( Cuddle+Kind $37-41 each) Cuddle + Kind has expanded their Baby Animal collection this year. It's hard to pick from these sweet 7 " hand-made dolls. They're pricey but very special. If you buy three, they come in a gingerbread gift box this season (at no extra charge). Our favorites this year include the Ladybug, the Daisy and the Otter. We are also loving the Octopus. There are no buttons or doo dads that come off, the features are all crocheted into the dolls in soft

( Cuddle + Kind $76-$98) This year's collection from Cuddle + Kind is the best yet! This year there's a new collection of ponies - Sophia in a pink jumper (with little flowers), Liam in blue shorts and Kelsie in a sweet dress . There's also Bella the honey bear in a scalloped-trimmed dress, Alexander the Honey bear who has a baby bear in his front pocket. Equally sweet is Emma the mouse in a pink dress with a floral garland, Beatrice the Mouse in a blue jumper and

(LEGO DUPLO $34.99) Toddlers will enjoy this small DUPLO building set that's focused on the airport. Our tester loved that there was a yellow and white airplane that opens so that it can be loaded with people and a luggage. Comes with two figures and a teddy bear. There's also a control tower and a baggage claim area. A good choice if your child is going to fly soon. Lots to lanaguage opportunities here - talk about the plane taking off. It's going --- up, up, up! Where cou

(LEGO DUPLO $29.95) Fans of Bluey will love this small set that includes 22 pieces. There's a Bluey and a Dad figure as well as a car and props for an ice cream shop. Lots of pretend opportunities once you put the ice cream stand together. 2 & up. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025 Shop the ice cream trip on Amazon

( Corolle $19.95) If you're looking for a first baby doll, Corolloe's Mon Doudou collection is perfect. A 10" doll that has painted on features and clothes that do not come off -- making it a safe choice for toddlers. Comes in different skin tones. Older Infants and Toddlers. Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards 2025 Shop this doll on. Amazon

( Manhattan Toy $13 and $30) These are the sweetest dragons and our favorite huggable of the year. They are delightfully soft, squishy and come in a rainbow of colors. They have stitched features - making them a good choice as a first huggable for babies and toddlers. There are also two sizes 10" and 4". If you need something to hug -- get yourself one too. Ages: Infants, Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2025

( 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

( 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 $48.87) One of the most innovative toys of the year. It's a beautifully designed product with a wood veneer top and a rainbow-colored keyboard. There are three modes of play and to the delight of our parent testers there's a volume control on the side. When you strike a key, the board will light up with the same color pixels - making this a great cause and effect toy for young toddlers. The piano will also play some songs which our testers also loved. Most electronic

( Fisher-Price $29.99) Toddlers LOVE getting their parent some pretend coffee which is why this setting is such a hit. The machine comes...