( Foros $39.99) One of our favorite new board games of the year! Foros is a beautifully crafted board game. Think tic-tac-toe mashed up with Connect Four. The game play is to get four pieces in a row. You can play with two players or in teams. The game pieces are well finished (there are natural wood cubes and dark wood cylinders. Our testers found the more they played, the more they learned about strategies for moves. The game is marked 6 & up and can be played at this a

( Luki Labs $ 10.99 each) One of our favorite toys of the season. To make it work, you flatten the car and insert it in to the slim plastic launcher "card". Once loaded- you push the button and the car comes speeding out! Would be fun to have two so you can races. It's important to use the toy on a flat surface. The cars come in a variety of models and colors. 5 & up. They also have Pets 2 Love which are cats and dogs that work the same way. Ages: Preschool, Early School Y

( Mag na-Tiles $69.95) A wow-wee set of Magna-Tiles that our testers loved because of the different variety of pieces. The tall triangles, the balconies, the tall door - were all fun to build. This is a 48 piece set that also includes a dragon (another plus with our testers). We still think if you're just starting out with Magna-Tiles an open-ended set is a great idea. We also recommend the Magna-Tiles DLX Classic Set ($119). Ages: Preschool, Early School Years Oppenheim

(Mindware $26.95) Here's a fun craft project that includes everything you need to make this butterfly wooden stool. The set comes with two paint brushes, a rainbow of colors and glue (for securing the wooden legs). The image of butterfly is pre-printed on the top which will give kids a guide. There is a paint guide full of info about color mixing. Remind your child that they don't have to do what's on the box (most likely done by a professional adult artist). We were very im

( Creativity for Kids $11.99 each) Our testers flipped over this cute kit that comes with two butterfly claw clips and four barrettes that are full of glitter (does it get any better than that?). There are also rhinestones, adhesive charms and the words imagine and dream to add to all. Ages: Marked 6 and up. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this product on Amazon

( eeBoo $18.99) There's so much to see in this joyful 100 piece puzzle that features beautiful animals, reptiles and birds in and around the pink tree of wildlife. The animals are vibrant in Sarah Walsh's illustration and the pieces are big which makes this a great parent-child project for 5s and up. Our tester loved that all the animals looked happy together. Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this puzzle on Amazon

( Just Play $21.99 ) If you grew up playing Simon, you're going to love this new twist - and so will your kids and grandkids. Just the like original, you have to watch and then replay the same sequence but now you're doing it by stepping on the lights. A great party, family get together, rainy day activity toy. We agree with the 8 and up age range. Takes 3 AA batteries not included . Early School, Tweens 7 & up. Ages:Early School Years, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Plati

( Creativity for Kids $9.99 each) Perfect for summer days, this cute DIY kit comes with two pairs of sunglasses and all the rhinestones, charms and letters to make them really unique. Not sure which is cuter - the heart-shaped pink pair or the blue flowers! Will be a hit to work on and then enjoy. Ages: Marked 6 and up. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this product on Amazon

( Odyssey Toys $59.99 ) This is a loud, noisy toy but SO MUCH fun. So be forewarned -- this is not for small spaces or anyone who feels toys should not make noise. The set comes with two RC bumper cars that both light up and have music when. you turn them on. If you crash the cars into each other - the driver may pop out. Our testers loved that the entire bumper lights up and were fun to use with the lights off. The small remote controls are easy to use. The cars take recha

( Playmobil $22.99) This build involves 37 pieces that will require a grown up for younger builders. This is true of most Playmobil sets -- which we see as a plus. It's a fast build and then your child has a really fun toy. Our testers loved that the car is a pull back toy. The set comes with a Pizza Delivery Guy and, of course, pizza! There's lots of pretend play possibilities here. There are other fun themed cars in this collection including a Racing Unicorn and Racing P