(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

(Playmobil $129.99) We are delighted that Playmobil brought back their classic Castle build. These sets are ideal for parent-child play opportunities. They call for parental involvement for the building and then your child has an amazing pretend setting for spinning their own stories of castle intrigue. The castle comes with lots of great features including a working drawbridge, hidden passages, a trap door, etc. Comes with 3 knights to get you started. This would be an a

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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 Gold Awa

(eeBoo $23.99) eeBoo newest Giant 36 piece puzzle features images from the farm. Great for knowing and naming. The puzzle is satisfying big - 24.4 inches by 20 inches. Our testers loved the images they recognized like the horse, cow, eggs and were interested in the S for Silo and O for Orchard. eeBoo also makes a more traditional ABC puzzle in this size as well. Last year's dinosaur theme was a hit with our dino lovers! 4 & up. Ages: Preschool Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold S