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'!
DMC-03 Multifunction Pedometer
Give your child's exercise routine a tech upgrade with this snazzy pedometer.
Bowl-a-Frog Game
The frog pins in this game are so cute, it's a shame to knock them down. And actually, it's not that easy, either!
Horseshoe Set
Packed into a cute retro box, these horseshoes are ready for either indoor or outdoor play.
Build-it Rocket Kit
This creative art project transforms into a sturdy, all-wood rocket, able to withstand plenty of pretend play.
Classic Juggling Balls
Bring some circus home! These three brightly colored balls are weighted well for beginning jugglers.
Pick Up Sticks
Forget the plastic pickup sticks! You can get this set of pure wood beauties for under ten bucks.
Livemocha
Enter Mocha Live, a website that's like a marriage between Facebook and Berlitz. Online language lessons merge with a social networking component that allows your child to practice with native speakers in a fun and safe environment, a cool way to get her hooked on language.
Mummy Rummy
This game, similar to Gin Rummy, has four color-coded "suits" which players must try to assemble into matching sets.
The Indie Rock Coloring Book
If your teen loves the indie tones of such bands as Devendra Banhart, Iron and Wine, and the Shins, or if indie rock is just getting on her radar, this whimsical coloring book is the perfect gift.
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.
Rocket Balloon with Pump
Bring this to the park at your own risk: no kid in a one-mile vicinity is likely to leave you alone. Simple, inexpensive, and an outright joy to use, this toy brings smiles to even the most jaded kids on the block.
World of Goo
This engaging game takes the challenge of defying gravity to gooey new levels of fun. Players construct towers, bridges and other structures out of wiggly (and very cute) gobs of goo!
Pocket Watercolor Set
Get your child started with this kid-friendly kit, which contains 18 half-pans of pigment and a brush in an easy-to-tote aluminum tin.
Fifteen Puzzle
First invented in 1880, this pocket-sized numerical puzzle became wildly popular in the 1930's. Now it's making a comeback with this retro version.
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.
