Gift Guide2009
From toys that stand the test of time to board games that are anything but boring, we found the best products for each grade that will build your child's brain as well as being chock full of fun. Our list of loot is kid-tested, teacher approved, and full of options for any family, so get wrappin'!
Finger Puppets
These little guys are a breeze for preschoolers to manipulate. Almost every finger puppet in the line, from hedgehog to emperor penguin, costs less than $10.
My Little Helper Toolbox
Preschoolers tend to be fix-it fans by nature, and most love to take things apart and put them back together. This little toolkit gives preschoolers the chance to lug their own set of tools around, just like mom and dad.
Medieval Dress Up Crown or Tiara
The pink princess tiara features jewel, flower and ribbon details. Or, go for the King Arthur look with the reversible crown: the rubied, red velvet side is for kingly duties, and the silver side is for knight business.
Tub Tunes Water Drums
Grab your drumsticks, it's bath time! This set of two plastic and foam drums floats in the bathtub, giving kids a solid introduction to percussion in the midst of soaping up.
Build-it Rocket Kit
This creative art project transforms into a sturdy, all-wood rocket, able to withstand plenty of pretend play.
Wooden Blocks
These days, kids are surrounded 24/7 by high tech gizmos and beeping "educational" toys. What a joy to find these low-tech beauties - high quality wood blocks with embossed images. Comes in the alphabet and numbers and Nursery Rhymes sets.
Tag Tails Zoo
Each child gets a colorful animal tail, attached via a belt. Then it's time for tag with a twist: instead of just tapping each other, kids try to pull off each other's tails!
Veggie Cutting Set
You may not be able to get your child to eat his veggies, but with this set, he'll sure enjoy cutting them up! Packed in a wood crate, with a small cutting board and smooth-edged wood knife, this toy makes playing with food fun.
Little Bugs Music Box
This wooden music box provides simple pleasure: wind it up and watch two small ladybugs whirl to the lilting tune, via a magnet underneath their little stage. Bright and folksy, kids tend to want to wind it up again and again for an encore.
Monster Toss
This bright wooden set invites kids to test their throwing arms, and get plenty of practice with eye-hand coordination while they're at it.
