(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

(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

(Mattel $31.99) If you have a Barbie and ballet fan in your house, you'll want to check out this very special Barbie in the Nutcracker. She comes in a fun display box where you can make her tutu spin. Barbie's feet are adjustable so she can go en pointe. Her arms are also posable. Her legs lift but do not bend -- so no pliés possible. The company's video shows an African-American Version but we are not finding it online. Ages: Early School Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum

(Simplay3 $109) A water table in summer is the toy to have if you have older toddlers and preschoolers. It will keep them engaged like no other toy. We especially hove this larger water table from Simply3 because it will accommodate several kids. There are two indented areas which are wonderful for toddlers. Our preschoolers enjoyed the two little bridges, the pump and the waterway that goes around the perimeter of the table. The set comes with boats, trucks and buckets -- e

(Amazon $19.99) Nothing is more classic than bubbles for summer play. Here's a twist that's going to make everyone happy. This adjustable bubble machine produces great bubbles (it's powered by a USB charger so you're not constantly needing to load batteries). Kids love chasing the bubbles. Adults LOVED that these bubble makers light up and can also play music. Fun for a night time party! Ages: Toddlers, Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026 Shop this produ

(Hape $59.99) Our testers LOVED this wooden pizza oven. The set comes with a pizza, toppings (sauce, peppers, tomatoes, cheese and meat). Young pizza makers will enjoy loading the pizza with their favorite toppings onto the pizza shovel and putting it into the arched oven. Hit the button on the top of the oven and it turns on the light and sound. When the pizza is done, the set also includes a pizza slicer. Great opportunities here for pretend play and language development. H

(Hape $28.95) Our preschool testers loved this dump truck for pretend play with blocks and trains. The yellow base is wood with a plastic working dumping back end. The set comes with a wooden road block to warn traffic of on-going construction. There is also a construction worker that's just the right size for older twos and preschoolers to grab and become part of their own action adventures with the dump truck. Marked 2 - 8. Ages: Toddlers, Preschoolers Oppenheim Toy Port

(Jasey's Toy Chest $19.99) Our preschool testers loved the activity here of using the included wooden knife to open up the fruit pieces. The fruit is connected by Velcro and can also be separated by pulling it apart. There's a strawberry, pear, orange, lemon, watermelon wedge and a banana (that is whole for some reason). Our parent testers noted that the set was well-crafted. The crate and the fruit were all smooth. A fun prop for pretend play. Our testers added this to your

(eeBoo $27.99) A fun twist on a classic dominoes game where you are matching object or number as you go. Here you are adding the top or bottom of familiar farm objects or animals. For example, the Mother Hen will be connected to the three little chicks or the front of the cow will be matched with her back. The set comes with 28 pieces. 3 & up. Also fun for Fairy lovers, Giant Shiny Cottage Fairies Dominoes. Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2026 Shop

( Red Toolbox $32.99) If you've ever had a child that wants to help you paint, you'll appreciate this pretend kit. It comes with a big bucket, a painter's tray, a brush, a roller and a deck of color samples. Pour water in the tray and get your junior painter working. Fun! Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 2025 Click here to shop this toy on Amazon