Faber Castell Young Artists Essentials Gift Set
(Creativity for Kids $49.99 Score:)

An amazing wood case with 64 drawing essentials: 24 colored pencils, 8 water color pencils, 2 graphite pencils, 18 oil pastels, 12 duo-tip markers, pencil sharpeners, 1 paint brush, 25 sheets of art paper, and a booklet. This is a great choice for kids that are a step beyond crayons and ready to explore new media. The gift box will help keep these riches in orderly storage, ready for school projects or artistic explorations. They say 5 -9. We'd say more like 7 & up.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Animal Planet Air Swimmer Clown Fish
(Discovery Kids $49.99 Score:)

Sure to thrill, this remote control helium filled flying Clown Fish is the big novelty toy of the season. It is one of those big, showy toys that adults are going to want as much as the kids. The fish is 5 feet long and can be controlled in a 50-foot range. It steers in any direction with a button that allows it dive or climb and one that flaps the fish's tail to propel it. Once it is aloft there will be lots of oooohs! and ahhhhhs! But, be forewarned, it does take a lot of time to put together. You not only need to fill it with helium and then you have to run the electrical wiring through from the bottom controller to the tail. After that you need to find just the right amount of ballast (putty that comes with the fish) so that it does not go too high and tip up or down. All of this takes two people and plenty of calm patience. It comes with triple A and 9-volt battery. Unfortunately, it does not come with a patch kit, and you will want to have one on hand so that if your fish gets nicked, you can repair it before the helium escapes. Oh, yes, it does not come with the helium tank--that you have to buy separately. The company recommends that you fly this at 5 ft. and no higher. Okay, sounds like some of the ads for medicines with all those warnings. But despite all the above-- this is still one cool and memorable toy. The company also makes a bright orange Clown Fish version if sharks are just too toothy for you. 8 & up.

Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens, Adult. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Animal Planet Air Swimmer Shark
(Discovery Kids $49.99 Score:)

Sure to thrill, this remote control helium filled flying Great White Shark is the big novelty toy of the season. It is one of those big, showy toys that adults are going to want as much as the kids. The shark is 5 feet long and can be controlled in a 50-foot range. It steers in any direction with a button that allows it to dive or climb and one that flaps the shark's tail to propel it. That music from Jaws just comes to mind as the Air Swimmer moves aloft! But, be forewarned, it does take a lot of time to put together. You not only need to fill it with helium, you then have to run the electrical wiring through from the bottom controller to the tail. After that you need to find just the right amount of ballast (putty that comes with the fish) so that it does not go too high and tip up or down. All of this takes two people and plenty of calm patience. It comes with triple A and 9-volt battery. Unfortunately, it does not come with a patch kit, and you will want to have one on hand so that if your fish gets nicked, you can repair it before the helium escapes. Oh, yes, it does not come with the helium tank--that you have to buy separately. The company recommends that you fly this at 5 ft. and no higher. Okay, sounds like some of the ads for medicines with all those warnings. But despite all the above--this is still one cool and memorable novelty toy. The company also makes a bright orange Clown Fish version if sharks are just too toothy for you. 8 & up.

Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens, Adult. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Gubs
(Gamewright $11.99 Score:)

Gubs is really a starter game for playing more advanced strategy games like Magic: The Gathering. The set includes 70 cards where characters have certain powers that help you  build the "mightest GUBS colony"- but beware there are hazards along the way.  Unlike more advanced card games, game play takes only about 20 minutes a round. A good way to introduce this type of game play to the 10 & up crowd.

Age: Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Tablet
(LeapFrog $99 Score:)

When we first saw the preview of LeapFrog's LeapPad, we were hopeful that the final version would really be all that they promised: age appropriate, easy-to-use and engaging to a generation of kids that expect great graphics, games, and speed. (Sometimes what we see at preview doesn't always translate into the final product.) We're happy to report that the LeapPad really delivered on all counts.

Let's address the elephant in the room. The LeapPad is not your iPad. In many ways, we think it's better.  Well, better for the young audience for which it was designed. At $99, the white, lightweight tablet delivers satisfying speed and graphics to your older preschooler and early school age child. Unlike your  iPad, everything is meant for your child.  The games pull from LeapFrog's library of 100+ educational games- so you can select those that are most appropriate for your child and her needs. You can use all Leapster Explorer games and apps you already have- also a plus.  Our testers also loved exploring the art program- here's an example of where an adult may want a turn!  The LeapPad also has a built in camera and video camera. All in all- a great use of technology that will entertain and engage your child.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Hexbug Nano Glows in the Dark Habitat Set
(Innovation First $39.99 Score:)

Fans of the Hexbugs will want to check out the latest sets that glow in the dark. The Habitat set comes with ten pieces that go together easily. Part of the tracks and the two special "nanos" glow in the dark. The nanos work just like the original--they move quickly but now you can see them in the dark. If you like bugs and toys that glow in the dark, it doesn't get much better than this set. On the other hand, if bugs are not your thing, you probably will be a little freaked out by fast moving glow in the dark plastic bugs. You can buy more bugs separately.  

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

MindFlex Duel
(Mattel $99 Score:) In 2009 we gave a Platinum Award to Mattel's innovative MindFlex. The toy "reads" brain activity and with that energy you move a little blue ball along the adjustable obstacle path. Now, as the name suggests, Mind Flex Duel allows you to battle another player for dominance over the little blue ball. As with the original both players put on the headgear and attach the sensor to your earlobe. Turn the game on--and see which player can concentrate enough to move the ball across the finish line. Really a mental tug of war-except here you are pushing the ball with your thoughts. Seriously! One of the most innovative toys we've seen in years. You can also play many of the same solo obstacle games you played on the original. If you have teens that are jaded and will only play video games--start playing with this toy and see what happens.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens, Teens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Playmobil Falcon Knights Castle
(Playmobil $104.95 Score:)

Our testers loved this large scaled castle from Playmobil. We're always clear to say the following about Playmobil builds: the directions could be clearer; the construction of Playmobil structures requires an adult; there are LOTS of pieces.  With all of those disclaimers, our testers consistently enjoy the product and the level of detail once it's put together.  Specifically, our experienced builders did have more difficulty this year putting the smaller castle in this line together. We recommend having two adults for some aspects of the build--to hold the pieces as the connections are being made.  We also suggest that large structures be built and possibley glued down on a board or table top where they will not be moved or knocked around. True, this means it is less open-ended than a set of block, that will also falls over with active play, but these large structures do become pretend settings that are fun to use, although they will surely require some rebuilding and fine tuning from time to time. Once this castle is put together, it is great fun. It has a main gate that you can crank close (and there is an "iron" gate to put down when you really mean to keep the bad guys out).  There are trap doors, walk ways and one really big tower.  Our testers also gave high marks the play figures (complete with period appropriate clothing) and spectacular horses as well. This is not a toy for preschoolers or even young early school kids.  The level of detail requires more dexterity than most kids under 8 bring to their play.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Fijit
(Mattel $49.99 Score:)

We were really taken by Fijits at toy fair. They have an interesting and pleasing squishy feel to them (there are three different colors-with different names for each) when you poke them.  It feels the way we think the Pillsbury Dough Boy would feel if you were able to poke him.  That tactile aspect of this toy sets it apart from the recent version of hard plastic interactive robots. Fijit has a fun repetoire of tricks. She can tell jokes, invite your child to dance (either to her own music or your child's). She's programmed to say 150 different things. On the downside, she doesn't always understand your voice commands--this can be frustrating. She also is pretty loud (no volume control) and she requires 5 AA batteries.

That said our testers really liked her corny jokes and how she bops to the music. Pure novelty.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

LEGO STAR WARS Jedi T-6 Shuttle
(Lego Systems, Inc. $62.99 Score:)

What's super neat about this build, is how the wings turn from being horizontal to vertical. This kind of moment is exciting when you get it to work (as a builder) and even more fun to play with when you're using the Shuttle as part of your pretend play.  LEGO has a new circular piece this year that allows for this type of rotation. The shuttle comes with play figAnakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Saesee Tin, and Shaak Ti.  The set has 389 pieces so really designed for intermediate builders.  Also a favorite with our testers, Anakin's & Sebulba's Podracers (810 pieces)  - straight from the movie. The set comes with Watto, Sebulba, Anakin Skywalker, Wald, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
 

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years, Tweens, Teens. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.