Gold: Toddlers

Peaceable Kingdom World of Eric Carle Animal Bingo

(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

Hape Hauler Dump Truck

(Hape $28.95) Our preschool testers loved this dump truck for pretend play with blocks and trains. The yellow base is wood with a plastic working dumping back end. The set comes with a wooden road block to warn traffic of on-going construction. There is also a construction worker that's just the right size for older twos and preschoolers to grab and become part of their own action adventures with the dump truck. Marked 2 - 8. Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Port

Jasey's Toy Chest Wooden Vehicles Puzzle & Play Pieces

( Jasey's Toy Chest $14.99) Our testers LOVE this puzzle that comes with 8 different wooden vehicles that are taller than the puzzle board -- making them easier to grasp. What's especially fun is that the vehicles can be used for dramatic play on their own or used in block play. There is an ambulance, a train, a plane, a police car, a bus, a firetruck, a cement truck and a boat. There is also an adorable Wooden Farm Puzzle & Play Pieces . 12 months & up. Ages: Toddlers Oppe

Jasey's Toy Chest Wooden Farm Easy-Grasp Peg Puzzle

( Jasey's Toy Chest $17.99) A beautifully crafted puzzle featuring four animals - a lamb, a chicken, a horse and a cow. The illustrations are lovely and have a storybook quality. The wooden-knobs make these easier to for younger toddlers to grasp -- making this the perfect first puzzle. Your toddler will enjoy picking up the pieces -- and will eventually have the fine motor skills to place them back. You can talk about the names and the sounds the animals make as you explo