(Corolle $25.20) Perhaps the sweetest doll that arrived in our office this year. A 12" doll with a soft body, a vinyl face and hands. It's the perfect first doll for older babies and toddlers. The baby is wearing a white bunny outfit with floral trim on the sleeves and feet. The hat comes down but is permanently attached to the outfit. The baby has a bald head which makes this a better choice for this age group. Ages: 9 months & up Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 202

(Spinmaster $19.99) Here's a fun "Rubiks" inspired toy that's designed for the rest of us. The goal here is not to solve the cube, but to create three in a row on the grid. Colors light up and you have quickly find where you can push the third button to make three of the same color. You can play this solo or as a game for up to 4 players. Marked 7 & up. Ages: Early School, Tweens Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2026

(Red Toolbox $26.99) Our testers couldn't wait to play with this three truck set that includes a cement mixer, a dump truck and a tow truck. For younger preschoolers, this set is perfect for pretend play. The twist here is that the set also comes with a small screwdriver for taking the trucks apart. At first this will be a parent-child activity but will quickly be something that your child can do and enjoy on their own. Marked 3 & up, but the taking apart and putting back to

(LEGO DUPLO $19.97) Older Bluey fans will enjoy putting together this 104 piece set that creates a mini playground setting for Bluey and Chloe (both character figs are included in the set). Our testers loved the slide and ladder that bring you down and up to the two level play area with a tic-tac-toe game. Lots of pretend opportunities here once built. Editor's Note: Many Bluey fans are younger than the age range on this box. This is intended as a first build set for 4s and u

(Educational Insights $24.99) If you have a bug lover in your house, you'll want to take a look at this new Bugservatory from GeoSafari. The set comes with a bug catcher that has a clever opening with soft bristles that opens when you squeeze the handle. There is magnifcation on the side so you take a closer look. The larger habitat has a 5x magnifcation on the front end and with three viewing lens on the side with vary degrees of magnifcation. Our testers wished that the ma

(Fisher-Price $45) Our testers enjoyed this small pretend setting that has lots of opportunities for language development. The scanner beeps when you scan any of the 9 items. There's also three ways to pay: coins, bills and a credit card. The cash register has many buttons to push and explore with music and games. You can also change the language including French, English, German, Italian or Dutch. Our testers quickly set up shop and enjoyed ringing up orders. Ages: Toddler

(Fisher-Price $43) If you have a Thomas & Friends fan, you'll want to consider this playset from Fisher-Price. Full disclosure here, we were skeptical since we tend to prefer wooden train sets but this setting quickly won both kids and adult over as a fun toy train experience. Our testers loved all the different movable pieces including the shed for the trains has one lift for repairs and then separate lifts to propel the trains onto the roundabout. There's also a bridge tha

(JustPlay Toys $79) Our preschool testers adored Gabby, the latest animal from the FurReal collection of interactive dolls from JustPlay Toys. The showy "watch Gabby grow" was fun but not the main draw for our testers who loved how the Tiger made noises when she was feed. Gabby will also roar back -- (not in a scary way) and she will also burp when she's had a lot of pretend drinks. You can reset Gabby to her baby size and then activate her to grown again which was our first

(Fisher-Price $17.59) Our toddler testers LOVED this new 2-in-1 Vacuum from Fisher-Price. Most toddlers really enjoy pretend vacuum cleaning -- and this one is really a great scale. It also comes with a removable "duster" that spins when the vacuum is pushed. Our parents liked that there is a lower volume option with a vacuum sound. There are also songs as options. Ages: Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2026

(Creativity for Kids $24.95) Our testers loved this set that comes with a unicorn in a little bag that they could use to carry around their pet -- or use separately "when I leave her home." But wait -- there's more...the kit also comes with a makeup kit that includes washable makeup for the unicorn. Comes with two colors, two sets of eyelashes (that can be removed and reused) as well as some gemstones that have adhesive. The Unicorn can be washed so that the makeup can be r