(Fisher-Price $46.90) Our parent testers wanted us to share that this required more assembly than prior Fisher-Price Little People builds. So if you're not handy, you may want to skip this one unless you have a friend or family member to call on. Our kid testers really enjoyed this multi-level play setting. It has two roads down the mountain (one is twisting). It comes with a Little people red vehicle, a figure, and a bear! The set also includes a snowboard, a campfire and a

(LEGO DUPLO $19.97) Toddlers will enjoy this small DUPLO building set that's focused on vehicles! Our tester loved that there were different colored bases to work with -- yellow, red and green. There's also a helicopter in the mix. This 42 piece set is a great place to start with older toddlers who are ready to build and then enjoy playing with their creations. At first, you'll model how to put the pieces together and don't worry so much about matching the picture on the box.

(Corolle $25.20) Perhaps the sweetest doll that arrived in our office this year. A 12" doll with a soft body, a vinyl face and hands. It's the perfect first doll for older babies and toddlers. The baby is wearing a white bunny outfit with floral trim on the sleeves and feet. The hat comes down but is permanently attached to the outfit. The baby has a bald head which makes this a better choice for this age group. Ages: 9 months & up Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 20

(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 $17.59) Our toddler testers LOVED this new 2-in-1 Vacuum from Fisher-Price. Most toddlers really enjoy pretend vacuum cleaning -- and this one is really a great scale. It also comes with a removable "duster" that spins when the vacuum is pushed. Our parents liked that there is a lower volume option with a vacuum sound. There are also songs as options. Ages: Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026

(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

(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 $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 Oppenhe