Bounce 'N Go Inch-Along
Tots can bounce up and down as they scoot across the floor on this remake of the "Inch Worm," a classic riding toy from years past. Set the green-and-yellow inch-worm’s seat low to the ground for the youngest tot and then, when a child grows a bit, push it up high for a more "daring" ride.
2 to 5 years, $35
The Crayola Beginnings Utility Vehicle & TaDoodles Washable First Marks
Whimsical egg-shaped animal markers are just the right size and shape for a tot's little hands. The ink is washable, there are no caps to lose, and the markers are loaded with extra ink and won't dry out. For extra fun, buy the set of three inside a rolling minivan. 18 months to 3 years, Set of three: $6, with vehicle, $15
Little Tikes Rock & Twist Music Machine
Have a kid who can't sit still? Put him in front of this toy's keyboard and microphone. As he swivels, the music speeds up and slows down. When he bounces--and you know he will--the drums kicks in. Your little music maker can play eight tunes in four styles (classic, country, hip-hop, and world) on the keyboard and sing along on the mike.
Ages 2 to 5 years, $50
Sesame Street Giggles ‘N Go Garage
You can't help but giggle at a toy that turns Ernie's mouth into a car wash, sends cars racing down the Cookie Monster Speedway Ramp, and transforms Oscar the Grouch into an elevator lift. As children move two cars around the track, they hear engines revving, horns honking, and Sesame Street characters commenting on the scene. 18 months to 3 years, $30
Zip-ity Do Dolly
Dream of the day when your toddler can dress himself? Clothed in a skill-building outfit, the cuddly Zip-ity Do Dolly encourages children to zip zippers, snap snaps, button buttons, and even tie shoes. Before you know it, your tot will exclaim, "I can do it myself!" 1 to 3 years, $30
Tonka Wheel Pals Speed ‘N Go Funway
With two cute cars that are soft enough to squeeze, an oversized button that produces authentic racing sounds, and a forgiving speedway that keeps zooming cars on track, this set promises to be a hit with car-crazy toddlers.
18 months to 3 years, $30
Singing Abby With DVD
Meet Abby Cadabby, the new kid on "Sesame Street." As a fairy-in-training, Abby sports the requisite fairy wings and a training wand. The plush doll talks and sings and the included DVD explains how she landed on "Sesame Street."
18 months to 5 years, $13 Vist the Web site
Hasbro Spider-Man & Friends Sing-a-Long Spider-Man
This singing superhero comes with an echo microphone that encourages toddlers to sing along to "Happy and You Know It," "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Webs," and the "Spider-Man & Friends" theme song. When the show is over, the plush toy is just right for cuddling.
18 months to 3 years, $30
Dr. Duck
Sometimes, the simplest toys deliver the purest fun. Dr. Duck is a remake of a classic toy that debuted in 1931. As children pull the cord, his head bobs up and down, his bill opens and closes, and he "quack, quack, quacks" across the floor.
1 to 3 years, $20 Visit the Web site
Thomas the Tank Engine Wheels ‘N Whistles Lounger
Like Thomas the Tank Engine, this toy knows how to be "really useful." When folded out, the train serves as a comfy lounge for tots. Fold the flap up and it becomes an imaginary train car. Press its controls and the train goes "chugga, chugga, chugga" as its wheels turn and its whistle blows. 18 months to 3 years, $70
Listed prices were quoted as of November 14, 2007, and may, depending on vendor, be subject to change. If an item is temporarily out of stock from a vendor we recommend through a Buy link, you can wait for the vendor to restock or you can do an online search for other vendors to find that particular item.
