This cute little kitchen packs hours of fun in a small space. It has a refrigerator, microwave  sink, countertop, and ice maker. The colors are bright, the design is durable. Turn the yellow timer and it ticks and rings. The set includes a frying pan, pot, measuring spoon, spatula, phone, and shapes for the sorters. This was tested by a 7-month-old who had just recently started sitting. Her grandmother said she thought her granddaughter would get a lot of use out it.

Chicken Dance Elmo - ( by Fisher-Price  $19.99, ages 18 months and up, $19.99)

This new Elmo toy is dressed as a chicken, and when you press his foot he dances and sings. Our 2-year-old tester thought this was the funniest thing she'd ever seen. She laughed and laughed and laughed. Yes, some toys should be educational, but some should be just plain fun, that's what Chicken Dance Elmo is. If you press his foot while he's in the middle of singing, it even sounds like he's repeating his words. The kids think that's hysterical.

Eden Bear Musical Pull Toy -  (Learning Curve, ages 18 months and up, $24.99)

This adorable little teddy bear sits on a classic wood base and
wheels. As your toddler pulls it across the floor, it plays "Teddy Bear's
Picnic." A very cute toy with a nostalgic twist.  Click here for retailers near you. 

This is a great educational game for children as young as 3. Players match drawings on cards and open magic doors to look for hidden balls. Kids get excited when they find the last ball and open the treasure chest! The game teaches color and shape recognition as well as some numbers.

Famous since 1939 when Ludwig Bemelmans published his first Madeline storybook, the French schoolgirl is still a very popular character with kids. My daughter got her first Madeline doll when she turned three, and she's been a big fan ever since. The posable doll is easy to dress and play with. As a parent, I like her realistic body type; she even has a scar from when she had her appendix removed. Accessories include outfits, doll versions of other characters from the books, and even a horse and carriage set.

Air Rebound R/C (27 MHz)

Our tester, age 7, was a little younger than the recommended age for this toy, but he had a great time with it. He played nonstop, making the car jump curbs, chase neighborhood kids on their bikes, and more. He and his mom loved the fact that he could crash it into things without breaking them. He said it was the "ultimate remote control stunt vehicle!"

Crayola Crayon Maker (Binney & Smith, ages 8 and up, $24.99)

If you or your grandchildren have been tossing out bits and pieces of old crayons, stop now. With this kit, your grandchildren can make brand new crayons! The Crayola Crayon Maker melts down your old crayons and turns them into new ones. You can even melt colors together to make new shades. It's safe and fun -- a great gift.

Lets Pretend Career Costume: Veterinarian

The veterinarian outfit shown here is just one of many career options for today's preschoolers to explore in their pretend play. Other choices include a firefighter, construction worker, police officer, magician, chef, hairdresser, and more. Each comes with suitable accessories, and provides hours of pretend play fun!