Best toddler toys and gifts

Toddlers will love rockin’ out with Elmo. He plays six songs and comes with his own microphone, tambourine and drum set—and kids can decide which instrument he should play (which Elmo then “magically” recognizes). He’ll also interact with other LET’S ROCK instruments (sold separately)—and plays along when your kiddo is jamming on one of ‘em. Ages 18 months and up.

Video: New Monopoly token

Let's Rock Elmo , $37.49, available at amazon.com

Anamalz are handmade, wooden figures reminiscent of your childhood with a fun, modern twist—the perfect classic-cute combo! Toddlers’ imaginations will go wild as they play with the pose-able farm, jungle and prehistoric animals. It even comes with a cloth mat to set the stage for a creative landscape.

Bing: Best toys for toddlers

Anamalz, $8.95 each, $24.95 for a set at Anamalz

They’ll really feel like Mr. Fix-It with this tool set, complete with battery-powered reversible drill and chunky nuts and bolts to build 4 cars with spinning wheels. It even comes in a storage case so they can take it on the road.

Video: Smart toys all the rage

Twist & Drill Set, $32.95 at Alex

We see some Mickey-inspired dance parties with Rock Star Mickey, who sings three songs like “You Really Got Me”, bobs his head, dances across the stage, and finishes with his signature move, the mouska-split, where he plays the guitar with his nose! Play it again, Mickey!

Bing: Rock out Mickey

Rock Star Mickey, $49.99 at mass retailers

Toddlers will flip when they get to make their own jungle scene by stacking soft foam shapes, complete with monkeys, trees, and flowers.

Peg and Layer Jungle, $21.95 at Alex

This farmer Fred doll not only looks cute, but is filled with fun surprises for baby, too. Baby can button his overalls, zip his pockets, and buckle and tie his shoes.

Lamaze Farmer Fred Activity Doll, $24.99 at Learning Curve

Is it art? Is it a toy? Is it smart, toddler fun? Yes, yes and yes! Babies and toddlers will love stacking the bright, round textured blocks, and you'll enjoy playing, too. This is one toy you won’t mind keeping out on display.

Tobbles, $24.99 at Marbles The Brain Store

A is for Apple? Boring! How about A is for Aretha? The Rock & Roll Alphabet is perfect for the kid (and parents) who’s a little bit rock ‘n’ roll. Sing the whole way through the ABC’s, all the way to Z is for Zeppelin. It’s the two-in-one alphabet and music lesson every kid needs.

The Rock & Roll Alphabet, $14.95 at Amazon

Every toddler needs his own DUPLO set—they were built just for his little hands and huge imagination. This colorful set will teach him his letters, too.

LEGO DUPLO play with letters, $29.99 at LEGO

How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant? By Caitlin Friedman, illustrated by Shaw Nielsen, tells the story of Oscar, a boy who finds a giant in his back yard, with cool pictures, pop-ups, tabs and flaps kids will love playing with. Plus, the book comes with 8 yummy recipes perfect for hungry kids, like Pasta Mountain, Broccolini Trees with Cheese, and more.
 


$13.83 at Amazon