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'!
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!
Bento 2
Whether it's keeping track of assignments, logging miles while training for a marathon, or organizing To-Dos, this mini personal database makes it easy to collect, search, and display information on the go.
Grow Your Own Peanuts
Got a peanut butter addict in the house? If she's patient, she can grow her own!
Grip-Rite Neo Flying Disc
This disc takes all the clumsiness out of throwing and catching a Frisbee. Constructed for long-distance flying, with a flexible rim covered in an easy-grip material, this beach bum floats.
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.
Artist Trading Cards
Artist trading cards, or ATCs, are miniature works of art built to be swapped.
Rubber Kickball
Firm enough for a good throw and soft enough for an easy catch, this springy gem is a game chameleon and ready to inspire hours of creative play.
Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle
This puzzle-painting kit is an exercise in uncomplicated fun, and contains everything your child needs to paint a puzzle design that can be taken apart and put back together again and again.
Pocket Japanese Album
Your child doesn't need to be an artist to enjoy the classic design and effortless cool of this notebook, which contains 60 pages of Japanese-style zigzag accordion paper.
Bug Hotel
With a solid wood frame, yellow mesh walls for easy breathing, and a porthole stenciled with flowers, this toy makes for a wonderful bug getaway, and a great way to introduce your child to insect life, up close.
Now I'm Reading Games: Word Dominoes
The set comes with a short story that introduces rhyming word families and a pile of colorful cardboard tiles. Sort of like Scrabble for beginners, each player must build words using the tiles in his hand, slapping a "fr" on an "og" or a "w" on a "ow".
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.
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.
Underwater Disposable Camera
A disposable camera is an inexpensive way to teach your child about "old fashioned" pictures and photographic processing.
