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Mel here! This category is so much fun because it uses all sorts of fun toys to explore dramatic play. We love that kids can use their imagination to explore their creative side and create real world scenarios with toys. You'll also be pleasantly surprised with the fact that even older kiddos still enjoy playing with imaginative toys when given the chance. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. AirFort : There is something so special about shutting out the world and entering your own parent-free space when you are a kid. The Original AirFort has been a family favorite recently, where my kids and their friends can escape to whatever world they create, simply built by air! With limited assembly required, we can have the AirFort up in minutes and I don’t have to worry about putting away dozens of pillows and blankets. All you need is a standard fan to fill up your fort, and you are good to go! 2. Fishing Boat : You can’t always be at the lake in real life, but nothing is stopping your kids from going fishing with the Wonder & Wise Gone Fishing Boat! My girls take their boat out to the imaginary lake, ocean, or dock it on the sand at their imaginary beach! The wooden oar is so cute and we had to get the Gone Fishing accessory set to complete the experience. We are planning a fishing trip for next summer so this toy has been great preparation! 3. Washing Machine : Isn’t it funny how much kids love chores when they aren’t real chores? It is always a fight to get my kids to pick up their clothes, but when it comes to using their play washing machine, they can’t get enough! My older girls have a blast teaching their baby brother about laundry, sorting clothes with him in the baskets, and they let him shut the door and press the buttons to run the cycle. Who knew that a pretend washing machine would be so effective in bringing all three kids together? 4. Camper : When it comes to camping, our family is split. Camping is not something you would ever catch me doing, but my girls absolutely love going with their dad on occasion. Fortunately, I was able to bring the camping to them with the Wonder & Wise Camper Playhome! The cuteness of this tent cannot be overstated. The bright red and white canvas gives a vintage feel and the realistic hitch just adds to the magic! We have a blast roasting marshmallows over a pretend fire and telling scary stories. 5. Theater : If I had this theater tent growing up, I would have had a much easier time performing for my grandma whenever she asked! If your kiddos love the performing arts, this theater playhouse is an absolute must! It comes with four different backgrounds for the ultimate creative direction, and the plush microphone makes for the cutest performing accessory. We love to incorporate it into family nights, making each other laugh as we butcher different kinds of entertainment. 6. Grocery Store : My six year old is at that age where she is ready to live life like an adult, so finding toys that give her that “adulting” feeling is my current priority! I was so excited when I found the Melissa & Doug Grocery Store because my kids have so many food toys it is insane. Now they have a place to organize all their food, and actually shop for what they need! It comes with a realistic payment kiosk, a beeping scanner, and a conveyer belt, so my daughter feels like she is really working at a real job! 7. Kitchen : There are so many play kitchens on the market, so when I shop for one I have a list of priorities that I’m looking for. One major factor to consider when it comes to play kitchens is how many accessories they come with! I love that this Tiny Land play kitchen comes with so many accessories like a chef hat and apron, food, and kitchen tools! It is also so well equipped for its size, with a microwave, stove, sink, fridge and oven. It is a great option for a first play kitchen for your little one. 8. Target Shopping Cart : I knew I was preparing my girls early for their inevitable obsession with Target when I got them the mini Target shopping cart. Not only is it a realistic recreation of the life size ones, but it comes with a cup holder for their drink from the cafe, and target branded food items! My 4 year old takes her dolls shopping with only one item in mind, and ends up filling her cart every time, just like her mama. 9. Tool Bench : My 9 year old nephew started showing signs that he would be the engineer of the family at a fairly young age, so we knew we had to get him his own workbench ASAP. He loved learning about all the different tools and how they worked. Now that he has outgrown it himself, he can’t wait to introduce it to his toddler cousin and teach him all he knows! It is height-adjustable, which is so nice for growing boys and girls who want to use it for as long as possible. 10. SuperSpace : Get this…. Magnet tiles but life size! My kids went crazy over their Super Space set because they got to build their own magnetic fort that they could all easily play inside, and I went crazy over it because of how easy it is to store. The panels are so thin that they easily tuck away under a couch, bed, or in a closet. The windows are such a fun addition, and the fact that they are made out of recycled plastic bottles is enough for me to recommend it to everyone I know! 11. Vet Set : Our sweet dog had to go to the vet recently, which prompted a tsunami of questions from my girls about vets and how they work. I love this vet play kit because it includes so many tools for my girls to do a full examination on their stuffies. They’ve learned a lot about how animals can get sick, and it has made them more aware of helping to keep our dog healthy! 12. Play Stand : If I had to choose one playstand that checks the durability, versatility, and quality boxes while providing open-ended creative play, this Sarah’s Silks Playstand is it. This stand is meant to last generations, and based on our limited time with it, I believe it! My girls use the stand to create a cozy play space to read, color, display their toys, and so much more. It is a beautiful, timeless, centerpiece to any playroom! 13. Air Cottage: Forts are part of what makes childhood magical, and a blow up fort brings even more of the magic. This cottage-themed Air Fort makes my kids feel like they have their own house with their own rules. They’ll put their play kitchen in there and play house, keep it empty besides some dolls, and sometimes they have even had special sleepovers in there! All you need is a standard fan to hook it up to, and it blows up in seconds. 14. Barber Shop : This play barber kit is too funny and adorable to not recommend. My 6 year old gets a kick out of putting the fake beard on each of us family members, practicing her grooming skills. All of the supplies fit nicely in the duffle bag, and she likes to store the bag next to her dad’s real shaving kit. I can’t wait until my toddler is old enough to understand the toy and learn how to shave his own beard! 15. Wireless, Bluetooth Microphone : My girls love to be in the spotlight, and my oldest began showing interest in singing not too long ago, so I knew that she needed a good microphone to build her confidence and help her practice her singing! I love this wireless microphone because it has bluetooth and/or cable connectivity options, and there are so many different settings she can change to adjust her sound! With all the different color options, it feels professional and stylish at the same time! 16. Puppet Show : I love any toy that incorporates nostalgia, because I get to share in the magic! Puppet shows were so fun for my family to put on when we were younger, so this toy is super special to me. My girls will put on little shows for me after taking my tickets and selling me snacks through the designated windows, and I almost cry every time. We’ve even made their dad put on a little puppet show for them and it was the best night of their lives. 17. Shop/Cafe : Your little ones can become their own cafe owners with the most adorable cafe stand ever! We have found that our stand acts as a useful way to teach organization, keeping a space neat and tidy, and social interaction! We have even used the stand as a real lemonade stand for the girls to sell lemonade in the neighborhood, which was so fun for them. The details included, like the striped curtain, bell and the chalk board are too cute! 18. Play Couch Wraps : Play couches already provide endless play potential, but whenever you are offered the opportunity to step up your game, you take it! These velcro couch wraps have added so much to my kids’ imaginary play, and with how affordable they are, I had to get multiple. They take up no room at all, so they are the perfect way to encourage role playing without taking up any space! 19. Baby Care : My 4 year old loves her dolls. She plays with them all day every day, and I knew she would lose her mind with excitement when I opened the Baby Care Center. It has everything your nurturing doll mom needs all in one place: a high chair, changing station, bath, washing machine, sink, crib, and so much more. Melissa & Doug really did think of everything, so your kiddo’s dolls or stuffies will always get the royal treatment! 20. Cashier : We may be in a world of credit cards and smart phone pay, but it is so important to teach our kiddos how to count and handle cash! All three of my kids are obsessed with their pretend cash register for different reasons! My 6 year old is learning how to do simple math, so she loves to practice counting money and charging her little sister for things. My 4 year old loves to have her dolls handle the money, and my one year old loves the “cha-ching!” sound it makes! It is an awesome toy for any stage of development. 21. Playhouse : I swear this 5-in-1 playhouse was made for my family in mind. There is something for every kid, and they can’t get enough of it. The curtains provide privacy, the desk is perfect for my 6 year old who loves to draw, and the chalk board is used every single day by my 4 year old. What I love most about it is how little room it takes up despite all it has to offer. 22. Adventure Camper : Any child who loves outdoor adventures will be obsessed with the Adventure Camper. It is so realistic, with an interactive grill, stove, sink, and plenty of inside storage for all their food and condiments. They can pretend they are camping with friends, or that they are owners of a food truck! Whenever we have friends over for a bbq, our kids hop over to the camper and have their own little bbq. 23. Ikea Play Kitchen : Ikea offers an incredible budget-friendly play kitchen that we absolutely love as a starter kitchen! It has ample storage for food or utensils, a microwave, interactive stove, and a sink. I think the hooks are the cutest detail, hanging pots, pans, or other cooking tools! My favorite part is that it has adjustable legs, so it can grow with your little chef. 24. Snack Bar : Your family movie nights have been forever revolutionized. This snack bar has everything that any movie-goer needs to enjoy a new movie, and my kids get way more excited about movie nights now. Wooden candy, popcorn, drinks, hot dogs, and other accessories come with the set, and are so realistic and adorable! Sometimes we swap out the wooden food for the real thing to make my kids feel like they are at a real movie theater.   25. Play Tent : This easy-to-assemble play tent is not only adorable, but it is also super spacious. I was surprised how much we could fit in one space! My 4 year old doesn’t really nap anymore, but occasionally she is in desperate need of one. When I can’t get her to sleep in her bed, she will often fill her play tent with blankets and pass out in there. It is a magical, cozy space for kids of all ages to enjoy! 26. Doctor Accessories : My older two girls are at the ages where they do not look forward to going to the doctor’s office, so I got them this doctor’s play kit to learn what it is that doctors do and show that they have no reason to be scared of them. We learned together what all the tools do, and the girls practiced on each other for a while, taking turns being the doctor! It was too cute going to the doctor afterwards because their view totally changed, and all their fear was replaced with curiosity and excitement.

Mandy here! I have an 18 month old and I have absolutely loved doing this guide. My other kids are older now so it has been a blast diving back into the world of baby and toddler toys. Someimes it can be very diffuclt trying to decide what to buy for this age group! Don't worry, we have rounded up a list of slam dunks! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Activity Table : We found the perfect, all encompassing toy for your littles. The Wonder Wise activity table is built for toddlers who love to explore. It comes with stacking animals, a train, puzzles, and so much more. The best part is that all of the parts can be stored in the center storage sack, which your child can easily access while they play.  2. Corner Climber : The Corner Climber is favorite among our play cushions because it’s made out of sturdy foam material, so I know that no matter how much they get used, they will last all of my children’s childhood years. The triangular pieces are the perfect size for my one year old to practice sliding on, but the pieces can be assembled in limitless ways. There are so many color options, so you can easily find the best fit for your home. 3. Rainbow Walker : Multi-use toys are a must-have when you don’t want to fill your home with too many toys. The Rainbow Walker is functional in how it helps your toddlers progress to walking, but it also acts as a flatbed for 45 colorful blocks that are designed for toddler development. The great thing is that the bed can be used to carry all kinds of toys. 4. Spill Again : The SpillAgain tower brings so much joy to littles, whether they are expecting the surprise or not. Everytime they push the button down, the anticipation grows and they get so excited when the balls drop out of the bowl. It doesn’t matter how many times they’ve seen it, it is always a thrill for them and they quickly gather the balls to do it again. This goes out of stock often; try Fat Brain if it isn't on Amazon. 5. Tobbles Neo : I recommend the Tobbles Neo for any baby that just started sitting up and is interacting more with their surroundings. I bring this toy out for all of my kids at this stage of life, and their eyes always light up with wonder at the bright colors and scalloped edges. Their unique bowl-shape invites creative stacks and helps with fine motor skills.  6. Silks Teether : Teethers are soothing enough, but the addition of silk draping from it provides the ultimate comfort experience. We have all of Sarah’s Silks products, and the quality of the silk is standardized across the board. Our older kids will use the teethers as rings around their pony tails, so they can be decorated head to toe in Sarah’s Silks.  Code: TOYTESTINGSITERS 7. Play Tab : The PlayTab is one of my favorite developmental toys for babies and toddlers. Every tile has its own sensory experience, whether it is tactile or visual. There are 12 tile options to pick from and 6 fit inside the board. This means your toddler can switch out the tiles as much as they like and keep busy for ages! 8. Cluth and Teether : Teethers get more and more creative each day, and this one is no exception. My one year old lived for her HABA teether because the colorful wooden balls were so fun for him to clutch in his hands and the sensory experience was so nice for his aching gums. 9. Wood and Silicone Blocks : Wood ABCs blocks are essential for your baby’s toy room. What make these ones special is their silicone edges that provide a safe sensory experience and won’t chip! The faces of the blocks are wood, which give the classic block feel and get kids used to different textures. Each block also contains patterns and numbers for the ultimate learning experience. The sleeves easily remove to fast cleaning. 10. Swing and Hardware : The Monkey & Mouse Baby Swing Seat is an adorable choice for your little to be able to swing in the comfort of your own home! The double sided canvas allows for the swing to be outside temporarily, but is meant to be stored inside. I trust that my one year old will be safe and secure in the swing, especially with the hardware we linked. It was so easy to set up and my baby will just chill in there for ages while I do work and his siblings play around him! 11. Busy Board : I kid you not, it took my one year old a solid week of exploring the Busy Board before he had seen all it has to offer. Wonder & Wise fit so many adventures onto one small board, and it can be played on the floor or standing up, so your baby doesn’t have to be standing to enjoy it! It is so easy to store yet so cute to display. 12. Play Gym : This viral play gym is worth the hype, no questions asked. It is specifically designed with developmental stages in mind, and is meant for babies as young as one week old. The design encourages tummy time with various toys around the edges of the mat for babies to bat, pull, munch and crunch. But it is also great for babies just lying on their backs, with different toys and images provided to hang from the bars. I used this gym with all my babies and it has stood the test of time! 13. Ball Drop Box : As soon as you can, start teaching your baby the skill of problem solving and object permanence with the Ball Drop Box! My one year old started playing with this simple toy around 9 months old and it was amazing watching his little brain figure out how to get the ball out of the box. We started with keeping the door open so he could see the ball drop, and then started closing the door so he had to figure out where it went on his own. He still loves it today! 14. Sensory Fish : I have said it before and I will say it again, multi-use toys are always the way to go. I love my Sensory Fish Bath Scrub because my baby will play with and chew on it during the bath, and I can give him the head massage of his life with it at the end! The cute fish shape adds to the bathing experience, teaching him the association between fish and water. It was also the best possible brush I could get for him when he had cradle cap. 15. Wooden Sensory Toy Set : It is common knowledge that babies can either get sucked into a toy for eternity, or move on within seconds from toy to toy. Fortunately, with the Hape Multi-Stage sensory set, I don’t have to worry about that! All 5 pieces are unique in design and style, enlisting his little brain to soak up all different sights, sounds, and feelings. It is a great gift set for baby showers or to spoil your own little one. 16. Little Bloomer : Mothers can do it all, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Sometimes it is easier to get your toys sent to you without the stress of finding the perfect toy for a specific age range. Little Bloomer has done all that work for you, and crafted an amazing toy subscription service. Every three months you’ll get a new box of toys for your baby in their first year of life, filled with expertly designed, colorful toys that will engage and excite your little one. It even comes with an app to help you along the way! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 17. Jumbo Shape Puzzle : If you are looking for a simple, cost effective toy, this jumbo shape puzzle is for you. It is meant to teach your small child shapes, the primary colors, and spatial discrimination. My baby started out simply banging the pieces against the board, but even that was enough to keep him entertained until he figured it out. The backs of the pieces are magnetic, providing both a fun and functional experience. 18. Cuddle and Kind : Cuddle and Kind dolls have taken the world by storm with their initiative to provide meals to children around the globe. With each purchase, the company donates 10 meals to children in need, so the price is not only justified by the high quality product, but the good it does as well. There are dozens of designs to choose from, making it a perfect collectable! Each doll has a name and a background story, adding a personal touch to each purchase.  19. Soft Triangles : Wooden blocks do not own the stacking world, and the Rubbabu soft, "flocked:", triangles proves that! These rubber foam  triangular blocks are so fun for my baby to stack, while learning his colors. The triangular shape allows for creative stacking potential, and my older girls help him learn new stacking techniques every day! 20. Slide : Slides are essential to the childhood experience, and having a sturdy, timeless slide in your own home or out in the backyard will excite your kids more than you could imagine! My kids think it is so cool that we let them slide in the house, and this Step1Play and Fold Jr slide is great for littles just learning to slide, or big kids who will turn anything into a slide! It is foldable, so it can easily be stored when not in use. This toy has been going strong for 9 years at my house. 21. Pull Back Soft Vehicles : Once my one year old started sitting up, I got him the Melissa & Doug Pull Back vehicles. They are so soft, so I felt safe with him chewing on them. The colors are vibrant, and the construction-specific theme of the cars is unique and fun for learning about the world. He still has so much fun with them at his age and loves to crash them into each other! Which doesn’t bother me because I can’t hear it! 22. Soft Play Adventure Center : Foamnasium has some of the highest quality foam climbing cushions on the market. They take pride in the durability of their product, and I can attest to it first-hand! The Adventure Center is designed for everyday exploration and movement, with stairs, a slide, and a tunnel! Configuration ideas are endless, and so are the color options! All three of my kids get equal enjoyment out of this set, playing together like friends instead of siblings.  23. Play Mat : Every baby should have a comfortable surface to spend their tummy time, and the Toki play mat is up to the challenge. The removable cover makes it so easy to clean so I don’t have to worry about spit up or blow-outs ruining the mat. The cover is also so soft and inviting for my baby’s skin. He spent so much time on his mat in his early days and it is so easy for me to keep around with its easy-to-store design. 24. Drip Drop Cups : Bath time just got so much better with Lovevery’s Drip Drop Cups. Each cup has varying numbers of holes in them, so babies and toddlers can observe how water escapes cups at different speeds! They are also nesting and stacking cups, so your littles can enjoy them outside of the bath, too, practicing their stacking skills! We’ve been incorporating these into bathtime for a while, now, and they never get old. 25. Disney Wooden Balance Toys : The Disney Wooden Balance Blocks have been an incredible teaching tool for my kids, teaching them the effects of gravity and playing with different ways to balance the figures! Kids love to mix up the character’s pieces and stack them up in silly ways. It's a great problem solving opportunity, and encourages them to put them back together moving only one piece at a time. 26. Jumbo Farm Animal Puzzle : Babies and farm animals go together, like sugar and spice or peanut butter and jelly. Every baby needs a starter animal farm toy, and this puzzle is a great option! The large knobs are a good size for small hands to grab, and a matching picture of each animal is underneath, making matching easy for early learners!   27. Magic Touch Keyboard : The Baby Einstein Magic Touch Keyboard is designed specifically for all things babies and music. Not only is it colorful and intriguing to look at, but babies can learn different musical sounds besides the piano like xylophone, beats and drums. The keyless keys light up, inviting babies to follow along and learn how to play songs! 28. Bounce and Spin Puppy : This toy quite literally has it all. My one year old is finally old enough to ride it, so I picked it up as soon as I could and he cannot get enough of it. She bounces, spins, and dances to the music it plays, all while learning her ABCs. The handles are firm and the base is sturdy, so I know that he is safe from toppling over. He just giggles and giggles riding his puppy, since we don’t let him ride the real “puppy” in our house.  Kohls typically has in stock if it's out of stock on Amazon. 29. Teether : We love this teether in our house. The countless colorful tubes make it easy to hold onto, and my baby gets totally fixated by the complex design! It is so light that he can throw it across the room and it won’t damage the floor or make any loud noises. It is genius for your teether to also be stimulating enough to hold your baby’s attention and distract from their achy gums! 30. Barnyard Go Tots : Fascinate your toddlers with the Go Tots Barnyard Tumble! They get so excited watching the wooden disks fall into the slots, and they learn object permanence as they discover how to reveal the disks through magical sliding doors. Melissa & Doug always delivers on high quality, colorful, wooden toys, and my 18 month old is simply obsessed with this one.  31. Melody Mansion Ball Run : I promise, my love for this toy runs deeper than my sharing a name with it! Ball runs are a classic toy for toddlers, and for good reason. It is so fun for them to watch the ball travel down the tracks, but their excitement skyrockets once the ball lands on the xylophone and makes beautiful sounds! One detail about this toy that is really developmentally special is that your little one has to pound the ball into the chimney with a mallet, practicing their motor and aiming skills.  32. Whirly Squigz : Silicone spinners are a necessity for bath time, and the Whirly Squigz fulfill that role wonderfully. My toddler loves to spin them, and gets so excited everytime she gets a good spin. I will sometimes use the spinners for my own relaxation, spinning it while I watch a show or Facetime a friend. They can easily be used on multiple surfaces, so they aren’t exclusive to bath time! 33. Wooden Stacker : Getting toys that I am comfortable displaying around the house is so helpful as a mom of 3, who tests toys for a living! It is nice to keep some toys out that are beautiful as well as fun to play with. I love Grimm's X Neon Small Conical Tower because of its bright colors and creative stacking potential! 34. Tummy Time Triangle : The Tummy Time Triangle is a genius solution to getting your little one to love playing on their tummy. It can lie down flat for tummy time beginners, or stand up in a pyramid shape for the more experienced babies. It is reversible, with a black and white side to showcase contrast to itty bitty babies, and a colorful side for when your baby is a little older. 35. Lion Lovey : Loveys are a family favorite among my kiddos because of their breathability and snuggliness! Their little lion faces are too cute, each one of my kids has spent many nights sleeping with their loveys. They are so easy to wash, so the more my kids love them the better! The muslin is so soft and does not lose its feel in the wash. 36. Squeeze and Stack Blocks : Babies love, and need, to squeeze things to help strengthen their little hands and arm muscles! I love these squeeze and stack blocks because their colors are unique and bright, but also because the soft plastic is great for bath time or taking outdoors. The come with a storage case, which is so convenient for packing up and putting away when he is done! This is a great transition toy for little kids too. 37. S tarter Wooden Block Set : It is a priority in my home to get as much non-toxic items as I can get my hands on, and I appreciate The Wooden Wagon’s commitment to making safe toys for my kiddos. The naturally-stained wood is so bright and beautifully graded, so I love to leave it out and just look at it when the blocks aren’t being played with! 38. Open-ended Balls : A ball that is more than a ball, what more could you want? The B is for Ball toy is versatile in its design, with a removable section that allows for creativity at every stage in the first few years of childhood. Little holes allow for water play in the bath, or take off the cap to reveal a shape perfect for practicing balancing skills or sticking the ball to glass! Open ended toys are full of potential and help maintain a minimalistic lifestyle.  39. Mini Bounce House: Smol makes some of our favorite bouncy houses for every occasion. If your little loves jumping up and down and you want to create a safe environment for them to do so, the Mushie Mini Tumble is what you need. We love that we can blow it up once without needing continuous air keeping it full, giving us the freedom to move it around the house wherever and whenever we want! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 40. Slumberkins Lovey : No matter what your child is going through emotionally or developmentally, there are customized Slumberkins for them. I am obsessed with these kits and have collected probably too many of them. The stuffed animals are all so unique and designed to represent the skill or idea it is trying to teach. The lovey is great for babies and toddlers. You can save the book for when your kids are older to discuss emotions, conflicts, and communication skills. 41. Tilt Scooter : Finally, a scooter that grows with your toddler! The Micro Mini 3-in-1 Deluxe scooter has three different attachments, for kids as young as one to enjoy! Remove the seat once they are big enough for the O-bar, and congratulate them when they graduate to the taller T-bar!

Mandy here! If you are in your car and vehicle era, you have landed in the right place. There are so many car and vehicle toys in the market and a lot of them are junk. We were recently testing a car set we thought would be slam dunk and it totally failed. This is our tried and true list and it's guaranteed to bring years and years of fun! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Candy Lab Cars : This car is the one for the parent who misses the wooden race cars they played with as kids. Candy Lab Cars combine nostalgia and novelty through their patented part wood/part diecast technology. It’s the perfect toy to collect with roughly 100 cars and accessories to choose from! 2. Monster Jam Thunder Drop : If your kid is anything like my son, then they are constantly looking for a thrill, and this toy provides it every time. With an adjustable stunt dial in the mouth of the monster, your kiddos can watch their monster trucks take all kinds of jumps and flips! It is 6 feet tall and can be attached to the wall for sturdy access and safety! 3. BluTracks : We love the BlueTrack because it is super flexible, portable, and comes all in one piece. It has two tracks, so it is perfect to play alone or with friends! There are so many ways to configure it, so your little racer will never get bored.  4. Tot Tube : The Tot Tube is such a simple and effective toy. My kids will spend hours sending all their cars, balls, and action figures down what they call the “tube slide”. It is so easy to set up and take down, and will keep the littles entertained for ages. You can keep it small or easily attach an additional set for double the fun! 5. Magna-Tiles Track Set : Okay, this spin on the classic Magna-Tiles is such a fun variation for car-lovers. All my kids were missing from their tile town was a highway! You can use any race car you already have, or you can pair it with the Magna-Tile Dashers for cohesive magnetic perfection. 6. Magna-Tiles Dashers : Okay, this spin on the classic Magna-Tiles is such a fun variation for car-lovers. All my kids were missing from their tile town was a highway! You can use any race car you already have, or you can pair it with the Magna-Tile Dashers for cohesive magnetic perfection. 7. Ride on Mac Truck : It is hard to find high-quality toys in today’s world, but this one was designed to last generations. It is big enough to help littles ride around while enhancing their balancing skills, but small enough to keep inside. It is so cute and well made that we will be keeping this truck in the family for all our future toddlers! 8. Mario Kart Hot Wheels : I am pretty sure it is widely accepted that Mario Kart is one of the greatest video games of all time, and my family was stoked to hear that we can now have a piece of that game in the real world. Rainbow road is iconic, and to have a physical version of it is a dream for little racers. There’s two different configurations and a feature that shows the winner! 9. Barbie RC Car : Finally, a Barbie car! All Barbie lovers know that your dolls need a dream car, and this one fits the bill. It’s remote controlled and can fit two barbies, one for each of my girls. It also comes with stickers for customization, so naturally Caroline wasted no time in personalizing it! 10. Glow Race Track : The Glow Race Track was made specifically for future engineers in mind. Designed to be a STEM-friendly toy, my science-minded son can’t get enough of it. Building the track yourself promotes motor skills, problem solving skills, and so much more. On top of it all, this track literally outshines the rest because it GLOWS!  11. Wall Car : I know that all our kids wish that they could climb walls, but at least they can get a car that does! This car is so cool because it has patented technology that allows it to go up walls and drive on the ceiling! This sold out last year. Grab fast if this has been on your mind. 12. Electric Race Track : Our older kids live for the Electric Race Track because it is so long and has more features than most other tracks! They think the lap counting function is extra cool, which encourages them to play on it for a while. And two racers can use it at a time, so the races can get quite competitive. 13. Ways to Play Track : If creative construction is more your kid’s speed, then the Ways to Play Track is what you are looking for. The flexible pieces are configured like a puzzle and can be used on all kinds of surfaces- inside and outside! It’s waterproof, indestructible, open-ended, and our kids get a thrill out of finding the next location for their track. 14. Wooden Ramp Racer : Our grandma had a similar toy to this growing up and it would entertain us for hours! We loved how the cars flipped as they descended each level and would do it over and over and over again. Our kids have found all kinds of races to do, despite the format being so simple. CODE: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 15. Car Storage Parking Garage : Race cars are a favorite for collectors, and if there is one thing a collector needs, it is a display case. The parking garage design is sleek and unique, and a super fun way for my kiddos to store their mini cars all in one place. 16. Metro Vehicle Tiles: Magnetic tiles are such a special toy in our family, but these tiles add a whole new level of fun. My kids get thrown into a bright, little magnet world with the tiles being themed. They can configure a mini city in countless ways, and the vehicles are just the cutest ever. 17. London Bus : I am obsessed with this toy because I believe the sooner children are exposed to the iconic red busses of London, the better. I love that it gives my kids a slice of another culture while providing their other toys a fun mode of transportation to all their imaginary destinations. And the bus driver it comes with is too cute! 18. Fast Track Downhill : Littles can race their favorite cars down this 6' track! My 18month old and 9 year old love this toy! My 18-month old keeps those cars coming down reguarly and my 9-year old sets up timed races with heats. It comes with two cars and we also use our hot wheels on it. I did not assemble with the screws so it would be easier to store. 19. Garages : We love our Rescue Vehicle Garage because it is simple in Melissa & Doug fashion, but so great for our kids’ imaginations. The lock and key system is another layer to the benefits of this toy, helping with fine motor skills. And as a bonus, it acts as storage for the cars it comes with! 20. Emergency Vehicles : My kids will be the first to tell you how cool emergency vehicles are. So I had to get them these immersive toys that make them feel like first responders! I love that they make realistic sounds and have flashing lights so my kids don’t need to wait for a real emergency to enjoy them.  21. Road Rug Play Set : Melissa & Doug did it again with a modern version of a classic- a road rug! It features both a city and country scene and includes almost 50 wooden pieces to play with. It is machine washable and is the perfect size for all three of my kids to share. 22. Picasso Tiles Race Track : Combinations of our favorite toys are a necessity when there are so many options out there. Magnetic tiles that create a racetrack? Worth every penny. The Picasso Tiles race track comes with 2 LED light up cars, and stands to add height to your magnetic track. It’s intuitive for little brains and simple for engineering, and always easy to put away! 23. Water and Land RC Car : Have you ever heard of a waterproof remote control car? Well not only is this car waterproof, but it is also a BOAT! It floats on the water, but it is also great outside of the water too. Take it to the pool, the park, your front yard, or keep it inside. It’s such an easy toy to take on your next beach vacation! 24. Tumble Train : The Tumble Train is such a creative style of train track that I had to recommend it. The track, once assembled, will tumble in all directions, keeping your kids on their toes! The lights and sounds keep it extra engaging, as well! It’s just a blast. 25. Mega Grave Digger : Bring the Monster Jam to your own backyard with the Mega Grave Digger. This thing is huge, over two feet tall and over two feet long, and it is an authentic replica of a Monster Jam truck. There is no obstacle that his truck can’t beat and gets such a rush driving it over any terrain!

As longtime Walmart enthusiasts, we've teamed up with Mavley to highlight some of our top picks from the latest Walmart toy catalog. We decided to focus on items below $20! Walmart has so many affordable toys and they pack a powerful punch. Our favorite tip? Let your kids dive into the catalog and create their own personalized wish list. The Walmart catalog is full of toys for every kid and every interest. So many of you have shared how stressful the holidays can be due to financial constriants. We love to see Walmart is offering so many incredible toy picks at an affordable price. #WalmartPartner Catchables Barbie MiniLand Terrarium Kit Pickleball Blast Adventure Force Robot Lego 3 in 1 Lego Nerf Pinpoint Blaster BarbieLand Mini Little Tikes Cookie Kit Kinetic Sand Squish Motion Playset Miniverse Mini Birthday Celebration Ball Rubik Cube Squish

Mandy here! This age is so important because they really do still want to PLAY! Play is so important at this age so we've rounded up toys that will keep them engaged and creating. You'll be surprised how many of these toys fit your kiddos interests even up to age 10. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. STEM Coding : My 9 year old is such an engineer-minded kid, and immediately jumped on the opportunity to build his own video game console. I cannot believe that at his age he is already learning how to code, assemble hardware, and use his creativity in such an advanced way.  2. Fanny Pack Patch Kit : If my daughter doesn’t become an accessory designer after using the Bum Bag Patch Kit, I will be shocked. She spent an entire afternoon customizing her bum bag, and then proceeded to wear it every day for a month. It was so easy to use and it makes such a great gift or party activity! 3. Battle Box : When my older two kids start fighting, I tell them to take their fight to the Battle Box. This super simple but competitive game is so easy to set up and figure out. It strengthens their hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and doesn’t make a mess!  4. Foosbots Stadium Battle : The storage needed for this game is basically nothing, it is so small! The kids will spend hours with their Foosbots, spending more of that time trying to hit each other’s bots down than making a goal, but they are having fun so what do I care! This is a great game/toy to take on the go! 5. Hydraulic Plane Launcher : What is better than a dart gun? One you can build yourself, obviously! This wooden Hydraulic Plane and Dart Launcher was a hit with my 9 year old who loves to build his own stuff. The launcher shoots both paper airplanes and darts, and is made out of sturdy wood that will last. I love watching my little engineer become a pro at following step-by-step instructions, anticipating the next step before he even reads it! 6. Find Finley : Hide and seek is a classic game that my kids have always loved, but they soon realized that they have used and reused every hiding place my house has to offer! The Find Finley game is a more advanced version, offering crafty clues that really challenge the kiddos’ deduction and strategy skills. Sometimes my husband and I join in too, and all four of us have a blast trying to out-wit each other. This game requries a lot of focus so make sure your kid loves a challenge. 7. Flower Rings : My 7 year old daughter is at that age where making her own jewelry is like a full-time job, so I have had to find creative ways to fill that need in her life. Creating colorful rings out of self-hardening clay? Sign a girl up! Learning the art of clay-making is so fun for her, and I feel at peace knowing that the clay is safe and non-toxic. 8. Peachybbies Slime : Slime may not be crowding your “For You” page anymore, but it just as popular with the kids now as it was 4 years ago! Peachy Bbies slime is cute, colorful, and makes for a great stocking stuffer. My 7 year old goes crazy for this slime, playing with it while she watches a show, reads a book, or when she just needs to quiet her mind. 9. Needoh Gummy Bear : Gripping one of these things has such a calming effect, and they are just so fun to squeeze. I make sure the kids know exactly where their bear is so they can find it quickly when their emotions escalate. I had to get one in every color for each of us! 10. 3D Printer : This toy is for the special years. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving! My 9 year old’s favorite part is that he can make whatever he wants, whether it's an original design he made in the app or a picture of his favorite TV character he downloaded from the internet. He already has a collection of action figures going, saving me so much money in the long run! Last year he made so many toys and sold them at his class store! CODE: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 11. Indoor Basketball : I don’t know about you but telling my kids (and husband) to stop playing ball inside the house gets real old real fast. Eventually I had to take matters into my own hands and get the silent indoor basketball! It is the professional standard size, so it feels real without endangering my home. And it is actually silent, so I don’t have to deal with any aggravating bouncing. If you have sports enthusiasts who insist on playing ball in the home, this is for you! 12. Play Sword: The bar for foam swords has been dramatically raised! Formidable Toys makes one of the most durable and realistic-looking sword for imaginary play. Their mix-and-match system is perfect for future swordsmiths who want to employ their creativity to craft the sword of their dreams. Get a unique sword for each member of the family and battle it out! 13. Diamond Art Jewelry : Have I mentioned enough that my 7 year old loves making jewelry? Snap bracelets are addicting enough to play with, but add some diamonds and you’ve got yourself the perfect combo of style and substance. 14. Giant Sarah's Silks : We have been singing Sarah’s Silks since the founding of Toy Testing Sisters! We haven’t had to worry about our kiddos outgrowing their silks, since the silks have grown with them! The giant silk is large enough to use as a fort covering, a canopy, or a cape. The options are limitless, especially in the eyes of our children. Don’t forget all Sarah’s Silks are made of 100% pure silk! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 15. Crunch Labs : This is a subscription box that teaches kids engineering in a fun and creative way. The instrucions are easy to follow and I love that it gives them ownership over their builds. 16. 3D Pen : No 3D printer? No problem! My kids are obsessed with making their own 3D art with her 3Doodler. They want to create but don't want to have to think about it, so the stencils are great. If they don't want to follow the guide, they can free-style any creation. 17. Kids Claw Vending Machine : Stumbling upon this toy was such a fun surprise for me, especially because I always wanted to try the claw machine whenever I went to the arcade. I was told it was rigged, though, so I rarely got to use it. Not this claw machine! Use it the classic way, taking turns trying to grab something, or make it a competition by getting as many goodies as you can in 60 seconds. 18. Play Couch : Kids love having a couch their size, that they can easily manipulate in any way their imagination carries them! My older kids love to build obstacle courses for their toddler sister to practice climbing around on, or use it as a couch for movie night. Foamnasium stands apart because of their dedication to using the highest quality materials, making products that last years and don’t lose their shape. As your kids get older, they can use this as a couch in their room for reading and chilling. 19. Moon Lamp : Moon lamps went viral a few years ago, for good reason! They are beautiful and bring you closer to the greater universe. But now you can customize your own moon lamp, which is even better! Design it as a celestial body, a nature scene, or even make it a holiday decoration. The ideas are endless, and having your kids make it their own helps them enhance their living space with things they created and can be proud of. 20. Hey Clay : Sometimes guidance is needed to help a child build the perfect clay animal, and so I am obsessed with the Hey Clay animals kit! It comes with an interactive app that walks the builders step by step, helping my kids feel proud of their work. They can either leave the animals to dry and set within a day, or they can remold the clay into whatever they want! 21. Marble Run : We jump on any opportunity to save space in our playroom, and vertically designed toys are the best way to do that! This vertical marble run has special adhesive pads that can stick mess-free to glass, metal, wood, laminate, stone and ceramic. There are no support structures needed, so building is quick and easy! Watching marbles drop in a controlled way along the wall is so satisfying and ridiculously fun! 22. Blinger : Sometimes your hair just needs a little sparkle, especially if you are a 7 year old girl. Whenever we have a special event, my daughter pulls out her Blinger and puts as many diamonds in her hair as she possibly can. The best part for me is how easy they are to brush out at the end of the day. It isn’t just for hair, though- bling shoes, sunglasses, backpacks or clothes! 23. Yoto Mini : We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for road trips, with its small and compact design! It has headphone or bluetooth capabilities and a lanyard so it isn’t easily lost! 24. Yoto Cards : Collecting Yoto Cards is a must when you have a Yoto player. I am so impressed with the variety of cards they offer, from adventure stories to music to meditation. The Magic Tree House collection is a great set for this age group. 25. Smart Sudoku : I’ve done sudoku puzzles since I was younger, and I would’ve killed to have an interactive smart device to play it on! The 3D pieces adds a sensory experience to the toy, which I never had the chance to experience until now. I play my 9 year old at least weekly, and he probably beats me 75% of the time.  26. Crazy Cart Shuffle : Every kid needs this toy! It is loved by everyone in my house! Even my hubby gets on it. Razor did it again with the Crazy Cart Shuffle. It is child-powered so it enhances physical activity while providing exhilarating fun! My kids always start out racing on their carts, but before they can even cross the finish line they start doing spins and can’t get enough of them. I don’t worry about them getting hurt while they do their tricks, because it is so stable, safe, and intuitive. 27. Point and Shoot Camera : If your child has shown any real interest in photography, this camera is for you. The screen-free setup helps keep your kids in the moment, enjoying and capturing the great outdoors, or whatever adventure they are on. I love how many color options they have to choose from, making it the perfect camera for boys and girls. 28. Guess in 10 Countries : At a recent family reunion, my 9 year old learned that his cousin shares his same fixation on learning about the countries of the world. They were so excited talking about it that I caught the bug and found this family card game to help us all learn about the world. It is now a staple in our game night stack! It such a simple and informative game for the whole family. 29. Snap Glam : I never thought I would see the day when my daughter stopped asking me to do her hair, but sure enough, that day came the moment she received her Snap Glam set! She will do anything to get color in her hair, and this kit was a lifesaver for me. It is so easy for her and her friends  to use themselves, and it’s just as easy to remove at the end of the day. The beads are all reusable, too, so you don’t have to feel like you are wasting anything! 30. Popcorn Machine : Oh my gosh you guys, your family movie nights just got so much better. I had this popcorn machine growing up and it made me so snobby about my popcorn. There is nothing like freshly popped popcorn, and watching it work its magic is so fun for kids. We use our machine for movie theater popcorn, gooey caramel corn, and kettle corn! It takes minutes, doesn’t need oil, and is easy to store in my pantry. 31. Foil Fun : There are so many ways to make art, and I absolutely love making foil magnets with my kids. The foil makes for professional-looking and beautiful magnets that I am proud to put on the fridge! We also love making stickers to decorate their notebooks and tablets. It is such an easy and affordable way to personalize! 32. Kandoodle : When I need my kids to have quiet fun, during church or on road trips, the Kanoodle puzzle toy is what I grab. It challenges their problem solving skills and trains their spacial awareness in a way that is fun for them and quiet for me! They are always so proud when they figure out each puzzle, making sure to brag about each one they solve. 33. Instant Print Camera : This instant camera has been the talk of the town in my girl’s circle of friends. We got her one recently and they blasted through the camera roll so fast! They think the black and white photos are so “vintage" and “mysterious”.  Luckily there is an option to take digital photos, which are in color! The fact that the camera is also a panda is too cute to pass up.  34. Space Station Lego : Have you ever shown your kids the international space station at night? I remember seeing it through binoculars when I was a kid and thinking it was so crazy that a full on space station could just float in space. Now your family can make their own space station, with a spacecraft that can dock and pods for sleeping and living! The details are intricate, and you can even use the LEGO builder app to view models from all angles as they build. 35. Drop Shot : Combine darts and connect four and you get Drop Shot! I could’ve used a toy like this growing up, because my hand-eye coordination is garbage. Drop Shot is the simplest game to improve this skill, and is also so fun and quick. No need to attach anything to the wall, just set it on the ground and it’s good to go! 36. Modern Calligraphy : I absolutely love this book because it teaches kids systematically, with warm-up and practice pages to sharpen their skills. My kids have been learning cursive in school so this beginner book has been really fun for them! You can even have your kids use their newly acquired skill to make personal invites. 37. Pinball DIY : What is even more fun than playing pinball in the arcade, in my son’s experience, is building a pinball machine himself and enjoying the fruits of his labors at home! I have loved watching my 9 year old develop engineering skills and learning about how things work as he builds them. Smartivity will replace any lost parts free of charge, which is such a nice feature with how small a lot of the parts are. 38. Speks Crags Magnetic Putty : Look no further for the most satisfying fidget toy on the market. These tiny magnets are incredibly fun to run between your fingers or stack on the desk. My kids will play with their Speks Fidget Putty while reading a book or watching a show, quieting their mind and helping them focus. With multiple color options, each person in the family got to pick their favorite color! 39. Space Lego : Space is really trending for 2024. Future astronauts or rocket ship engineers will be all over this LEGO Friends Mars Space Base kit. It comes with a research base, rocket, satellite, characters, and so many small details to make your kid’s research base their own! It can connect to other space-themed LEGO sets, so your kiddo can create an entire space empire. 40. Box Balls : We all love watching trick shot videos, and my 9 year old wants to try every one he sees. I found this all-in-one trick shot set and knew it would be a blast for him to practice! My husband will set aside everything to play with our son, switching off setting up various trick shots for the other one to try! They’ve made it a running competition. 41. Sensory Swing : Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet. This is the perfect family toy too because it can be used by so many ages. 42. Loom Bracelet Kit : Making colorful bracelets is a hallmark of being a tween, and the Loom Bracelet set is one of the best I have come across for parties or to give as a gift. There are so many colors to choose from, with all kinds of beads, tassels and charms to add to the bracelet. 43. Lite BriteTouch : Remember the classic light up pegs toy? This is the same vibe but without the pegs, so no worry about messes or stepping on any small parts. You can switch between game mode and creative mode all the time, extending their interest in the toy and giving you more bang for your buck! 44. Sticker Maker : Brand new for 2024 and it's a hit! This sticker maker allows your kids to make and create their own stickers. The app lets you select and print pre-loaded stickers or upload your own photos. My kids took photos of their stuffed anmials and printed a bunch of stickers. This set also comes with markers so you can color the stickers. The sticker maker can be used by younger kids but they will need help reading the app.

Mel here! I love nothing more than toys that get my kids moving. We live in Utah which means the winters can be LONG and it always makes me feel better to know my kids are staying active all winter long with toys that really engage. These toys are also so great for sensory regulation and I love that so many of them are perfect for open ended play. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Jungle Jumparoo : We have had the Jungle Jumparoo since the early days of Toy Testing Sisters, and it continues to sit at the top of the toy charts in our family. When friends come over, my girls bring all their friends to the Jumparoo immediately and they never want to get off! They have as much fun as they do on the trampoline, and I have the peace of mind knowing they are safe. 2. Stapelstein Elements : The Stapelstein Elements, at first glance, are colorful and sturdy stepping stones. But they are so much more than that. My 4 year old uses them to create obstacles or forts for her dolls, bowls to hold her treasures, and even furniture to sit on! They are beautiful to look at, durable to play with, and easy to clean up! 3. Climbing Dome : I’ve said it before and I will say it again: kids love to climb! I know that my climbing dome is made of the highest materials, so it’ll last generations! It is colorful without being overwhelming. At night my girls like to turn it into a fort and watch movies. Plus the assembly is a breeze and can be taken down and stored when we need a little more floor space. 4. Doorway Swing: Swings can sometimes be a pain to set up, but this one is so quick and easy- which is saying a lot because it comes with three different attachments! My 6 year old is on a big gymnastics kick right now so she loves the gym ring bar attachment, but my 4 year old favors the swing! It is too easy to go back and forth between the two. 5. 8 in 1 Indoor Jungle Gym : The Chestnut 8-in-1 indoor jungle gym solved my problem of going to the park in the winter- it brings the playground to you! Kids get maximum play out of this set, with 8 different pieces of equipment all in one space. It is foldable so you can conveniently pack it away when space is limited! I tell my friends that if they want a toy that can do it all, this is it! 6. Indoor Climbing Wall : Getting this climbing wall was one of the best decisions I made to encourage my kids to build both strength and confidence. Watching their little minds work to figure out how to get from point A to point B is transfixing and it is so satisfying for us all when they get it. They are so proud of themselves and can’t wait to change the holds to try other configurations! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save 5% at checkout. 7. Rocking Dome : I am a sucker for any toy that can be used in a variety of ways. The rocking dome can be a disk for kids to rock and spin around in, or it can be flipped over to be jumped and climbed on! My girls imagine the different sensory patterns etched into the dome as features in their dolls’ adventures. 8. 9 in 1 Swedish Wall Gym : Some kids are built to climb, and if that is the case for yours, then the Walnut 9-in-1 wall gym is the option for you! It is perfect for engaging the brain while promoting strength activities and bringing kids to new heights. I love how many options they have for play for our little monkeys. 9. Stretchy Sensory Swing : Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet. 10. Wobble Board : It is such a good practice to get your kiddos working on all kinds of balancing techniques at an early age! The wobble board provides a unique balancing challenge in its design, but it can be used for so much more! My 4 year old likes to flip it over to be a bridge for her dolls or a slide for our 1 year old. I’ve even practiced yoga on it, which adds a whole new level of difficulty. 11. The Original Nugget Play Couch : The Nugget going viral is no mystery to anyone who has it. Kids love having a couch their size, that they can easily manipulate in any way their imagination carries them! My girls’ favorite way to use the Nugget is building forts, but padding for their gymnastic routines comes as a close second! 12. The Nugget Chunk : The Nugget Chunk, like all Nugget products, is versatile, sleek and comfortable for my little ones. My 6 year old has gotten more into reading and prefers to build it into a lounger, but my 4 year old likes to use it as a table top for all her dolls to play on! I personally think it is the best footrest. 13. Bounce House Large : Smol did it again with the Tumble bounce house. It is the largest bounce house they offer, making it the perfect space for large parties! The tall walls make the parents happy, and the large slides make the kids happy. It is so easy to clean and keep stored away for whenever I am hosting a bunch of kiddos.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save at checkout. 14. Stairslide 6 pack : I will preach the stairslide from the top of any roof on any day. If you have stairs in your home, you need the stairslide. It is the easiest toy to assemble, and they have so many set size options to perfectly configure the slide to your stairs. Kids of all ages enjoy it, making it a forever-toy. 15. Trapeze Swing : I have had this swing hanging from my play room ceiling for years, and its durability cannot be overstated. It can hold anyone in our family, and my 6 year old doesn’t go a day without doing at least one flip on it! 16. Foam Ball Pit : Ball pits are a universally-adored toy, but not every day do kids get to play in one! Until you could put one in your home, that is. I no longer have to worry about losing my littles in those massive, dirty public ball pits now that I have one in my own playroom. The balls are made with the earth in mind, being bio-degradable and 100% recyclable!  17. XL Climbing Triangle :  This climbing set is so fun because of the various color options, its ease of setting up and taking down, and its versatility.  My 4 year old’s favorite thing to do with the Little Climber XL is  sending her little brother down the slide into our foam ball pit! 18. Sensory Swivel Chair : I finally reached the age where I can no longer spin my kids around without making myself sick, but my kids love to spin! I am so happy to have a toy that not only allows them to spin, but spin and twist in a way that helps train their vestibular function. Who knew that could be trained? The slight tilt on the chair adds so much to the experience that I did not expect. 19. Wooden Balance Beam :  My little dancers were so excited to “graduate” from a beginner balance beam to one that felt a little more advanced. The Lily & River Little Gymnast balance beam gives kids the impression that they are higher off the ground, but keeps peace of mind for parents. The wooden beam better resembles real gymnast beams, making my girls feel like little gymnasts themselves. 20. Outdoor/Indoor Plastic Climbing Dome : Your backyard just got so much more fun. The Eezy Peezy climbing tower is perfect for climbing, but the top of the dome is its shining feature. A box made of monkey bars sits at the top, where my oldest spends the majority of the time, practicing flips and swinging from bar to bar! 21. Wooden Sit N Spin : If your kiddos enjoy any teacup or spinning ride at the parks, like mine do (to my dismay), this is the toy for them and you. Small and compact, the Sit n Spin provides the most dizzying fun a child can ask for. It is of the upmost importance for kids to get the most out of spinning while they can! 22. XL Pikler Triangle/Slide : If I was in the market for a toy that multiple littles could enjoy at once without breaking the bank or taking too much room, this one would be top of my list. The Honey Joy Triangle Climber is endless entertainment for kids, but it also encourages social interaction, which is huge for their social development. 23. Amazon Bounce House : Believe me, the viral bounce house is worth the hype. It is large enough for both my girls and I to comfortably play inside, while being small enough to fit in my living room! It is incredibly quick to inflate and deflate, and I have no problem packing it up- it is shockingly compact! 24. Pod Swing : I was so excited when I found out I could get a pod-style swing to put anywhere with swing hooks for our family to enjoy. The cotton-canvas material is comfortable, and there are so many cute colors to choose from! When I can’t find my 4 year old, I know where she is.. Slumbering or spinning in her pod swing! 25. Liquid Floor Tiles : I cannot accurately explain how satisfying these tiles are to play with. They are firm but have just enough give that you can move around the liquid inside. The feeling is addictive and my girls will run around on them forever. They like to pretend the floor is lava with them, or use the tiles as a playmat for whatever world they are building that day. 26. Connecting Balance Beams : Get your kiddos practicing their balance as soon as they can walk! These beams are so close to the floor so I don’t worry about injuries. They can also be configured in endless ways, maximizing creativity while challenging the body. Each platform is uniquely sensory to the feet, which my girls love.  27. Stepping Stones : The rainbow stepping stones are bright and colorful stepping blocks for kids to create their own pretty path or obstacle course! The price point is just right for the value they provide, and the colorful stones are fun to take on outdoor adventures without fear of the elements ruining them. My girls like to use the stones as a path from toy to toy in our backyard. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% at checkout.   28. Teeter Popper : What makes this balancing board unique is the suction cups along the bottom that make “pop!” noises whenever it moves. My 4 year old can’t get enough of simply rocking back and forth, enjoying the popping sounds while she watches a show or listens to music! 29. Starfish Balance : Combine a love for the ocean and balancing and what do you get? The Sea Life Starfish balance board is one of the cutest balancing toys I’ve seen, and can be played with in a variety of ways. My 4 year old likes to practice her balance on it while playing with other toys, and uses it as a backdrop for a lot of her pretend play scenes. She even named it and has it play a role sometimes! 30. Rainbow Chair : Moes knows how to do open-ended toys. The rainbow chair is so soft and light, making it easy to take apart and manipulate in all kinds of ways. My 6 year old will take her rainbow chair over a regular chair any day, and my 4 year old will steal it right from under her to make a velvety path to walk on! 31. Bounce House Obstacle Course :  Renting bounce houses is in the past ever since Smol designed their genius bounce house. The obstacle course keeps my high-energy girls busy for hours while I need to get work done, and it easily fits in my backyard. I love setting it up for parties, especially since it only takes a few minutes! It has it all, making it the best party toy out there.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves at checkout. 32. Balance Board : I was stoked to find out that I could buy the Stapelstein Board separately to gift to all my kid’s friends! I trust this brand with my whole heart and this balancing board is greate for beginners. It’s light, sturdy, and easy to tuck away! The color options are endless, but my personal favorite is super confetti. 33. Swedish Wall Ladder : A more condensed version of the wall gym, the Betula wall ladder is the perfect compact, indoor climbing gym. With four different features, my 6 year old never fears getting bored. The ladder is challenging to the muscles and brain so she’s always working hard! Nestled against the wall, I don’t have to worry about it taking up common space. 34. Bilibo : The Bilibo is way more versatile than you’d think at first glance. I bought this toy thinking my girls would love to spin and crash in it, but turns out it can be used for all kinds of things! I’ve seen them incorporate it as a hat during dress-up, a bucket for digging up treasure, a seat, and even a bowl to eat out of. 35. Leo Mat Play Couch : The LeoMat play couch stands out with its large dimensions, patterned cover options, and a trifold technology unique to the brand. We get more play with more cushions, and the bigger dimensions are fun for my bigger girls who like to use the LeoMat as a bed for movie nights with the family! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% at checkout. 36. Baby Turtles : There isn’t much in the world cuter than turtles, so Moes knew exactly what they were doing when they made their foam turtles. These adorable stepping stones can be added to your stepping stone collection, used for a sensory balancing experience, or imaginary play. My 4 year old thought they were the cutest things when we opened them, and now turtles are her favorite animals. They can be played with in or out of the water, and are washable and recyclable. 37. Stepping Stone Balance Boards: If you have invested in stepping stones for your kids you HAVE to get this fun addition. Basically it turns your stepping stones into balance ramps or boards. They also have a cook top variation that will replace any traditional kitchen. We think open ended play is the absolute best, and using these boards will just extend the reach of your stepping stones. 38. Outdoor Large Trampoline : I found the perfect outdoor trampoline, the JumpFlex Trampoline Hero! Its tall safety net maximizes my peace of mind, knowing so many whose bones have fallen victim to trampoline injuries! It is big enough for multiple kids to enjoy and I love that it includes a ladder so I don’t always have to help my kids up. 39. Foamman : This 4-foot tall foam man is the perfect punching back for kids in martial arts, sports, or who just need to let out some energy! There are 11 colors to choose from, and it is meant to last. The foam and covers are durable, and are so easy to clean. I recommend this toy to anyone who has a really active child and it is always such a game-changer! 40. Stapelstein Grow : Staplestein just got bigger and better! The Grow Elements are twice the size of the original. I was actually shocked when I unboxed them! They are meant for the whole family to enjoy, inside or out! Our inaugural activity was using them for the floor is lava in our backyard, and it was a blast! We brought out the originals and the minis, and made the most colorful obstacle course I’ve ever seen. Ideas are endless with this staple toy, but some favorite ways my kids use them are drums, seat spinners, and stepping stones. 41. Toddler Mini Trampolin e:   Personal trampolines are a must, especially when a large trampoline isn’t feasible or safety is a concern. The Foldable Mini Trampoline is the perfect size for all kids to enjoy, and so easy to fold up and put away, making it the perfect trampoline for a small space. My 6 year old loves using the bar to get her feet as high as possible while staying safe!

Mel here! We know that toys can be well... EXPENSIVE, but we feel like that's why you trust us. We try to tell you about toys that are worth investing in. This list is compiled of our favorite toys that are the best fit for multiple children of different ages. We feel like if you invest in the right toys the first time, you'll be happier and overall satisfied with your BIG toy purchases! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Nugget : The Nugget going viral is no mystery to anyone who has it. Kids love having a couch their size, that they can easily manipulate in any way their imagination carries them! My kids’ favorite way to use the Nugget is building forts, but padding for their gymnastic routines comes as a close second! We also get asked a lot if the Nugget ever goes on sale, and the answer is no. They don't do sales but that always lets you know you're not missing out on a deal! 2. Chunk : The Nugget Chunk, like all Nugget products, is versatile, sleek and comfortable for my little ones. Older kids can take advantage of its modability to turn it into a lounger for reading or video gaming, and younger kids can climb all over it or use it as a tabletop for their dolls and blocks! Personally for me, it is a fantastic footrest. 3. Jungle Jumparoo : We have had the Jungle Jumparoo since the early days of Toy Testing Sisters, and it continues to sit at the top of the toy charts in our family. When friends come over, my kids bring all their friends to the Jumparoo immediately and they never want to get off! They have as much fun as they do on the trampoline, and I have the peace of mind knowing they are safe. 4. Rock Wall : Getting this climbing wall was one of the best decisions I made to encourage my kids to build both strength and confidence. Watching their little minds work to figure out how to get from point A to point B is transfixing and it is so satisfying for us all when they get it. They are so proud of themselves and can’t wait to change the holds to try other configurations! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTES will save you 5% at checkout. 5. Pod Swing : I was so excited when I found out I could get an outdoor pod-style swing to put under my deck for our family to enjoy. The cotton-canvas material is great for protection against the elements, and there are so many cute colors to choose from! When I can’t find a child, I know where they are... Slumbering in her pod swing! 6. Yoto Mini : We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for road trips, with its small and compact design! The colorful sleeves and lanyard keep it safe on-the-go, it has headphone or bluetooth capabilities! 7. Tonie Box : The Tonie Box is such a creative new way to listen to stories, music, and even get some education! I wanted to replace screen time with something just as fun and exciting without being over-stimulating. By engaging just the sense of hearing, my kids are able to disappear into a world of their own creation. Each Tonie Box comes with a character that initiates sound when set on top of the box! Such a creative interactive idea. Collect different characters for different experiences! 8. SuperSpace : Get this…. Magnet tiles but life size! My kids went crazy over their Super Space set because they got to build their own magnetic fort that they could all easily play inside, and I went crazy over it because of how easy it is to store. The panels are so thin that they easily tuck away under a couch, bed, or in a closet. The windows are such a fun addition, and the fact that they are made out of recycled plastic bottles is enough for me to recommend it to everyone I know! 9. Stairslide : I will preach the stairslide from the top of any roof on any day. If you have stairs in your home, you need the stairslide. It is the easiest toy to assemble, and they have so many set size options to perfectly configure the slide to your stairs. Kids of all ages enjoy it, making it a forever-toy.  Code: TOYTESTING10 will save you at checkout. 10. Cloud Swing : The Cloud Swing was appropriately named, I think. This airy, soft, tire-like swing is covered in a polyester fabric that is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and it won’t leave any marks on the wall! It can fit up to 200 lbs, so a couple of littles can play on it at a time. The straps make great handles for kids who want to swing standing up, but it is also great for reading while sitting up or laying on your belly! 11. Indoor Swing Hardware: Any swing needs sturdy hardware that will keep your kids, and your ceiling, safe. This indoor/outdoor hardware has treated us super well over the years. It holds up to 5000lbs and is made out of aluminum, so it won’t rust. They are so easy to install, and what makes them really great is that they are super quiet when someone is swinging 12. Foamnasium Kids Play Couch : Kids love having a couch their size, that they can easily manipulate in any way their imagination carries them! My older kids love to build obstacle courses for their toddler sister to practice climbing around on, or use it as a couch for movie night. Foamnasium stands apart because of their dedication to using the highest quality materials, making products that last years and don’t lose their shape. 13. Trapeze Bar : I have had this swing hanging from my play room ceiling for years, and its durability cannot be overstated. It can hold anyone in our family, and it doesn’t go a day without being used by at least one of us in the family. 14: PlaySmol : Smol did it again with the Tumble bounce house. It is the largest bounce house they offer, making it the perfect space for large parties! The tall walls make the parents happy, and the large slides make the kids happy. It is so easy to clean and keep stored away for whenever I am hosting a bunch of kiddos.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 15. Stretchy/Sensory Swing : Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet. 16. Stapelstein Elements : The Stapelstein Elements, at first glance, are colorful and sturdy stepping stones. But they are so much more than that. We use them to create obstacles or forts for dolls, bowls to hold treasures, and even furniture to sit on! The Staplestein Grow Elements are great for outdoor obstacle courses or storage for our small toys. They are beautiful to look at, durable to play with, and easy to clean up! 17. LeoMat : The LeoMat playcouch stands out with its large dimensions, patterned cover options, and a trifold technology unique to the brand. We get more play with more cushions, and the bigger dimensions are fun for my bigger girls who like to use the LeoMat as a bed for movie nights with the family! 18. Swedish Climbing Wall : Some kids are built to climb, and if that is the case for yours, then the Walnut 9-in-1 wall gym is the option for you! It is perfect for engaging the brain while promoting strength activities and bringing kids to new heights. I love how many options they have for play for our little monkeys. 19. Nex Playground Console: I bought this gaming console on a whim and cannot believe how impressed I have been. It is the perfect game for the entire family. Essentially it's a new take on the "kinect" virtual games but way more family friendly and engaging. With its intuitive design and engaging content, the NexPlay Kids Console provides a fun and educational experience for young minds. It includes 5 games with the console and they are always coming out with more games if you are a subscriber. It has won several different toy awards and continues to be a top seller week after week!

Mel here! This is one of my very favorite ages to shop because your kids really start developing specific interests and it's so fun to watch their personality develop. They are also usually easily pleased which is a bonus. We've rounded up some of the BEST toys for this category. Take a look! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Schleich Figurines : Farm animals are so interesting to our small kids, and once they can identify them as cartoons or stuffies, they’ll be excited to see more detailed versions of them! I love the Schleich animal figurines because they are so incredibly detailed and realistic, perfect for animal lovers who have outgrown more cartoonish animals. 2. Stapelstein Mini :  The Staplestein Elements are a forever toy that are meant for physical and mental stimulation! They are great for balancing, color sorting, and world building. I love that they designed a mini set. The smaller pieces are perfect for smaller hands and easier to store than the original! Same magic, same creative potential, smaller size. They are the perfect size for my 4 year old who is obsessed with anything mini right now! 3. Peg Dolls in Bowl : I get so excited when I find new ways to teach my kids colors and sorting, and these wooden peg dolls have been the best. The bows the dolls come in are open-ended; use them as a doll holder, or as a stand for the dolls, or stack them! My 4 year old has mini accessories that just so happen to fit the wooden dolls, so she will occasionally dress them up and use them for pretend play. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 4. Wooden Sit N Spin : If your kiddos enjoy any teacup or spinning ride at the parks, like mine do (to my dismay), this is the toy for them and you. Small and compact, the Sit n Spin provides the most dizzying fun a child can ask for. It is of the utmost importance for kids to get the most out of spinning while they can! It can fit up to 250 lbs and two kids, so my 4 year old and 6 year old have a blast riding on it together. 5. Sarah’s Silks Streamer s: Introduce your littles to the beauty of Sarah’s Silks as soon as possible! The streamers are an incredible introductory toy because of how straightforward and intuitive it is, and kids who just started walking and running absolutely love to have a rainbow following them as they go! The streamers encourage dancing and running, twirling and imagining. It helps encourage creativity and gross motor skills. 6. Tonie Box : The Tonie Box is such a creative new way to listen to stories, music, and even get some education! I wanted to replace screen time with something just as fun and exciting without being over-stimulating. By engaging just the sense of hearing, my kids are able to disappear into a world of their own creation. Each Tonie Box comes with a character that initiates sound when set on top of the box! Such a creative interactive idea. Collect different characters for different experiences! 7. Musical Instruments : Pianos, guitars, violins… kids learn to recognize those instruments early on, but what about all the other countless instruments that they may never see or get to play? I am obsessed with this deluxe wooden band set because it comes with 10 instruments that you don’t get to see everyday! I couldn’t even name every instrument inside the box, but your kids will be able to, and they’ll have so much fun making their own music with this special toy. 8. Learning Puzzles :  The classic letter puzzle has been rejuvenated! These washable, chewable, silicone puzzle pieces are ideal for toddlers, with bright colors and multiple uses. Of course you can stick with placing the pieces in the puzzle and teaching the alphabet, or you can take out the letters and use them for sensory games or art projects! Get it for your home or classroom and let the kids run wild with it- the pieces can be thrown in the dishwasher when they need to be cleaned. 9. Ice Cream Puzzle : We love multifunctional toys in our household because they hold children’s interest longer, and they can take the place of multiple toys! The ice cream wooden magnetic puzzle is so fun because not only can your kid learn matching skills, but they can also turn on their pretend play brain and make ice cream sundaes, cones, and cups! The magnetic scooper is such a cute detail that adds so much to the imagination of it all.  10. Flocked Puzzle : The Rubbabu animal shape sorter is a great sorting option for your toddler. It is made out of biodegradable, soft rubber foam that is a sensory delight! The animals are all so colorful, and they can even set up their own little nature scene once all the pieces are out of the mold. My 4 year old has outgrown this toy but she still pulls it out to teach her little brother different colors and animals! 11. Balance Starfish : Combine a love for the ocean and balancing and what do you get? The Sea Life Starfish balance board is one of the cutest balancing toys I’ve seen, and can be played with in a variety of ways. My 4 year old likes to practice her balance on it while playing with other toys, and uses it as a backdrop for a lot of her pretend play scenes. She even named it and has it play a role sometimes! 12. Magnetic Play Wall  This play wall was a godsend in our lives. My girls love magnetic toys but I was so sick of them sticking magnets to my refrigerator and scratching it! It was so easy to install onto the wall. It is so open-ended, compatible with magnets, chalk, dry-erase markers and water-based washable markers, crayons and paints. The arch design is beautiful as well as functional, so I had no qualms sticking it right up in the middle of my living room! Code: SISTERS will save you at checkout. 13. Shape Sorter : Most of us and our kids have played with a shape sorter in our lifetime, and they still hold up! Mandy’s toddler just started playing with this toy and she has a ball trying to fit the shapes into the holes! She gets so excited when she gets it right, and her older siblings are so sweet and encouraging as she learns this new skill. 14: Sorting Ring Tree : The Sorting Helper Tree (sold separately from the rings), is a colorful and sturdy way to store and sort your wooden building rings, teaching your littles color recognition and fine motor skills. That isn’t all it is good for, though! It can be used to hold accessories like bracelets, scarves and hats, playsilks or hair ties. My 4 year old just started trying to toss the rings onto the tree, and it’s actually been such a fun game for all of us! 15. Alpha Pops : Popsicles are such a joy in childhood, and so shaping this learning toy as a popsicle was genius! Your littles will not only exercise their grip strength and hand muscles, but they can learn color and letter matching, differentiating between upper and lower case letters. It is perfect for toddler and pre-k kiddos, at home or in the classroom! 16. Stacking Turtles : There isn’t much in the world cuter than turtles, so Moes knew exactly what they were doing when they made their foam turtles. These adorable stepping stones can be added to your stepping stone collection, used for a sensory balancing experience, or imaginary play. My 4 year old thought they were the cutest things when we opened them, and now turtles are her favorite animals. They can be played with in or out of the water, and are washable and recyclable. 17. Lego Duplo : People often associate LEGO with older kids, but toddlers can experience the wonderful world of LEGO themselves with the Classic Duplo set. It includes an array of colorful pieces carefully sized for small hands. They can build familiar objects like cars, trees, and houses, helping stimulate their minds and make both physical and mental connections. I have so much fun watching my 4 year old engross herself in this set as she builds worlds for her dolls and dragons! 18. Doorbell House : How often do your kids ask to ring the doorbell when you go over to someone’s house? They love pushing buttons and learn so much about the world through that simple task. This adorable wooden house comes with four dolls, four doors, each with its own doorbell, and four sets of locks and keys! It is great for teaching fine motor skills and prepares them for real world, doorbell pushing experiences. 19. Yoto Player : We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. It can be controlled physically or on the app, and is multifunctional! It is not just an audio player but a nightlight, alarm clock, and room thermometer. It is so simple to use, by inserting Yoto cards to begin, and taking them out to stop! 20. Yoto Story Cards : Collecting Yoto Cards is a must when you have a Yoto player. I am so impressed with the variety of cards they offer, from adventure stories to music to meditation. The meditation cards have been implemented into our daily routine, and I employ the stories cards to help my kids enjoy screen-free entertainment! You can buy each card separately or get a pack to maximize your purchase. 21. Noriter Boar d: We are honored to have a Toy Testing Sisters special bundle reserved for our TTS family only! This art bundle has everything your littles could need, including a double sided chalk/magnetic board, fruit felts, magnetic letters, cute animal erasers, and more! My girls are into playing school with their friends, and this set has provided them the perfect pretend learning and creative space to let their imagination run wild! Code: TTSBUNDLE gives $50 off the bundle linked. 22. Interactive Recipe Book : Oh my gosh I found one of the cutest children’s book to hit the market. The Cookies! Interactive Recipe Book is not only extremely informative, but it is interactive enough for kiddos to imagine they are really baking. If you want a kid that will bake for you when they are older, start them early with this incredible book. Sifting flour, mixing ingredients and taking cookies out of the oven are just a few of the ways your kids can do while reading. 23. Disney Character Puzzle : Before a family Disneyland trip, we wanted to nail down all the characters that we could run into in the park. I thought this Disney Character Puzzle was the perfect way to do it, with 25 of some of the most popular characters included. The wood pieces are sturdy and easy to place, making it fun for all ages to enjoy! It was particularly fun for my 4 year old, who couldn’t place a character until she remembered the name. It worked beautifully! 24. Elefun Game : My kids and their friends go bananas for the Elefun game. The elephant plays music while it shoots butterflies through its trunk, and the goal is to catch as many butterflies as you can! It is so fun to play indoors and outdoors, and I love how it keeps kids up and active. My 4 year old always asks her older sister to play with her or invites the neighbors over and it keeps them running around for ages! 25. Plip Links : I go crazy for a building toy that is also a sensory toy that is also open-ended.and made of silicone There are literally millions of ways these silicon sticks and arches can be built, allowing kids of all developmental stages complete freedom and creativity. I will sometimes steal a couple of pieces just to put them together and pull them apart as a fidget toy. The “pop!” sound is so satisfying when you separate them. 26. Disney Train Set : After our Disneyland trip, I wanted to give my girls a way to remember the experience. We loved the train that goes through the park so much that I decided this Princess Castle and Train set would be a good way to remind them of that! The wooden pieces are high quality, and it comes with a few princesses to enjoy the ride. The set is expandable, so if your kiddos are big on train sets, they can combine any BRIO sets with this one to rev up the creativity. 27. Orchard Game : My and Mandy’s family always played games growing up. It was such an integral part of our childhoods that we wanted to bring that joy into our kids' lives as well, and the sooner the better! This First Orchard board game is such a good choice for introducing your little to board games. It has a simple premise, including color sorting, counting, and learning to follow instructions. 28. Make It Mix It Pie Kit : If your child is ready to step up from the plastic play food and have a more hands-on, realistic experience, the Make It Mix It Pie Kit is what they need! The kit comes with a recipe card, utensils, and interactive “ingredients” made out of play sand. It isn’t edible, but they can really mix, roll and knead the “dough” and add the included toppings to make the pies of their dreams! 29. Unirider : Family walks just got so much more fun. If your kid is a little too small for their own bike or scooter, but big enough to want that independence, then the unirider may be the perfect vehicle for them! It is super lightweight and easy to maneuver as the adult driver, while the child feels that they are in control, giving them that independence and helping them feel like a big boy or girl! 30. Little People Garage : I get so excited every time I find a toy that teaches my kiddos about the real world, and the Little People Garage Playset does exactly that. It also has three different Smart Stages, meaning it grows with your toddler! It lasts far longer that way, and the educational and entertainment value cannot be overstated! We have loved having this toy in our house to provide endless fun. 31. Trampoline : This personal trampoline is pure joy for your young kids. Its neutral colors are so cute, and the bar gives mama peace of mind knowing that they are staying safe as they jump. It is so important for gross motor skills to learn to jump and the bounce of the  trampoline is so fun for them! My 4 year old used hers all the time before she upgraded to a big girl trampoline outside. It is great exercise, and the best part is that the bounce comes from elastic ties rather than springs, which is both safer and quieter for indoor jumping. 32. Mandala Puzzle : Mandala puzzles make my heart sing because of their geometrical beauty and incredibly bright colors! This is such a fun toy for you to enjoy with your kiddo, or for them to figure out on their own. The puzzle base has an outline to help guide your child in finding the correct placement for the pieces, but there is an element of freedom in deciding on how to arrange the colors! It has limitless options and a masterpiece is created every time! 33. Balance Tree : Stacking just got an upgrade with the wooden Balance Tree by Fisher-Price. The woodland characters are too cute and so fun for little hands to play with, balancing them on the tree or stacking them on top of each other. They can also create a pretty scene for their dolls to play in, contributing to pretend play and creativity. 34. Wooden Rainbow :  If you do not have a wooden rainbow in your toy room, click this link as fast as you have ever clicked and get one! This open-ended toy has limitless potential. The pastel colors are bright and the way the pieces fit together is mesmerizing. They are great for practicing balancing and stacking skills, a pretty toy room centerpiece, and can become anything your kid imagines! They come up with way better ideas than I do. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 35. Duplo Water Town : If your child loves LEGO and also loves bath time, then I have the perfect toy for them. The Duplo Water Park includes a floating island, with interactive water park features and characters for pretend play, and is meant for building their fine motor skills. If your kiddo does not love bath time, they will now after you get them this! 36. Wooden Princess Blocks : Blocks have come such a long way since I was a kid, and this Disney Princess Castle set is to die for. The color scheme screams princess, and it even includes a few princesses to enjoy the castle your child builds! They can keep the castle small or combine this set with other blocks they have and build a fortress for their princesses. The creativity potential has no bounds. 37. SMOL Slide : I have said it before and I will say it again: toddlers need a personal slide! The Smol Slope is designed for both indoor and outdoor play, foldable, and easy to clean! Mandy’s toddler just got to the age where she can really enjoy it, and she will tune out everything else out and just slide over and over and over again until Mandy has to physically remove her! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 38. Stand and Sit Scooter : Who said scooters could only be enjoyed by big kids? I love this 2-in-1 scooter that grows with your child. Plop your 2 year old in the seat, and they can keep up with their older siblings! Once they outgrown the seat, you can easily remove it and it becomes a regular old scooter. The light-up feature is especially exciting, and automatically turns off after a period of inactivity. It is height-adjustable and comes in multiple color options. 39. Light Table : This educational Light Box Playset is a dream for your kiddos who are learning their geometry, colors, and who want to shine some light on their education! My 4 year old is obsessed with changing out the light hues depending on what kind of scene she wants to create. The transparency sheets help guide her to match the colorful shapes to what's on the picture, and if she is running low on ideas, the play guide helps her think of new and exciting sensory activities to do! 40. Stacking Rings : These stacking rings are special because of their flower shape, providing a tactile and beautiful sensory experience for your child. The scalloped edges are fun to hold and stack in creative ways, and the wood is sturdy and beautifully painted in rainbow colors. I found that my toddlers love to smack the pieces together, enjoying the clacking sound that wood makes! Stack the rings on the base or practice balance by stacking them in unconventional ways. 41. Pirate Ship : Ahoy Matey! This interactive wooden pirate ship is a dream for your little pirate. It is such high quality and you can see the care in the details. It includes a functional canon, a plank to walk, a prison, anchor, characters, and more! I anticipate this will be a prized possession for many children this year, proudly on display in their bedroom or playroom! Mandy’s son was so excited to find that the sails glowed in the dark. 42. Finger Puppet : I am giggling while writing this because I know it seems like such a random toy, but the Mini Roly Poly Finger Puppet was a hit in my family! My girls love bugs so much, and Roly Polies are some of their favorite to find. I thought that this finger puppet was too cute to pass up, and my girls have so much fun taking turns playing with it and trying to scare me with it. It is great for stage performances, story time, and pretend play. 43. Finger Print Booklet : The Fingerprint Activities book has completely revolutionized how we do story time. Interactive books are always incredibly engaging and interesting to toddlers, and this one adds an artistic side to it. The book engages the creative mind of your toddler by giving them instructions on how to bring the book to life with their fingerprints! They can learn fine motor movements as well as learn how they can contribute to the world they live in. 44. Wooden Spaceship : If your child is showing any interest in space or being an astronaut, this is the toy for them. It is designed to be as realistic as possible, with an interactive elevator in the center of the ship. Its 4 levels are all full of adventure, and various accessories are included to elevate your kid’s trip to space! Mandy’s son went crazy for this toy a few years ago, and we were all so impressed by the quality and detail that went into it. 45. Medium Bounce House : Can we all agree that we should just cut out the middle man and get our own bounce house for all our birthday parties and special occasions? Smol has designed so many different bounce houses that you can easily set up and store yourself, and I particularly love this once because it is small enough to set up inside during the cold months! We get so much use out of our Tumble bounce house that it makes every penny worth it. Get it in two different sizes and multiple color options! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 46. Make it Mix It Ice Cream Kit : Sundae Funday can be every day at any time with the Make It Mix It Ice Cream Kit. The doable, scoopable play sand mimics real-life ice cream, giving your kids a more realistic culinary experience! My 4 year old is always asking for ice cream, so I sometimes encourage her to make her dream cone or sundae with the play kit instead, which usually is enough to make her forget about real ice cream! 47. Remote Control Race Car : Introduce your young children to the life of speed racing with the BRIO remote control race car! It is meant to withstand the common roughness of toddlers, and is an exhilarating way to teach your kids to control their small hands and learn cause and effect. It is also just a great gift for any car lover of any age! 48. Mickey Train Set : BRIO offers the opportunity to build an entire world that trains can run through, and the Mickey train set is just one piece of that world. The Disney characters included in the set help your kiddos feel like they are in the wonderful world of Disney, enhancing creativity and imagination. The wooden pieces are all so high quality, and the detail on the train pieces is impressive. The set can be combined with other BRIO sets to expand the track and build a diverse landscape! 49. Rody Rider: My 4 year old could not get enough of her Rody Bounce Horse last year, and would bounce around the house for hours. I loved that she was enjoying it so much and getting that exercise that I know she needs. The horse is made of quality materials that can handle the constant bouncing, and the colors are realistic, so littles feel like they are on the real thing! It helped her overcome her fear of real horses and she had no problem getting on a pony for a ride. 50. Minnie and Mickey Blocks : There was a time where Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was constantly playing in my home, and my girls were crazy for all things Mickey Mouse. I decided to give them a way to build their own Mickey Mouse Clubhoue with this block set. It is so colorful, and the characters that come with the set help bring it to life! It turned out to be a great way to transition my 4 year old from watching the show to creating her own version in real life! 51. Robot Snuggle Bundle: The Hugga Buddy Bundle is the ultimate cuddly buddy package. Not only do you get a soft and snuggly baby robot, but you also get a soft and snuggly LARGE robot, a robot story book, a weighted blanket, a birth certificate, an eye mask, and a hardcover journal! These robot plushies are carefully crafted to last a magical lifetime, and I can already tell from having one of our own that it’ll make it through the love of all of my kids! Not into robots? Check out all the fun characters they offer! 52. Little People Barbie : Have I mentioned that my 4 year old is obsessed with mini things? This Little People Barbie playhouse is her dream. The elevator, slide, light-up features and the plethora of music make for an extremely engaging and interactive toy. It is a great option for smaller kids who are just starting to venture into Barbie Land!

Hello! Welcome to the master list of the 2024 Toy Testing Sisters holiday guides! This year we did things a little differently. After getting feedback from all of you, we decided to create category specific guides. We still have guides by age, but now we have guides for dolls, vehicles, dramatic play, play food, building, and more! We put our hearts and souls into these guides! Thank you for being here and trusting us. -Mandy and Mel xoxo Ages 0-2 2-4 5-7 8-10 Teen Family Category Arts and Crafts Barbie Building and Blocks Cars and Vehicles Dolls and Accessories Dramatic Play Dress-Ups and Accessories Games MESH Movement Play Food and Kitchens Ride on Vehicles and Scooters Stockings Travel

Mel here! Probably our most asked question we get in our DMs is, "I'm taking a trip soon and want to know what toys to use to keep my littles busy?" We decided to make an entire guide dedicated to toys that are perfect for cars, planes, trains, etc. Excellent picks for all of your on the go adventures. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Yoto Mini : We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for family vacations, with its small and compact design! It has headphone or bluetooth capabilities and a lanyard so it isn’t easily lost! It comes with a protective jacket, so you don’t have to worry about damage from your travels! 2. Yoto Card Holder : If you are traveling with a Mini Yoto Player, it is paramount that you have somewhere to store your cards! In similar fashion to trading cards, the case has 8 protective sheets with 8 pockets each, protecting up to 64 cards all in one place. The case can fit in a backpack, so it is easy to take along on a plane or road trip. Keep all your Yoto cards in one place and never lose a favorite card again! 3. Rubber Tube Fidget Toy : I am a sucker for fidget toys that encourage fine motor and cognitive skills in my littles, and the Gapiks Busy Board does all of that while keeping my girls entertained the entire drive! It slows down the brain and helps kids focus on the sensory experience of pushing, peeling, twisting, and shaping! The bright colors are engaging and it easily fits on their lap for convenient play. 4. Mini Squigz : Did you know that your kids’ windows are the perfect play board? I’m sure your kids knew that already, but now it is time for you to take advantage of it! The Mini Squigz suction cups are exactly what your kid who loves to touch the window needs! They can construct a string of colorful silicone pieces of different shapes, or simply cover the window in suction cups! The creativity potential is limitless, and you may actually see your windows cleaner because of it! 5. Mini Voyager Kits : Mini Voyager is your one-stop shop for all things travel toys! We are honored to collaborate with them on a few different Toy Testing Sister Travel Kits! We hand-picked three different kits for three different ages: kids, toddlers, and babies. Each kit comes with 8 distinctive toys and a canvas drawstring bag for storage! Whether you are a seasoned vet when it comes to traveling with kiddos or new to the game, these kits are a hassle-free choice for keeping your kids of all ages entertained on the road. 6. Mini Magnetic Tiles : The joy of magnetic play does not need to be confined to the home. Leave the magnet tiles in the playroom and keep a mini Magna-Tiles set in the car! This 26 piece set comes in a tin box for convenient safe-keeping. We keep a set in my 6 year old’s backpack so she can pull it out at recess or whenever she has downtime in class! It is so fun for them to build together as siblings in the car or friends in the lunchroom. 7. Suction Cup Spinners : One of my favorite and inexpensive toys for babies and toddlers are suction cup spinners because they are so mesmerizing, colorful, and truly addictive! I am always in the market for screen-free toys that can hold the attention of my littles, and these spinners keep them quiet and focused for way longer than you’d think! Simply stick the spinner onto the car window, kitchen table, bathtub or refrigerator, and your kids will be sent into a sensory bliss! 8. LCD Writing Tablet : My girls love to color in the car, but that often involves grabbing too many supplies and a huge mess in the car when we get home. The Bravokids LCD Writing Tablet was the perfect solution! The 10” tablet is compact, has a stylus connected with a cord (so your kids won’t drop it!) and the screen won’t glare in the sun. Your kids will have a blast drawing their rainbow masterpieces, and can even save the ones they love by clicking the lock key! I am obsessed with this paperless, crayon-free drawing tool! 9. Spot It Game : Every time we go on vacation, we bring the Spot It card game with us. It is so compact in its tin box and easy to carry around, and is one of the easiest games to teach little kids! My girls caught on right away, and we played the quick game all afternoon on our last family trip. Bring it out whenever your kids are bored in the hotel room, during adult swim at the pool, or at the restaurant waiting for your meal! This game is one of convenience, speed and family fun. 10. Imagine Ink Coloring Book : I love magic ink coloring so much as mom. I always worry about my kids drawing on surfaces instead of paper, but these booklets spare me from that stress! We often bring them on the road because they are easy to transport, mess-free, and it doesn’t matter if your child draws out of the lines! My 4 year old is always in awe at how the ink just shows up in all different colors with one white-tipped marker. I’ve even used an Imagine Ink Coloring Book when traveling on my own, and it was so relaxing. 11. Wikki Stix : Wikki Stix are a mess-free way of creating art wherever you go! These bendy, moldable wax sticks are so fun to craft into whatever shape your child imagines! Build 3D sculptures that can stand, or lie the wax sticks flat on a piece of paper, either way it is a soothing and relaxing activity for quiet time, road or plane trips, or bus rides! There are 24 sticks, 6” long, in the colors of the rainbow.  12. Magnetic Dot Art : I found the most therapeutic, satisfying, and convenient toy to take on-the-go. Chuckle & Roar crafted a unique magnetic toy that strengthens fine motor skills, helps children focus, and hones their creativity: the Magnetic Dot Art Designer! All your children have to do is slip a stencil of their choice from the back of the board into the front, pick up a magnet using the magnetic stylus, and place it over the stencil to create a colorful, mess-free design! The magnets are enclosed behind a screen, so there is no risk of spilling, losing, or choking on them. 13. Mini Magnatab Keychain : Fidget toys come in all shapes and sizes, and this one fits conveniently in pockets, purses and on keychains! It is a great fidget toy to keep on your person for whenever you or your child needs to quiet the mind, put your hands to use, and pass the time. The Mini Magnatab Keychain comes in a variety of shapes, with an attached sylus to pull the magnets to the surface with a satisfying “click”! My 4 year old loves to watch me pull the magnets so that she can wipe them off the board when I am done.  14: Spot It Book : Remember Where’s Waldo, or the ISpy books from when we were kids? These type of books are still around for a reason! Kids love to find things, and will spend a shockingly long time looking until they spot it! We love to take our 10001 Things to Spot on Vacation book every time we take a road trip because my girls get so into it, competing to see who can spot things sooner! Once they have found everything in the 13 pages, I will spot something for them to find. It’s endless fun that makes the time fly! 15. Rubix Cube : Rubix Cubes have withstood the test of time, with kids all over the world still beating world records for solving it the fastest! I personally only used Rubix Cubes for making pretty patterns, but my brother was obsessed with solving it. We got our Toy Testing 8 year old nephew his first Rubix Cube and the genius figured it out in a matter of hours! This toy is perfect for him and other kids who like to problem solve, take things apart, and put them back together. 16. Mini Lego Kits : Let your child bring their passion for building and engineering on the road with the Hogokids Animal Building Blocks! The value of this toy is incredible- 20 animals for $20! Each animal has about 30 pieces on average, and an instruction booklet to guide them! My 6 year old just started experimenting with building bricks, and these simple designs are just the right difficulty for her. They are packaged individually, so they are a great party favor or small gift for friends. 17. Paint by Sticker : Some kids are paint kids, and some are sticker kids! The Paint by Sticker book is made with sticker kids in mind, while also taking into consideration their developmental needs. The book helps them work on their ability to follow instructions, promotes fine motor skills, and helps them learn how different shapes can make up a beautiful finished product! My 6 year old is a sticker kid and has a Paint by Sticker book in the car, ready to go, whenever we drive. 18. Magnetic Fidget Men : Your traveling group just got a little bigger with MagMen, a magnetic humanoid building toy! The ten magnetic men are super flexible and stretchy, making it easy to shift and shape them in as many ways as your kids can imagine! Make the men into a ball, a crown, a stack, and even a functional bowl or fridge magnet. The magnets are powerful enough to hold heavy objects like everyday tools from your toolbox, and bright enough to engage little minds. 19. Ride on Suitcase and Travel Bed Bundle : I found a way to make traveling with kids so much easier! JetKids made a suitcase for kids that they can ride through the airport and on the sidewalk, so mom and dad don’t have to carry all the luggage anymore! Not only that, but the Travel Bundle also comes with a travel bed specifically meant for airplane seats to make your child’s ride more comfortable. The suitcase can be manipulated to become a seat extender so they have more room to get a good flight’s sleep. Oh and don’t forget the backpack! Between the suitcase and the backpack, there is more than enough storage for all your kiddo’s needs. 20. To Go Play Food : The king and queen of immersive food play, Melissa & Doug, created the best play food for travel! Their Play to Go 2 packs offer a culinary experience in one little bucket, ideal for road trips, down time at the hotel, or to take to school. A cake and cookies set, as well as an ice cream set are included in your purchase, doubling the fun! Each set has over 10 wooden or felt pieces, an instruction card, and a takealong cup. When your child is done with the kit, they can easily fit everything back in the cup and set it in a standard cup holder! 21. Puffy Sticker Book : Stickers are so fun for kids, but they are often hard to peel off, leave a residue, and can’t be reused. I love the Puffy Sticker Books because the stickers and the background sheets are fully reusable and don’t leave a mess if a sticker happens to end up on a surface they shouldn’t be on! There are three choices of sets: ocean, dinosaur, and safari, and they each come with handles for carrying and sticker storage! 22. Hangman : Take this classic word game on the go for the whole family to enjoy! The Melissa & Doug Travel Hangman game. There are no loose pieces, with flipable letter and body part squares, and a white board for writing out the word or phrase. We love to pass around the board in the car, each guessing one letter at a time until someone gets it right! It is great for friendly competition, spelling and reading practice, and family bonding. 23. Tangram : It’s like Origami… but after taking out a few steps! Instead of folding paper, your child will arrange colorful, geometric magnetic blocks to match a pattern in the booklet. It is great for travel because the magnets don’t easily fall apart, and everything can be neatly stored in the booklet. My 4 year old has gotten so much use out of her Tangram, and her color and shape recognition and spatial reasoning skills have greatly improved. 24. Sticker Wow : It is like a stamp, but for stickers! The Sticker Wow Pen is such a fun way to place stickers, and there are so many different character pens to choose from. If your kids can’t get enough of using stickers, they certainly need this activity booklet! I love how many stickers the pen can hold, so I am not continually needing to help my kids load their pens. Its simplicity makes it a great on-the-go toy! 25. Point and Shoot Camera : If your child has shown any real interest in photography, this camera is for you. The screen-free setup helps keep your kids in the moment, enjoying and capturing the great outdoors, or whatever adventure they are on. I love how many color options they have to choose from, making it the perfect camera for boys and girls. You can even download different filters onto the camera, customizing your child’s photography experience even more. My 6 year old takes it with her every time we go on an outdoor adventure with the hopes of photographing her favorite wildlife! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves you $5 at checkout. 26. Mini Glitter Magnetic Tiles : Crayola has entered the magnetic tiles chat. Packaged in a classic Crayola Crayon-styled box, their 24 piece Mini PIP-Tiles set is full of various colorful shapes that glitter! These sparkly tiles will be dreamy to take on the road, wherever your child goes! My 4 year old cannot go anywhere without her “sparkle tiles”, because they make a magical home for her miniature dolls. 27. Tic Tac Toe Bolt : Tic Tac Toe is another classic game that, unfortunately, can get boring quickly. The Tic Tac Toe Bolt game solves that problem, including 3 Tic Tac Toe- styled games in one! Play a classic head-to-head game, or play an AI bot that adapts its difficulty level on your skill. Practice memory with the memory flash setting, or play a variation of the original game that stole all our hearts. My 6 and 4 year old will often play a head-to-head game, but my 6 year old always wins, so maybe my 4 year old should try playing against the AI! 28. Travel Mattress : You never know when your family is going to get stuck somewhere with kids and no beds! Think flight delays, layovers, or an AirBnB that doesn’t have enough beds for all the children. I love having the JetKids Cloud Sleeper on hand because it is inflatable but does not require a pump to inflate it! All you need is a few minutes and your own two hands or feet to pump it up yourself. Each of my children, 6, 4, and 1, easily fit on it, and when we are done we can pack it up into a convenient storage bag! 29. On The Go Puzzle : Puzzles are typically risky to travel with because each puzzle piece is precious to the final product! This double-sided puzzle keeps the puzzle pieces all in a handy pouch, so your kids can take out one piece at a time. Each puzzle has 49 pieces, coming together to make gorgeous woodland scenes with a size of 14” x 11.5”. My 6 year old loves puzzles and woodland creatures, so this puzzle was a hit for her! 30. UNO Wild : I hope everyone reading this is familiar with UNO, because if you aren’t, you are truly missing out! UNO is one one of the best family games ever invented. My girls laugh and laugh when they skip me or reverse the direction. We take UNO with us on our adventures, and the storage tin keeps all the cards safe. It is super easy and convenient to pack, and maybe even more easy and convenient to play! 31. Large Plus Plus : I love the Plus Plus puzzle blocks as an open-ended, STEM travel toy! The carrying case doubles as a tabletop to build on, and it includes 15 large, brightly colored puzzle pieces. Some kids crave the freedom of building whatever they want, whenever they want, and this puzzle offers that! It is a great toy for solving boredom, and the pieces are large enough that they are hard to lose when you are out and about! 32. Road Tape  / Hot Wheels Cars : My 9 year old nephew loves his Hot Wheels, and I know for a fact that he takes his collection with him everywhere he goes. We got him the Hot Wheels Cars & Trucks 10 pack and Play Road Tape so he could bring the track with him. The tape sticks to any flat surface without leaving a residue, so he can play with his cars literally anywhere. It is a great gift idea for anyone who loves cars but can’t take their fancy racetracks everywhere! 33. Busy Board : Who needs a tablet when you can have a Hape Lock & Learn Playboard? On this busy board, kids can explore locks, doors, and secret passages for problem solving and pretend play, working out their fine motor muscles and color recognition skills. The board has a handle so carrying it around is easy! I love keeping this toy in my car or putting it in my 4 year-old’s backpack to take on-the-go. 34. Rainbow Play Doh : Get the colors of the rainbow in one jar! The Rainbow Playdough Jar came to us as a party favor one day, and my 4 and 6 year olds are absolutely obsessed. If your kids love play dough and insist on bringing it with them wherever you are going, grab this jar! They get all the colors of the rainbow in one place, with sparkles and a miniature rainbow to boot. Replace your dull play dough with one that glitters, and your kids will be set. 35. Slumber Pod : The Slumber Pod has saved many mom lives since its creation, including mine. If you are sharing a room with your little one while traveling, this gem is an absolute must. The pod is totally black-out, helping to deprive the senses while mom and dad are still awake. It fits over a pack-n-play, or you can add-on their travel bed to save space and weight on your travels. The Slumber Pod has completely taken my stress about nap and bedtime on vacations away and we can all rest easy!

Mel here! Stockings were some of our most requested items year after year. This year we decided to break them up into 3 separate categories: Littles, Kids and Teens. This way you can find items for all of our kiddos that they will enjoy. Our advice is to skip all the stocking junk that will break immediately and grab one or two "wow" stocking stuffers. Use the rest of your stocking budget to buy yummy treats and your kids will be in heaven. We don't have descriptions for these items but most of them are self explanatory. If you do have a question however, send us a DM on Instagram and we are happy to help! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Plip Grips 2. Wooden Animals   Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 3. Whirly Squigz  4. Glitter Wands 5. Rain Cloud 6. Jelly Cat 7. Tulu 8. Indoor Outdoor Bubbles 9. Teether 10. Tonie Figures 11. Zippee 12. Little Cuddle & Kind 13. Poke a Dot Mini Books 14. Silk Balloon Cover 15. Crayola Twistables 16. Mini Silk Wand 17. Kalidescope Tube 18. Magic Painting Book 19. Oogi 1. Airbrush Plush 2. Yoto Cards 3. Schleich Figures 4. Mini Magna Tiles 5. Sticker Wow 6. Magnetic Dolls Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 7. Non-toxic Nail Polish 8. Kandoodle Mini 9. Thumbler Wand 10. Potion Kit  11. Miniverse Birthday Ball 12. Flat Cars 13. Acrylic Blocks 14. Crayola Clicks 15. Mini Barbie Land 16. Moon Ball 17. Ooze Dribbler 18. Mini Squishmallows 19. Clixo 20. Rainbow Dough Jar 21. Plus Plus 22. Animals TOOBZ 23. Lego Pens 24. Class Mini Lego 25. Pokémon Cards 26. Earrings Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 27. Tic Tac Bolt 28. GloPals 29. Scribble Mat 1. Uno Elite  2. Mini Sensory Putty 3. Squish Rubix Cube 4. 20oz HydroJug 5. Earrings Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 6. Gummy Bear Needoh 7. Gear Spinner 8. Mini Bop It 9. Mini Brands Balls

Mandy here! We have tried so many ride on vehicles! My husband says we don't have room for anything else! These items typically come with a price tag so quality and life span are huge! If you have additional questions about products listed here, please send us a DM on IG! We are here to help you figure out what's best for your kids. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Motorcycle : Hyper Gogo has created, quite possibly, the coolest motorcycle on the market! Your littles will be riding in authentic, realistic style in any of the models. The bikes light up and make real engine sounds, with an exhaust simulator, fully immersing the rider in the motorcycle experience. There is bluetooth capability, an app that allows parents to interact with their child as they ride, and can come with training wheels if you choose! For ages 3-9. 2. Dump Truck : Play time is truly the best when kids can get real-world experience and learn what it is like to be a grown up! The Big Kahuna Dump Truck does just that, with a functional dump feature that allows children to have fun transporting dirt, wood, rocks, etc.! The details and overall quality of the truck are insane, and will make any kid feel confident, big, and excited about their future. For ages 3-8. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 3. Bumper Car : Bumper cars are a whole new level of fun for kiddos. They light up, play music, spin 360 ° , and come with an inflatable character on the back! They are rechargeable and I was impressed with the battery life. Enjoy indoor or outdoors! For ages 2-6. There's a dino option if that's your kids jam. 4. Hovervoard : I remember when hoverboards came out and were all the rage for a few years, and for good reason! Riding a Gotrax Hoverboard is a totally unique sensation, challenging balance and coordination since there are no handles! It has a max speed of 6.2 miles per hour, and can ride up to 6 miles on a single charge. It is great for indoor and outdoor use, but we love to use it mainly for family walks in the neighborhood! If your kid has good balance, they can enjoy at age 5-teen! Make sure to wear a helmet. 5. 2-Seater Jeep : Get double the off-roading fun with the Funcid 2-seater 4WD Ride On! This battery powered vehicle also comes with a remote control for parents to step in when needed. There is a 2-wheel and a 4-wheel drive option, making it great for street riding and off-roading. It has bluetooth and a USB port, for kids to jam while they drive! For ages 3-8 (depending on how tall your kid is). 6. Forklift : Teach your kids the ins and outs of mechanics, weight, and physics while they ride around on the Tough Trucks Forklift! We get so many packages of toys to test, and so Mel's girls use the forklift to move the packages from the entryway into the kitchen and it helps them develop confidence and to feel like they are helping her with a job! The lift can carry up to 22 lbs and has a max load of 80 lbs. For ages 3-8.  Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 7. Electric Cargo Family Bike : Cars are so last year. Next time you want to drive up the canyon or run to the grocery store for the necessities, pack up one or two of your kiddos and hop on the Rad Wagon 4 Electric Cargo Bike! All Rad Bikes are rigorously tested to meet the strictest of safety standards, so I feel completely safe riding with my littles. The bike can handle a whopping 350 lbs, and you can add on a childseat, caboose, and more! I’ve taken my girls on adventures up and down the canyons near me, and I didn’t realize how much I would appreciate being able to all share one bike. The range is 45 miles and has a top speed of 20 mph 8. Crazy Cart : If your kiddos have ever played MarioKart, they will know the joys of drifting! The Razor Crazy Cart has a simplified drifting system, making it so the driver is always in control and balanced while they spin circles around the street! There are two different speed settings you can easily switch between for kids of different ages or comfort levels. For ages 6+ up to 120 lbs. 9. Electric Balance Bike :  With a max speed of 8 mph, it’s the perfect way littles to explore the neighborhood, and the adjustable seat makes it easy for them to take turns. The range is roughly 7.5 miles on a single charge, more than enough for  them to ride to our local park and back! This is agreat for kids who have mastered the balance bike and now want to cruise. 10. Dune Buggy : The Freddo Dune buggy is not only visually awesome, but functionally, too! This vehicle stands out as an all-terrain vehicle, thanks to its EVA tires and suspension system. It has MP3, USB, and Bluetooth capabilities, leather seats, and lasts between 8-12 hours per charge! For ages 3-10. Important to point out this is 24V! 11. Electric Skateboard : Your little skater will be the envy of the skate park with the Meepo  Electric Skateboard. With a wicked top speed of 28 mph, this board is definitely recommended for teens and adults, but is also crafted in a way that beginners can ease into skateboarding by switching through its 4 different riding modes. It is designed for college commuting or riding around the city, with a motor that is IPX5  waterproof and a range of 11 miles. Max weight is 330 lbs. 12. Electric Scooter : Razor has been the king of scooters for decades, and now they’ve taken over the electric scooter world as well! The Black Label E100 electric scooter is a staple in our house during those warm summer months. The design is intuitive, with a thumb-activated throttle and hand brake. The design is sturdy and with safety in mind, distributing the weight towards the back, adding traction and ease of stearing. It hits speeds up to 10 mph, and lasts 35 minutes per charge. For ages 8+ up to 120 lbs.  13. Off Road Queen Jeep : Let your little adventurer take charge with the Girl Powered Rides Off-Road Queen Power Wheels Jeep! Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this stylish ride-on features a powerful motor that lets them explore their surroundings with ease for 1-2 hours on a full charge, with a max speed of 5 mph. With realistic details and a spacious interior, it's perfect for imaginative play and outdoor fun. For ages 3-7 up to 120 lbs. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 14. Motorbike : Your teen has outgrown all the fun outdoor power vehicles that the younger kids get to ride around, but that doesn’t mean they have to be left out of the fun! Razor has an awesome ebike made specifically with teens in mind. It has an authentic street bike feel, with custom 12” mag wheels and street tires, rear suspension, and a high performance electric motor. Its max speed is 17 mph, and it rides for just under an hour per charge. For ages 16+ up to 170 lbs. 15. One Wheel : Lean forward… lean back. That is all it takes to ride the Pint Onewheel!  The Onewheel is the ideal city vehicle. Its small and lightweight design and magnetic handle makes it ideal for carrying onto buses or bringing into the store, and setting it underneath your desk or chair. It has a max speed of 16 mph and a range of 6-8 miles. 16. Drift Machine : Attention parents of young thrill seekers! Let them dip their toes into the world of motorsports with The Drift Machine. With max speeds of 14 mph and 2-3 hours of life on a full charge, your kiddos will live the adrenaline dream on this 3-wheel machine! The stylish design and vibrant colors make it a standout choice for adventurous kids, while the ergonomic seat ensures a comfortable ride every time. For ages 7-12 up to 155 lbs. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 17. Long Range Electric Scooter : Segway brought out the big guns with this one. The Ninebot Electric Kick Scooter is meant for long-range travel, whether you are riding down the canyon or taking a ride to the gas station with friends. The scooter can travel up to 15.5 miles, with a max speed of 12.4mph, with 8-inch shock absorbing tires that give a smooth ride no matter where you go! So many features give my mama brain peace of mind, whether it is the headlight, large display of battery life, or rear break! For adults up to 198lbs. 18. Pocket Mod : Does your kiddo want to be the next Lizzy McGuire riding around Rome? I found the perfect bike that provides the dreamy, European, freeing experience! Razor’s Pocket Mod Mini Euro-Style Electric Scooter has a vintage style with a secret storage compartment under the seat! It boasts a max speed of 15 mph and provides 40 minutes of ride time on a single charge. You can trust that Razor has crafted the bike to the highest quality and safety standards for your teen to ride to their friend’s house down the street. For ages 13+ up to 170 lbs. Important to point out it has a 24V battery. 19. Rad Rod : There is something so thrilling about being close to the ground while riding at high speeds, and your child can experience that same thrill while riding the Razor and their Ground Force Rad Rod. The electric-powered go-kart is capable of high-performance maneuvers like power slides, drifts, and burnouts, with a top speed of 10 mph on the High setting. You can change the setting for younger riders so that the max speed is 7 mph. Whatever the setting, your littles are in for a thrill! The battery life is 40 minutes of continuous use. For ages 6+ up to 110 lbs.  20. Electric Dirt Bike Thunderbolt : Designed for young riders ready to hit the trails, this sleek electric dirt bike combines power and style for the ultimate dirt bike adventure. With speeds up to 6 mph, your little ones will feel the rush as they navigate their own outdoor terrain. The sturdy design features durable tires and a lightweight frame, making it easy to handle for kids. It lats 2-3 hours on a full charge, and has a max speed of 14 mph. For ages 7-12 up to 145 lbs. I can't keep Charlie off this dirt bike! Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 21. Side by Side UTV : Send your kids on the ultimate outdoor adventure with the Dynacraft Realtree UTV. The two-seater is equipped to store all necessary adventure goodies, with a front rack and rear cargo storage. It gets up to 5 mph, has MP3 inputs, and functional lights. For ages 3-7.

Mandy here! I know you would think we don't need a separate guide for this...but we do! There are so many options out there and we wanted to share our favorites with you. We've learned that if you invest in quality pieces from the start they last you a LOT longer! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Ice Cream Counter : My kids would eat ice cream every single day if they could, but this is the next best thing! My 7 year old asks me for my ice cream order every single morning, making me use the menu. The scoop is so creative and fun to use. I think she found her future high school job! 2. Play Dishes : Pretend food could cause quite a mess without some dishes! I bought this for my 18-month old as a way to help her learn about different dishes and to practice using a fork. But my 7-year-old is the one who has taken them over. She enjoys washing them while I wash our dishes and using them for all her “food parties”. 3. Cinnamon Roll Set : A Sunday tradition in my household growing up was store-bought cinnamon rolls for breakfast. This toy immediately brought me back to those memories and I had to get it for my kids! We have so much fun rolling up the dough like you would in real life and plopping them in the oven that also doubles as a storage container. 4. Picnic Basket and Foods : Oh my gosh this wooden picnic basket is too cute with its gingham lining and table cloth and adorable pieces. My 7 year old loves hosting picnics for her friends. I promise you, your kids will be begging to go on a picnic soon after getting this toy, and you should take them up on it! 5. BBQ Station : Summer is filled with grilling in our household, and my 9 year old son has always been fascinated by the contraption. He would ask my husband all the time to help him grill, so we got him his own grill to practice. The “flames” that he could turn up and down with a dial were by far his favorite part. I personally love how many food options they provide? Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, stakes, corn, and more. 6.   Drink Dispenser : My kids have seen me drink a Diet Coke every day since they were born. Naturally, that made them curious about drinks so I love that they have a toy where they can make their own! I love the pretend ice cubes, and the way that the drink inserts plop into the cup is so satisfying. 7. Hape BBQ : We love the Hape BBQ set because of its compact design and storage feature! My 7 year old loves the Hape BBQ set because of the sizzling sound it makes. No matter which way you slice it, this toy is a win! The kabobs you can make with all different veggies and meat are too cute that even I want to play with it. 8. Burger and Fries Set : Pretend food toys don’t have to be massive with dozens of pieces to be full of fun! My children die for a good burger joint. They especially enjoy carrying the tray for me, to my dismay. But they can carry this tray all day long! It is just as fun for them, and far less stressful to me. The dipping sauce is such a thoughtful addition because my kids will not eat fries plain. 9. Baked Goods : There is nothing better than a home filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. Just after that is an adorable basket filled with wooden baked goods for your kids to play with! They’re the perfect addition to any play kitchen or table set, with enough bread for all the kiddos to share. 10. Cool Scoops Creamery : My 7 year old is obsessed with her Ice Cream Counter, so we decided to upgrade her imaginary ice cream shop and get her the Melissa & Doug Cool Scoops Ice Cream Creamery. With ice cream sandwiches, chocolate syrup, and a register, your kiddos will live out all their ice cream dreams! 11. Little Tykes Play Kitchen: I think the color and design of this play kitchen is so cute, especially with the chalkboard in front and foldable cutting board ledge. It manages to provide so much play in such a compact size. The stove actually lights up and it comes with so many accessories that it really is such an incredible value 12. Pizza Oven : Okay this may seem like a crazy statement but when I needed something to help my kids eat pizza with anything more than cheese, this toy came to the rescue. They quickly realized that making a cheese pizza over and over was boring and warmed up to all the different toppings this set provides. They couldn’t get enough of the countless creations they could make and would have me try all of them! Now a supreme pizza is all they order on pizza night. 13. Fat Brain Cookies and Milk : The Fat Brain Milk and Cookies set is a simple, effective, and inexpensive option for pretend food play. My 7 year old will bring this set out to have “Cookie Time” with her best friend and they get such a kick out of taking turns taking the cookies out of the cookie jar! 14. Hape Kitchen & Fridge Bundle If your kids enjoy playing in the kitchen as much as mine do, they’re going to need their own kitchen to play in. This two-piece kitchen is completely immersive, complete with a sink, stove, plenty of storage, and a spice shelf! It is well designed and sturdy enough for me to keep for years! 15. Rubber Fruits : If your little ones have a hard time eating their fruits, first: they are not alone. Second, this simple toy could help! Made for smaller toddlers, I made sure to get this for my 18-month old. It has helped her better identify fruits and has even started pointing the real ones out when we go to the grocery store! 16. Felt Foods : We love our Wool Felt Foods because they provide a unique sensory experience for our kids. We bring them on road trips and to church and enjoy the peace that comes with their quiet fun. With so many set options online, your kids can start a little collection for them and their dolls! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 17. Silicone Tea Set : This tea set doesn’t have to be all pretend, which is great as my kids get older and want to have real tea parties. They are dishwasher safe and safe to drink from, so my 7 year old started having real tea parties with her cousins and I feel at peace knowing that nothing will break or hurt them. 18. Matching Eggs : My toddler eats eggs like candy, so I was stoked when I came across this egg matching game! The carton it comes in is so fun and she has a blast trying to mix and match all the eggs. It is also a great opportunity for me to teach her shapes and colors. 19. Play Candy : Kids and candy just go together. Especially when the candy isn’t real! We recently watched Willy Wonka as a family and my kids loved the vintage-style candy, so this wooden candy set is a dream for them. I had to get them each their own set or else they’d fight over the lollipop! 20. Magnetic Fruit Felts : These magnetic fruits keep my toddler busy for hours. At first I was worried that she was being so quiet, but it turns out she was soaking up the sensory experience of the felt magnets. It is so cute watching her practice saying the names of the fruits while placing them on the fridge or any surface, really. 21. Food Play Stones : Dearest reader, I cannot emphasize enough how much I love these food stones. The physical weight to them is so satisfying, and they truly are beautiful. Each stone is unique to a different culture, adding to the beauty! They are durable enough to be used indoors and outdoors, which my kids love to take advantage of. 22. Shopping Cart : I have so much fake food filling my basement that I decided I might as well make it a grocery store down there. The Melissa & Doug shopping cart is such a fun way to use the foods in a different way and enhance imaginary play. It is also the perfect storage for when the kids aren’t playing with their food! 23. Taco Making Kit : The best food in the world must have a toy in its honor. These pretend tacos are almost as good as the real thing. Your kids can create the ultimate taco or nachos and even send their friends with their food in a carry-out bag! Whenever we celebrate Taco Tuesday, we bring out the taco kit for our toddler to participate fully in the preparation! 24. Tinyland Play Kitchen: Tinyland has proven that play kitchen can be both adorable and functional! It is unbelievably cute but also has so many features for the kids to spend hours playing with. My toddler personally can’t get enough of the satisfying “click” the knobs make. There is plenty of storage for all the accessories that come with it, so keeping the space clean is easy!   25. Farmers Market : Education should be fun and this color sorting set is one of the best I’ve seen catered to toddlers. I got this for my little one because she loves food and she loves sorting. So instead of her re-arranging all of my beauty products, she can sort these fruits and veggies and get even more out of it. It didn’t take long before she mastered the different colors! 26. Cake : Every child’s kitchen needs a birthday cake! And this one is incredibly charming, with various aspects of childhood baked into the design. The popcorn edging, sprinkle middle and striped candles make for a dream cake for kiddos. Le Toy Van has a wide array of similarly cute pretend foods that you can collect as well as play with! 27. Table and Chairs : Once my kids started climbing up on furniture I knew I needed to get them their own set of table and chairs. I think the wood design is tasteful, and the rounded edges keep my mind at ease. It is a great value for what you get and doesn’t take up too much room with the ability to fit all four chairs underneath. 28. Play Kitchen Accessorie s: I couldn’t believe how many pieces this set included at the cost. They aren’t painted so they give off a very simple and clean look, and I know they are safe for my toddler. She loves to put her wooden foods on them and fill her bowls with rice, dry cereal, and beans for a full sensory experience. 29. Costway Play Kitchen: The Costway kitchen is sleek and realistic, with the water dispenser making light and sound, enhancing the immersive experience. My 7 year old loves to wash her dishes in the sink and cook all of her veggies in the pot and pan provided! The adorable vintage phone is a bonus- I loved showing my kids what we had before cell phones! 30. Chocolate Factory : After my kids watched the new Wonka movie they immediately asked if they could learn how to make chocolate like Wonka at home. Thank goodness for Melissa & Doug because they have an amazing pretend chocolate factory! They love mix and matching the fillings with the shells, and packing them up in the gift wrap to sell their customers. 31. Wooden Vending Machine : Mothers know best that kids love pushing buttons! This cause-and-effect toy is so great for small kids who are developmentally learning the concept. But it is also great for bigger kids who want their own vending machine to get treats out of! It comes with 9 play snacks, but nothing is stopping your kids from putting real snack packs or juice boxes inside, as long as they fit! 32. Wooden Bakery : Who knew one toy could employ so many children at once? The Wooden La Patisserie Bakery is designed for bakers, cashiers, and customers to enjoy the wooden and foam desserts. My girls switch off rolls, sometimes rolling up the croissants or frosting the cupcakes, while the other takes the orders and payment from the customer. There is so much fun to be had with this interactive toy. 33. Magnetic Foods: Watching my 7 year old plan her own meals using these realistic food and dish magnets is such a sweet experience. She learns about different meals, what foods go well with each other, and can even practice setting a table. I love how easy they are to clean and that a wide variety of foods are represented. 34. Wooden Tea Set : I thought it was time for my almost-2 year old to experience the joy of tea time, so I couldn’t wait to get her this set. The tea cookies, lemons and tea bags are such a fun detail to really bring the experience to life. And it is just too cute that we have to display it in her room! 35. Fresh Market: I want my children to grow up eating whole, healthy foods. Getting them a pretend food toy that only consists of stuff you’d find at a farmer’s market is great for instilling healthy habits! They can create a gorgeous charcuterie board to serve to all their friends! 36. Play Sink : My 7 year old loves washing dishes. She always asks to help me when we are cleaning up dinner, so  when I saw this functional sink, I knew I had to get it. All it takes is the push of a button for the faucet to fill up the sink, and then it drains back into the basin when done! I love that my kids are at that age where they can learn a new skill and have fun with it.

Mandy here! MESH toys can help kids recover emotionally and help them get back to a healthy baseline. These are toys like weighted plush, fidgets, sensory bins, swings, and audio players. But, most importantly, MESH toys should help kids build emotional resilience. Toys that aid in emotional resilience push kids to problem-solve and overcome obstacles. They can also use storytelling to express emotions and empathy. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Emotional Baggage : I love finding new toys that help my developing littles learn about and how to regulate emotion. I have found the Emotional Baggage toy is a fantastic tool for identifying emotions and there are countless games you can play with the plushies to encourage emotional intelligence. It is also a great toy for teachers and anyone working with children. 2. Carabie Stuffies : Stuffies are well known and loved for their ability to comfort a child, but what I love about Carabie stuffies specifically is the book that comes with the bundle! It is never too early to teach your kids about health conditions that they themselves or loved ones will experience throughout their lives. Every purchase gives back to child health initiatives! 3. Feelings Bottles : I had a similar toy to this growing up as a kid, but without the emotions on the bottles. It was so relaxing to watch the glitter fall to the bottom. The emotions add an educational opportunity to relax children while teaching them about how they’re feeling. When my older kids were a little younger and were having strong emotions, I would tell them to grab the bottle that represented how they felt and we’d talk about it.  4. Bumpas : Sometimes your child just needs a hug, and the Bumpa is there to provide that. It is weighted and larger than your average stuffed animal, so it gives really good hugs. The heart it makes with its hands and the smile on its face gives my 7-year old immediate feelings of safety and comfort.  5. Big Feelings Pineapple : I love this fun take on Mr. Potato Head, but my kids love it even more. Fine motor skills are developed when fitting the pieces into the proper place on the head, and emotional skills are developed in practicing with and identifying emotions. All three of my kids enjoy the pineapple for different reasons, which makes the perfect toy, in my opinion. 6. Magical Meditation Yoto Card : This Yoto card is the perfect wind-down audio tool for my 9 year old who has so much energy he could probably go days without sleeping. I struggled finding things to help him transition into sleep-mode until I found the Yoto player and meditation card. He falls asleep so much easier now, and the whole house feels a little bit calmer in the evenings. 7. Mindfulness Meditation Yoto Card : Children need quiet time as much as they need wild time, and parents definitely need quiet time. The struggle to get my kids to calm down midday was helped tremendously when I found the Mindfulness for Children Yoto card. I plop the card into the Yoto player and minutes later quiet down. It has even been known to put them to sleep! 8. Surprise Stories : Remember Mad Libs? Now imagine how giddy I was when I discovered that there is a kids’ version that solves so many of my problems as a mom. I get so sick of reading the same book over and over again, but my kids love story time. With Surprise Stories, we get to tell a new story every night from one simple game. The kit comes with with prompts for the Star, Storyline, and Setting. 9. Emotion Coins : A new spin on the classic coin and slot toy, the Emotion Coins also double as an emotion educational tool! Putting the coins in the slots helps littles focus on the task at hand and calm down.   10. Slumberkins : No matter what your child is going through emotionally or developmentally, there are customized Slumberkins for them. I am obsessed with these kits and have collected probably too many of them. The stuffed animals are all so unique and designed to represent the skill or idea it is trying to teach. When one of my kids was going through a big change, I was able to use the Fox Kin Change kit to help him navigate his situation.  11. Needoh : When my kids are experiencing sensory overload, the Needoh Dream Drop helps reign her in and relax her nerves. The feel of the toy is so calming and satisfying, and the glittery filling is mesmerizing. It even includes a stand so that she always knows where it is when she needs it. 12. Affirmation Memory Cards : It has been amazing to teach my kids the power of positive self-talk through this uplifting game. You can play this game with littles as young as 3, and I recommend doing so. It is a great choice for winding down, quiet time, or when your kiddo is having a hard day emotionally. It is the perfect opportunity to teach them how to treat themselves kindly. 13. Liquid Sensory Tiles : I cannot accurately explain how satisfying these tiles are to play with. They are firm but have just enough give that you can move around the liquid inside. The feeling is addictive and my kids will run around on them forever. These tiles are a great sensory experience and allows littles to wind down. 14: Sensory Swing : Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet. 15. Huggy Hymns Stuffed Animals : These are huggable plushies with a built-in muisc box that plays hymns. The stuffy is 13inches and comes with a removable sound module and volume control. It uses a USB to charge. This would be a perfect way for your kids to relax and connec to God and Christ. We also love this as a baby shower gift.

We have teamed up with the Game King to bring you the best game list out there! We have rounded up games for little kids, big kids, and family games! These are all recommended and approved by the Game King! Below you will find games for 7 and under, 8+, and family games! Below you will find all of Darin's (Game King) picks! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Narwall Waterfall : Save the narwhals by moving them across the water and avoiding the dangers.  But the water actually moves like a conveyor belt and could send the narwhals tumbling over the edge. 2. Speedy Feedy : This game actually has a trickier adult version, but just ignore that and play simplified rules. Identify the foods on the card and see which animal has the most foods pictured.  Your brain does the two-step: figuring out what is pictured the most and then which animal matches that. 3. Math Sandwich : Can you fill the orders for sandwiches?  Order cards call for specific ingredients that you have to compile.  The sandwich components are felt and great to play with.  This teaches great math skills, and it doubles as a fun toy so you can use it to play food activities. 4. Doggy Showdown Logic Puzzle : Five dogs are competing in a dog show and you have to move them to match the card that shows the results.  But the dogs are in a track so you have to use logic to figure out how to move certain dogs out of the way to get them all to line up.  The game builds in progression.  Can be a game that just one person can play on their own, solving the puzzles. 5. Exit Kids : This is not like the “Exit” games for older players.  Instead, the child draws a card and tries to gather clues in a varity of ways to find a trio of animals to solve the riddle.  This can be a solo game for kids, teaching them to use clues to for problem solving. This a very simple game that could play as young as 3 or 4.   6. Race to Treasure : Can you get to the treasure in time?  In this simple cooperative game, you build a path to find treasures and get to the goal before the ogre does.  Great with problem solving and working together. 7. Pengaloo : Adorable solid wood penguins are hiding colored eggs.  When you roll the dice, you have to remember which colored eggs are under which penguin.  Bring them to your iceberg until you have enough to win.  But watch out, your penguins can get stolen.  8. Tongues Out : Squishy pugs have gotten into the candy shop so their tongues are different colors.  When you squeeze them, their colored tongues stick out.  Find the right colored tongues and remember which ones are which as you round up the cute, squeezable dogs. 9. Tap a Bello : Flip over cards to see if you can match their colors, numbers or symbols. When there’s a match, you have to tap your head and then ring the bell.  Great for teaching colors, numbers or symbols.  It’s also great for getting confused since you will want to ring the bell without touching your head. 10. Cake-n-Bake Challenge : I feared this game had been discontinued since I loved it so much.  Turns out, it was just being repackaged.  Flip over a card and then build your cake to match the colors and toppings pictured.  It’s a race to see who is first, but this is also a great toy when you’re not playing the game. 11. Concept JR : The simple and easy version of the Concept game lets you give clues by placing tokens on various clues on a large board.  It’s a cooperative game so everyone is trying to guess what animal or object fits the clues given. 12. Outfoxed : Possibly my most recommended game for young kids.  Determine which fox stole the pie and do it before the fox reaches the end. You do it by placing little token chips in a sliding device that reveals clues about the culprit fox.  The sliding device is brilliant and kids love the deduction. 13. Hoot Owl Hoot : Try to guide all your owls home to the nest before the sun comes up.  There’s strategy involved as you jump from color to color but don’t leave any owls behind or it will be too hard to get them to catch up.  This is a cooperative game where everyone works together. 14. Zingo : This is a child’s version of Bingo. A fun tile dispensing machine (the “Zinger”) slides to reveal two tiles.  Your “Zingo card” has images on it and you have to find tiles to match those on your card.  Fill your card and you win.  This could be a pre-school game. 15. Paco's Party : There are four guests and three birthday elements at Paco’s birthday party. But as you flip over a card, there will be something missing.  Spot the missing item and win the card.  If everything is there, you do a little Paco dance. 1. Mantis : Try to collect mantis by matching color sets.  You can either steal from your opponents’ tanks into your tank, or move them from your tank to your point pile.  You’ll have to guess what color it is, but the back side of the card tells you three possible answers.  Use some deduction and some luck to steal or get points. 2. Up Dog : Try to play your numbered and colored cards to achieve goals (i.e. all red, or lowest total) and move your dog on the path to the winning dog dish.  But if someone else achieves the same goal, then they cancel out. Use some strategy and prediction to know how to move your dog.   3. Deduckto : A modern fresh take on Clue. Try to guess the animal, location, and disguise on your mystery card.  Other players give you clues as you play cards to determine if there is anything in common with your mystery card.  This can play on different levels, and uses lots of deduction. 4. Tumball : A cluster of colored balls are suspended precariously from a central hook.  Each player carefully places their white balls on the suspended ones, hoping the weight won’t cause everything to fall.  Try to get rid of your balls, one by one, but if balls fall, you’ll have to get rid of those, too. 5. P for Pizza (kids) : Quick game to identify words in a category that start with a different letter.  Simple to play and quick to understand.  Teaches words and letters.  (For older groups, try P For Pizza regular version) 6. Concept : Help your team guess an object by giving clues.  Place tokens on a large board to show colors, locations, size or any number of clues that might help.  A great cooperative game that can get challenging. 7. Speed Colors : Look at a simple drawing of black outlines with parts that are colored in.  Then flip the card over and everyone quickly tries to remember their picture to replicate it using the same colors. Dry erase markers and fill-in-the-blank cards make it easy and fun. (You can even get to where you switch the colored tops to make it more confusing.) 8. Throw Fish : This is a new take on the old Go Fish game.  As you get sets, you build them into a tower in front of you. You can still ask a player for a specific card, but you can also use your turn to try to throw a card at an opponent’s tower to steal their cards.  (Throwing cards is harder than you think and the temptation could cause you could lose your turn.) 9. Qwixx : A fun “roll and write” game where everyone is playing at once.  Roll the dice and cross off numbers on your score sheet but you can only move forward and can’t go back to pick up missed numbers.  Each roll is critical and the pressure mounts in this fast paced dice game. 10. Piece of Cake : A fun “card” game where you’re trying to complete three full cakes using quarter-cake pieces.  You’re building while others are trying to foil your efforts. You’ll draw a cake piece and keep it or pass it on in a frantic race to complete the cakes.  Artwork is delicious for the cakes. 11. Overlap : This is a little “Tetris meets Uno.” You have a handful of cards which have various colored squares filled in.  You play your card on the discard pile and try NOT to match colored squares.  For every colored square that overlaps/matches, you have to draw another card.  Get rid of all your cards, and you win. 12. Cover Your Assets : A classic card game where you try to collect sets of valuable assets.  As the sets get stolen, they keep growing in value.  You can only steal the top set on someone’s pile, so you try to build your pile and protect your assets in this cutthroat, fun game. 13. Bears and the Bees : Play your hexagon shaped cards as you build a giant honeycomb pattern.  Each side is a different color and you have to match at least two sides to get rid of a card.  Watch out for special cards like bears and flowers as you create a giant pattern of cards in your race to get rid of all yours. 14. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza : Flip over cards reciting “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza” and if what you say, matches what is on the card, you have to slap the pile.  The last player to slap the pile has to take the stack of cards.  You win when you get rid of your cards. 1. Fun Facts : Great new cooperative game.  Everyone writes down a numerical answer to a question and then flips it over.  Can you put them in order without discussing it?  How long would it take you to spend $50K?  And then how does that fit with everyone else’s answers.     2. Just One : One of my favorite cooperative games. One person has to guess a mystery word.  So everyone writes down clues, but if you write the same clue as someone else, they cancel and the clues get tossed.  So you have to give a great clue, but not so obvious that someone else will give it. 3. So Clover : One of my favorite cooperative games. You place a series of random cards on your “clover board”.  It creates four pairs of words so you give a clue for each pair and then mix all the words up.  Can the rest of the group figure out which clues were for which words now that there are others in the mix? 4. Champions : Who would likely snore more?  Granny or Dracula?  In this game, you have to pit various random people against each other in bizarre hypothetical contests and predict who would win. You set it up in a “tournament bracket” to see how they fare against each other and then see how close you got to predicting the winner. 5. Cross Clues : Wonderful! Quick cooperative game where you have to work together to complete a grid of words.  There are four words along the top and four words on the side.  You pick a tile that tells you a location on the grid, i.e. A3.  Then you have to give a clue that combines the two words, and hope the group can place the tile in the right spot. It’s super informal and can be played as loosely as you want. 6. Hitster : A sure-fire instant favorite.  Download the Hitster app on your phone and connect to Spotify.  Then scan the QR code on a card and a song plays.  Can you remember when the song was released and then place it in order with the other song cards you have.  Get 10 cards in a sequence and your team wins. 7. Link City : Brand new cooperative game is already getting some buzz as the possible game of the year.  You are the mayor and 4 businesses want to open up in your city so, based on what is already in the town, you give them permission and place a token on the city map.  Now the rest of the group has to guess which token goes with which business.  Does a dog groomer belong by a park or baseball stadium? 8. Mishy Match : Your brain will hurt, and then it will get addicted.  Each card has a color written in the middle with four symbols in each corner.  You have to say the color that the word is written in (It could be the word “yellow” written in blue) and then identify the symbol in the corner that the written word tells you. You could say “Blue Rose” because it’s written in blue, but the yellow corner has a rose. 9. Bird Call : This is Happy Salmon on steroids.  You have three cards in your hand with birds on them.  You have to find another person with a match to one of your cards.   You can only do that by making the bird sound.  Match the card and put it in your point pile and draw another.  It’s chaos and very loud. 10. Sixem : Tenzi and Bingo had a baby and this is it.  Roll your dice and get 1-6.  Then fill in the spots on your card, just like a Bingo card.  It’s the most fun Bingo game ever since it adds an element of speed, and some strategy when you get to erase your opponents’ spaces.   11. Dumb Questions to Ask your Friends : Everyone answers a question and one person has to figure out what the question is everyone was answering.  They can pick from five questions, but can only see them one at a time and have to lock in their guess before they can move on to another question.  It’s funny and engaging for a group. 12. P for Pizza : Name words in various categories that start with different letters.  The twist is that as people progress, they’ll be trying for different letters and categories which makes for some added chaos. 13. Super Mega Lucky Box : I hate the name, but I love the game. You turn over random cards to reveal numbers that let you check off spaces on your mini “bingo-type” card. You’ll have three cards you’re working on at the same time and trying to earn other tokens.  Another bonus is that you can have up to 6 people playing.  14. Anarchy Pancakes : It takes quick reactions to win this game where you have to find strange toppings on someone else’s card that matches your card.  It’s like a group version of Spot It with a little extra zaniness. 15. Without Fail : This is particularly good for a group game with a youth group or party environment.  You’ll have to accomplish various tasks, but you have to bet how well you’ll do at it without actually knowing the task.  And you’ll be paired with the person who set the bar the highest while everyone else now roots against you. 16. Kazoo That Tune : There are two versions of this game: Regular and Festive (for the holidays).  You don’t have to have musical talents.  Just know how to make music on a kazoo. It’s the musical version of charades where people will be laughing at the efforts. 17. Wavelength : his is a brilliant, innovative game where teams are trying to read each other’s mind. You have to guess where a bullseye is on a spectrum. One person gives a clue about some specific item. You get a topic, like hot to cold, and then you give a clue such as “soup” and the teams have to decide where that falls on the scale, each trying to get close to the specific pinpoint. 18. Wilmot's Warehouse : This is the ultimate cooperative memory game.  You’ll place tiles with abstract designs face down on a board one by one.  But you’ll have to come up with a story as to how all the tiles connect in a cohesive way.  Once you place 35 tiles face down, you have 5 minutes to remember where each tile is.  If you know your story, it’s a cinch. 19. Don't Get Caught : This is a very unusual game. You would play this while other things are going on.  It could be during a dinner or party or any social gathering.  Each person is assigned a series of secret tasks they have to get other people to do without suspecting anything. The first person to get others to do their tasks wins the game.      20. You Can't Say Umm : Laughing is guaranteed.  Winning…not so much.  You have to describe various words to your team and have them guess, but you can’t ever say “umm” or other filler words.  Toss in some other random rules to remember and it’s brain overload. Umms are guaranteed.  21. Block Party : This is Pictionary with colored blocks.  Everyone scrambles to grab little colored blocks to build a specific picture.  Will the guesser know you created a stoplight or a pencil?  And with other people scrambling to grab the colored blocks, who knows what you’ll be left with. 22. Slingz : Get rid of your cards to win.  Each card has a letter and you have to think of an answer with that letter that fits the category.  But the category is changing every three words, so it’s a super fast-paced game guaranteed to frustrate you if you’re a second too late. 23. Think Fast (Disney or OG) : Split into two teams.  The moderator reads clues to let you guess as many words as you can in a set time.  Each team does that.  Then on round two, the 15 words are the exact same, so you know all the answers, but the clues get harder.  Round 3 is even more challenging in a free-for-all.  (Of all the games I have, I chose to play this on my birthday.) 24. Linkee : The moderator reveals clues about four different words.  Don’t say the words out loud.  Just remember them because the winner is the person who can figure out how the four words are linked.  Are they all wizards?  Are they all ingredients in a pie?  Are they all parts of a bike? 25. Hues and Clues : Picture a giant color swatch board. You have to give a one word clue to get everyone to figure out exactly which color is the right one. Periwinkle, huckleberry, Barney, plum could all be your clue, but will other players know where to put their marker? 26. Happy Salmon : Few games get people up and moving like Happy Salmon. Flip your cards over and find someone who has the same card, complete the action described and go to the next card. My stomach hurts every time I play (short bursts of shouting). 27. Herd Mentality : It doesn’t matter what the “right” answer is to a question, it just matters what is the most popular. Name a farm animal. What’s your favorite finger? You have to match the “herd” to get a point. 28. Cobra Paw : One of the best “ice breaker” games to just get people drawn in quickly. There are a series of tiles with two icons on each. When you roll the two “icon dice”, race to be the first to snatch the tile that matches. 29. Think n Sync : The goal of this game is to think alike with your partner. Pick a partner and then, at the same time, shout out an answer to the chosen category. Can you both name the same cereal? This is a teen game! 30. Code Names : Does anyone NOT have this game already? Two teams racing against each other to identify random word cards on a grid. Give clues that connect multiple words so you can find your team’s words first.

Mel here! Dress Ups and makeup are a staple over here at our house. I love finding unique dress ups for my kids that can be used for both play and everyday! I also am a big believer in clean makeup for kids. Lots of makeup options for kids are full of unsafe ingredients so I've linked some of my favorites below. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Little Adventures Dress Ups : Your all-in-one costume shop has arrived! Little Adventures has dress ups for kids, adults, and even dolls! Halloween, play dates, tea parties, and superhero missions are all covered. These costumes are super affordable and offer both general themed and specific character costumes. If you need a last minute Halloween costume, they offer two-day shipping with Amazon Prime.  2. Silicone Hair/Makeup Kit: My 6 year old started showing interest in makeup when she was way too young to be wearing it, so I knew I had to find a realistic and safe pretend makeup kit asap. I love the Marlow & Co silicone hair and makeup kit because it comes with all the essentials and a travel bag to store it all! The neutral colors are so classy and the silicon has been durable to make it to my second daughter to play with! She is just figuring out how to do makeovers on her dolls! 3. Disney Dresses Handmade:  There is something so special about wearing something handmade- you know that proper care, attention, and joy went into it. That kind of novelty item can be found on a little Etsy shop called Treasuresspace ! If you have a Disney trip or other dress-up occasion coming up, consider patronizing a small business and getting something so special for your child in return! The dresses are so affordable for the quality you get, and worth every penny!  4. Klee Kids Makeup : Once my daughter was old enough to start experimenting with makeup, I wanted to be sure that I was getting safe products for her gentle skin. I love that Klee Kids makes all their makeup with no talc, parabens, or animal testing, and the colors are subtle and age-appropriate. She started wearing a little makeup for her dance recitals and she personally loves how yummy the pink lemonade shimmer tastes! All the ingredients can be found before you even add it to the cart, for total transparency and peace of mind.  5. Super Smalls Shoes and Jewelry : Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and that especially holds true for little girls, in my experience. When my 6 year old had a big birthday coming up, I wanted her to feel extra sparkly and beautiful. The Playtime Dreams Gift Set was exactly what I was looking for, with fun shiny heels, two rings, a necklace, and two sets of earrings. She wore those accessories every day for weeks. It didn’t matter where we were going, the glitter followed! 6. Walmart Toddler Girl Disney Dresses : Your girls don’t need to always be drowning in tulle to feel like a princess. I stumbled upon Walmart’s Disney dresses, and knew how my girls could always feel dressed up for a fraction of the cost of a full-on costume. These dresses give my 6 year old the best of both worlds, where she gets to feel like the classic Disney princess, but in a more subtle way. She feels perfectly comfortable wearing her Encanto dress to school on an average day, feeling both casual and dressed up! 7. Sarah’s Silks Dress Ups Collection : If we thought our playroom was shrouded in enough silk already, we weren’t ready for what Sarah’s Silks was about to send our way. Their silk dress ups bring even more life to the silk play world. Skirts, hats, and capes are just a fraction of what they offer in the costume department, and the color options are all stunning. We had to get the fairy wings the moment we saw them, and my daughters would wear them night and day if I’d let them.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 8. Dress Ups: Fireman   Police Officer   Veterinarian : I found the best hack for getting my kids realistic costumes that didn’t break the bank, and of course it was Melissa & Doug. These costumes come with functional accessories that transport your little one into the world of a first responder, veterinarian, or line cook! They pair well with many of Melissa & Doug’s pretend toys, giving kids the ultimate pretend experience.  9. Sweet Wink Capes and Accessories : I am one of those moms that loves to dress for the occasion, and that goes for my kids as well. I was so excited to find Sweet Wink, a female-ran business that designs head-to-toe outfits for many different occasions and themes. They offer themed outfits to be worn more on a day-to-day basis, as well as costume accessories like capes and wands. They are a great option for birthday parties, pregnancy announcements, and special seasonal wear! Code: 25TTS to save at checkout 10. W ooden Vanity Makeup Set : I am so excited for my toddler to be approaching the age of enjoying her own little vanity! She is drawn to girly things and this wooden vanity and makeup kit is nothing short of all-girl. Everything is made out of wood so I know she will be safe playing with it, and I love that the vanity has a drawer to store the goods when she is done! I can’t wait to do our makeup together in the mornings.  11. Le Toy Van Cosmetic Set: Introduce your kiddos to the art of vintage cosmetics with the Le Toy Van Cosmetic Set! The wooden pieces are all painted and designed to look like old-fashioned makeup, and come with an adorable canvas drawstring bag. My favorite pieces in the set are the powder applicator and vintage perfume bottle! It reminds me of the days I wanted to be french, fancy, and famous! My 6 year old is obsessed.

Mel here! I have tested my share of dolls and have picked out my favorites to share with you. Not only did I want to recommend my favorite dolls for every stage of your kids lives, but my favorite doll accessories as well. Enjoy! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Binky & Bottle Set:  I remember when I was a kid being absolutely mesmerized by bottles that magically drained its contents when tipped upside down. That excitement lives on in my kids, so I am so glad that they still make them! My four year old will line up all of her dolls and give them each their own juice or milk bottle during “feeding time”, and she even gets excited to put the bottles away in their carrying case. 2. Miniland Baby Doll : I highly recommend a Miniland Baby Doll for any child that wants more than just a doll. It is an incredible educational tool, not only because the dolls are anatomically correct, but because Miniland offers a diverse selection of dolls, from skin color to facial features and abilities. They are famous for their Colorful Edition line, where babies with Vitiligo and Down Syndrome are represented.  3. Dinkum Dolls:   This doll is for the collectors! Dinkum Dolls are so unique in design and their ability to stand on their own adds a whole other layer to imaginative play. They also sell the cutest outfits that you can collect to dress your dolls in all kinds of ways! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS for 15% off at checkout. 4. Wellie Wisher Doll: This American Girl doll will make any little girl feel like a princess! My 4 year old still dances with her around the house, twirling her glittery skirt and rejecting all the doll-suitors that come her way. I think my daughter asks me every day for matching boots! 5. Baby changing set: When I was pregnat with my third, I really wanted my girls to feel prepared for and involved in taking care of their little brother. I was so excited to introduce them and their dolls to the Mine to Love Changing and Bathtime set! They love bathtime so I knew they would waste zero time in giving their dolls a bath. It comes with absolutely everything a proper bath requires and I love to watch them swaddler their dolls in the classic hooded towel! 6. Baby Doll Stroller:  Every doll needs a mode of transportation, and my kiddos adore pushing their dolls around in the My First Baby Doll Stroller. There are multiple colors to choose from but my personal favorite is the florals! The vintage look is just too cute and girly. What my girls really love about this stroller is the storage basket where they can put all of the doll’s necessities!  7. CLiCQUES : Mix and match different wood body parts and clothing with the CLiCQUES dolls from Sarah’s Silks! There are both a boy and girl set, each coming with 6 dolls of various skin tones, hair colors, and each outfit is a color of the rainbow! The pieces are all magnetic, so switching up the dolls’ appearance is too fun and easy. As always, the dolls are made with the highest quality materials and are a fantastic heirloom gift.  8. Mon Ami Doll:   Mon Ami Dolls stand out with their long, lean bodies, and beautifully crafted outfits. They aren’t just a doll- they are perfect for decorating a nursery or bringing beauty to a doll collection! My daughter’s favorite is her Princess Olivia doll with her gorgeous dress and long braid!  9. Townhouse Dollhouse: The Toy Doll Townhouse is stunning and highly effective. The minimalistic style leaves room for decoration and imagination for the kids. It was so easy to assemble and you can get additional furniture to fill it out and customize it to your kid’s liking!  10. Madame Alexander Soft Baby :  The Madame Alexander Soft Baby is my go-to babydoll for first birthday gifts! The cozy outfit the baby comes in is so soft and snuggly that babies instantly latch onto it. It’s also on the smaller end of baby dolls, making it the perfect size for little hands.  11. Wee Baby Stella :   Okay the Wee Baby Stella is such a sweet baby for littles to start out with! My 4 year old played with this doll all the time when she was younger, soothing the baby with her magnetic pacifier. The doll is so easy to carry around with how soft and squishy she is, and I was always at peace knowing ther were no chokeables to worry about.  12. Baby cradle :  Whenever I picture a baby cradle, my mind immediately jumps to Sophia’s Vintage Rocking cradle. The heart-shaped cutouts and pink polka dot sheets are to die for and my girls beg for each of their dolls to have their own! I love watching my four year old sing a lullaby to her dolls while putting them down in this cradle. It is also a great value for the quality you get. 13. Adventure Magnetic Dollouse: Encourage your kids to be their own architects with The Adventure Dollhouse! My six year old loves taking things apart to rebuild them so this dollhouse was the perfect choice for her. It is incredibly open-ended and the rooms can be arranged in all kinds of ways. The best part is that the rooms stick together with magnets so it is more secure and safe! 14. Movers stroller:   The Movers Traditional Doll Stroller checks all the boxes for someone who is looking for a durable, high quality, aesthetically gorgeous, and wooden stroller. This stroller will last generations with its thoughtful craft and simple design. There is no need to hide it from guests because it doubles as an adorable decoration for any kids room or nursery! 15. Baby Alive Doll:   This baby doll is not for the casual doll enthusiast. This doll is for the serious doll devotee! I recommend saving Baby Alive for children over the age of 3, when they can really enjoy feeding, changing, and taking care of the doll. My 6 year old thought it was so funny that the baby really peed and pooped and it actually helped prepare her for changing her little brother’s diapers! 16. Baby Boy Doll : We love Sarah Silks in our household, so we were so excited when we saw that they sell dolls, too! The Waldorf Leo Doll is meant for cuddling with its warm wool stuffing and soft cotton belly! I immediately got this for my son when I found out I was having a boy. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 17. Melissa & Doug High Chair: Your babies need high chairs, and so do your baby’s babies! My girls knew that if they couldn’t sit at the table as babies, neither could their dolls. The Melissa & Doug play high chair is small, sweet and compact! The tray is so easy to wipe clean when necessary, and my girls have the time of their lives taking turns putting all of their dolls in the high chair for lunch time.  18. Baby Feeding Set:   This LullaBaby Doll high chair and feeding set is a must. It is such a good value and great for teaching nurturing skills! The high chair is small enough to stay out of the way but perfectly sized for my girls to have fun with. They love pretending to feed their dolls (and themselves) with the realistic oatmeal! 19. Tiny Land Dollhouse:  If sleek modern is your vibe or aesthetic of your home, the Tiny Land Dollhouse will fit right in! Kids love seeing mini versions of things in their life and this dollhouse does just that. It comes fully furnished with a whopping 53 pieces including an adorable outdoor grill setup!  20. Lula Baby Twins:   Double the doll fun with the LullaBaby Twin Dolls! It was special teaching my 4 year old about twins and seeing how excited she got to learn that she could take care of two babies at once! Bedtime is her favorite part of the day, so she was so excited to feed both dolls at the same time and get them dressed in their adorable sleep sacks! 21. Doll Lovey: If you really want to get your own child or another’s something realy special, head over to Etsy and grab one of these handmade Doll Loveys. They exude sweetness and will bring peaceful comfort to your little one. My daughters love cuddling their Loveys every night and I love looking at the beautiful craftsmanship. 22. Mine to Love Bunk Bed: Whether your kids have twin dolls, multiple dolls, or stuffies, they all need a place to sleep! I would’ve killed to share a bunkbed with my sister growing up, but now I can offer that experience to my girls’ dolls! It is great for any doll or stuffie up to 18 inches long and comes with pillows and blankets, and even a ladder! 23. Mine to Love Twins: Introduce your kiddos to teaching self-soothing techniques with the Mine to Love twin dolls! Each doll comes with its own pacifier, but they can also suck their thumbs. My 4 year old will rock her twins while holding the pacifiers in their mouths, and then close their eyes for them once they are soothed. Now I wish she could do that with her little brother! 24. Custom American Girl Doll:   It is my personal opinion that every little girl needs to experience creating her own doll at some point in her childhood. American Girl Dolls provides this opportunity and it is so magical! My daughters and I had a blast picking a template and customizing the doll to perfection. I couldn’t wait to surprise them with their creations in real life.  25. Melissa & Doug Dollhouse: This dollhouse was the home of my dream as a little girl, with the purple roof, doors, pink shutters, and wooden porches! The light wood on the inside of the house is so cozy, and the stairs can be moved around to change the layout. One detail that makes a huge difference to our kids is that the doors are fully functional! 26. La Di Dolls : Say hello to the paper doll that isn’t paper! These dolls are handmade and have beautiful yarn hair. These toys will last you forever so don’t worry, you’ll be able to pass this favorite along. The dolls come with velcro already attached to make dressing them in their custom felt clothing a breeze. They come in sizes big and small and also come in a convenient carrying tote for on the go adventures. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 15% at checkout. 27. Wonder Wooden Heirloom Dollhouse : Some say dollhouses are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Just kidding, no one says that. But this dollhouse is definitely in your life for a lifetime, maybe even multiple lifetimes! This heirloom piece is handmade out of premium material and comes fully assembled! It has such a classic look that I use it as a bookshelf when my kiddos aren’t filing it with their dolls.

Mandy here! Charlie, my 9 year old, has loved building and blocks ever since he was little. I felt like this type of toy needed its own category for 2024. This guide is filled with the best building toys out there. Building and creating promotes imaginative play and problem-solving. Pro Tip: If you have been thinking about buying AirToobz, don't wait because it sold out last year. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. AirToobz : There aren’t many things cooler than seeing something fly through the air! AirToobz is such a fun STEM toy that teaches kids how air affects objects, and how you yourself can manipulate situations to create a desired effect! Kids hold the power to send the balls through whatever maze they create with the tubes, and the grand finale of balls escaping the tubes is always a thrill! All three of my kids will play with this toy together for hours on end. It sold out last year so don't wait on this one. 2. Lincoln Logs : An American classic has indeed stood the test of time: Lincoln Logs! They just celebrated their 100th anniversary, and I would be remiss if I did not include this toy in our guide. My grandpa built a real-life Lincoln Log home for himself, and so pulling this toy out always reminds me of him. The way the wood connects together is so satisfying, and the variety of log sizes encourages open-ended creativity and design. Follow instructions on how to make 3 specific builds, or go crazy with your own ideas! 3. MakeDo Construction Tools : Making cardboard houses, cars, and spaceships just got so much easier with this tool kit. I wish I had this in 6th grade when I had to build a cardboard castle! Cutting cardboard with scissors is a nightmare, and folding cardboard in a straight line is almost impossible, so the safe-saw and fold-roller are absolute game-changers. All tools are safe for kids of all ages to use, so I don’t worry about my 9 year old cutting himself.  4. Grimm's Flower Puzzle : Children have an inherent ability to create something incredible out of whatever is in front of them, and the Circle Flower Blocks are no exception. I love the uncommon shapes of the blocks, and so do kids! They love to challenge their brains as they find ways to stack and build the blocks no matter the shape. When my 7 year old is done playing, she gets so much satisfaction from putting the blocks back in the tray in a gorgeous mandala pattern. 5. Magna-Tiles : The Original Magna-Tiles 100 piece set is a staple for every household, in my opinion. The tiles are made out of the best non-toxic materials, and their signature criss-cross lattice keeps the pieces in tip-top shape for years. They are easy to clean and can be enjoyed by so many kids at once, so it makes for a great classroom toy as well. Magna-Tiles encourages teamwork and communication skills, while also developing creativity and bilateral coordination. Not a single day goes by that we aren’t pulling the Magna-Tiles out.  6. Plip Kit : We would do anything for an open-ended toy, and the Plip Kit fits the bill. There are literally millions of ways these silicon sticks and arches can be built, allowing kids complete freedom and creativity. I will sometimes steal a couple of pieces just to put them together and pull them apart as a fidget toy. The “pop!” sound is so satisfying when you separate them! 7. Large Wooden Gem Blocks : Your standard wooden blocks just got a glow up with the Double Gem Blocks. The colorful gems are sealed into the blocks, making the block sparkle and getting rid of any choking hazard. This intro set to Hello Sugarhouse is the perfect gift for an expecting mother or toddler! Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 8. Classic Lego : LEGO: A toy that truly needs no introduction. LEGO has built an empire in the toy world, crafting masterpiece collectables that skirt every Christmas tree year after year. But some people may not realize that they also offer an open-ended, classic set that is both affordable and perfect for the creative architect or LEGO novice. With almost 800 pieces representing the entire rainbow, kiddos can build whatever world they desire, and dip their toes into the LEGO world. 9. Rolling Play Table : Every parent with LEGO kids knows the pain of stepping on a LEGO. Ever since I got this play table for my 9 year old, my feet have been spared. Its is large enough to build many designs atop of, but small enough to store comfortably under a bed- roughly 3 ft by 1 ½ ft. It includes plenty of storage for your building bricks, and the wheels are removable! We had no idea how much we needed something like this until we had it.   10. Beblox : Beblox has perfected their 500 piece building set to maximize imagination and make that imagination a reality. The puzzle-like pieces come in 8 different colors, and a booklet with step-by-step instructions is included for kiddos who want to build something they can see! I love how many different builds it includes, so they don’t have to rely on their own creativity if they don’t want to. We’ve played with these as a whole family, setting a timer and seeing who can build the coolest thing in a short amount of time! 11. Rainbow Lucite Cubes : These rainbow lucite cubes are essential to your play room. They come in the best storage tray that doubles as a building base! This is by far one my favorite toys as a mom, because they are not only beautiful but so fun to stack! My toddler, when she was crawling,  thought it was the best thing ever to knock down the towers I built and clack the cubes together.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 12. Squaregles : The Squaregles magnetic tiles are unique in that they combine art and engineering. The set includes some paper-back tiles that can be colored to be whatever your kids imagine! My 7-year old loves to take charge of the artistic vision, while the 9-year old engineers the track, and my toddler gets to watch as the cars zip down! The magnets are strong, easily capable of withstanding the cars and heads rolling down the chutes and slides. 13. Tubelox : Tubelox is a dream gift for kids who are ready to make their big ideas a reality. They can graduate from stacking blocks and sticking magnets together, to building life-size functional structures! My 9 and 7-year olds have worked together with the help of the instruction manual to build a car, a fort, and a walker for their toddler sister, and I know more designs are on the docket! It is a toy meant to bring people together, and it sure has done that in our family.  14. Wooden Slats : Wooden slats are an unexpected, but happy addition to any block set! They are so colorful and thin, perfectly designed for colorful roads or bridges, towers, or even a chain reaction display. With all the chain reaction videos you see on social media, my 9 year old was enamoured with the idea and couldn’t wait to try it himself. Luckily we had these on hand, and it worked perfectly! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 15. Trestle Tracks : The Trestle Tracks have been one of my 7 year old’s favorite building toys because of its unique design. She gets sucked into the satisfying way they roll slowly, and can just watch it over and over for ages. This set is so easy to manipulate, whether you are following instructions or designing your own run. And there is something so comforting about the feel of the stainless steel balls! 16. Classic Duplo : People often associate LEGO with older kids, but toddlers can experience the wonderful world of LEGO themselves with the Classic Duplo set. It includes an array of colorful pieces carefully sized for small hands. They can build familiar objects like cars, trees, and houses, helping stimulate their minds and make both physical and mental connections. I have so much fun helping my toddler build from this set, teaching her about the world around her.  17. Acrylic and Wooden Blocks : We found a beautiful way to teach our littles different shapes and colors with the Acrylic Green Elephant sensory wooden blocks. This 24 piece set comes with six different shapes that can be stacked in endless ways, teaching basic geometry and balancing skills. The colorful acrylic centers add color and dimension to the blocks, making them exponentially more fun to play with! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 18. MagnetBlox : Everyone knows that blocks are so much more fun when they are magnetic! These large, upholstered MagnetBlox are designed for small hands ready to build. The magnets are powerful, making for sturdy designs that can withstand the power and clumsiness of toddlers. They can be stacked into towers to knock down, comfy seats, or even racetracks for cars. There are both cubes and triangular pieces, so the options are limitless. 19. Bristle Blocks : There are so many options out there for all ages when it comes to STEM toys, and this one is by far one of my favorites for littles. The bristles make for extremely easy building. All your child has to know is how to smush things together, and you can help with the rest! Older kids can get just as much out of it- my 7 and 9-year olds find relaxation in the simplicity in the construction. I will say that there are a few chokables in the set, so be aware of that when introducing toddlers to it. 20. Picasso Magnetic Tiles : Magnetic tiles have quickly shot to the “classic toy” category due to their versatility, sensory stimulation, and, of course, how fun they are to knock over. Toddlers and older kiddos alike get so much out of magnet tiles, that you will soon have a collection filling your closets. The Picasso Tiles 100 piece set is a great affordable toy for introducing geometry and architecture to your kids, and you will most definitely get a kick out of them as well! This should be a staple at every home! 21. Flower Builder : When I took my 7 year old to the botanical gardens, she lost herself in the fairytale of all the gorgeous flowers and butterflies. She immediately asked if we could create something like that in our own home, and I am so glad I found the Flower Builder. We had a blast creating our own little garden, learning about all different kinds of flowers and pretending to care for them with the watering can and shovel. It is a great preparatory toy for future gardeners. The best part is that it is reusable for endless garden creations. 22. Grimm's Sorting Tree and Rings : The Sorting Helper Tree (sold separately from the rings), is a colorful and sturdy way to store and sort your wooden building rings, teaching your little color recognition and fine motor skills. That isn’t all it is good for, though! It can be used to hold accessories like bracelets, scarves and hats, playsilks or hair ties. 23. RIWI Foam Blocks : Kids go crazy for big builds, and I mean BIG! The RIWI foam XXL building blocks are a favorite of my older kids and their friends. The blocks are all rectangular, and incredibly light. The kids will spend hours building, knocking down, and rebuilding walls, forts, and obstacle courses. The options are truly endless, especially because they are machine washable and can be used outside. 24. Gravitrax : My 9 year old has been in STEM heaven ever since we discovered the Gravitrax marble run! It is meant for older kids who are ready for more complex and interesting designs, like my son! He and my husband go crazy trying to build the coolest track, and they always come running to show me what they created. It comes with loop-d-loops, direction changers, and other obstacles that add such a fun dynamic to the run. 25. Stepped Pyramid : Let your little’s imagination go big and beyond with the Stepped Pyramid stained wood blocks! All 100 pieces come in a convenient tray for storage, and each block varies in length. They are larger than your standard cubes, making for bigger and better builds! The wood is stained with non-toxic colors that are vibrant and beautiful!  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 26. Castle : Your little princess needs a castle, and Green Elephant has the cutest castle block set out there. The 62 stained wooden set comes with arches, stairs and columns, giving a timeless and majestic feel. My kids love to incorporate these pieces into their block sets, creating a castle fit for her dolls big and small.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 27. Brain Flakes : Brain Flakes have a way about them that keeps you coming back for more. The way the flakes clip together itches that sensory part of your brain that is just so satisfying. The colors are striking and bright, and the pieces are perfect for small hands to work with. I plan on introducing Brain Flakes to my toddler when she is 3, and all three of my kids will be able to build together. 28. Drill Construction : Little builders want to feel like big builders, and introducing them to kid-friendly power tools makes their engineering dreams come true! The electric drill and screwdriver and functional but safe, and the base makes drilling simple and exciting. My 9 year old loved playing with this when he was 5 & 6, building all kinds of 3D creations. 29. 3-House Bundle : The 3-House Bundle is HelloSugarhoues’s bestseller, coming with three houses varying in shape and size. It is a beautiful decoration for a nursery or playroom, but is just as functional as it is aestheticlaly pleasing! My 7 year old still plays with her houses and the gems are some of her most prized possessions! She loves the way the light travels through the gems, making a spectacular shadow behind each house. You have to see it yourself to understand.  Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 30. Grimms Ammonite Puzzle : The Ammonite building set is great for all ages, starting with babies who are exploring colors and feeling different shapes and surfaces. The wave-like shape of each block is unique and interesting, even for kids as they get older and wish to stack them! When put together in the wooden frame, they make a beautiful spiral for proudly displaying around the house.  31. Clixo : Building and design is such an integral piece of childhood, so finding unique building sets has become somewhat of a hobby of mine. I love the Clixo magets because unlike many magnetic building sets, the pieces are all flexible and incredibly versatile. They are also the perfect travel toy because the entire set weighs less than one pound and stack up super easily.  32. Tegu Magnetic Blocks : Magnets and wood don’t typically go together, which is what makes this block set so special! Get the high-quality feel from the wood, and the sensory enjoyment from the magnets. It is a completely open-ended toy, and the various shapes of the blocks encourage limitless creativity! They come in multiple color options and are fun for all ages.  33. Loose Parts : At first glance, a parent may wonder what the benefit is to a toy named “loose parts”. But what you quickly come to find out is how versatile these small parts can be, and that they are one of the best sensory toys out there! Kids’ imaginations are not to be understated. I have seen this toy used in a dozen different ways since getting it, and my children do not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The storage tray comes with a lid, helping contain the pieces and prevent losing them! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 34. Pyramid Blocks : Fisher-Price’s version of the colorful wooden block set is an affordable option for those who are excited to test out this style of toy but don’t want to invest too much into it. The blocks come in three different sizes, adding variety and potential to your toddler’s stacks! The play board helps keep the blocks all in one place, and is a great storage unit once play time is over. 35. Wooden Blocks : Hello Sugarhouse is a brand that we have supported from the early days of Toy Testing Sisters, and three years later we are still collecting their products. They are some of the highest quality blocks you can find on the market, and the complete set makes an incredible heirloom gift. They make fun toys and are beautiful to display, with the beautiful removable crystal blocks that give a look reminiscent of stained glass windows!  Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 36. Grimms Mandala Sun Puzzle : I love little more than when toys can double as art. My 7 year old is obsessed with collecting different mandala puzzles, and this one is extra special to her because of jewel centers of the pieces! The stained wood is bright and beautiful, bringing an air of majesty to your play room or bedroom. My daughter likes to use this particular set as the ballroom floor of her play castles for her dolls! 37. Wooden Rainbow : If you do not have a wooden rainbow in your toy room, click this link as fast as you have ever clicked and get one! This open-ended toy has limitless potential. The colors are bright and the way the pieces fit together is mesmerizing. They are great for practicing balancing and stacking skills, a pretty toy room centerpiece, and can become anything your kid imagines! They come up with way better ideas than I do.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 38. Marble Run : Marble runs are all great, but what about one you can build yourself? There’s no fear of growing bored with the toy, since your child can create a new and exciting run as often as they want. It teaches an elementary understanding of physics for your kids, even if they don’t realize it! I love how much unconscious learning can come from working with your hands, improving spatial intelligence and problem solving. 39. Acrylic Blocks : Blocks come in all shapes, sizes and colors these days, but some of the best we have seen are the Rainbow Blocks set. The colors are crystal clear, highly pigmented, and the corners are rounded for comfort and safety. This simple set is ideal for adding color to the blocks you already have, or for those dipping their toes into the world of Hello Sugarhouse.  Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 40. Balancing Stones : Balance is a huge contributor to child development, engaging the brain and muscles to work in tandem. This is why we encourage small children to start stacking as soon as possible… but stacking blocks aren’t just for babies. Big kids have a more exciting challenge available to them in Stacking Stones! Every stone is a unique size and shape, like real rocks, with flat surfaces to aid in stacking. We have used these stones as a family activity, seeing who can stack the stones without being the one to knock the stack over! 41. Castle Set : My toddler is obsessed with her Fisher-Price wooden pink castle block set. The pastel colors are so age appropriate and fun, bringing her fairy tales to life. She just started enjoying smaller dolls, and this set is the perfect size for them. The variety of shapes in the set is so developmentally exciting and I love to teach her the names of each of them!  42. MegaBloks : The standard, go-to toddler building set has long been the MegaBloks set, and there is a reason for it! The shape and design of the blocks are catered specifically to little hands, and the bright colors are enticing to their growing minds. My toddler loves her MegaBloks set and comes back to it day after day to build sturdy, lightweight towers and castles. You have your choice between a standard rainbow or pastel set, but at its price point you might as well get one of each!

Our kids love all things Barbie, so we rounded up some fun favorites to help you get as many purchases checked off your list! Mel here! Growing up, my absolute favorite thing to do was play Barbies. I have so many memories of playing Barbies with my mom and friends. We love that Barbie has recently made such a big comeback! Let's Go Barbie. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Barbie RC Car : Finally, a Barbie car! All Barbie lovers know that your dolls need a dream car, and this one fits the bill. It’s remote controlled and can fit two barbies, one for each of my girls. It also comes with stickers for customization, so naturally the girls wasted no time in personalizing it! 2. Barbie Color Reveal Mermaid : There isn’t much better than combining Barbies and magic–our kids will attest to that. Watching the Barbie transform into her mystery look is such a fun experience for everyone, and it is repeatable! We love that the toy comes with everything you need besides warm water.  3. Barbie Mini Surprise : There are countless reasons to be obsessed with the Mini Barbieland Lipstick Tube. For one, it doubles as a realistic lipstick tube for my girls to carry in their purse as well as a stage for a mini Barbie! Just twist the top of the tube to reveal which Barbie is hiding underneath. We love to collect these inexpensive dolls to add to our Mini Barbie Dream House collection.  4. Marthah Stuart's Roadster : We call it Clementine's Porsche! To say she is obsessed is an understatement. The suggested age is 2-4, but it does come with a parent remote so small kids can enjoy too. It can run continsuly for about 1hr and has a 12V battery. Quality is excellent and the design is fabulous! Clementine likes to play with it inside too. She will drink her bottle and I put on the rock mode and it sways back and forth! Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 5. Dream House : This house takes the cake when it comes to dream houses. It isn’t just a house- it is basically a smart house! It’s almost as tall as my girls, with a working elevator to take the Barbies to all three levels. The kids are transported into Barbie world as their dolls fry eggs, make themselves some tea, and take a slide into the pool!  6. Barbie Boat : Okay I know I would’ve had this on every Christmas list growing up. I love the Barbie boat because it is big enough for multiple Barbies to party on, and comes with so many swimming accessories. My daughter loves the upper deck option for the Barbies to slide or jump off of. But be careful, your littles might be begging you to take them on a boating trip soon! 7. Barbie Play Pouch : So you could use a big bin to store all of your Barbie stuff...Or you could go with the way cuter, less bulky, Dreamhouse Play Pouch! It doubles as a play mat, so the kids can go from playing to walking away mess-free in one simple step. All they have to do is pull the strings together and the toys stay contained in the pouch! (You can also get it in different toy themes!)  8. E-Scooter : It's called the "Keep Up Boys" and we couldn't agree more! This scooter/moped has power! Caroline straps on her helmet and rides all over our neighborhood. She likes it better than her electric, standing scooter beause she feels more stable and in control while sitting. It's recommended for ages 4-8, but I think kids up to 10 will like too. It has a 12V battery and the usuage time is about 1.5-2hrs. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 9. Barbie Color Reveal Sparkle and Shine : Barbie made the perfect doll for kids that love surprises. The Barbie transforms in warm water, revealing a mystery color and aesthetic for the doll. It even comes with a mystery outfit and brush, with which you can change her hair color! Buy multiple and mix and match outfits! 10. Barbie Pool : Did you know that Barbies need a vacation too? Send your Barbies on a tropical getaway with the Barbie Pool and accessories, including a slide, towel, two drinks and drink holders! The pool is also a perfect addition to any dream house, making your Barbie land a little bigger. 11. Barbie Dream Besties : This Barbie is for all the aspiring makeup artists out there. The Malibu doll comes with beauty accessories like a mirror, blowdryer and lipstick, and her own phone! The pink strands that frame her face are too cute and my girls loved adding her to their Dream Besties collection. 12. Barbie Closet : It is no secret that Barbies have the cutest clothes in the doll world, and if your kids are anything like I was as a girl, they have way too many outfits and no storage. Inspire their organizational skills and fashion sense with the Barbie Closet! It comes with three outfits, complete with shoes and accessories, and foldable doors for easy storage. 13. Barbie Mini Dream House : My daughter is obsessed with mini figurines, so this Mini Dream House was a literal dream for her. A lot of people don’t have the space for some of these larger houses, and this mini one comes with just as much fun! It comes with a mini Barbie, an elevator, slide and pool, but the details are a surprise! 14. Pink Corvette : The ins and outs look as luxurious as its full-size Corvette counterpart, and the bluetooth capability is amazing. But our favorite feature is the remote control that can be used when kids want to chill or are too little to drive without some help.

Mel here! My girls are absolutely with all things art. They could create all day long if I let them. Mandy I put our heads together to finally come up with an art guide that is full of the best supplies, kits, and everything in between. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Nortier Board : We are honored to have a Toy Testing Sisters special bundle reserved for our TTS family only! This art bundle has everything your littles could need, including a double sided chalk/magnetic board, fruit felts, magnetic letters, cute animal erasers, and more! My girls are into playing school with their friends, and this set has provided them the perfect pretend space to let their imagination run wild! CODE: TTSBUNDLE gives $50 off 2. Doh Kits : It is so not fair that kids these days have the most creative toys available to them! We stumbled upon Happy Life Magic's doh kits on Etsy and we died at how cute they are. There are countless choices for every occasion: Halloween, birthday parties, girls’ nights, and world exploration! The doh literally comes to life in every kit, and I love watching my kids go wild with their creations. 3. Sticker WOW : It is like a stamp, but for stickers! The Sticker Wow Pen is such a fun way to place stickers, and there are so many different character pens to choose from. If your kids can’t get enough of stickers, they certainly need this activity booklet! I love how many stickers the pen can hold, so I am not continually needing to help my kids load their pens. Its simplicity makes it a great on-the-go toy! 4. Soft Core Colored Pencils : Every kid needs a standard set of colored pencils, and I feel like Amazon Basics did a great job with this one. The tin storage case keeps the pencils neat and organized, preventing breakage when they aren’t in use. I also feel like they don’t break as easily as some colored pencils, and the color selection is exactly what we were looking for! You also can't beat the price. These make great friend gifts. 5. Dot It : If I can find a way for my kiddos to draw without using markers or paint, I do it! The Dot It art activity is such a fun and developmentally creative way to color! Stickers are provided to fill in the blanks of the canvas, and kids can practice their fine motor skills by peeling and strategically placing their stickers. It is a mess-free way to keep my kids busy during church, waiting at the doctor’s office, or car rides! 6. Tivi Tray : Art is beautiful, and it can also get really messy. I try to minimize the mess as much as possible, and the Tivi Tray has been so helpful with that! Its silicone material is also heat and slip resistant, and the raised edges help to contain the art being crafted within! We’ve used them to make jewelry, paint, and for special glitter art. It has been a life saver for clean-up! I just throw it in the dish washer and it’s ready to go for the next project. 7. Fun Foil : If precision, shine, and professionalism is what your child wants to see in their art, then Fun Foil is exactly what they need! This new way of making art is magical, clean, and so fun. No worries about coloring outside of the lines or getting glitter everywhere, because the foil leaves a crisp edge and glittery surface with little work required from your kiddo.  8. Chalk Crayons : Wondersticks are a versatile, multi-surface chalk crayon, that my girls could not live without. They usually use them in the traditional way, on paper, but I have let them decorate our windows in the past with them for holidays! It comes right off of glass and windows, and is permanent on paper and wood products! This fall we even decorated pumpkins with them, which will definitely become a seasonal tradition. 9. Painting Set : I don’t know about you, but I swear every time my girls paint their brush cleaning cup spills at least once, and brushes roll off the table and get paint all over my floor. It’s no fun! This 4-in-1 painting set was the solution and has had me breathing easy every time the paint comes out. I love it enough for the brush holders and the built-in brush rinser, but the mixing tray and brush scrubber were the cherries on top.  10. Color by Number Puzzle: The Color by Number puzzle is the best of both worlds- puzzles and coloring. What kid doesn’t love both? The puzzle pieces are all white, but once the puzzle is put together, then the coloring can begin! One of my children loves to follow the instructions and color it the way it was intended, but my other child chooses to disregard the instructions and let her imagination run wild! Either way, they both have so much fun every time they do one of these.  11. Fingerprint Activity Book : Whether you are on the go or are trying to rid your space of messy, risky art projects, then you need Fingerprint Ink Painting. Your kiddo, especially if they are a little young to be handling markers or brushes, will be excastic when they see the magic at their fingertips… literally! All they need is their finger, and they can create art in the car, at a friend’s, or even in their bed! No mess, no stress, just clean, magical fun. 12. Scrubbies : Reusable art projects are such a good investment, especially when it’s affordable and clever! Crayola’s Scribble Scrubbies are so fun because when my 4 year old messes up or doesn’t like her pet creation, she can throw it in the bath, rinse out the ink, and try again! Even if she is happy with it, she often wants to try new designs anyway. She plays with her Scribble Scrubbies almost daily right now, and I am all for it. 13. Rainbow Scratch Offs : My childhood flashed before my eyes when I was introduced to the Rainbow Scratch Art Mini Notes. I had to get them because I knew they would be such a good toy to take on the road or to church because they are mess-free and so compact! I also used it to my advantage when I wanted quiet time in the house and encouraged my girls to pass rainbow notes to each other instead of talking. It worked like a charm! 14. Wall Art Frames : Parents are so proud of their kids’ art that we love to display it, but sometimes we end up making piles and piles of undisplayed art that we can’t throw away but don’t know what to do with. The Li’l Davinci Art Cabinet solves this problem by being both a frame and a storage container! Each frame can hold up to 50 sheets of paper, and the frames come in so many sizes! This is a must-by for parents whose kids make a lot of art.  15. Liquid Water Color: Once we discovered Colorations Liquid Watercolor Paint, we said goodbye to all our food coloring! We use it for egg and silk dyeing, but most of the time we use it to add color to water for sensory play! The paints are so vibrant, and since they are non-toxic, I feel safe letting my girls play with it. 16. Paint Sticks : Sometimes our youngins don’t have the patience or the attention span to get out all the paint supplies, paint, clean the brushes, and wait for their art to dry. My 4 year old is at that stage. I got her Ooly’s paint sticks because she wanted to paint, but she wanted to paint now. The tempera paint stick is so easy for littles to hold, and dries quickly so they don’t have to wait long before admiring their work! 17. Magic Light Brush : Okay the Magic Light Brush is the ultimate mess-free art toy, bar none. The technology is so cool that I still don’t quite understand it. All I know is that my girls dip the light-up brush into the “Wonder ink”, which is totally invisible, brush on the provided “Wonder Paper”, and paint appears! The brush lights up to whatever color you are going to paint with, so there is no confusion as to what you are about to see. It is pure magic, and our family is obsessed! 18. Sidewalk Chalk Activity Kit : Sidewalk chalk is a necessity for childhood, but sometimes kids need a little direction to help them maximize their sidewalk chalk potential! The Skillsmatics Activity Kit provides 18 pieces of colorful chalk and 15 activity cards that the whole family can enjoy. The activities are simple to understand and I personally love that it keeps us all outside together!  19. Hey Clay Kit : Sometimes guidance is needed to help a child build the perfect clay animal, and so I am obsessed with the Hey Clay animals kit! It comes with an interactive app that walks the builders step by step, helping my kids feel proud of their work. They can either leave the animals to dry and set within a day, or they can remold the clay into whatever they want! Both my girls are obsessed with animals so this was a solid win for them. 20. Washi Tape : If your kiddo is getting into journaling or scrapbooking, they will no doubt ask for some patterned tape. The Washi Tape set gets you so much tape for such a good value, and the patterns are to die for! They come in all different sizes for variability, and my favorite part is how it peels right off paper without damaging it. So you can re-adjust your tape as much as you want until you get it just right!  21. Gem Art: My 6 year old just started 1st grade this year, which meant we were all in for school supplies. She was so excited to pick out her folders and notebooks, and I could not resist the temptation to pick her up a Big Gem Diamond Painting set so that she could customize her new supplies. Her excitement was on a whole new level, and we had a blast gemming stickers together! She made every school supply her own, and it made sending her off to school a little less hard for me. 22. Dot Markers : Switching up how our kids color is so beneficial to their overall development, so I try to find new ways for them to express themselves often. The Do A Dot markes are a great way to introduce different styles of coloring, and my 4 year old prefers it to using traditional strokes. Overlapping circles can create texture to an art piece that you couldn’t get otherwise, and there’s something so satisfying about watching that perfect circle form every time! 23. Paint by Stickers : Some kids are paint kids, and some are sticker kids! The Paint by Sticker book is made with sticker kids in mind, while also taking into consideration their developmental needs. The book helps them work on their ability to follow instructions, promotes fine motor skills, and helps them learn how different shapes can make up a beautiful finished product! My 6 year old is a sticker kid and has a Paint by Sticker book in the car, ready to go, whenever we drive. 24. SmART Sketcher Projector : My 6 year old told me one day that she wanted to draw our dog as a gift for Father’s Day, but she wanted it to look accurate. I had just learned about the SmART Sketcher Projector and figured she was at the perfect age and ability to use it! It was the best decision. All we had to do was upload a picture of our dog into the app, and the projector was able to make a sketch for my daughter to trace! It came out so lifelike and professional-looking, and my husband totally cried when he saw it. 25. Magic Water Gel : I love nothing more than watching my kids’ eyes fill with wonder as they view the world through a magical lens. The Magic Water Elf Toy kits are really amazing to witness when put to work! My girls channel their creativity when designing their gel creatures in the various molds, and watching the liquid gel turn into solid in the water is pure magic. 26. Poke In Art : Any future fashion designers are going to swoon over the Poke-in-Art Magical Princess set. It is such a simple way to pretend like you are building a dress from scratch, with real fabric squares that you push into the holes around the skirt template, bringing it to life! It comes with 6 princesses, making it the perfect party activity. My girls have required at least one box each because it is just too fun to share.  27. Craft Mat : If you have a painter who wants to have access to many colors, this craft mat is a great option. This mat is made from silicone and is heat resisteant. It has a built-in brush cleaning cup and the cups are fully collapsable. Clean-up and storage is so easy. 28. Acrylic Paint Pens : These paint pens are for the young artist who is ready to up their game and dabble in the world of precision art! The tips are extra fine, so they are catered to people who want crisp, straight lines. They can be used for all kinds of projects on all kinds of surfaces, though! We have a cute rock collection in our neighborhood full of decorated rocks made by the community, so we used these pens to decorate some rocks and added them to the display!