(Fisher-Price $46.90) Our parent testers wanted us to share that this required more assembly than prior Fisher-Price Little People builds. So if you're not handy, you may want to skip this one unless you have a friend or family member to call on. Our kid testers really enjoyed this multi-level play setting. It has two roads down the mountain (one is twisting). It comes with a Little people red vehicle, a figure, and a bear! The set also includes a snowboard, a campfire and a

(Sassy Baby $24.99) One of the best electronic music toys we've received in a very long time. We are always on the look out for toys for making something happen at this stage and this toy does just that with an easy push of the buttons. There are four different modes here to explore with your older baby. There are notes that are clear and have a much better sound quality than most toys in this category. Babies will enjoy making something happen. Around the rim of the toy, you

(Sassy $8.99) With a sturdy suction cup, this fun pinwheel toy attaches to the table. A swipe of the hand sends the pinwheel in motion and the many little colorful beads at the center of the toy spinning. This type of "making something happen" toy is a great choice for sitting up babies. 6 months and up. Ages: Infants, Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2026

(LEGO DUPLO $19.97) Toddlers will enjoy this small DUPLO building set that's focused on vehicles! Our tester loved that there were different colored bases to work with -- yellow, red and green. There's also a helicopter in the mix. This 42 piece set is a great place to start with older toddlers who are ready to build and then enjoy playing with their creations. At first, you'll model how to put the pieces together and don't worry so much about matching the picture on the box.

(Corolle $25.20) Perhaps the sweetest doll that arrived in our office this year. A 12" doll with a soft body, a vinyl face and hands. It's the perfect first doll for older babies and toddlers. The baby is wearing a white bunny outfit with floral trim on the sleeves and feet. The hat comes down but is permanently attached to the outfit. The baby has a bald head which makes this a better choice for this age group. Ages: 9 months & up Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 202

(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 $17.59) Our toddler testers LOVED this new 2-in-1 Vacuum from Fisher-Price. Most toddlers really enjoy pretend vacuum cleaning -- and this one is really a great scale. It also comes with a removable "duster" that spins when the vacuum is pushed. Our parents liked that there is a lower volume option with a vacuum sound. There are also songs as options. Ages: Toddlers Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2026

(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

(Peaceable Kingdom $24.95) First -- let's just set some ground rules about playing with older toddlers and preschoolers. Don't come to the game with any expectations that they will play by the rules suggested by the instructions. Playing games with this age group is more about learning about doing things in some order and taking turns -- and most of all having fun. If any of the above happens -- you're doing great. We always give high marks to Peaceable Kingdom -- they alw

(Jasey's Toy Chest $14.99) Our testers LOVE this puzzle that comes with 8 different wooden vehicles that are taller than the puzzle board -- making them easier to grasp. What's especially fun is that the vehicles can be used for dramatic play on their own or used in block play. There is an ambulance, a train, a plane, a police car, a bus, a firetruck, a cement truck and a boat. There is also an adorable Wooden Farm Puzzle & Play Pieces. 12 months & up. Ages: Toddlers Oppenhe