(Petit Collage $12 each) Perfect for crawling babies, this beech wood push along toy is smooth to the touch and fits baby’s little hands....

(Cuddle + Kind $50-70) New from Cuddle + Kind, knitted mermaid dolls that are sure to please: Maya, the Mermaid (13” $50; 20”/$70) is a...

(Corolle $67 each) Louise is an armful, a big 14-inch soft-bodied baby doll with blue eyes that open and close and ideal for Big Sister...

(Corolle $39.99) A charming multi-ethnic doll with a 12” soft bean-filled body that makes her posable. Her brown eyes open and close and...

(LEGO $28.99) Many Duplo sets are packaged with one project to build. That can be fun, but for beginners, we prefer a more open-ended set...

(Corolle $27) A 12" soft doll with pj's that do not come off and signature Corolle Vanilla scent. Her little cap comes part way off, but...

(Fisher-Price $22.99) For toddlers, who generally love big trucks, this Mega Bloks Race Rig is sure to be a winning choice. The truck...

(LEGO $29.99) They’ve added an interesting new block that has movement to this 34-piece collection. Notice the Giraffe above with the...

(Fisher-Price $42.99) With two little vehicles and three different pathways, this tall-as-a-toddler skyway is ready for the kind of...

(Fisher-Price $39.99) A classic miniature setting for beginning pretend play. The house opens for play time and then packs away easily...