Gift Guideall
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'!
Connectagons Tree Tops
When weather keeps the kids indoors, this toy brings the trees to them! Start with 4 interlocking base pieces, then build up from the truck to create branches, leaves, and perches for a bevy of blue jays, goldfinches, and cardinals.
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.
The Miles Between
Funny, articulate and well-written, The Miles Between tackles deep philosophical questions with a light and clever tone. A great road trip movie...only in book form!
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.
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.
Recess Monkey: Field Trip
This album details the joys and mishaps of being a kid, with humor, silliness, imagination, and creativity.
School of Fear
Madeleine, Theo, Lulu, and Garrison have one thing in common: a terrifying fear of something. Determined to cure their phobias, their parents send them to a place of last resort: The School of Fear.
Build-it Rocket Kit
This creative art project transforms into a sturdy, all-wood rocket, able to withstand plenty of pretend play.
Roboxplorer
This cool vehicle is enough to make any kid's eyes grow wide at the toy store, but not only do speed hounds get to play with it, they get to build it from scratch, too!
Bison Woodkit
A bit like a 3-D puzzle, this toy comes with several sheets of thin wood. Punch them out and follow the directions to turn an odd assortment of shapes into a beautiful wooden model.
The Magic School Bus: A Journey Into the Human Body
Fans of the book series will get a kick out of joining Ms. Frizzle's crew for close to a dozen hands-on experiments.
Chickyboom
This folksy farmyard balancing act is the perfect antidote to complicated games that don't stand the test of time. Simple, fun, and with loads of replay potential, it's easy enough for young children to learn in moments.
Stomp Rocket Super High Performance
Sometimes the best things in life are also the most simple. That goes for the stomp rocket, one of the greatest, and simplest, toys around.
Project Panda (Adventures of Riley)
This wonderful series, created in conjunction with The Smithsonian Institute and the World Wildlife Federation, is packed with facts from real scientists. A fun way to spark an interest in animals and geography, and a bridge between fiction and non-fiction.
Walls Notebook
This unique notebook transforms the iconic obstacle into anything but, with page upon page of eye-catching walls that invite you to draw, brainstorm and create.
Snail Puppet
He's a little shy, but for the right puppeteer, he'll come out of his shell. This expressive little guy is the perfect size for a seven-year-old's arm.
