGO building. The carry-along case comes with 213 pieces for on-the-go fun. Perfect for taking to Grandma's house. There's a rainbow of colors to play with and a set of wheels for building vehicles. The price point is great for holiday gifting and birthdays! And while appreciate the fun of a themed-licensed kit, having an open-ended LEGO kit is also great for encouraging kids to flex their own imagination for builds. 4-99. Opp

( Moose Games $14.97) Cownado is a fun active game for 2-4 players. The object of the game is to free the cow that has been captured by the tornado. Each player has a paddle and when you hit the cloud the tornado will spin and ultimately the cow will pop out. Be the player to release the cow three times and you are the winner! A great one for family get togethers. Ages 6 & up. Ages: Early School Years, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025

We are delighted to announce the Best Toys in the Early School Years Category for 2025. These toys have been awarded our top honor, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award ! Early School Years children like more complex building toys, puzzles, and games. They're also ready to use fine motor skills for crafts. they need toys for social and active play as well as quiet solo time. To read our full review of each toy click through the titles below. You'll find our entire ev

( Super Smalls $40) Our testers loved this kit that comes with three small frames to decorate with puff paint (four colors) and "gemstones" to gemify the frames. School aged kids love making things that they can display in their rooms as well as making gifts for others. Ages: Early School, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this product on Amazon

( POPDARTS $24.99) Popdarts are a great family game for mixed ages. The set comes with two sets of suction tips that each player takes turns throwing at the red suction marker. The closer you get the more points you receive, the first player that has 21 points wins. You can play tossing the Popdarts on a table or onto a glass door. 5 & up. The company also makes more advanced sets. Ages: Infants Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this toy on Amazon

(eeBoo $15.99) There's so much to know and name in this puzzle deep in the rainforest. Toucan, sloth, frog, anteater, monkey, a gorilla - just to name a few. The pieces are mid-size, not giant floor puzzle types, but bigger than small jig saw pieces. The finished puzzle is 15 X 15 inches. Marked 5+ , but that depends on how experienced your puzzler is. It will be a good choice for slightly older kids. When you choose puzzles you want kids to have challenges but not outright

(Horizon Group $14.99 ) Everything you need for creating necklaces and bracelets with more than 20 interachangeable charms that go on with easy to change lobster claws. There is a chain bracelet and necklace as well as elastic cord for making bracelets with more hundreds of beads (accent colors, alphabet beads and metallic beads). Would make a great holiday gift for jewelry lovers. Marked 6 & up. Younger kids will need adult assistance. Ages: Older Early School, Tweens Opp

( LEGO $69.99) A fun multi-level, fully tricked out tree house that comes with 701 pieces - including four Friends and two animals. There's a sleeping area, a piano , a slide, a work station that includes a circular saw, a kitchen area (for making donuts). There's also a working pull-up chair for getting up to the next level. Our testers loved all the attention to details - just to name a few : mini carrots from the garden, mini ice cream cones, and a hardhat with a protect