( Thames & Kosmos $37.95) After following a few easy steps to assembly the product, you have a real metal detector which is fun to use in the backyard or at the beach. It will detect metals like gold, silver, iron and copper. We liked that it comes with an adjustable handle so that it works for kids of different heights. It also gives off a satisifying beep when you find something. A good way to encourage kids to go outside! 8 & up. Ages: Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Plat

( Moose Games $14.97) Cownado is a fun active game for 2-4 players. The object of the game is to free the cow that has been captured by the tornado. Each player has a paddle and when you hit the cloud the tornado will spin and ultimately the cow will pop out. Be the player to release the cow three times and you are the winner! A great one for family get togethers. Ages 6 & up. Ages: Early School Years, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025

( Pour Palz $34.99) A fun experience in layering paint to create a unique bear. When you're done it feels like Jeff Koons and Jackson Pollack spent a day together. The instructions say to layer the three paint colors into the cup to get a more of a marbled result. The paint is acrylic so it can stain which is why we appreciated that it comes with a set of gloves, an apron and a plastic sheet to work on. The company makes two different color ways for the full sized bear

We are delighted to announce the Best Toys in the Tween & Teen Category for 2025. These toys have been awarded our top honor, the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award ! Many tweens and most teens will tell you they're done with toys, so to find games and activities that pull them off their electronics—to take their eyes off those big and little screens, is no easy task. Here are our favorites of the year! Click thru to find our entire evaluation and shopping informatio

( Super Smalls $40) Our testers loved this kit that comes with three small frames to decorate with puff paint (four colors) and "gemstones" to gemify the frames. School aged kids love making things that they can display in their rooms as well as making gifts for others. Ages: Early School, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this product on Amazon

( POPDARTS $24.99) Popdarts are a great family game for mixed ages. The set comes with two sets of suction tips that each player takes turns throwing at the red suction marker. The closer you get the more points you receive, the first player that has 21 points wins. You can play tossing the Popdarts on a table or onto a glass door. 5 & up. The company also makes more advanced sets. Ages: Infants Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this toy on Amazon

(Loveté $19.99 ) This fun new activity kit taps into the current trend of adding embellishments to your sneakers. The set comes with three pairs of laces, charms, jumping rings, pearl beads, letter beads, elastic and permanent stickers. There are also tutorials on line for each step in the kit. Marked 8 & up, but we think it will be most enjoyed by tweens. Ages: Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025

(Horizon Group $14.99 ) Everything you need for creating necklaces and bracelets with more than 20 interachangeable charms that go on with easy to change lobster claws. There is a chain bracelet and necklace as well as elastic cord for making bracelets with more hundreds of beads (accent colors, alphabet beads and metallic beads). Would make a great holiday gift for jewelry lovers. Marked 6 & up. Younger kids will need adult assistance. Ages: Older Early School, Tweens Opp

( Creativity for Kids $18.39) A fun kit for introducing your child to the Japanese art of Origami. There are 60 printed papers with neon designs, a sticker sheet, craft string and step-by-step instructions. Even better, there's a YouTube instructional video. Marked 7 & up -- will need adult involvement. Ages: Early School Years Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop this kit on Amazon

( LEGO $129.99) We are big fans of the Creator 3 in 1 series. It gives you the opportunity to use the same set to do three different builds. This is one of the largest sets we've ever seen. We're not sure anyone is going to take this set with over 1300 pieces apart but you could! The castle is a great build with multi-level towers, a gate that can be pulled up with "chains", there are also six minifigs as well as two horses for pretend jousting. Once the build is completed,