(Vango $14.99) If you loved playing the card game Spit as a kid, you'll really enjoy this twist. The cards have the ingredients and toppings for mac 'n cheese. See a match between the card on the pile and the card placed down -- if you are the first to smack the oversized piece of noddle -- you get to claim that match. Smack down incorrectly and you have to give up one of your matches. The first player to get all the ingredients, toppings, bowl and utensils wins. A fun fami

(Hape $21.99) Hape has created a beautifully crafted puzzle with the The Metropolitan Museum of Art - inspired by Monet's Water Lily Garden in Giverny. The 49 piece wood puzzle comes in a wooden frame. Our testers loved that there was also a picture of the image that fits in the frame - giving younger children extra guidance when working on the puzzle. While marked 4-7, we think the sweet spot for this puzzle is more 6 & up and would make a lovely parent-child play opportu

(Spinmaster $19.99) Here's a fun "Rubiks" inspired toy that's designed for the rest of us. The goal here is not to solve the cube, but to create three in a row on the grid. Colors light up and you have quickly find where you can push the third button to make three of the same color. You can play this solo or as a game for up to 4 players. Marked 7 & up. Ages: Early School, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026

(LEGO DUPLO $19.97) Older Bluey fans will enjoy putting together this 104 piece set that creates a mini playground setting for Bluey and Chloe (both character figs are included in the set). Our testers loved the slide and ladder that bring you down and up to the two level play area with a tic-tac-toe game. Lots of pretend opportunities here once built. Editor's Note: Many Bluey fans are younger than the age range on this box. This is intended as a first build set for 4s and u

(Educational Insights $24.99) If you have a bug lover in your house, you'll want to take a look at this new Bugservatory from GeoSafari. The set comes with a bug catcher that has a clever opening with soft bristles that opens when you squeeze the handle. There is magnifcation on the side so you take a closer look. The larger habitat has a 5x magnifcation on the front end and with three viewing lens on the side with vary degrees of magnifcation. Our testers wished that the ma

(Creativity for Kids $24.95) Our testers loved this set that comes with a unicorn in a little bag that they could use to carry around their pet -- or use separately "when I leave her home." But wait -- there's more...the kit also comes with a makeup kit that includes washable makeup for the unicorn. Comes with two colors, two sets of eyelashes (that can be removed and reused) as well as some gemstones that have adhesive. The Unicorn can be washed so that the makeup can be r

(Creativity for Kids $15.99) Our testers thought this was a really great kit with lots of things to make and use. Comes with a see through belt bag with purple trim and stickers for decorating. There are also 3 headbands and 4 hair clips that are ready for embellishment. And picking up on a major fashion trend, there are beads and a clip for making your own bag charm and bracelets. Would make a great birthday or holiday gift for the 6 & up crowd. For a smaller kit, look at

(Mattel $31.99) If you have a Barbie and ballet fan in your house, you'll want to check out this very special Barbie in the Nutcracker. She comes in a fun display box where you can make her tutu spin. Barbie's feet are adjustable so she can go en pointe. Her arms are also posable. Her legs lift but do not bend -- so no pliés possible. The company's video shows an African-American Version but we are not finding it online. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Awa

(Creativity for Kids $24.99 each) Here's a fun and novel activity kit with a big payoff at the end. The set comes with a fully assembled Unicorn (or Dragon) that is see through. The kit comes with stickers, gems and accessories to add to each. Now here's the payoff -- you plug it and now you have a beautiful night light . Each use a USB Cord for power. Adding the accessories calls for fine motor skills -- that may require some adult assitance depending on your child's age. Sc

(SimplyFun $25) Here's a wonderful new math game from SimplyFun that's a great way to work on building confidence -- without feeling like a drill. The game play is easy to learn. You roll the die and then from the cards in your hand, you add cards to reach the "elevator number. The player that completes the number, gets to take all the cards. The player with the most cards at the end -- wins the game. We wish the elevator had dimension -- to feel more like an elevator - but