Preschool Toys

By TDmonthly Staff
December 2012

Take a closer look at these recently added mass-market and specialty toys for preschoolers:

LeapFrog Touch Magic Counting Train by LEAPFROG

Little touches. Big learning. All aboard for nonstop number fun and early vocabulary with farm friends. Touch numbers 1-20 to hear their names and count along. Fun games reinforce the learning. Sing along to fun songs and build your own version of "Old MacDonald" with 10 friendly farm characters. Explore 20 vocabulary words for food and animals and get practice associating a set of objects with a number. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning. 11/29/2012 (MSRP: $21.99; Age: 2 to 4)

Master Moves Mickey M3 by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Master Moves Mickey M3 by FISHER-PRICE INC. M3 wows his audience with 360 spins and his signature one-handed handstand, the Windmill M3 has 8 original tracks to share with kids, including the catchy beats: M-to-the-I Remix and Who's Da Mouse Master Moves Mickey has over 15 dance moves to groove along to the music. Encourages energetic movement and learning through 4 action-packed dance lessons Squeeze Mickey's nose to switch songs and moves and to activate interactive dances. Launch date: 2012.
— As of 11/26/2012 this product had 4.8 out of 5 stars from 30 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: High quality; well-designed; dances are entertaining. Cons: Motor noise is loud; does not work well on soft surfaces. 11/29/2012 (MSRP: $79.99; Age: 2 to 6)

Who Lives Here? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Who Lives Here? by CANDLEWICK PRESS The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond -- could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun. Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (MSRP: $9.99; Age: 3 and Up)

My Very First Game - Gitti Giraffe by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

In free play children will pile the animal blocks on top of each other by color or all mixed up, and play with the animal vehicle. A colorful stacking game. All in one toy and game with instructions. Game material designed with special care. Conceived for small children's hands. 1 - 4 players. 11/8/2012 (MSRP: $35.99; Age: 2 and Up)

Boikido Wooden Boat Maze by BOIKIDO

Boikido Wooden Boat Maze by BOIKIDO Everyone knows that kids are fascinated with mazes, especially this vibrant wooden Boat Maze that is loaded with activities. Build the boat, stack the sail, play the maze with 5 colorful beads, and have fun with the cute Boikido characters. Develops fine motor skills. Launch date: February 2013. 11/14/2012 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 1 to 3)

SmartMax Set - BASIC 25 by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

SmartMax Set - BASIC 25 by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC SmartMax Set - BASIC 25 allows children ages three and up to experience the wonders of magnetism and the fascinating world of construction in a safe way. Towers, bridges, and houses are just a few building options that take advantage of the large pieces to engage even the youngest builder.
— Diane Gervais from Amato's Toy & Hobby in Middletown, Conn., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Smartmax sets are one of their store's best-selling educational toys. "Smartmax is pretty popular right now in preschool," she told us.

Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
11/14/2012 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 3 and Up)

CuddleUppets by JAY AT PLAY

CuddleUppets by JAY AT PLAY CuddleUppets are both playful puppets that encourage creative play and practical blankets. Their soft plush head can be used as a small travel pillow for children on planes, cars or in daycare while the fuzzy blanket keeps small children warm. CuddleUppets help children transition from play time to bed time. CuddleUppets are available in eight varieties: Pink Poodle, Blue Elephant, Purple Monkey, Yellow Puppy, Brown Bear Green Crocodile and the newest additions Pink Ladybug and Magic Unicorn. 11/14/2012 (MSRP: $19.99)

Magneatos Better Builder 30 pc Set with Storage Case by GUIDECRAFT INC.

Discover the all new Magneatos Better Builder Series. With super strong magnetic force, unique rod and ball configurations and myriad design possibilities, Magneatos Better Builders are a wonderfully inventive way to help children discover principles of science, construction, and engineering while developing their creativity skills. Includes handy storage bin and deluxe 22-page Activity Guide which explores magnet science and provides sample building models for all ages. Magnets are safely and securely embedded in the over sized rods. Metal balls ensure a quick and strong connection. Tested to ages 18 months plus. For ages 2+.
Awards: Oppeheim Platinum Best Toy Award Winner 11/9/2012 (MSRP: $49.95; Age: 2 and Up)

BubbleBum by BUBBLEBUM USA

BubbleBum by BUBBLEBUM USA BubbleBum is perfect for parents and tots or kids always on-the-go ages 4-11. The first inflatable lightweight car booster seat, BubbleBum is a fun way for kids to ride comfortably. BubbleBum comes with seat belt positioning clips in place of arm rests and fits in small spaces, making it possible to fit three kids across the back seat. It easily deflates after use allowing it to be stored in a backpack, flight bag, trunk or even a large purse. Perfect for family car trips, fly ins with car rentals and every day use with car pools. 11/8/2012 (MSRP: $39.99; Age: 4 to 11)

Spin 'N Saucer™ With Lights & Sounds by RADIO FLYER

Spin The Spin ‘N Saucer™ comes with EZ-Glide wheels for 360°movement so children are free to create their own motion and can move in any direction – there is no getting stuck. The SafeSpin™ design offers a low-profile for stability and the ergonomic handle gives children the leverage they need to spin freely. For added fun, buttons are built into the handle to play sounds on the move. 11/8/2012 (MSRP: $29.99; Age: 2 to 5)