(eeBoo $18.99) You'll find a bit of magic being used in many of the rooms of this school setting. For example, the art room has students painting a dragon (happily posing), a science lesson with small planets floating in the air and a dining room with a ocean setting in the ceiling. Lots to talk about as you put this one together. Marked 5 & up but will require adult assistance . A great parent-child project. Also fun for garden-minded kids, Love of Pollinators that features

(eeBoo $18.99) A perfect holiday puzzle to work on together. Our tester loved that it came in a box that looked like a house. The puzzle features a house with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer and tons of presents! The joyful illustration by Kaly Quarles are a treat. While the box has a pointed top (like a roof), the puzzle itself is rectangular (14" x 10"). which makes it easier to put together. Ages: Early School Years Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026

(Vango $59.99) Here's the perfect summer outdoor game for mixed ages. The idea is to land your cone in the center spot (for which you get three points). All other placements are worth 1 point. But here's the fun -- you can steal your opponent's point by capturing the same spot. First player or team to get to 11 points wins the round. We love that this game can be played in teams and by everyone. Our younger players just stood closer when tossing. You can also play this gam

(RAZOR $118) Here's a really fun new ride-on from RAZOR -- no batteries required. You make it go by moving your feet on the bar that sits in front of the single large wheel that takes you forward. There are two smaller back wheels on the cart. It does come with a safety flag since the cart rides very low to the ground. It's still very important that this toy only be used in a safe "no car" area. You'll also want to be sure that your child has a helmet. Marked 4 and up but

(LEGO $29.97) Fans of LEGO FRIENDS will enjoy this small build and then enjoy playing with this adorable doggie bakery complete with doggie treats, an espresso maker, a working door for going in and out, a doggie door (of course) and a counter area. The set comes with 278 pieces. If your child is younger -- this would be a good parent-child set or an independent build for more experienced LEGO builders. Marked 6 and up. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal

(weesprout $59.98) A beautiful set for beginning cooks. This set needs adult supervision since there are real tools including a child's knife. The materials are all top-quality wood, silicone and stainless steel. Our young chef also appreciated that there was a child-sized apron and oven mitts. Marked 3 & up. Weesprout also makes a 38 piece Little Chef's Baking Set that is marked 8 & jp. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026

(Mindware $49.95) If you have a child interested in cooking with you, this new Foods of the World Kit would be a great set to explore together. There are recipes from 13 different countries including pierogies, fairy bread and hummus. The set also includes tools you'll need including: a bamboo steamer, molcajete and tejolote, pasta wheel cutter, chopsticks, molinillo, a juicer, measuring cups, a child-safe knife, space jars and a funnel. There are 14 recipe cards with clear

(Creativity for Kids $18) A new headband set that will be a sure-fire hit with the 6 & up crowd. The set comes with a satisfying number of headbands (five different colors), charms, letters and glitter. There are two glitter-filled headband opportunities here that will require some adult assistance to put in the funnel into the plastic sleeve. They included a wooden tool for getting the glitter down the tube. Once the glitter is in place -- the sleeve fits up and over the hea

(Creativity for Kids $23) We love Water Globes and Creativity for Kids makes sets that come with 2 which is a plus. This year's latest is Sweets - featuring an ice cream cone and a piece of cake. You'll also find that they included plastic clay tools, non-dry clay in five colors in addition to the premade figurines. Marked 6 & up -- but will need adult involvement. Last year's Mermaid set won our Platinum Award. Ages: Early School Years Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Awa

(Playmobil $69.99) Just in time for summer, this new Playmobil Ice Cream Truck & Surf Shop Set will be just right for building and pretend play. Set comes with a truck (we love the ice cream cone on top), a separate ice cream stand, surf board, three mini figures and ice cream cones (of course). For younger builders -- adult assistance will be required. Marked 4 -10. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026 Shop this product on Amazon