(Fisher-Price $45) Our testers enjoyed this small pretend setting that has lots of opportunities for language development. The scanner beeps when you scan any of the 9 items. There's also three ways to pay: coins, bills and a credit card. The cash register has many buttons to push and explore with music and games. You can also change the language including French, English, German, Italian or Dutch. Our testers quickly set up shop and enjoyed ringing up orders. Ages: Toddler

(Fisher-Price $43) If you have a Thomas & Friends fan, you'll want to consider this playset from Fisher-Price. Full disclosure here, we were skeptical since we tend to prefer wooden train sets but this setting quickly won both kids and adult over as a fun toy train experience. Our testers loved all the different movable pieces including the shed for the trains has one lift for repairs and then separate lifts to propel the trains onto the roundabout. There's also a bridge tha

(JustPlay Toys $79) Our preschool testers adored Gabby, the latest animal from the FurReal collection of interactive dolls from JustPlay Toys. The showy "watch Gabby grow" was fun but not the main draw for our testers who loved how the Tiger made noises when she was feed. Gabby will also roar back -- (not in a scary way) and she will also burp when she's had a lot of pretend drinks. You can reset Gabby to her baby size and then activate her to grown again which was our first

(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

(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

(eeBoo $23.99) eeBoo newest Giant 36 piece puzzle features images from the farm. Great for knowing and naming. The puzzle is satisfying big - 24.4 inches by 20 inches. Our testers loved the images they recognized like the horse, cow, eggs and were interested in the S for Silo and O for Orchard. eeBoo also makes a more traditional ABC puzzle in this size as well. Last year's dinosaur theme was a hit with our dino lovers! 4 & up. Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold S

(eeBoo $13.99 each) Our toy testers love beautifully crafted puzzles with lovely illustrations. Among our favorites this year, Little Farm - that features a Red Barn that's surrounded by the animals you'd find at the farm -- a perfect opportunity for knowing and naming. Once the puzzle is put together, you can make some of the noises that each of the aninmals make. There's also Petite Pets that features fish, a parrot, a turtle, a guinea pig among others. For the holidays, we

(Simplay3 $109) A water table in summer is the toy to have if you have older toddlers and preschoolers. It will keep them engaged like no other toy. We especially hove this larger water table from Simply3 because it will accommodate several kids. There are two indented areas which are wonderful for toddlers. Our preschoolers enjoyed the two little bridges, the pump and the waterway that goes around the perimeter of the table. The set comes with boats, trucks and buckets -- e

(Amazon $19.99) Nothing is more classic than bubbles for summer play. Here's a twist that's going to make everyone happy. This adjustable bubble machine produces great bubbles (it's powered by a USB charger so you're not constantly needing to load batteries). Kids love chasing the bubbles. Adults LOVED that these bubble makers light up and can also play music. Fun for a night time party! Ages: Toddlers, Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026 Shop this produ

(Peaceable Kingdom $24.95) First -- let's just set some ground rules about playing with older toddlers and preschoolers. Don't come to the game with any expectations that they will play by the rules suggested by the instructions. Playing games with this age group is more about learning about doing things in some order and taking turns -- and most of all having fun. If any of the above happens -- you're doing great. We always give high marks to Peaceable Kingdom -- they alw