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Gift Guide: Preschoolers
2008 |
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Preschoolers
can be the easiest people to shop for—they are wide-eyed and enthusiastic about
almost any new toy they unwrap. But if parents want that initial excitement to
last beyond Christmas morning, it is wise to shop around. When it comes to toys
and software, any parent will agree that there are wiser choices than
others--toys that entertain and educate at the same time are ideal. Often,
though, some of the best gifts are toys that inspire imagination and encourage
discovery. So, while electronic teaching aids can be fantastic, tubs of paints
and wooden blocks are priceless.
Top Gifts
for Preschoolers
10+
TOP PICKS
2008 EDITION
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1
Leapfrog ClickStart My First Computer
 The
Clickstart My First Computer
 system by LeapFrog is a fabulous new
electronic system for preschoolers designed to mimic using a computer (desktop or
laptop) via the toy itself and a television screen.
The system includes a colorful keyboard (qwerty) and mouse with a tray
for the mouse (this mouse pad can be fitted on the left or right). Hooked up
to the television (required) and the TV becomes a monitor. Games for the
system, designed for preschoolers, are sold separately. The unit itself does
come with learning games, but families will want to expand their software
collection for the system, and the price of that software should be factored
into any decision to buy.
The keyboard is wireless! The unit itself is lightweight. These factors
add much to the system's portability as well as a sense of order in the
household--it's uncluttered without the wires and doesn't hog space in the
TV area. The games offer hints and clues if children need them. The
manufacturer's age recommendation is 3-6, but we feel 5-6 year olds, while
they might like to play at first, will not find much challenge in the
current selection of learning games. As such, we recommend this for 3-4 year
olds, and some ages 2+ savvy kids with supervision. We love the system! The
only real down side is its need for batteries (4 AA batteries and 4 C
batteries), and consumption can be quite high. (An AC Adapter for the unit
is available and sold separately--it's too bad they didn't include the
adapter with the product.)
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2 Mini
Monet
 What
fun! This reversible fold-out easel features a chalk board on
one side and a marker board on the other. A large clip holds
paper if desired. This set comes with eight magnetic shape
cut-outs that stick to either the chalk board or the marker
board. Kids can trace outside or inside the shapes, creating
hearts, moons, diamonds, or more complicated stars. The set also
comes with markers, chalk, paint brushes, and storage cases for
all of these art supplies. It's a nice portable set that
encourages creative play as well as hand-eye coordination, of
course. We love it!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Mini Monet at Amazon.com]
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3
Fisher
Price Smart Cycle (Arcade Learning System)
 For
kids who are attracted to arcade-style games on the television,
this unit takes care of some of the concerns parents have for
their kids' lack of physical activity when they're playing
electronic games. Kids pedal their way through games with this
cycle (a stationary bike) that attaches to the TV's A/V jack.
Although we love this unit, we tend to recommend the
Nintendo Wii
more for active participation in video games, as well as greater
long-term benefit, if you can get your hands on one and are
prepared to spend more money.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Fisher-Price Smart Cycle at Amazon.com]
  Fisher
Price Kid Tough Digital Camera
The Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera for Boys
and the Fisher Price Kid Tough Digital Camera for Girls look like toy cameras, but are real digital cameras
encased in truly "kid tough" material. This is our pick
for the youngest of digital camera users simply because it's tough enough to
be trusted with preschoolers. The quality of pictures is low, no doubt, but
children so young really are not concerned at all about the quality of
pictures. Its attractive features do not include picture quality--they
include durability and ease of use. This digital camera makes a good
introduction to the fun and learning of photography. It has a 1.3" color LCD
preview screen and kids get instant gratification when they view the
pictures they have just shot. Deleting the pictures that didn't turn out
well is easy. Also unique is the camera's two-eye viewing feature, which
makes taking pictures sort of like looking through binoculars. that makes
looking through the viewfinder a breeze. It has only 8 MB of built-in memory
for up to 50 pictures, but there's an SD card slot for expanded storage
capacity. The USB cord for connecting to the computer is included, as well
as software that does the job of transferring. Note that for older kids who
can be trusted to handle a camera with relative care, we recommend a
"regular" digital camera for the same price. See our
Digital Cameras for Kids guide.
 Little People A to Z Learning Zoo
The chunky Little People from Fisher Price
have been treasured by many young preschoolers for years. The
Little People toy sets haven't "needed" funky electronics to
attract children to them. Still,
 the electronic interaction of the
Little People A to Z Learning Zoo is an added bonus, especially
since this interaction gets children interested in learning their
ABCs through animal sounds. This playset includes
a Little People zookeeper, 26 animals with names from A to Z, and
zoo items that kids can place them on, such as a waterfall, tree
with swing, and a car. Kids can store their big collection of
chunky animals in the included storage bag. Cute!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Little People: A to Z Learning Zoo at Amazon.com]
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4
 Lite Brite Cube
The classic Lite Brite toy was
updated, now in the shape of a sizeable cube and featuring four surfaces on which to place colorful pegs.
A storage drawer makes clean up easy. The extra surfaces not only make it a fun toy to share with
friends and siblings, it is great for solitary play too.
Furthermore, kids can
keep their work-in-progress, move onto another creation, and
return to a previous surface!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
LB CUBE
at Amazon.com]
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5
 Cutting
Food Box
Children love
play food. How about "slice-able" cucumbers, bread, and
more? This set features wooden play food, and each food item
contains slices that connect together with Velcro. When kids use
the included wooden play knives to slice their food, it makes a
very satisfying "crunch". Kids can assemble sandwiches
with the set, and when they're done playing, all the pieces fit
back into the wooden box, and a slide-on lid keeps the set neat
and easy to store.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Cutting Food Box
at Amazon.com]
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6
  Glitter Dream Dollhouse
This dollhouse will hold its appeal longer than most
dollhouses, simply because it is designed to accommodate 12"
fashion dolls (Barbies, My Scenes, and the like), so that it
grows with a young child.
 Besides
the pink decor, there's an elevator with a crank that kids
always love. The dollhouse comes with some wood furniture,
and the walls are detailed backdrops. The dollhouse is tall,
sturdy, and looks fabulous -- it would make quite a
statement under the tree!
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Glitter Dream Dollhouse
at
Amazon.com]
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7
  Country Barn & Farm House
This absolutely gorgeous
wooden Country Barn, by Plan Toys (a division of Brio), is a
treasure for any young preschooler. It opens up to create
many play opportunities, and it includes
a moveable ladder to a hay loft, a milk churn, 4 fences, and
a sack of grain. The wall folds, which helps to offer space
for kids to play.
  The Farm House is solid
and durable, and comes with a farmer, sheep dog, table, and
two chairs. Both the barn and the farm house are beautifully
constructed. Preschoolers will be proud!
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: PLAN Toy Country Barn
or PLAN Toy Farm House at
Amazon.com]
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8
  Word Whammer Fridge
Phonics
Similar to the Fridge Phonics Magnetic
Letters set below, this electronic toy very firmly
sticks to your fridge via magnets. For children
experimenting with simple three-letter words, the set allows
kids to create real (and nonsense) words right on its
surface. If a real word is formed, the toy announces its
name. The sound quality leaves something to be desired, but
the concept is excellent. If you already own the Fridge
Phonics Magnetic Letters set, you'll be pleased to know that
you can use letters from that set with this one. Letter
sounds are reinforced.
 [For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Word Whammer Fridge Phonics at
Toys R Us/Amazon.com]
 The
Letter Factory Game
Children
often need some hand-holding when it comes to working
through board games, simply because they need to learn about
turn-taking and develop some patience. The Letter Factory
Game by Leapfrog features electronic hand-holding in the
form of Professor Quigley, a talking guide who lets them
know whose turn it is, how many spaces to move, and which
cards to find. This
board game has an educational agenda, but it certainly
doesn't detract from the fun. In fact, The Letter Factory
Game features little ditties that can be downright silly
about each letter of the alphabet, and it reinforces colors
and counting concepts as well. Two levels of play
accommodate children ages 3 to 5 or 6. Phonics letter sounds
are introduced with this fun and educational game.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
The Letter Factory Game
at Toys R Us/Amazon.com]
Leapfrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letters
This is
an electronic toy that is effective, attractive, and
affordable. Most families recognize both the appeal and
educational value of magnetic letters for the fridge. This
set takes magnetic letters a step further. It comes with all
26 letters of the alphabet, as well as a little electronic
unit that also sticks to the fridge. Children place any
magnetic letter onto the unit (the reader) and the letter is
recognized and named, along with a fun little song that
reinforces the letter's name and phonics sound! This set is
simple, appealing, and rather easy on the pocketbook. As
children grow, of course, parents can help children put
letters together to form small words. Highly
recommended.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set
at Toys R Us/Amazon.com]
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9
Write n Learn Letter Pad
   This
cute and relatively inexpensive portable electronic toy is really quite
nifty. Children are encouraged to draw letters (uppercase and lowercase),
shapes, and various objects onto the writing board with the attached stylus.
The Write n Learn "Spokespencil" coaches children and offers praise.
Children watch as the letters and objects are drawn on a small LCD screen.
The writing board is erasable, of course, and the letters are named as they
are pressed.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Write N Learn Letter Pad.]
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10
 ABC
Puzzle: Upper & Lower Case
There's
something satisfying about wooden puzzles. With the ABC
Puzzle: Upper & Lower Case, kids refine motor skills
as they learn the alphabet. While there are plenty of
alphabet puzzles on the market, this one is especially educational.
It features letter pairs--both upper and lower case wooden
letters--that fit into the puzzle tray. As well, this puzzle
is of the "see-inside" variety. Pictures of
objects that start with each letter are "hiding"
behind, which opens up opportunities for caregivers to
reinforce letter sounds with little learners.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy ABC
Puzzle: Upper & Lower Case at Amazon.com for
approximately $15 US]
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More Outstanding Choices:
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Baby Alive!
 Very
attractive for many preschoolers, Baby Alive speaks, eats, and wets diapers.
As long as you're prepared for the mess (and for some, the
diapers may be considered wasteful), the doll is highly entertaining for
many children who like to care for "their baby". One of our kid testers (now
4 years old) has had the doll for six months and still sleeps with her every
night. This can be a "hit or miss" toy, which is something you might want to
keep in mind. When kids like it, they can't get enough of it, but not all
are interested.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Hasbro Baby Alive Doll, Caucasian ]
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See and Spell
 Kids
spell 3- and 4-letter words by placing colorful wooden letters into the
precut letter boards. It's simple, but absorbing for little ones. And, of
course, it helps kids learn that words are useful and fun.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Melissa and Doug See & Spell.]
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Leapster
L-Max
The
Leapster L-Max is a handheld portable unit that mimics
Nintendo's GameBoy, but with important differences that make it
not only more kid-friendly, but exceptionally more educational as
well. The comparatively large screen is also a touch screen, and
kids interact with the games by using a directional pad and an
attached stylus. Game cartridges, available separately, offer
children "edutaining" games
  that support learning. What's the
main difference between the Leapster and the Leapster L-Max?
Besides a slightly less bulky unit, the L-Max can be played as
a portable or can be plugged into the TV and played on both the
little and "big" screens. The unit is backwards compatible -- the
original
Leapster
game cartridges can be played on the new unit.
Most of the original games play on both the portable and TV
screens, while some only play on the handheld. The Leapster L-Max
is now available in pink as well as the standard silver. Read
our full review of the
L-Max here.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to
buy:
Leapster L-Max Handheld Learning Game System Leapster L-Max Handheld Learning Game System - Pink
at Amazon.com]
  A similar portable handheld game unit is found in the V.Smile Pocket
by Vtech.
This unit can also be played through the television, and in fact, children
can change from playing through the TV to playing through the handheld
mid-game without skipping a beat. The games created for the V.Smile Pocket,
called Smartridges, are educational learning adventures. With a flick of a
switch, the unit can be customized for left- or right-handed players.
 Happily for  owners of the V.Smile TV Learning System, Smartridges are
compatible with both the handheld and the television systems. Smartridges
each feature an adventure-style game as well as a handful of Learning Zone
games that can be played independently of the adventure. The age ranges for
the Smartridges are Ages 3-5, Ages 4-6, and Ages 6-8. The titles include
such favorite characters as Blue's Clues, The Backyardigans, Scooby Doo,
Spongebob SquarePants, Shrek, Dora the Explorer, Lil' Bratz, and a whole lot
more. A pink version is new this year. Unlike the Leapster L-Max, the LCD screen is not touch-sensitive.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to
buy:
V.Smile Interactive Learning Handheld Game
or
V.Smile Pocket: Pink at Amazon.com]
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 Ralph's World
CDs & Video/DVD
Kids
just love the three recordings in the Ralph's World line of
children's music. And adults adore them too! The result?
Great family listening. All three albums make great
purchases. The first title, simply called Ralph's
World,
is a fun place to start. The lyrics and delivery
are fresh, fun, and enormously appealing. Now available
is a video and DVD, Ralph's World: Say Hello, that features
fun skits for each of sixteen songs, culled from the three
albums.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Ralph's World,
At the Bottom of the Sea, or Happy Lemons. Also available,
Ralph's World: Say Hello
(VHS) and Ralph's World - Say Hello!
(DVD).]
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 V
Smile
The
concept is excellent: the V.Smile is an electronic
learning system designed for children too young for
traditional video games. The colorful unit plugs into the TV
and accepts software in the form of cartridges (called
Smartridges). Children use the unit's large, kid-friendly
joystick to interact with the software. Parents
of young children, especially those with older siblings,
know that their preschoolers are itching to play video games
like the "big kids". The V Smile offers
games that truly play like video games, but feature a
distinct educational component at the same time.
The
unit comes with one software title, a Smartridge called Alphabet
Park Adventure. Additional Smartridges, many of which
feature popular licensed characters such as Winnie the Pooh
and Scooby Doo, are sold separately. This makes an exciting
gift.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: V-Smile
at Amazon.com]
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Cabbage
Patch Kids Dolls & Cabbage Patch Kids BabiesA blast from
the past! The original Cabbage Patch doll frenzy occurred in the
early 1980's. Many parents of today's children took part in the
thrill of the dolls: each doll is entirely unique and comes with
adoption papers that include a name and a birthdate. Kids loved
them then, and they love them today. Many parents will be happy to
know that today's Cabbage Patch dolls have not been
"updated" with technology or anything of the sort.
  Cabbage Patch dolls were re-released last year. This season,
they introduced Cabbage Patch Kids Babies, such as the one
at right. These adorable dolls come with a kit of baby accessories
(including a diaper), and they smell like baby powder!
Note that you
can order these dolls through Toys R Us (see link directly below
this description) by choosing a general description of the doll,
such as "Blonde Hair Girl, Pink Sweatsuit", but because
each doll is one-of-a-kind, the eyes, hair styles, and faces will
be different than those shown.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: All Cabbage Patch Dolls
at Amazon.com (Toys R Us)]
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 Caillou's Holiday Movie
Released in the final quarter of 2004, Caillou's first
full-length movie is a real treat. An advent calendar
generates anticipation for Christmas, and Caillou takes part in
many winter activities as he gets ready for the holidays. The
movie explores and introduces children to holiday traditions in
different cultures as well. The DVD edition is well worth
purchasing, not only because of its extras in the form of an
animated interview with Caillou and two multi-level games, but
because it can be viewed in English, French, and Spanish. The
multilingual feature is of particular interest to families who
want to encourage second-language acquisition at an early age.
Highly recommended. Our Rating: A
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Caillou's Holiday Movie
(DVD) or Caillou's Holiday Movie
(VHS)]
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  Fisher Price Read With Me
DVD System
This exciting
electronic unit by Fisher Price offers kids the chance to watch
specially designed DVDs, featuring popular characters and classic
stories, and
interact along with them in educational ways. Designed in
conjunction with Scholastic, the system includes
the hardware itself and a bonus DVD, along with activity cards, a
DVD case, and a kid-friendly remote control. This DVD-based
learning system requires that you own a DVD player. Additional DVD
software titles must be purchased separately. These include
classic storybooks such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Dr. Seuss, and
more. Children place the activity card over
the wireless Read with Me controller and answer educational
questions. Over 100 questions are programmed into each DVD, so
children are kept stimulated and enjoy different experiences each
time they watch.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Fisher Price Learning: Read with Me DVD System with "The Little Engine That Could" Rom
or Fisher Price Learning: Read with Me DVD System with "Where The Wild Things Are" Rom
at Amazon.com]
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 Imaginext
- Fisher Price Line of Building Toys
Imaginext
is a new line of
building toys that is ideal for older preschoolers as well
as Kindergarteners. A number of sets are available, and each
is compatible with the next. Plastic pieces snap together in
a variety of ways. This is a very satisfying and durable
system that encourages creativity, planning, and building
skills. 
Pictured
above left is the Rescue Center. With this
set, kids can build a firehouse, play with a few figurines,
and operate both a water cannon and a fire truck with
flashing lights. At right is the Dragomont's Fortress,
which features swinging doors, Dragomont and King Bravemore
figurines, and flying companions (an eagle and winged
dragon). Both sets are cute and educational--and
they will
last well beyond the construction phase.
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Imaginext Dragonmont's Fortress with Video
,
Rescue Center,
or Imaginext Sets
at
Amazon.com]
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LeapPad Plus Writing & Microphone
LeapFrog has raised the bar
in the electronic learning toy department. Its fantastic
LeapPad series is case in point. In many ways, this
electronic pad plays like
an electronic storybook software program, with the added
convenience of portability. Kids use a touch-sensitive pen
to interact with special books they place on the pad. This
toy is supported by a large—and growing—library of books
available that teach early reading, math, music, and science
skills. This latest  release adds writing and speech to the
learning power of the toy—kids can use the magic pen not
only to point and activate hotspots, but to write letters,
words, shapes, and numbers; and they can interact with
microphone-enabled books. The package comes with two
sampler books. Additional interactive books are sold
separately.
Note that there are a
number of LeapPad versions available. Last year, LeapPad Plus Writing
was released, and the latest version released this year is LeapPad Plus Writing and Microphone.
These two latest versions are backwards compatible. In other
words, they will accept any LeapPad book, whether or not the
books are microphone-enabled. Common sense suggests
purchasing this latest version with the writing and
microphone features.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy LeapPad Plus Writing and Microphone
or the previous versions: LeapPad Plus Writing,
LeapPad
and Pink & Purple LeapPad]
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 Brio
Wooden Airport Set
Anyone
familiar with Brio wooden toys will know their quality and
most will love the tactile experience the toys offer young
children. This gorgeous
wooden airport set
features an airport terminal building and road track that
can be used as is, or linked to other Brio tracks. The
terminal includes a luggage conveyor, check-in counter, and
control tower. Accessories include 3  different planes,
plenty of street lights and trees, as well as wooden people
(including airport workers), buses, and cars. A satisfying,
albeit pricey, set for preschoolers!
[For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Wooden Airport Gift Set
at Amazon.com/Toys R Us]
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Magnetic Calendar
This perpetual
calendar can be assembled for any month, and kids will love
setting it up. The Magnetic Calendar is a fantastic educational
tool. With the help of parents, children add magnetic pieces of
the month, year, and days, and then they personalize it! Kids can
add magnets for each holiday, soccer days, going to the dentist,
getting a haircut, the first day of winter, and more. It's a
visual aid, and it helps children understand calendar concepts,
numbers, and the importance of being organized.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Magnetic Calendar
at Amazon.com]
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 Band
in a Box
Cymbals, a
triangle, maracas, a tambourine, and more...for making lovely (not
jarring) music the "old-fashioned way". What fun! This
set inspires imagination. Kids will parade around the house with  their
very own musical instruments, delighted that they can make music any
way they want. There are plastic sets of musical instruments for
kids on the market, but this set is more realistic and entirely
more satisfying. Everything fits back into a wooden box for
easy storage.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Band-in-a-Box
at Amazon.com]
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 Pizza
Party This toy by Melissa & Doug is ideal for younger
preschoolers. Any way you slice it, this wooden set delivers lots
of fun with a serving tray, spatula, play cutter, slices of pizza,
and more than 50 toppings (wooden circles painted with mushrooms,
pepperoni, and other such yummies) that attach to the pizza slices
with velcro. Very satisfying toy that serves to inspire the
imagination.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Pizza Party: Wooden Pizza Set
at Amazon.com]
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 Jumbo Box Scholastic Video
Collection -- DVD set
Children's storybook
classics put to video, narrated beautifully, are featured on
the 6 volumes of extras-loaded DVDs in this amazing set.
Preschoolers will enjoy these treasured stories, from Where
the Wild Things Are to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, come to
life. The format celebrates storytelling -- the original
illustrations are used so that kids can enjoy the books as
they were originally intended. Very nice!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy Jumbo Box of Storybook Classics (Scholastic Video Collection) at Amazon.com]
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Magazine Subscriptions
Graduates of Babybug
magazine as well as newbies will thoroughly enjoy LadyBug
magazine. High-quality stories and illustrations, games and
activities, rhymes, and more make up the pages of this
special magazine designed for preschoolers. Kids will get a present in the mail
throughout the year with a gift
subscription to the magazine. Another good choice is Preschool
Playroom. Featuring favorite characters like Spot, Maisy,
Bear in the Big Blue House, and Blue, this magazine will
delight little learners with activities and write-in
workbook pages. Preschoolers will feel extra special
receiving mail that's just for them, throughout the year.
[Sign up for a subscription to Ladybug or Preschool
Playroom at
Amazon.com]
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 Cranium's Cariboo
Some exciting new board
games for preschoolers have recently been released. Cranium's
Cariboo takes kids on a treasure hunt--for colorful
balls! They unlock compartments with a special purple key
after matching colors, sets of objects, or letters. Very
cute!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy
Cranium Cariboo at Amazon.com]
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 A book with the
title The Most Incredible Outrageous Packed-to-the-Gills
Bulging-at-the Seams Sticker Book You've Ever Seen has a
lot to live up to. Fortunately, it does just that. More than 450
stickers are included, and can be used on the pages of the
book in a variety of ways. Kids love stickers--the more the
better. Naturally, they'll love this "packed-to-the
gills" sticker book, and will be busy with it for
hours.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy The Most Incredible, Outrageous,...
at Amazon.com]
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 Animal
Alley Stuffed Animals
Kids love soft stuffed
plush animals, and the Animal Alley line from Toys R Us is a
favorite. The animals are adorable and decently-priced. The
selection is wide--ranging from small to jumbo-sized
animals, and all types of animals, from frogs to bears to
unicorns. Pictured at left is a jumbo Darny Dog, a huggable
43-inch dog.  At
right is a smaller Bichon Frise dog. Big and little colorful
frogs, tall giraffes, cool alligators, panthers and tigers,
and many more cuddly animals make up this wonderful line of
affordable stuffed animals.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: see the full line: Animal
Alley Stuffed Animals at Amazon.com]
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Need more gift ideas? See the current top sellers at
Amazon today (updated daily):
Top Sellers in Toys
See Also:
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at Amazon.com]