(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. Marked 4 -10. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026 Shop this product on Amazon

(Mindware $24.95) Here's a fun and fast-paced game that our preschooler testers love to play. The game comes with five plungers which adds a new dimension to this match game. Set out one set of cards on the table face up so everyone can see them images on the cards. As each player takes a turn flipping a card over from the draw pile -- the race is on to find the match. The first to plung and claim the match, wins the pair. Ages: Preschool, Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfo

(Educational Insights $26.79) Here's an innovative and engaging kit for parents and kids to explore together. The box comes with everything you need to create vehicles with cardboard boxes you have a home. The set comes with two tools for making it happen - one for punch a hole in the cardboard (a better activity for the grown up in the room) and a screw driver for the plastic bolts that are included. There are wheels, license plates, and details for personalizing your vehicl

(Basic Fun $24.99) Not the traditional Lite-Brite with pegs, but a really fun drawing platform that our testers enjoyed. The clear acrylic "glowboard" comes with five markers, 3 backgrounds and stencils. Our testers were more interested in adding their own creations. The board comes with feet so it can stand up, but we recommend drawing on the board when it's flat. Once you've added your drawing -- you can adjust the lights so they flash between different colors or you can pi

(Vango $14.99) If you loved playing the card game Spit as a kid, you'll really enjoy this twist. The cards have the ingredients and toppings for mac 'n cheese. See a match between the card on the pile and the card placed down -- if you are the first to smack the oversized piece of noddle -- you get to claim that match. Smack down incorrectly and you have to give up one of your matches. The first player to get all the ingredients, toppings, bowl and utensils wins. A fun fami

(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

(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 Gold Seal Award 2026

(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

(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