( Peaceable Kingdom $19.95) Finding first games for older toddlers can be challenging which is why we were so delighted to try Patch's Pockets. It is just on the target for young players learning about taking turns. We suggest that you play this cooperatively to start. The box holds the carrot patch. Players take turns pulling the carrots (they have different colors) and matching them to the oversized Bunnies that have a pocket on their overalls. The pockets are also one of

( 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

( Super Smalls $32) Hands down the jazziest swim goggles we have ever seen. Everyone wanted a pair (including all of the adults). They...

( 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

( Pottery Barn $159) A wow wee kind of sprinkler for summer fun. It takes a while to fill the dino with air -- so you may want to do it...

( 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

( The Pencil Grip $22) The juiciest set of coloring sticks. The saturation of color is what we all dreamed of as kids. The magic here is really solid tempera paint that glides on so easily. Our kid testers LOVE the colors and experience of drawing with them. Parents love that because they are tempera paint they wash off and they also dry in 90 seconds. We suggest pairing this with a big pad of paper and have fun coloring together! We say toddler and up -- but really you'll 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