( Mindware $21.95) Here's an interesting add-on for playing with Magna-Tiles. While box shows magnetic tiles, you must provide your own - none are included in the set. The forms attach to the tiles with two different illustrated roads to use on your tiles. Now for some, this will take away from the open-ended, abstract play that magnetic tiles encourage. For others, the more detailed and realistic "road" will be appealing - it becomes more of a puzzle to have the roadway c

( 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

( Melissa & Doug $144.63) A wow-wee kind of gift for preschoolers that love to pretend to cook like their folks. There's a lot to do here with both a pretend grill and a pizza oven that's a combination of wood with plastic features. The set comes with lots of pretend food including wooden shrimps, fish and meat (with one side raw and the other side cooked). And of course there's a wooden pizza pie that you can add topping to as well. Our testers loved that the dials made a

( Hasbro $19.99) If you have a Peppa Pig fan in your house, you'll want to take a look at this adorable set that includes the family's red car, Peppa, the new baby, a car seat and suitcase that has pictures of baby bottles inside. It' s marked 3 & up because the the baby is small. Our tester loved that the front hood and trunk opened. You can also buy the full family of five separately ($12.99).   Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025

( eeBoo $21.99) Truly a friendly town with so much to see and talk about! There's the boat with a friendly whale near by. There are the cute little pigs that run the fruit stand, rabbits in the garden (makes sense), a donkey pulling a raccoon and so much more. While the illustration by Linda Bleck is very busy, it comes together in 36 giant pieces make this a good choice for the 4 & up crowd. We also love Animal Voices that features many animals including a rhino, a whale, a

(Hape $69.95) To be honest, at first we weren't sure about a space-themed train track set -- but we were wrong. Our testers LOVED this set that comes with a rocket, space trains, a flight tower, a bridge that becomes a launching ramp that is fun to crank into an upright position. There was plenty of pretend power mixed in here once the set was put together. The set also comes with two blue ramps that give the trains great motion. You'll need an adult to put this together wit

( 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

( PlayMonster $19.99) We LOVE this Koosh version of the classic cornhole game. Parents that grew up in the 90s will also love the retro feel of playing with Koosh. The set comes with a lightweight yellow slanted board (easy to move around) and six Koosh (two different colors). Designed for the 5 & up crowd, but our preschooler loves it as long as he can stand much closer! A good one for indoor play on a rainy day -- can also be used outdoor. A great family time active game.

( eeBoo $10.99 each) The perfect holiday puzzle with a forest full of animals (some playing music) surrounding a small Christmas tree...

( Fat Brain $99.95 ) A wow wee kind of holiday gift -- perfect for preschoolers! A happy choice for 3 and up. This mega train set...