No better buy-in than learning through play!  The Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit introduces children to a lot of the basics, like learning how to identify letters, forming shapes and how to follow directions.   Since all the activities are like games, it will hardly feel like a traditional lesson plan.

The exercises help them absorb each concept by executing it hands-on. Kiddos learn how to make letters, shapes and pictures with clingy stickers that adhere to a gel board. Games that include finger tracing, mystery letter recognition, and fishing for letters (yes, with a little rod included) are all part of the fun.  Great for those little visual learners!

Children will learn how to color inside the lines, complete with mini canvas boards and crayons.  Parents and kids can also get active with body awareness exercises that help with coordination, balance, directions and fine motor skills. Our tester learned he was right-handed!

The kit also includes a map-like board game that addresses counting, navigation and taking turns – a great launching pad to play board games with older siblings or friends!  All the fun packs up neatly in a handy travel case.  $50 at www.grasshopperkits.com.

This toy really is tough!  These walkie talkies, by Fisher Price, are fun and durable.  They transmit up to 200 feet and can hold their own against bangs and drops. The set comes with 2 easy-to-use units and works with two 9V batteries (not included).  Mom will appreciate the battery saving automatic shut-off function.    Recommended for ages 3+.  About $20 depending where you buy. Learn more at www.fisher-price.com.

This is one stinkin’ cute Octopus – eight legs, eight notes to play, just squeeeeeze! The Lamaze Octotunes is soft, colorful and portable, with its handy handle head.  Infants will be engaged by it, older kiddos will love to practice songs with it.  A music book is also included for a color-coded crash course.  Start with the red tentacle, and you’re on your way to a squeaky rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star!”  Careful, Fido may like this one too! $24 at www.amazon.com.

Because a girl needs room for her sidekick – especially when in transit!  Inspired by the Aussie Wallaby, myWallaby is part doll carrier, part purse, and has pockets for other girly gems.  These cute bags, complete with suede-like adjustable straps, convert to a doll carrier in seconds with its hidden pouch.  Works with a variety of doll sizes too and is machine washable.  Available in “Isle of Capri” blue and “Cotton Candy” pink, $40 at www.mywallaby.com.

Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath! These water flutes, by Alex, are sweet sudsy fun! Recommended for ages 3 and up, the flutes even come with easy to follow songs.  $14 at www.alextoys.com.

Fun experimenting with color?  Yes, please!  These art kits by Faber-Castell are a rad way to kick-start your child’s artistic expression.  Recommended for ages 5 and up, the “Learn to Paint” kit comes with kid-sized tools including brushes, pallet and five washable paint colors.

For an extra creative outlet, the “Texture Paint” kit allows kids to experiment with tempera paint, texture tools and introduces artists to mixing and other techniques.  A batch of paper is also included in this kit.  Bring on the fridge art! Prices start at $20 at www.greatartstartshere.com.

Soft enough for teething babies, fun for playing “Kitchen” too -  these plush toys by Under the Nile are cute and a clever way to promote healthy eating.  Available in a veggie crate or fruit tote, each happy foodie item is made and stuffed with 100% organic Egyptian cotton.  Fruit or veggies kits come with four plush friends and cost $30.  Individual plush toys are $7 each.  Learn more at www.underthenile.com.

This is one fun bouncer! The Gymini Bouncer is a one-stop shop of entertainment and stimulation for curious infants.  The bouncer has interesting baby-activated features and sounds to help with developmental milestones.  It also has a calming vibrating setting fussy babies may like and can adjust to two sitting positions.  $50 at www.tinylove.com.

Not just animals, but Flanimals!  The brainchild of comedian Ricky Gervais, Flanimals is a pop-up book with uber gross, scary (but not) characters our testers absolutely loved!  This pop-up is the newest addition to the popular Flanimals series.

Meet and learn about these funky-looking beasts from a unknown make believe universe. They are weird, belch, misbehave and are all different – and that’s what makes them cool!  The pop-up art is in your face and makes quite the impression page after page, with interactive fun for the kids to pull and tug.  A fun read for kids and adults!  Suffice to say, Flanimals earned the coveted “bedtime repeat” in our house – “read it again, Mom!”  $7 at amazon.com.

We’ve all been there – hearing the thump of a dropped sippy cup or toy while driving in the car. The Hold it Baby On-the-Go Toy Organizer grasps small toys, sippy cups, even water bottles while staying attached to your child’s car seat.  Works great with strollers and grocery carts too! So, when a case of butterfingers or an urge to toss kicks in, your toddler’s essentials are not too far out of reach. This handy tool holds up to six items and includes a convenient lightweight travel case. $30 at www.holditbaby.com.