(Playmobil $99.99) We are for any kit that encourages girls to build. The Waterpark is a fun and active theme. Playmobil provides a great parent-child play opportunity given that younger kids will need adult assistance putting the setting together. Once it's been assembled, the setting is ideal for pretend play and language development. Also fun, not Barbie related but will appeal to the same audience, is their new Animals & Friends Hot Air Ballon which features a female b

(Hape $21.99) Hape has created a beautifully crafted puzzle with the The Metropolitan Museum of Art - inspired by Monet's Water Lily Garden in Giverny. The 49 piece wood puzzle comes in a wooden frame. Our testers loved that there was also a picture of the image that fits in the frame - giving younger children extra guidance when working on the puzzle. While marked 4-7, we think the sweet spot for this puzzle is more 6 & up and would make a lovely parent-child play opportu

(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

(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

(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

(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

(Super Smalls $39) A fun activity kit that comes with a small vinyl pink purse (with a bright yellow interior) and all the supplies for bedazzling the bag. There are over 100 "gem" stones in pink, red, blue and yellow that you attach with the easy to use glue that also comes in three colors. After attaching the gems, we let the bag sit overnight to give them time to really set. This would be a wonderful birthday gift for 5 & up crowd. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfol

(Creativity for Kids $16.66) Here's a fun twist on the retro craft of Latch Hooking. The set comes with the materials to create five fuzzy patches. There's a panda, a rainbow, a heart, smiley face and a donut printed on the canvases, a hook latch, six bundles of acyrlic yarn, adhesive frames (to give your patch more sparkle), felt backing, felt stickers and instructions. Once you get the hang of latch hooking, the process is very satisfying. Marked 7 & up -- will need adult

( ooly $5.95-$16.95 and up) If you have a Girl Scout in your life, you're going to want to take a look at this new collab between Ooly and the girl scouts. Our testers LOVED the Cookie Scented Gel Pens ($5.95) that are inspired by our favorite cookies: "Peanut-Better Together" and "Mint to Lead" were two of our favorites. There are also Scented Markers in the collab. Schoolwork can be even more fun with the set of three Cookie Scented Erasers that are in the shape of the coo

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