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Hello! Welcome to the master list of the 2024 Toy Testing Sisters holiday guides! This year we did things a little differently. After getting feedback from all of you, we decided to create category specific guides. We still have guides by age, but now we have guides for dolls, vehicles, dramatic play, play food, building, and more! We put our hearts and souls into these guides! Thank you for being here and trusting us. -Mandy and Mel xoxo Ages 0-2 2-4 5-7 8-10 Teen Family Category Arts and Crafts Barbie Building and Blocks Cars and Vehicles Dolls and Accessories Dramatic Play Dress-Ups and Accessories Games MESH Movement Play Food and Kitchens Ride on Vehicles and Scooters Stockings Travel

Mel here! Probably our most asked question we get in our DMs is, "I'm taking a trip soon and want to know what toys to use to keep my littles busy?" We decided to make an entire guide dedicated to toys that are perfect for cars, planes, trains, etc. Excellent picks for all of your on the go adventures. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Yoto Mini : We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for family vacations, with its small and compact design! It has headphone or bluetooth capabilities and a lanyard so it isn’t easily lost! It comes with a protective jacket, so you don’t have to worry about damage from your travels! 2. Yoto Card Holder : If you are traveling with a Mini Yoto Player, it is paramount that you have somewhere to store your cards! In similar fashion to trading cards, the case has 8 protective sheets with 8 pockets each, protecting up to 64 cards all in one place. The case can fit in a backpack, so it is easy to take along on a plane or road trip. Keep all your Yoto cards in one place and never lose a favorite card again! 3. Rubber Tube Fidget Toy : I am a sucker for fidget toys that encourage fine motor and cognitive skills in my littles, and the Gapiks Busy Board does all of that while keeping my girls entertained the entire drive! It slows down the brain and helps kids focus on the sensory experience of pushing, peeling, twisting, and shaping! The bright colors are engaging and it easily fits on their lap for convenient play. 4. Mini Squigz : Did you know that your kids’ windows are the perfect play board? I’m sure your kids knew that already, but now it is time for you to take advantage of it! The Mini Squigz suction cups are exactly what your kid who loves to touch the window needs! They can construct a string of colorful silicone pieces of different shapes, or simply cover the window in suction cups! The creativity potential is limitless, and you may actually see your windows cleaner because of it! 5. Mini Voyager Kits : Mini Voyager is your one-stop shop for all things travel toys! We are honored to collaborate with them on a few different Toy Testing Sister Travel Kits! We hand-picked three different kits for three different ages: kids, toddlers, and babies. Each kit comes with 8 distinctive toys and a canvas drawstring bag for storage! Whether you are a seasoned vet when it comes to traveling with kiddos or new to the game, these kits are a hassle-free choice for keeping your kids of all ages entertained on the road. 6. Mini Magnetic Tiles : The joy of magnetic play does not need to be confined to the home. Leave the magnet tiles in the playroom and keep a mini Magna-Tiles set in the car! This 26 piece set comes in a tin box for convenient safe-keeping. We keep a set in my 6 year old’s backpack so she can pull it out at recess or whenever she has downtime in class! It is so fun for them to build together as siblings in the car or friends in the lunchroom. 7. Suction Cup Spinners : One of my favorite and inexpensive toys for babies and toddlers are suction cup spinners because they are so mesmerizing, colorful, and truly addictive! I am always in the market for screen-free toys that can hold the attention of my littles, and these spinners keep them quiet and focused for way longer than you’d think! Simply stick the spinner onto the car window, kitchen table, bathtub or refrigerator, and your kids will be sent into a sensory bliss! 8. LCD Writing Tablet : My girls love to color in the car, but that often involves grabbing too many supplies and a huge mess in the car when we get home. The Bravokids LCD Writing Tablet was the perfect solution! The 10” tablet is compact, has a stylus connected with a cord (so your kids won’t drop it!) and the screen won’t glare in the sun. Your kids will have a blast drawing their rainbow masterpieces, and can even save the ones they love by clicking the lock key! I am obsessed with this paperless, crayon-free drawing tool! 9. Spot It Game : Every time we go on vacation, we bring the Spot It card game with us. It is so compact in its tin box and easy to carry around, and is one of the easiest games to teach little kids! My girls caught on right away, and we played the quick game all afternoon on our last family trip. Bring it out whenever your kids are bored in the hotel room, during adult swim at the pool, or at the restaurant waiting for your meal! This game is one of convenience, speed and family fun. 10. Imagine Ink Coloring Book : I love magic ink coloring so much as mom. I always worry about my kids drawing on surfaces instead of paper, but these booklets spare me from that stress! We often bring them on the road because they are easy to transport, mess-free, and it doesn’t matter if your child draws out of the lines! My 4 year old is always in awe at how the ink just shows up in all different colors with one white-tipped marker. I’ve even used an Imagine Ink Coloring Book when traveling on my own, and it was so relaxing. 11. Wikki Stix : Wikki Stix are a mess-free way of creating art wherever you go! These bendy, moldable wax sticks are so fun to craft into whatever shape your child imagines! Build 3D sculptures that can stand, or lie the wax sticks flat on a piece of paper, either way it is a soothing and relaxing activity for quiet time, road or plane trips, or bus rides! There are 24 sticks, 6” long, in the colors of the rainbow.  12. Magnetic Dot Art : I found the most therapeutic, satisfying, and convenient toy to take on-the-go. Chuckle & Roar crafted a unique magnetic toy that strengthens fine motor skills, helps children focus, and hones their creativity: the Magnetic Dot Art Designer! All your children have to do is slip a stencil of their choice from the back of the board into the front, pick up a magnet using the magnetic stylus, and place it over the stencil to create a colorful, mess-free design! The magnets are enclosed behind a screen, so there is no risk of spilling, losing, or choking on them. 13. Mini Magnatab Keychain : Fidget toys come in all shapes and sizes, and this one fits conveniently in pockets, purses and on keychains! It is a great fidget toy to keep on your person for whenever you or your child needs to quiet the mind, put your hands to use, and pass the time. The Mini Magnatab Keychain comes in a variety of shapes, with an attached sylus to pull the magnets to the surface with a satisfying “click”! My 4 year old loves to watch me pull the magnets so that she can wipe them off the board when I am done.  14: Spot It Book : Remember Where’s Waldo, or the ISpy books from when we were kids? These type of books are still around for a reason! Kids love to find things, and will spend a shockingly long time looking until they spot it! We love to take our 10001 Things to Spot on Vacation book every time we take a road trip because my girls get so into it, competing to see who can spot things sooner! Once they have found everything in the 13 pages, I will spot something for them to find. It’s endless fun that makes the time fly! 15. Rubix Cube : Rubix Cubes have withstood the test of time, with kids all over the world still beating world records for solving it the fastest! I personally only used Rubix Cubes for making pretty patterns, but my brother was obsessed with solving it. We got our Toy Testing 8 year old nephew his first Rubix Cube and the genius figured it out in a matter of hours! This toy is perfect for him and other kids who like to problem solve, take things apart, and put them back together. 16. Mini Lego Kits : Let your child bring their passion for building and engineering on the road with the Hogokids Animal Building Blocks! The value of this toy is incredible- 20 animals for $20! Each animal has about 30 pieces on average, and an instruction booklet to guide them! My 6 year old just started experimenting with building bricks, and these simple designs are just the right difficulty for her. They are packaged individually, so they are a great party favor or small gift for friends. 17. Paint by Sticker : Some kids are paint kids, and some are sticker kids! The Paint by Sticker book is made with sticker kids in mind, while also taking into consideration their developmental needs. The book helps them work on their ability to follow instructions, promotes fine motor skills, and helps them learn how different shapes can make up a beautiful finished product! My 6 year old is a sticker kid and has a Paint by Sticker book in the car, ready to go, whenever we drive. 18. Magnetic Fidget Men : Your traveling group just got a little bigger with MagMen, a magnetic humanoid building toy! The ten magnetic men are super flexible and stretchy, making it easy to shift and shape them in as many ways as your kids can imagine! Make the men into a ball, a crown, a stack, and even a functional bowl or fridge magnet. The magnets are powerful enough to hold heavy objects like everyday tools from your toolbox, and bright enough to engage little minds. 19. Ride on Suitcase and Travel Bed Bundle : I found a way to make traveling with kids so much easier! JetKids made a suitcase for kids that they can ride through the airport and on the sidewalk, so mom and dad don’t have to carry all the luggage anymore! Not only that, but the Travel Bundle also comes with a travel bed specifically meant for airplane seats to make your child’s ride more comfortable. The suitcase can be manipulated to become a seat extender so they have more room to get a good flight’s sleep. Oh and don’t forget the backpack! Between the suitcase and the backpack, there is more than enough storage for all your kiddo’s needs. 20. To Go Play Food : The king and queen of immersive food play, Melissa & Doug, created the best play food for travel! Their Play to Go 2 packs offer a culinary experience in one little bucket, ideal for road trips, down time at the hotel, or to take to school. A cake and cookies set, as well as an ice cream set are included in your purchase, doubling the fun! Each set has over 10 wooden or felt pieces, an instruction card, and a takealong cup. When your child is done with the kit, they can easily fit everything back in the cup and set it in a standard cup holder! 21. Puffy Sticker Book : Stickers are so fun for kids, but they are often hard to peel off, leave a residue, and can’t be reused. I love the Puffy Sticker Books because the stickers and the background sheets are fully reusable and don’t leave a mess if a sticker happens to end up on a surface they shouldn’t be on! There are three choices of sets: ocean, dinosaur, and safari, and they each come with handles for carrying and sticker storage! 22. Hangman : Take this classic word game on the go for the whole family to enjoy! The Melissa & Doug Travel Hangman game. There are no loose pieces, with flipable letter and body part squares, and a white board for writing out the word or phrase. We love to pass around the board in the car, each guessing one letter at a time until someone gets it right! It is great for friendly competition, spelling and reading practice, and family bonding. 23. Tangram : It’s like Origami… but after taking out a few steps! Instead of folding paper, your child will arrange colorful, geometric magnetic blocks to match a pattern in the booklet. It is great for travel because the magnets don’t easily fall apart, and everything can be neatly stored in the booklet. My 4 year old has gotten so much use out of her Tangram, and her color and shape recognition and spatial reasoning skills have greatly improved. 24. Sticker Wow : It is like a stamp, but for stickers! The Sticker Wow Pen is such a fun way to place stickers, and there are so many different character pens to choose from. If your kids can’t get enough of using stickers, they certainly need this activity booklet! I love how many stickers the pen can hold, so I am not continually needing to help my kids load their pens. Its simplicity makes it a great on-the-go toy! 25. Point and Shoot Camera : If your child has shown any real interest in photography, this camera is for you. The screen-free setup helps keep your kids in the moment, enjoying and capturing the great outdoors, or whatever adventure they are on. I love how many color options they have to choose from, making it the perfect camera for boys and girls. You can even download different filters onto the camera, customizing your child’s photography experience even more. My 6 year old takes it with her every time we go on an outdoor adventure with the hopes of photographing her favorite wildlife! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves you $5 at checkout. 26. Mini Glitter Magnetic Tiles : Crayola has entered the magnetic tiles chat. Packaged in a classic Crayola Crayon-styled box, their 24 piece Mini PIP-Tiles set is full of various colorful shapes that glitter! These sparkly tiles will be dreamy to take on the road, wherever your child goes! My 4 year old cannot go anywhere without her “sparkle tiles”, because they make a magical home for her miniature dolls. 27. Tic Tac Toe Bolt : Tic Tac Toe is another classic game that, unfortunately, can get boring quickly. The Tic Tac Toe Bolt game solves that problem, including 3 Tic Tac Toe- styled games in one! Play a classic head-to-head game, or play an AI bot that adapts its difficulty level on your skill. Practice memory with the memory flash setting, or play a variation of the original game that stole all our hearts. My 6 and 4 year old will often play a head-to-head game, but my 6 year old always wins, so maybe my 4 year old should try playing against the AI! 28. Travel Mattress : You never know when your family is going to get stuck somewhere with kids and no beds! Think flight delays, layovers, or an AirBnB that doesn’t have enough beds for all the children. I love having the JetKids Cloud Sleeper on hand because it is inflatable but does not require a pump to inflate it! All you need is a few minutes and your own two hands or feet to pump it up yourself. Each of my children, 6, 4, and 1, easily fit on it, and when we are done we can pack it up into a convenient storage bag! 29. On The Go Puzzle : Puzzles are typically risky to travel with because each puzzle piece is precious to the final product! This double-sided puzzle keeps the puzzle pieces all in a handy pouch, so your kids can take out one piece at a time. Each puzzle has 49 pieces, coming together to make gorgeous woodland scenes with a size of 14” x 11.5”. My 6 year old loves puzzles and woodland creatures, so this puzzle was a hit for her! 30. UNO Wild : I hope everyone reading this is familiar with UNO, because if you aren’t, you are truly missing out! UNO is one one of the best family games ever invented. My girls laugh and laugh when they skip me or reverse the direction. We take UNO with us on our adventures, and the storage tin keeps all the cards safe. It is super easy and convenient to pack, and maybe even more easy and convenient to play! 31. Large Plus Plus : I love the Plus Plus puzzle blocks as an open-ended, STEM travel toy! The carrying case doubles as a tabletop to build on, and it includes 15 large, brightly colored puzzle pieces. Some kids crave the freedom of building whatever they want, whenever they want, and this puzzle offers that! It is a great toy for solving boredom, and the pieces are large enough that they are hard to lose when you are out and about! 32. Road Tape  / Hot Wheels Cars : My 9 year old nephew loves his Hot Wheels, and I know for a fact that he takes his collection with him everywhere he goes. We got him the Hot Wheels Cars & Trucks 10 pack and Play Road Tape so he could bring the track with him. The tape sticks to any flat surface without leaving a residue, so he can play with his cars literally anywhere. It is a great gift idea for anyone who loves cars but can’t take their fancy racetracks everywhere! 33. Busy Board : Who needs a tablet when you can have a Hape Lock & Learn Playboard? On this busy board, kids can explore locks, doors, and secret passages for problem solving and pretend play, working out their fine motor muscles and color recognition skills. The board has a handle so carrying it around is easy! I love keeping this toy in my car or putting it in my 4 year-old’s backpack to take on-the-go. 34. Rainbow Play Doh : Get the colors of the rainbow in one jar! The Rainbow Playdough Jar came to us as a party favor one day, and my 4 and 6 year olds are absolutely obsessed. If your kids love play dough and insist on bringing it with them wherever you are going, grab this jar! They get all the colors of the rainbow in one place, with sparkles and a miniature rainbow to boot. Replace your dull play dough with one that glitters, and your kids will be set. 35. Slumber Pod : The Slumber Pod has saved many mom lives since its creation, including mine. If you are sharing a room with your little one while traveling, this gem is an absolute must. The pod is totally black-out, helping to deprive the senses while mom and dad are still awake. It fits over a pack-n-play, or you can add-on their travel bed to save space and weight on your travels. The Slumber Pod has completely taken my stress about nap and bedtime on vacations away and we can all rest easy!

Mel here! Stockings were some of our most requested items year after year. This year we decided to break them up into 3 separate categories: Littles, Kids and Teens. This way you can find items for all of our kiddos that they will enjoy. Our advice is to skip all the stocking junk that will break immediately and grab one or two "wow" stocking stuffers. Use the rest of your stocking budget to buy yummy treats and your kids will be in heaven. We don't have descriptions for these items but most of them are self explanatory. If you do have a question however, send us a DM on Instagram and we are happy to help! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Plip Grips 2. Wooden Animals   Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 3. Whirly Squigz  4. Glitter Wands 5. Rain Cloud 6. Jelly Cat 7. Tulu 8. Indoor Outdoor Bubbles 9. Teether 10. Tonie Figures 11. Zippee 12. Little Cuddle & Kind 13. Poke a Dot Mini Books 14. Silk Balloon Cover 15. Crayola Twistables 16. Mini Silk Wand 17. Kalidescope Tube 18. Magic Painting Book 19. Oogi 1. Airbrush Plush 2. Yoto Cards 3. Schleich Figures 4. Mini Magna Tiles 5. Sticker Wow 6. Magnetic Dolls Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 7. Non-toxic Nail Polish 8. Kandoodle Mini 9. Thumbler Wand 10. Potion Kit  11. Miniverse Birthday Ball 12. Flat Cars 13. Acrylic Blocks 14. Crayola Clicks 15. Mini Barbie Land 16. Moon Ball 17. Ooze Dribbler 18. Mini Squishmallows 19. Clixo 20. Rainbow Dough Jar 21. Plus Plus 22. Animals TOOBZ 23. Lego Pens 24. Class Mini Lego 25. Pokémon Cards 26. Earrings Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 27. Tic Tac Bolt 28. GloPals 29. Scribble Mat 1. Uno Elite  2. Mini Sensory Putty 3. Squish Rubix Cube 4. 20oz HydroJug 5. Earrings Discount Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS 6. Gummy Bear Needoh 7. Gear Spinner 8. Mini Bop It 9. Mini Brands Balls

Mandy here! We have tried so many ride on vehicles! My husband says we don't have room for anything else! These items typically come with a price tag so quality and life span are huge! If you have additional questions about products listed here, please send us a DM on IG! We are here to help you figure out what's best for your kids. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Motorcycle : Hyper Gogo has created, quite possibly, the coolest motorcycle on the market! Your littles will be riding in authentic, realistic style in any of the models. The bikes light up and make real engine sounds, with an exhaust simulator, fully immersing the rider in the motorcycle experience. There is bluetooth capability, an app that allows parents to interact with their child as they ride, and can come with training wheels if you choose! For ages 3-9. 2. Dump Truck : Play time is truly the best when kids can get real-world experience and learn what it is like to be a grown up! The Big Kahuna Dump Truck does just that, with a functional dump feature that allows children to have fun transporting dirt, wood, rocks, etc.! The details and overall quality of the truck are insane, and will make any kid feel confident, big, and excited about their future. For ages 3-8. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 3. Bumper Car : Bumper cars are a whole new level of fun for kiddos. They light up, play music, spin 360 ° , and come with an inflatable character on the back! They are rechargeable and I was impressed with the battery life. Enjoy indoor or outdoors! For ages 2-6. There's a dino option if that's your kids jam. 4. Hovervoard : I remember when hoverboards came out and were all the rage for a few years, and for good reason! Riding a Gotrax Hoverboard is a totally unique sensation, challenging balance and coordination since there are no handles! It has a max speed of 6.2 miles per hour, and can ride up to 6 miles on a single charge. It is great for indoor and outdoor use, but we love to use it mainly for family walks in the neighborhood! If your kid has good balance, they can enjoy at age 5-teen! Make sure to wear a helmet. 5. 2-Seater Jeep : Get double the off-roading fun with the Funcid 2-seater 4WD Ride On! This battery powered vehicle also comes with a remote control for parents to step in when needed. There is a 2-wheel and a 4-wheel drive option, making it great for street riding and off-roading. It has bluetooth and a USB port, for kids to jam while they drive! For ages 3-8 (depending on how tall your kid is). 6. Forklift : Teach your kids the ins and outs of mechanics, weight, and physics while they ride around on the Tough Trucks Forklift! We get so many packages of toys to test, and so Mel's girls use the forklift to move the packages from the entryway into the kitchen and it helps them develop confidence and to feel like they are helping her with a job! The lift can carry up to 22 lbs and has a max load of 80 lbs. For ages 3-8.  Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 7. Electric Cargo Family Bike : Cars are so last year. Next time you want to drive up the canyon or run to the grocery store for the necessities, pack up one or two of your kiddos and hop on the Rad Wagon 4 Electric Cargo Bike! All Rad Bikes are rigorously tested to meet the strictest of safety standards, so I feel completely safe riding with my littles. The bike can handle a whopping 350 lbs, and you can add on a childseat, caboose, and more! I’ve taken my girls on adventures up and down the canyons near me, and I didn’t realize how much I would appreciate being able to all share one bike. The range is 45 miles and has a top speed of 20 mph 8. Crazy Cart : If your kiddos have ever played MarioKart, they will know the joys of drifting! The Razor Crazy Cart has a simplified drifting system, making it so the driver is always in control and balanced while they spin circles around the street! There are two different speed settings you can easily switch between for kids of different ages or comfort levels. For ages 6+ up to 120 lbs. 9. Electric Balance Bike :  With a max speed of 8 mph, it’s the perfect way littles to explore the neighborhood, and the adjustable seat makes it easy for them to take turns. The range is roughly 7.5 miles on a single charge, more than enough for  them to ride to our local park and back! This is agreat for kids who have mastered the balance bike and now want to cruise. 10. Dune Buggy : The Freddo Dune buggy is not only visually awesome, but functionally, too! This vehicle stands out as an all-terrain vehicle, thanks to its EVA tires and suspension system. It has MP3, USB, and Bluetooth capabilities, leather seats, and lasts between 8-12 hours per charge! For ages 3-10. Important to point out this is 24V! 11. Electric Skateboard : Your little skater will be the envy of the skate park with the Meepo  Electric Skateboard. With a wicked top speed of 28 mph, this board is definitely recommended for teens and adults, but is also crafted in a way that beginners can ease into skateboarding by switching through its 4 different riding modes. It is designed for college commuting or riding around the city, with a motor that is IPX5  waterproof and a range of 11 miles. Max weight is 330 lbs. 12. Electric Scooter : Razor has been the king of scooters for decades, and now they’ve taken over the electric scooter world as well! The Black Label E100 electric scooter is a staple in our house during those warm summer months. The design is intuitive, with a thumb-activated throttle and hand brake. The design is sturdy and with safety in mind, distributing the weight towards the back, adding traction and ease of stearing. It hits speeds up to 10 mph, and lasts 35 minutes per charge. For ages 8+ up to 120 lbs.  13. Off Road Queen Jeep : Let your little adventurer take charge with the Girl Powered Rides Off-Road Queen Power Wheels Jeep! Designed for kids ages 3 and up, this stylish ride-on features a powerful motor that lets them explore their surroundings with ease for 1-2 hours on a full charge, with a max speed of 5 mph. With realistic details and a spacious interior, it's perfect for imaginative play and outdoor fun. For ages 3-7 up to 120 lbs. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 14. Motorbike : Your teen has outgrown all the fun outdoor power vehicles that the younger kids get to ride around, but that doesn’t mean they have to be left out of the fun! Razor has an awesome ebike made specifically with teens in mind. It has an authentic street bike feel, with custom 12” mag wheels and street tires, rear suspension, and a high performance electric motor. Its max speed is 17 mph, and it rides for just under an hour per charge. For ages 16+ up to 170 lbs. 15. One Wheel : Lean forward… lean back. That is all it takes to ride the Pint Onewheel!  The Onewheel is the ideal city vehicle. Its small and lightweight design and magnetic handle makes it ideal for carrying onto buses or bringing into the store, and setting it underneath your desk or chair. It has a max speed of 16 mph and a range of 6-8 miles. 16. Drift Machine : Attention parents of young thrill seekers! Let them dip their toes into the world of motorsports with The Drift Machine. With max speeds of 14 mph and 2-3 hours of life on a full charge, your kiddos will live the adrenaline dream on this 3-wheel machine! The stylish design and vibrant colors make it a standout choice for adventurous kids, while the ergonomic seat ensures a comfortable ride every time. For ages 7-12 up to 155 lbs. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 17. Long Range Electric Scooter : Segway brought out the big guns with this one. The Ninebot Electric Kick Scooter is meant for long-range travel, whether you are riding down the canyon or taking a ride to the gas station with friends. The scooter can travel up to 15.5 miles, with a max speed of 12.4mph, with 8-inch shock absorbing tires that give a smooth ride no matter where you go! So many features give my mama brain peace of mind, whether it is the headlight, large display of battery life, or rear break! For adults up to 198lbs. 18. Pocket Mod : Does your kiddo want to be the next Lizzy McGuire riding around Rome? I found the perfect bike that provides the dreamy, European, freeing experience! Razor’s Pocket Mod Mini Euro-Style Electric Scooter has a vintage style with a secret storage compartment under the seat! It boasts a max speed of 15 mph and provides 40 minutes of ride time on a single charge. You can trust that Razor has crafted the bike to the highest quality and safety standards for your teen to ride to their friend’s house down the street. For ages 13+ up to 170 lbs. Important to point out it has a 24V battery. 19. Rad Rod : There is something so thrilling about being close to the ground while riding at high speeds, and your child can experience that same thrill while riding the Razor and their Ground Force Rad Rod. The electric-powered go-kart is capable of high-performance maneuvers like power slides, drifts, and burnouts, with a top speed of 10 mph on the High setting. You can change the setting for younger riders so that the max speed is 7 mph. Whatever the setting, your littles are in for a thrill! The battery life is 40 minutes of continuous use. For ages 6+ up to 110 lbs.  20. Electric Dirt Bike Thunderbolt : Designed for young riders ready to hit the trails, this sleek electric dirt bike combines power and style for the ultimate dirt bike adventure. With speeds up to 6 mph, your little ones will feel the rush as they navigate their own outdoor terrain. The sturdy design features durable tires and a lightweight frame, making it easy to handle for kids. It lats 2-3 hours on a full charge, and has a max speed of 14 mph. For ages 7-12 up to 145 lbs. I can't keep Charlie off this dirt bike! Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 21. Side by Side UTV : Send your kids on the ultimate outdoor adventure with the Dynacraft Realtree UTV. The two-seater is equipped to store all necessary adventure goodies, with a front rack and rear cargo storage. It gets up to 5 mph, has MP3 inputs, and functional lights. For ages 3-7.

Mandy here! I know you would think we don't need a separate guide for this...but we do! There are so many options out there and we wanted to share our favorites with you. We've learned that if you invest in quality pieces from the start they last you a LOT longer! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Ice Cream Counter : My kids would eat ice cream every single day if they could, but this is the next best thing! My 7 year old asks me for my ice cream order every single morning, making me use the menu. The scoop is so creative and fun to use. I think she found her future high school job! 2. Play Dishes : Pretend food could cause quite a mess without some dishes! I bought this for my 18-month old as a way to help her learn about different dishes and to practice using a fork. But my 7-year-old is the one who has taken them over. She enjoys washing them while I wash our dishes and using them for all her “food parties”. 3. Cinnamon Roll Set : A Sunday tradition in my household growing up was store-bought cinnamon rolls for breakfast. This toy immediately brought me back to those memories and I had to get it for my kids! We have so much fun rolling up the dough like you would in real life and plopping them in the oven that also doubles as a storage container. 4. Picnic Basket and Foods : Oh my gosh this wooden picnic basket is too cute with its gingham lining and table cloth and adorable pieces. My 7 year old loves hosting picnics for her friends. I promise you, your kids will be begging to go on a picnic soon after getting this toy, and you should take them up on it! 5. BBQ Station : Summer is filled with grilling in our household, and my 9 year old son has always been fascinated by the contraption. He would ask my husband all the time to help him grill, so we got him his own grill to practice. The “flames” that he could turn up and down with a dial were by far his favorite part. I personally love how many food options they provide? Pizza, burgers, hot dogs, stakes, corn, and more. 6.   Drink Dispenser : My kids have seen me drink a Diet Coke every day since they were born. Naturally, that made them curious about drinks so I love that they have a toy where they can make their own! I love the pretend ice cubes, and the way that the drink inserts plop into the cup is so satisfying. 7. Hape BBQ : We love the Hape BBQ set because of its compact design and storage feature! My 7 year old loves the Hape BBQ set because of the sizzling sound it makes. No matter which way you slice it, this toy is a win! The kabobs you can make with all different veggies and meat are too cute that even I want to play with it. 8. Burger and Fries Set : Pretend food toys don’t have to be massive with dozens of pieces to be full of fun! My children die for a good burger joint. They especially enjoy carrying the tray for me, to my dismay. But they can carry this tray all day long! It is just as fun for them, and far less stressful to me. The dipping sauce is such a thoughtful addition because my kids will not eat fries plain. 9. Baked Goods : There is nothing better than a home filled with the smell of freshly baked bread. Just after that is an adorable basket filled with wooden baked goods for your kids to play with! They’re the perfect addition to any play kitchen or table set, with enough bread for all the kiddos to share. 10. Cool Scoops Creamery : My 7 year old is obsessed with her Ice Cream Counter, so we decided to upgrade her imaginary ice cream shop and get her the Melissa & Doug Cool Scoops Ice Cream Creamery. With ice cream sandwiches, chocolate syrup, and a register, your kiddos will live out all their ice cream dreams! 11. Little Tykes Play Kitchen: I think the color and design of this play kitchen is so cute, especially with the chalkboard in front and foldable cutting board ledge. It manages to provide so much play in such a compact size. The stove actually lights up and it comes with so many accessories that it really is such an incredible value 12. Pizza Oven : Okay this may seem like a crazy statement but when I needed something to help my kids eat pizza with anything more than cheese, this toy came to the rescue. They quickly realized that making a cheese pizza over and over was boring and warmed up to all the different toppings this set provides. They couldn’t get enough of the countless creations they could make and would have me try all of them! Now a supreme pizza is all they order on pizza night. 13. Fat Brain Cookies and Milk : The Fat Brain Milk and Cookies set is a simple, effective, and inexpensive option for pretend food play. My 7 year old will bring this set out to have “Cookie Time” with her best friend and they get such a kick out of taking turns taking the cookies out of the cookie jar! 14. Hape Kitchen & Fridge Bundle If your kids enjoy playing in the kitchen as much as mine do, they’re going to need their own kitchen to play in. This two-piece kitchen is completely immersive, complete with a sink, stove, plenty of storage, and a spice shelf! It is well designed and sturdy enough for me to keep for years! 15. Rubber Fruits : If your little ones have a hard time eating their fruits, first: they are not alone. Second, this simple toy could help! Made for smaller toddlers, I made sure to get this for my 18-month old. It has helped her better identify fruits and has even started pointing the real ones out when we go to the grocery store! 16. Felt Foods : We love our Wool Felt Foods because they provide a unique sensory experience for our kids. We bring them on road trips and to church and enjoy the peace that comes with their quiet fun. With so many set options online, your kids can start a little collection for them and their dolls! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 17. Silicone Tea Set : This tea set doesn’t have to be all pretend, which is great as my kids get older and want to have real tea parties. They are dishwasher safe and safe to drink from, so my 7 year old started having real tea parties with her cousins and I feel at peace knowing that nothing will break or hurt them. 18. Matching Eggs : My toddler eats eggs like candy, so I was stoked when I came across this egg matching game! The carton it comes in is so fun and she has a blast trying to mix and match all the eggs. It is also a great opportunity for me to teach her shapes and colors. 19. Play Candy : Kids and candy just go together. Especially when the candy isn’t real! We recently watched Willy Wonka as a family and my kids loved the vintage-style candy, so this wooden candy set is a dream for them. I had to get them each their own set or else they’d fight over the lollipop! 20. Magnetic Fruit Felts : These magnetic fruits keep my toddler busy for hours. At first I was worried that she was being so quiet, but it turns out she was soaking up the sensory experience of the felt magnets. It is so cute watching her practice saying the names of the fruits while placing them on the fridge or any surface, really. 21. Food Play Stones : Dearest reader, I cannot emphasize enough how much I love these food stones. The physical weight to them is so satisfying, and they truly are beautiful. Each stone is unique to a different culture, adding to the beauty! They are durable enough to be used indoors and outdoors, which my kids love to take advantage of. 22. Shopping Cart : I have so much fake food filling my basement that I decided I might as well make it a grocery store down there. The Melissa & Doug shopping cart is such a fun way to use the foods in a different way and enhance imaginary play. It is also the perfect storage for when the kids aren’t playing with their food! 23. Taco Making Kit : The best food in the world must have a toy in its honor. These pretend tacos are almost as good as the real thing. Your kids can create the ultimate taco or nachos and even send their friends with their food in a carry-out bag! Whenever we celebrate Taco Tuesday, we bring out the taco kit for our toddler to participate fully in the preparation! 24. Tinyland Play Kitchen: Tinyland has proven that play kitchen can be both adorable and functional! It is unbelievably cute but also has so many features for the kids to spend hours playing with. My toddler personally can’t get enough of the satisfying “click” the knobs make. There is plenty of storage for all the accessories that come with it, so keeping the space clean is easy!   25. Farmers Market : Education should be fun and this color sorting set is one of the best I’ve seen catered to toddlers. I got this for my little one because she loves food and she loves sorting. So instead of her re-arranging all of my beauty products, she can sort these fruits and veggies and get even more out of it. It didn’t take long before she mastered the different colors! 26. Cake : Every child’s kitchen needs a birthday cake! And this one is incredibly charming, with various aspects of childhood baked into the design. The popcorn edging, sprinkle middle and striped candles make for a dream cake for kiddos. Le Toy Van has a wide array of similarly cute pretend foods that you can collect as well as play with! 27. Table and Chairs : Once my kids started climbing up on furniture I knew I needed to get them their own set of table and chairs. I think the wood design is tasteful, and the rounded edges keep my mind at ease. It is a great value for what you get and doesn’t take up too much room with the ability to fit all four chairs underneath. 28. Play Kitchen Accessorie s: I couldn’t believe how many pieces this set included at the cost. They aren’t painted so they give off a very simple and clean look, and I know they are safe for my toddler. She loves to put her wooden foods on them and fill her bowls with rice, dry cereal, and beans for a full sensory experience. 29. Costway Play Kitchen: The Costway kitchen is sleek and realistic, with the water dispenser making light and sound, enhancing the immersive experience. My 7 year old loves to wash her dishes in the sink and cook all of her veggies in the pot and pan provided! The adorable vintage phone is a bonus- I loved showing my kids what we had before cell phones! 30. Chocolate Factory : After my kids watched the new Wonka movie they immediately asked if they could learn how to make chocolate like Wonka at home. Thank goodness for Melissa & Doug because they have an amazing pretend chocolate factory! They love mix and matching the fillings with the shells, and packing them up in the gift wrap to sell their customers. 31. Wooden Vending Machine : Mothers know best that kids love pushing buttons! This cause-and-effect toy is so great for small kids who are developmentally learning the concept. But it is also great for bigger kids who want their own vending machine to get treats out of! It comes with 9 play snacks, but nothing is stopping your kids from putting real snack packs or juice boxes inside, as long as they fit! 32. Wooden Bakery : Who knew one toy could employ so many children at once? The Wooden La Patisserie Bakery is designed for bakers, cashiers, and customers to enjoy the wooden and foam desserts. My girls switch off rolls, sometimes rolling up the croissants or frosting the cupcakes, while the other takes the orders and payment from the customer. There is so much fun to be had with this interactive toy. 33. Magnetic Foods: Watching my 7 year old plan her own meals using these realistic food and dish magnets is such a sweet experience. She learns about different meals, what foods go well with each other, and can even practice setting a table. I love how easy they are to clean and that a wide variety of foods are represented. 34. Wooden Tea Set : I thought it was time for my almost-2 year old to experience the joy of tea time, so I couldn’t wait to get her this set. The tea cookies, lemons and tea bags are such a fun detail to really bring the experience to life. And it is just too cute that we have to display it in her room! 35. Fresh Market: I want my children to grow up eating whole, healthy foods. Getting them a pretend food toy that only consists of stuff you’d find at a farmer’s market is great for instilling healthy habits! They can create a gorgeous charcuterie board to serve to all their friends! 36. Play Sink : My 7 year old loves washing dishes. She always asks to help me when we are cleaning up dinner, so  when I saw this functional sink, I knew I had to get it. All it takes is the push of a button for the faucet to fill up the sink, and then it drains back into the basin when done! I love that my kids are at that age where they can learn a new skill and have fun with it.

Mandy here! MESH toys can help kids recover emotionally and help them get back to a healthy baseline. These are toys like weighted plush, fidgets, sensory bins, swings, and audio players. But, most importantly, MESH toys should help kids build emotional resilience. Toys that aid in emotional resilience push kids to problem-solve and overcome obstacles. They can also use storytelling to express emotions and empathy. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Emotional Baggage : I love finding new toys that help my developing littles learn about and how to regulate emotion. I have found the Emotional Baggage toy is a fantastic tool for identifying emotions and there are countless games you can play with the plushies to encourage emotional intelligence. It is also a great toy for teachers and anyone working with children. 2. Carabie Stuffies : Stuffies are well known and loved for their ability to comfort a child, but what I love about Carabie stuffies specifically is the book that comes with the bundle! It is never too early to teach your kids about health conditions that they themselves or loved ones will experience throughout their lives. Every purchase gives back to child health initiatives! 3. Feelings Bottles : I had a similar toy to this growing up as a kid, but without the emotions on the bottles. It was so relaxing to watch the glitter fall to the bottom. The emotions add an educational opportunity to relax children while teaching them about how they’re feeling. When my older kids were a little younger and were having strong emotions, I would tell them to grab the bottle that represented how they felt and we’d talk about it.  4. Bumpas : Sometimes your child just needs a hug, and the Bumpa is there to provide that. It is weighted and larger than your average stuffed animal, so it gives really good hugs. The heart it makes with its hands and the smile on its face gives my 7-year old immediate feelings of safety and comfort.  5. Big Feelings Pineapple : I love this fun take on Mr. Potato Head, but my kids love it even more. Fine motor skills are developed when fitting the pieces into the proper place on the head, and emotional skills are developed in practicing with and identifying emotions. All three of my kids enjoy the pineapple for different reasons, which makes the perfect toy, in my opinion. 6. Magical Meditation Yoto Card : This Yoto card is the perfect wind-down audio tool for my 9 year old who has so much energy he could probably go days without sleeping. I struggled finding things to help him transition into sleep-mode until I found the Yoto player and meditation card. He falls asleep so much easier now, and the whole house feels a little bit calmer in the evenings. 7. Mindfulness Meditation Yoto Card : Children need quiet time as much as they need wild time, and parents definitely need quiet time. The struggle to get my kids to calm down midday was helped tremendously when I found the Mindfulness for Children Yoto card. I plop the card into the Yoto player and minutes later quiet down. It has even been known to put them to sleep! 8. Surprise Stories : Remember Mad Libs? Now imagine how giddy I was when I discovered that there is a kids’ version that solves so many of my problems as a mom. I get so sick of reading the same book over and over again, but my kids love story time. With Surprise Stories, we get to tell a new story every night from one simple game. The kit comes with with prompts for the Star, Storyline, and Setting. 9. Emotion Coins : A new spin on the classic coin and slot toy, the Emotion Coins also double as an emotion educational tool! Putting the coins in the slots helps littles focus on the task at hand and calm down.   10. Slumberkins : No matter what your child is going through emotionally or developmentally, there are customized Slumberkins for them. I am obsessed with these kits and have collected probably too many of them. The stuffed animals are all so unique and designed to represent the skill or idea it is trying to teach. When one of my kids was going through a big change, I was able to use the Fox Kin Change kit to help him navigate his situation.  11. Needoh : When my kids are experiencing sensory overload, the Needoh Dream Drop helps reign her in and relax her nerves. The feel of the toy is so calming and satisfying, and the glittery filling is mesmerizing. It even includes a stand so that she always knows where it is when she needs it. 12. Affirmation Memory Cards : It has been amazing to teach my kids the power of positive self-talk through this uplifting game. You can play this game with littles as young as 3, and I recommend doing so. It is a great choice for winding down, quiet time, or when your kiddo is having a hard day emotionally. It is the perfect opportunity to teach them how to treat themselves kindly. 13. Liquid Sensory Tiles : I cannot accurately explain how satisfying these tiles are to play with. They are firm but have just enough give that you can move around the liquid inside. The feeling is addictive and my kids will run around on them forever. These tiles are a great sensory experience and allows littles to wind down. 14: Sensory Swing : Swings are fun in general, but what makes this swing special is the sensory-deprivation effect it provides. My kids can snuggle up in the soft fabric and forget the world for a time as they subtly swing. I’m not going to lie, I’ve hidden in there a few times myself when I needed some peace and quiet. 15. Huggy Hymns Stuffed Animals : These are huggable plushies with a built-in muisc box that plays hymns. The stuffy is 13inches and comes with a removable sound module and volume control. It uses a USB to charge. This would be a perfect way for your kids to relax and connec to God and Christ. We also love this as a baby shower gift.

We have teamed up with the Game King to bring you the best game list out there! We have rounded up games for little kids, big kids, and family games! These are all recommended and approved by the Game King! Below you will find games for 7 and under, 8+, and family games! Below you will find all of Darin's (Game King) picks! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Narwall Waterfall : Save the narwhals by moving them across the water and avoiding the dangers.  But the water actually moves like a conveyor belt and could send the narwhals tumbling over the edge. 2. Speedy Feedy : This game actually has a trickier adult version, but just ignore that and play simplified rules. Identify the foods on the card and see which animal has the most foods pictured.  Your brain does the two-step: figuring out what is pictured the most and then which animal matches that. 3. Math Sandwich : Can you fill the orders for sandwiches?  Order cards call for specific ingredients that you have to compile.  The sandwich components are felt and great to play with.  This teaches great math skills, and it doubles as a fun toy so you can use it to play food activities. 4. Doggy Showdown Logic Puzzle : Five dogs are competing in a dog show and you have to move them to match the card that shows the results.  But the dogs are in a track so you have to use logic to figure out how to move certain dogs out of the way to get them all to line up.  The game builds in progression.  Can be a game that just one person can play on their own, solving the puzzles. 5. Exit Kids : This is not like the “Exit” games for older players.  Instead, the child draws a card and tries to gather clues in a varity of ways to find a trio of animals to solve the riddle.  This can be a solo game for kids, teaching them to use clues to for problem solving. This a very simple game that could play as young as 3 or 4.   6. Race to Treasure : Can you get to the treasure in time?  In this simple cooperative game, you build a path to find treasures and get to the goal before the ogre does.  Great with problem solving and working together. 7. Pengaloo : Adorable solid wood penguins are hiding colored eggs.  When you roll the dice, you have to remember which colored eggs are under which penguin.  Bring them to your iceberg until you have enough to win.  But watch out, your penguins can get stolen.  8. Tongues Out : Squishy pugs have gotten into the candy shop so their tongues are different colors.  When you squeeze them, their colored tongues stick out.  Find the right colored tongues and remember which ones are which as you round up the cute, squeezable dogs. 9. Tap a Bello : Flip over cards to see if you can match their colors, numbers or symbols. When there’s a match, you have to tap your head and then ring the bell.  Great for teaching colors, numbers or symbols.  It’s also great for getting confused since you will want to ring the bell without touching your head. 10. Cake-n-Bake Challenge : I feared this game had been discontinued since I loved it so much.  Turns out, it was just being repackaged.  Flip over a card and then build your cake to match the colors and toppings pictured.  It’s a race to see who is first, but this is also a great toy when you’re not playing the game. 11. Concept JR : The simple and easy version of the Concept game lets you give clues by placing tokens on various clues on a large board.  It’s a cooperative game so everyone is trying to guess what animal or object fits the clues given. 12. Outfoxed : Possibly my most recommended game for young kids.  Determine which fox stole the pie and do it before the fox reaches the end. You do it by placing little token chips in a sliding device that reveals clues about the culprit fox.  The sliding device is brilliant and kids love the deduction. 13. Hoot Owl Hoot : Try to guide all your owls home to the nest before the sun comes up.  There’s strategy involved as you jump from color to color but don’t leave any owls behind or it will be too hard to get them to catch up.  This is a cooperative game where everyone works together. 14. Zingo : This is a child’s version of Bingo. A fun tile dispensing machine (the “Zinger”) slides to reveal two tiles.  Your “Zingo card” has images on it and you have to find tiles to match those on your card.  Fill your card and you win.  This could be a pre-school game. 15. Paco's Party : There are four guests and three birthday elements at Paco’s birthday party. But as you flip over a card, there will be something missing.  Spot the missing item and win the card.  If everything is there, you do a little Paco dance. 1. Mantis : Try to collect mantis by matching color sets.  You can either steal from your opponents’ tanks into your tank, or move them from your tank to your point pile.  You’ll have to guess what color it is, but the back side of the card tells you three possible answers.  Use some deduction and some luck to steal or get points. 2. Up Dog : Try to play your numbered and colored cards to achieve goals (i.e. all red, or lowest total) and move your dog on the path to the winning dog dish.  But if someone else achieves the same goal, then they cancel out. Use some strategy and prediction to know how to move your dog.   3. Deduckto : A modern fresh take on Clue. Try to guess the animal, location, and disguise on your mystery card.  Other players give you clues as you play cards to determine if there is anything in common with your mystery card.  This can play on different levels, and uses lots of deduction. 4. Tumball : A cluster of colored balls are suspended precariously from a central hook.  Each player carefully places their white balls on the suspended ones, hoping the weight won’t cause everything to fall.  Try to get rid of your balls, one by one, but if balls fall, you’ll have to get rid of those, too. 5. P for Pizza (kids) : Quick game to identify words in a category that start with a different letter.  Simple to play and quick to understand.  Teaches words and letters.  (For older groups, try P For Pizza regular version) 6. Concept : Help your team guess an object by giving clues.  Place tokens on a large board to show colors, locations, size or any number of clues that might help.  A great cooperative game that can get challenging. 7. Speed Colors : Look at a simple drawing of black outlines with parts that are colored in.  Then flip the card over and everyone quickly tries to remember their picture to replicate it using the same colors. Dry erase markers and fill-in-the-blank cards make it easy and fun. (You can even get to where you switch the colored tops to make it more confusing.) 8. Throw Fish : This is a new take on the old Go Fish game.  As you get sets, you build them into a tower in front of you. You can still ask a player for a specific card, but you can also use your turn to try to throw a card at an opponent’s tower to steal their cards.  (Throwing cards is harder than you think and the temptation could cause you could lose your turn.) 9. Qwixx : A fun “roll and write” game where everyone is playing at once.  Roll the dice and cross off numbers on your score sheet but you can only move forward and can’t go back to pick up missed numbers.  Each roll is critical and the pressure mounts in this fast paced dice game. 10. Piece of Cake : A fun “card” game where you’re trying to complete three full cakes using quarter-cake pieces.  You’re building while others are trying to foil your efforts. You’ll draw a cake piece and keep it or pass it on in a frantic race to complete the cakes.  Artwork is delicious for the cakes. 11. Overlap : This is a little “Tetris meets Uno.” You have a handful of cards which have various colored squares filled in.  You play your card on the discard pile and try NOT to match colored squares.  For every colored square that overlaps/matches, you have to draw another card.  Get rid of all your cards, and you win. 12. Cover Your Assets : A classic card game where you try to collect sets of valuable assets.  As the sets get stolen, they keep growing in value.  You can only steal the top set on someone’s pile, so you try to build your pile and protect your assets in this cutthroat, fun game. 13. Bears and the Bees : Play your hexagon shaped cards as you build a giant honeycomb pattern.  Each side is a different color and you have to match at least two sides to get rid of a card.  Watch out for special cards like bears and flowers as you create a giant pattern of cards in your race to get rid of all yours. 14. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza : Flip over cards reciting “Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza” and if what you say, matches what is on the card, you have to slap the pile.  The last player to slap the pile has to take the stack of cards.  You win when you get rid of your cards. 1. Fun Facts : Great new cooperative game.  Everyone writes down a numerical answer to a question and then flips it over.  Can you put them in order without discussing it?  How long would it take you to spend $50K?  And then how does that fit with everyone else’s answers.     2. Just One : One of my favorite cooperative games. One person has to guess a mystery word.  So everyone writes down clues, but if you write the same clue as someone else, they cancel and the clues get tossed.  So you have to give a great clue, but not so obvious that someone else will give it. 3. So Clover : One of my favorite cooperative games. You place a series of random cards on your “clover board”.  It creates four pairs of words so you give a clue for each pair and then mix all the words up.  Can the rest of the group figure out which clues were for which words now that there are others in the mix? 4. Champions : Who would likely snore more?  Granny or Dracula?  In this game, you have to pit various random people against each other in bizarre hypothetical contests and predict who would win. You set it up in a “tournament bracket” to see how they fare against each other and then see how close you got to predicting the winner. 5. Cross Clues : Wonderful! Quick cooperative game where you have to work together to complete a grid of words.  There are four words along the top and four words on the side.  You pick a tile that tells you a location on the grid, i.e. A3.  Then you have to give a clue that combines the two words, and hope the group can place the tile in the right spot. It’s super informal and can be played as loosely as you want. 6. Hitster : A sure-fire instant favorite.  Download the Hitster app on your phone and connect to Spotify.  Then scan the QR code on a card and a song plays.  Can you remember when the song was released and then place it in order with the other song cards you have.  Get 10 cards in a sequence and your team wins. 7. Link City : Brand new cooperative game is already getting some buzz as the possible game of the year.  You are the mayor and 4 businesses want to open up in your city so, based on what is already in the town, you give them permission and place a token on the city map.  Now the rest of the group has to guess which token goes with which business.  Does a dog groomer belong by a park or baseball stadium? 8. Mishy Match : Your brain will hurt, and then it will get addicted.  Each card has a color written in the middle with four symbols in each corner.  You have to say the color that the word is written in (It could be the word “yellow” written in blue) and then identify the symbol in the corner that the written word tells you. You could say “Blue Rose” because it’s written in blue, but the yellow corner has a rose. 9. Bird Call : This is Happy Salmon on steroids.  You have three cards in your hand with birds on them.  You have to find another person with a match to one of your cards.   You can only do that by making the bird sound.  Match the card and put it in your point pile and draw another.  It’s chaos and very loud. 10. Sixem : Tenzi and Bingo had a baby and this is it.  Roll your dice and get 1-6.  Then fill in the spots on your card, just like a Bingo card.  It’s the most fun Bingo game ever since it adds an element of speed, and some strategy when you get to erase your opponents’ spaces.   11. Dumb Questions to Ask your Friends : Everyone answers a question and one person has to figure out what the question is everyone was answering.  They can pick from five questions, but can only see them one at a time and have to lock in their guess before they can move on to another question.  It’s funny and engaging for a group. 12. P for Pizza : Name words in various categories that start with different letters.  The twist is that as people progress, they’ll be trying for different letters and categories which makes for some added chaos. 13. Super Mega Lucky Box : I hate the name, but I love the game. You turn over random cards to reveal numbers that let you check off spaces on your mini “bingo-type” card. You’ll have three cards you’re working on at the same time and trying to earn other tokens.  Another bonus is that you can have up to 6 people playing.  14. Anarchy Pancakes : It takes quick reactions to win this game where you have to find strange toppings on someone else’s card that matches your card.  It’s like a group version of Spot It with a little extra zaniness. 15. Without Fail : This is particularly good for a group game with a youth group or party environment.  You’ll have to accomplish various tasks, but you have to bet how well you’ll do at it without actually knowing the task.  And you’ll be paired with the person who set the bar the highest while everyone else now roots against you. 16. Kazoo That Tune : There are two versions of this game: Regular and Festive (for the holidays).  You don’t have to have musical talents.  Just know how to make music on a kazoo. It’s the musical version of charades where people will be laughing at the efforts. 17. Wavelength : his is a brilliant, innovative game where teams are trying to read each other’s mind. You have to guess where a bullseye is on a spectrum. One person gives a clue about some specific item. You get a topic, like hot to cold, and then you give a clue such as “soup” and the teams have to decide where that falls on the scale, each trying to get close to the specific pinpoint. 18. Wilmot's Warehouse : This is the ultimate cooperative memory game.  You’ll place tiles with abstract designs face down on a board one by one.  But you’ll have to come up with a story as to how all the tiles connect in a cohesive way.  Once you place 35 tiles face down, you have 5 minutes to remember where each tile is.  If you know your story, it’s a cinch. 19. Don't Get Caught : This is a very unusual game. You would play this while other things are going on.  It could be during a dinner or party or any social gathering.  Each person is assigned a series of secret tasks they have to get other people to do without suspecting anything. The first person to get others to do their tasks wins the game.      20. You Can't Say Umm : Laughing is guaranteed.  Winning…not so much.  You have to describe various words to your team and have them guess, but you can’t ever say “umm” or other filler words.  Toss in some other random rules to remember and it’s brain overload. Umms are guaranteed.  21. Block Party : This is Pictionary with colored blocks.  Everyone scrambles to grab little colored blocks to build a specific picture.  Will the guesser know you created a stoplight or a pencil?  And with other people scrambling to grab the colored blocks, who knows what you’ll be left with. 22. Slingz : Get rid of your cards to win.  Each card has a letter and you have to think of an answer with that letter that fits the category.  But the category is changing every three words, so it’s a super fast-paced game guaranteed to frustrate you if you’re a second too late. 23. Think Fast (Disney or OG) : Split into two teams.  The moderator reads clues to let you guess as many words as you can in a set time.  Each team does that.  Then on round two, the 15 words are the exact same, so you know all the answers, but the clues get harder.  Round 3 is even more challenging in a free-for-all.  (Of all the games I have, I chose to play this on my birthday.) 24. Linkee : The moderator reveals clues about four different words.  Don’t say the words out loud.  Just remember them because the winner is the person who can figure out how the four words are linked.  Are they all wizards?  Are they all ingredients in a pie?  Are they all parts of a bike? 25. Hues and Clues : Picture a giant color swatch board. You have to give a one word clue to get everyone to figure out exactly which color is the right one. Periwinkle, huckleberry, Barney, plum could all be your clue, but will other players know where to put their marker? 26. Happy Salmon : Few games get people up and moving like Happy Salmon. Flip your cards over and find someone who has the same card, complete the action described and go to the next card. My stomach hurts every time I play (short bursts of shouting). 27. Herd Mentality : It doesn’t matter what the “right” answer is to a question, it just matters what is the most popular. Name a farm animal. What’s your favorite finger? You have to match the “herd” to get a point. 28. Cobra Paw : One of the best “ice breaker” games to just get people drawn in quickly. There are a series of tiles with two icons on each. When you roll the two “icon dice”, race to be the first to snatch the tile that matches. 29. Think n Sync : The goal of this game is to think alike with your partner. Pick a partner and then, at the same time, shout out an answer to the chosen category. Can you both name the same cereal? This is a teen game! 30. Code Names : Does anyone NOT have this game already? Two teams racing against each other to identify random word cards on a grid. Give clues that connect multiple words so you can find your team’s words first.

Mel here! Dress Ups and makeup are a staple over here at our house. I love finding unique dress ups for my kids that can be used for both play and everyday! I also am a big believer in clean makeup for kids. Lots of makeup options for kids are full of unsafe ingredients so I've linked some of my favorites below. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Little Adventures Dress Ups : Your all-in-one costume shop has arrived! Little Adventures has dress ups for kids, adults, and even dolls! Halloween, play dates, tea parties, and superhero missions are all covered. These costumes are super affordable and offer both general themed and specific character costumes. If you need a last minute Halloween costume, they offer two-day shipping with Amazon Prime.  2. Silicone Hair/Makeup Kit: My 6 year old started showing interest in makeup when she was way too young to be wearing it, so I knew I had to find a realistic and safe pretend makeup kit asap. I love the Marlow & Co silicone hair and makeup kit because it comes with all the essentials and a travel bag to store it all! The neutral colors are so classy and the silicon has been durable to make it to my second daughter to play with! She is just figuring out how to do makeovers on her dolls! 3. Disney Dresses Handmade:  There is something so special about wearing something handmade- you know that proper care, attention, and joy went into it. That kind of novelty item can be found on a little Etsy shop called Treasuresspace ! If you have a Disney trip or other dress-up occasion coming up, consider patronizing a small business and getting something so special for your child in return! The dresses are so affordable for the quality you get, and worth every penny!  4. Klee Kids Makeup : Once my daughter was old enough to start experimenting with makeup, I wanted to be sure that I was getting safe products for her gentle skin. I love that Klee Kids makes all their makeup with no talc, parabens, or animal testing, and the colors are subtle and age-appropriate. She started wearing a little makeup for her dance recitals and she personally loves how yummy the pink lemonade shimmer tastes! All the ingredients can be found before you even add it to the cart, for total transparency and peace of mind.  5. Super Smalls Shoes and Jewelry : Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and that especially holds true for little girls, in my experience. When my 6 year old had a big birthday coming up, I wanted her to feel extra sparkly and beautiful. The Playtime Dreams Gift Set was exactly what I was looking for, with fun shiny heels, two rings, a necklace, and two sets of earrings. She wore those accessories every day for weeks. It didn’t matter where we were going, the glitter followed! 6. Walmart Toddler Girl Disney Dresses : Your girls don’t need to always be drowning in tulle to feel like a princess. I stumbled upon Walmart’s Disney dresses, and knew how my girls could always feel dressed up for a fraction of the cost of a full-on costume. These dresses give my 6 year old the best of both worlds, where she gets to feel like the classic Disney princess, but in a more subtle way. She feels perfectly comfortable wearing her Encanto dress to school on an average day, feeling both casual and dressed up! 7. Sarah’s Silks Dress Ups Collection : If we thought our playroom was shrouded in enough silk already, we weren’t ready for what Sarah’s Silks was about to send our way. Their silk dress ups bring even more life to the silk play world. Skirts, hats, and capes are just a fraction of what they offer in the costume department, and the color options are all stunning. We had to get the fairy wings the moment we saw them, and my daughters would wear them night and day if I’d let them.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 8. Dress Ups: Fireman   Police Officer   Veterinarian : I found the best hack for getting my kids realistic costumes that didn’t break the bank, and of course it was Melissa & Doug. These costumes come with functional accessories that transport your little one into the world of a first responder, veterinarian, or line cook! They pair well with many of Melissa & Doug’s pretend toys, giving kids the ultimate pretend experience.  9. Sweet Wink Capes and Accessories : I am one of those moms that loves to dress for the occasion, and that goes for my kids as well. I was so excited to find Sweet Wink, a female-ran business that designs head-to-toe outfits for many different occasions and themes. They offer themed outfits to be worn more on a day-to-day basis, as well as costume accessories like capes and wands. They are a great option for birthday parties, pregnancy announcements, and special seasonal wear! Code: 25TTS to save at checkout 10. W ooden Vanity Makeup Set : I am so excited for my toddler to be approaching the age of enjoying her own little vanity! She is drawn to girly things and this wooden vanity and makeup kit is nothing short of all-girl. Everything is made out of wood so I know she will be safe playing with it, and I love that the vanity has a drawer to store the goods when she is done! I can’t wait to do our makeup together in the mornings.  11. Le Toy Van Cosmetic Set: Introduce your kiddos to the art of vintage cosmetics with the Le Toy Van Cosmetic Set! The wooden pieces are all painted and designed to look like old-fashioned makeup, and come with an adorable canvas drawstring bag. My favorite pieces in the set are the powder applicator and vintage perfume bottle! It reminds me of the days I wanted to be french, fancy, and famous! My 6 year old is obsessed.

Mel here! I have tested my share of dolls and have picked out my favorites to share with you. Not only did I want to recommend my favorite dolls for every stage of your kids lives, but my favorite doll accessories as well. Enjoy! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Binky & Bottle Set:  I remember when I was a kid being absolutely mesmerized by bottles that magically drained its contents when tipped upside down. That excitement lives on in my kids, so I am so glad that they still make them! My four year old will line up all of her dolls and give them each their own juice or milk bottle during “feeding time”, and she even gets excited to put the bottles away in their carrying case. 2. Miniland Baby Doll : I highly recommend a Miniland Baby Doll for any child that wants more than just a doll. It is an incredible educational tool, not only because the dolls are anatomically correct, but because Miniland offers a diverse selection of dolls, from skin color to facial features and abilities. They are famous for their Colorful Edition line, where babies with Vitiligo and Down Syndrome are represented.  3. Dinkum Dolls:   This doll is for the collectors! Dinkum Dolls are so unique in design and their ability to stand on their own adds a whole other layer to imaginative play. They also sell the cutest outfits that you can collect to dress your dolls in all kinds of ways! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS for 15% off at checkout. 4. Wellie Wisher Doll: This American Girl doll will make any little girl feel like a princess! My 4 year old still dances with her around the house, twirling her glittery skirt and rejecting all the doll-suitors that come her way. I think my daughter asks me every day for matching boots! 5. Baby changing set: When I was pregnat with my third, I really wanted my girls to feel prepared for and involved in taking care of their little brother. I was so excited to introduce them and their dolls to the Mine to Love Changing and Bathtime set! They love bathtime so I knew they would waste zero time in giving their dolls a bath. It comes with absolutely everything a proper bath requires and I love to watch them swaddler their dolls in the classic hooded towel! 6. Baby Doll Stroller:  Every doll needs a mode of transportation, and my kiddos adore pushing their dolls around in the My First Baby Doll Stroller. There are multiple colors to choose from but my personal favorite is the florals! The vintage look is just too cute and girly. What my girls really love about this stroller is the storage basket where they can put all of the doll’s necessities!  7. CLiCQUES : Mix and match different wood body parts and clothing with the CLiCQUES dolls from Sarah’s Silks! There are both a boy and girl set, each coming with 6 dolls of various skin tones, hair colors, and each outfit is a color of the rainbow! The pieces are all magnetic, so switching up the dolls’ appearance is too fun and easy. As always, the dolls are made with the highest quality materials and are a fantastic heirloom gift.  8. Mon Ami Doll:   Mon Ami Dolls stand out with their long, lean bodies, and beautifully crafted outfits. They aren’t just a doll- they are perfect for decorating a nursery or bringing beauty to a doll collection! My daughter’s favorite is her Princess Olivia doll with her gorgeous dress and long braid!  9. Townhouse Dollhouse: The Toy Doll Townhouse is stunning and highly effective. The minimalistic style leaves room for decoration and imagination for the kids. It was so easy to assemble and you can get additional furniture to fill it out and customize it to your kid’s liking!  10. Madame Alexander Soft Baby :  The Madame Alexander Soft Baby is my go-to babydoll for first birthday gifts! The cozy outfit the baby comes in is so soft and snuggly that babies instantly latch onto it. It’s also on the smaller end of baby dolls, making it the perfect size for little hands.  11. Wee Baby Stella :   Okay the Wee Baby Stella is such a sweet baby for littles to start out with! My 4 year old played with this doll all the time when she was younger, soothing the baby with her magnetic pacifier. The doll is so easy to carry around with how soft and squishy she is, and I was always at peace knowing ther were no chokeables to worry about.  12. Baby cradle :  Whenever I picture a baby cradle, my mind immediately jumps to Sophia’s Vintage Rocking cradle. The heart-shaped cutouts and pink polka dot sheets are to die for and my girls beg for each of their dolls to have their own! I love watching my four year old sing a lullaby to her dolls while putting them down in this cradle. It is also a great value for the quality you get. 13. Adventure Magnetic Dollouse: Encourage your kids to be their own architects with The Adventure Dollhouse! My six year old loves taking things apart to rebuild them so this dollhouse was the perfect choice for her. It is incredibly open-ended and the rooms can be arranged in all kinds of ways. The best part is that the rooms stick together with magnets so it is more secure and safe! 14. Movers stroller:   The Movers Traditional Doll Stroller checks all the boxes for someone who is looking for a durable, high quality, aesthetically gorgeous, and wooden stroller. This stroller will last generations with its thoughtful craft and simple design. There is no need to hide it from guests because it doubles as an adorable decoration for any kids room or nursery! 15. Baby Alive Doll:   This baby doll is not for the casual doll enthusiast. This doll is for the serious doll devotee! I recommend saving Baby Alive for children over the age of 3, when they can really enjoy feeding, changing, and taking care of the doll. My 6 year old thought it was so funny that the baby really peed and pooped and it actually helped prepare her for changing her little brother’s diapers! 16. Baby Boy Doll : We love Sarah Silks in our household, so we were so excited when we saw that they sell dolls, too! The Waldorf Leo Doll is meant for cuddling with its warm wool stuffing and soft cotton belly! I immediately got this for my son when I found out I was having a boy. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 17. Melissa & Doug High Chair: Your babies need high chairs, and so do your baby’s babies! My girls knew that if they couldn’t sit at the table as babies, neither could their dolls. The Melissa & Doug play high chair is small, sweet and compact! The tray is so easy to wipe clean when necessary, and my girls have the time of their lives taking turns putting all of their dolls in the high chair for lunch time.  18. Baby Feeding Set:   This LullaBaby Doll high chair and feeding set is a must. It is such a good value and great for teaching nurturing skills! The high chair is small enough to stay out of the way but perfectly sized for my girls to have fun with. They love pretending to feed their dolls (and themselves) with the realistic oatmeal! 19. Tiny Land Dollhouse:  If sleek modern is your vibe or aesthetic of your home, the Tiny Land Dollhouse will fit right in! Kids love seeing mini versions of things in their life and this dollhouse does just that. It comes fully furnished with a whopping 53 pieces including an adorable outdoor grill setup!  20. Lula Baby Twins:   Double the doll fun with the LullaBaby Twin Dolls! It was special teaching my 4 year old about twins and seeing how excited she got to learn that she could take care of two babies at once! Bedtime is her favorite part of the day, so she was so excited to feed both dolls at the same time and get them dressed in their adorable sleep sacks! 21. Doll Lovey: If you really want to get your own child or another’s something realy special, head over to Etsy and grab one of these handmade Doll Loveys. They exude sweetness and will bring peaceful comfort to your little one. My daughters love cuddling their Loveys every night and I love looking at the beautiful craftsmanship. 22. Mine to Love Bunk Bed: Whether your kids have twin dolls, multiple dolls, or stuffies, they all need a place to sleep! I would’ve killed to share a bunkbed with my sister growing up, but now I can offer that experience to my girls’ dolls! It is great for any doll or stuffie up to 18 inches long and comes with pillows and blankets, and even a ladder! 23. Mine to Love Twins: Introduce your kiddos to teaching self-soothing techniques with the Mine to Love twin dolls! Each doll comes with its own pacifier, but they can also suck their thumbs. My 4 year old will rock her twins while holding the pacifiers in their mouths, and then close their eyes for them once they are soothed. Now I wish she could do that with her little brother! 24. Custom American Girl Doll:   It is my personal opinion that every little girl needs to experience creating her own doll at some point in her childhood. American Girl Dolls provides this opportunity and it is so magical! My daughters and I had a blast picking a template and customizing the doll to perfection. I couldn’t wait to surprise them with their creations in real life.  25. Melissa & Doug Dollhouse: This dollhouse was the home of my dream as a little girl, with the purple roof, doors, pink shutters, and wooden porches! The light wood on the inside of the house is so cozy, and the stairs can be moved around to change the layout. One detail that makes a huge difference to our kids is that the doors are fully functional! 26. La Di Dolls : Say hello to the paper doll that isn’t paper! These dolls are handmade and have beautiful yarn hair. These toys will last you forever so don’t worry, you’ll be able to pass this favorite along. The dolls come with velcro already attached to make dressing them in their custom felt clothing a breeze. They come in sizes big and small and also come in a convenient carrying tote for on the go adventures. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 15% at checkout. 27. Wonder Wooden Heirloom Dollhouse : Some say dollhouses are in your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Just kidding, no one says that. But this dollhouse is definitely in your life for a lifetime, maybe even multiple lifetimes! This heirloom piece is handmade out of premium material and comes fully assembled! It has such a classic look that I use it as a bookshelf when my kiddos aren’t filing it with their dolls.

Mandy here! Charlie, my 9 year old, has loved building and blocks ever since he was little. I felt like this type of toy needed its own category for 2024. This guide is filled with the best building toys out there. Building and creating promotes imaginative play and problem-solving. Pro Tip: If you have been thinking about buying AirToobz, don't wait because it sold out last year. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. AirToobz : There aren’t many things cooler than seeing something fly through the air! AirToobz is such a fun STEM toy that teaches kids how air affects objects, and how you yourself can manipulate situations to create a desired effect! Kids hold the power to send the balls through whatever maze they create with the tubes, and the grand finale of balls escaping the tubes is always a thrill! All three of my kids will play with this toy together for hours on end. It sold out last year so don't wait on this one. 2. Lincoln Logs : An American classic has indeed stood the test of time: Lincoln Logs! They just celebrated their 100th anniversary, and I would be remiss if I did not include this toy in our guide. My grandpa built a real-life Lincoln Log home for himself, and so pulling this toy out always reminds me of him. The way the wood connects together is so satisfying, and the variety of log sizes encourages open-ended creativity and design. Follow instructions on how to make 3 specific builds, or go crazy with your own ideas! 3. MakeDo Construction Tools : Making cardboard houses, cars, and spaceships just got so much easier with this tool kit. I wish I had this in 6th grade when I had to build a cardboard castle! Cutting cardboard with scissors is a nightmare, and folding cardboard in a straight line is almost impossible, so the safe-saw and fold-roller are absolute game-changers. All tools are safe for kids of all ages to use, so I don’t worry about my 9 year old cutting himself.  4. Grimm's Flower Puzzle : Children have an inherent ability to create something incredible out of whatever is in front of them, and the Circle Flower Blocks are no exception. I love the uncommon shapes of the blocks, and so do kids! They love to challenge their brains as they find ways to stack and build the blocks no matter the shape. When my 7 year old is done playing, she gets so much satisfaction from putting the blocks back in the tray in a gorgeous mandala pattern. 5. Magna-Tiles : The Original Magna-Tiles 100 piece set is a staple for every household, in my opinion. The tiles are made out of the best non-toxic materials, and their signature criss-cross lattice keeps the pieces in tip-top shape for years. They are easy to clean and can be enjoyed by so many kids at once, so it makes for a great classroom toy as well. Magna-Tiles encourages teamwork and communication skills, while also developing creativity and bilateral coordination. Not a single day goes by that we aren’t pulling the Magna-Tiles out.  6. Plip Kit : We would do anything for an open-ended toy, and the Plip Kit fits the bill. There are literally millions of ways these silicon sticks and arches can be built, allowing kids complete freedom and creativity. I will sometimes steal a couple of pieces just to put them together and pull them apart as a fidget toy. The “pop!” sound is so satisfying when you separate them! 7. Large Wooden Gem Blocks : Your standard wooden blocks just got a glow up with the Double Gem Blocks. The colorful gems are sealed into the blocks, making the block sparkle and getting rid of any choking hazard. This intro set to Hello Sugarhouse is the perfect gift for an expecting mother or toddler! Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 8. Classic Lego : LEGO: A toy that truly needs no introduction. LEGO has built an empire in the toy world, crafting masterpiece collectables that skirt every Christmas tree year after year. But some people may not realize that they also offer an open-ended, classic set that is both affordable and perfect for the creative architect or LEGO novice. With almost 800 pieces representing the entire rainbow, kiddos can build whatever world they desire, and dip their toes into the LEGO world. 9. Rolling Play Table : Every parent with LEGO kids knows the pain of stepping on a LEGO. Ever since I got this play table for my 9 year old, my feet have been spared. Its is large enough to build many designs atop of, but small enough to store comfortably under a bed- roughly 3 ft by 1 ½ ft. It includes plenty of storage for your building bricks, and the wheels are removable! We had no idea how much we needed something like this until we had it.   10. Beblox : Beblox has perfected their 500 piece building set to maximize imagination and make that imagination a reality. The puzzle-like pieces come in 8 different colors, and a booklet with step-by-step instructions is included for kiddos who want to build something they can see! I love how many different builds it includes, so they don’t have to rely on their own creativity if they don’t want to. We’ve played with these as a whole family, setting a timer and seeing who can build the coolest thing in a short amount of time! 11. Rainbow Lucite Cubes : These rainbow lucite cubes are essential to your play room. They come in the best storage tray that doubles as a building base! This is by far one my favorite toys as a mom, because they are not only beautiful but so fun to stack! My toddler, when she was crawling,  thought it was the best thing ever to knock down the towers I built and clack the cubes together.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 12. Squaregles : The Squaregles magnetic tiles are unique in that they combine art and engineering. The set includes some paper-back tiles that can be colored to be whatever your kids imagine! My 7-year old loves to take charge of the artistic vision, while the 9-year old engineers the track, and my toddler gets to watch as the cars zip down! The magnets are strong, easily capable of withstanding the cars and heads rolling down the chutes and slides. 13. Tubelox : Tubelox is a dream gift for kids who are ready to make their big ideas a reality. They can graduate from stacking blocks and sticking magnets together, to building life-size functional structures! My 9 and 7-year olds have worked together with the help of the instruction manual to build a car, a fort, and a walker for their toddler sister, and I know more designs are on the docket! It is a toy meant to bring people together, and it sure has done that in our family.  14. Wooden Slats : Wooden slats are an unexpected, but happy addition to any block set! They are so colorful and thin, perfectly designed for colorful roads or bridges, towers, or even a chain reaction display. With all the chain reaction videos you see on social media, my 9 year old was enamoured with the idea and couldn’t wait to try it himself. Luckily we had these on hand, and it worked perfectly! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 15. Trestle Tracks : The Trestle Tracks have been one of my 7 year old’s favorite building toys because of its unique design. She gets sucked into the satisfying way they roll slowly, and can just watch it over and over for ages. This set is so easy to manipulate, whether you are following instructions or designing your own run. And there is something so comforting about the feel of the stainless steel balls! 16. Classic Duplo : People often associate LEGO with older kids, but toddlers can experience the wonderful world of LEGO themselves with the Classic Duplo set. It includes an array of colorful pieces carefully sized for small hands. They can build familiar objects like cars, trees, and houses, helping stimulate their minds and make both physical and mental connections. I have so much fun helping my toddler build from this set, teaching her about the world around her.  17. Acrylic and Wooden Blocks : We found a beautiful way to teach our littles different shapes and colors with the Acrylic Green Elephant sensory wooden blocks. This 24 piece set comes with six different shapes that can be stacked in endless ways, teaching basic geometry and balancing skills. The colorful acrylic centers add color and dimension to the blocks, making them exponentially more fun to play with! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 18. MagnetBlox : Everyone knows that blocks are so much more fun when they are magnetic! These large, upholstered MagnetBlox are designed for small hands ready to build. The magnets are powerful, making for sturdy designs that can withstand the power and clumsiness of toddlers. They can be stacked into towers to knock down, comfy seats, or even racetracks for cars. There are both cubes and triangular pieces, so the options are limitless. 19. Bristle Blocks : There are so many options out there for all ages when it comes to STEM toys, and this one is by far one of my favorites for littles. The bristles make for extremely easy building. All your child has to know is how to smush things together, and you can help with the rest! Older kids can get just as much out of it- my 7 and 9-year olds find relaxation in the simplicity in the construction. I will say that there are a few chokables in the set, so be aware of that when introducing toddlers to it. 20. Picasso Magnetic Tiles : Magnetic tiles have quickly shot to the “classic toy” category due to their versatility, sensory stimulation, and, of course, how fun they are to knock over. Toddlers and older kiddos alike get so much out of magnet tiles, that you will soon have a collection filling your closets. The Picasso Tiles 100 piece set is a great affordable toy for introducing geometry and architecture to your kids, and you will most definitely get a kick out of them as well! This should be a staple at every home! 21. Flower Builder : When I took my 7 year old to the botanical gardens, she lost herself in the fairytale of all the gorgeous flowers and butterflies. She immediately asked if we could create something like that in our own home, and I am so glad I found the Flower Builder. We had a blast creating our own little garden, learning about all different kinds of flowers and pretending to care for them with the watering can and shovel. It is a great preparatory toy for future gardeners. The best part is that it is reusable for endless garden creations. 22. Grimm's Sorting Tree and Rings : The Sorting Helper Tree (sold separately from the rings), is a colorful and sturdy way to store and sort your wooden building rings, teaching your little color recognition and fine motor skills. That isn’t all it is good for, though! It can be used to hold accessories like bracelets, scarves and hats, playsilks or hair ties. 23. RIWI Foam Blocks : Kids go crazy for big builds, and I mean BIG! The RIWI foam XXL building blocks are a favorite of my older kids and their friends. The blocks are all rectangular, and incredibly light. The kids will spend hours building, knocking down, and rebuilding walls, forts, and obstacle courses. The options are truly endless, especially because they are machine washable and can be used outside. 24. Gravitrax : My 9 year old has been in STEM heaven ever since we discovered the Gravitrax marble run! It is meant for older kids who are ready for more complex and interesting designs, like my son! He and my husband go crazy trying to build the coolest track, and they always come running to show me what they created. It comes with loop-d-loops, direction changers, and other obstacles that add such a fun dynamic to the run. 25. Stepped Pyramid : Let your little’s imagination go big and beyond with the Stepped Pyramid stained wood blocks! All 100 pieces come in a convenient tray for storage, and each block varies in length. They are larger than your standard cubes, making for bigger and better builds! The wood is stained with non-toxic colors that are vibrant and beautiful!  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 26. Castle : Your little princess needs a castle, and Green Elephant has the cutest castle block set out there. The 62 stained wooden set comes with arches, stairs and columns, giving a timeless and majestic feel. My kids love to incorporate these pieces into their block sets, creating a castle fit for her dolls big and small.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 27. Brain Flakes : Brain Flakes have a way about them that keeps you coming back for more. The way the flakes clip together itches that sensory part of your brain that is just so satisfying. The colors are striking and bright, and the pieces are perfect for small hands to work with. I plan on introducing Brain Flakes to my toddler when she is 3, and all three of my kids will be able to build together. 28. Drill Construction : Little builders want to feel like big builders, and introducing them to kid-friendly power tools makes their engineering dreams come true! The electric drill and screwdriver and functional but safe, and the base makes drilling simple and exciting. My 9 year old loved playing with this when he was 5 & 6, building all kinds of 3D creations. 29. 3-House Bundle : The 3-House Bundle is HelloSugarhoues’s bestseller, coming with three houses varying in shape and size. It is a beautiful decoration for a nursery or playroom, but is just as functional as it is aestheticlaly pleasing! My 7 year old still plays with her houses and the gems are some of her most prized possessions! She loves the way the light travels through the gems, making a spectacular shadow behind each house. You have to see it yourself to understand.  Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 30. Grimms Ammonite Puzzle : The Ammonite building set is great for all ages, starting with babies who are exploring colors and feeling different shapes and surfaces. The wave-like shape of each block is unique and interesting, even for kids as they get older and wish to stack them! When put together in the wooden frame, they make a beautiful spiral for proudly displaying around the house.  31. Clixo : Building and design is such an integral piece of childhood, so finding unique building sets has become somewhat of a hobby of mine. I love the Clixo magets because unlike many magnetic building sets, the pieces are all flexible and incredibly versatile. They are also the perfect travel toy because the entire set weighs less than one pound and stack up super easily.  32. Tegu Magnetic Blocks : Magnets and wood don’t typically go together, which is what makes this block set so special! Get the high-quality feel from the wood, and the sensory enjoyment from the magnets. It is a completely open-ended toy, and the various shapes of the blocks encourage limitless creativity! They come in multiple color options and are fun for all ages.  33. Loose Parts : At first glance, a parent may wonder what the benefit is to a toy named “loose parts”. But what you quickly come to find out is how versatile these small parts can be, and that they are one of the best sensory toys out there! Kids’ imaginations are not to be understated. I have seen this toy used in a dozen different ways since getting it, and my children do not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. The storage tray comes with a lid, helping contain the pieces and prevent losing them! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 34. Pyramid Blocks : Fisher-Price’s version of the colorful wooden block set is an affordable option for those who are excited to test out this style of toy but don’t want to invest too much into it. The blocks come in three different sizes, adding variety and potential to your toddler’s stacks! The play board helps keep the blocks all in one place, and is a great storage unit once play time is over. 35. Wooden Blocks : Hello Sugarhouse is a brand that we have supported from the early days of Toy Testing Sisters, and three years later we are still collecting their products. They are some of the highest quality blocks you can find on the market, and the complete set makes an incredible heirloom gift. They make fun toys and are beautiful to display, with the beautiful removable crystal blocks that give a look reminiscent of stained glass windows!  Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 36. Grimms Mandala Sun Puzzle : I love little more than when toys can double as art. My 7 year old is obsessed with collecting different mandala puzzles, and this one is extra special to her because of jewel centers of the pieces! The stained wood is bright and beautiful, bringing an air of majesty to your play room or bedroom. My daughter likes to use this particular set as the ballroom floor of her play castles for her dolls! 37. Wooden Rainbow : If you do not have a wooden rainbow in your toy room, click this link as fast as you have ever clicked and get one! This open-ended toy has limitless potential. The colors are bright and the way the pieces fit together is mesmerizing. They are great for practicing balancing and stacking skills, a pretty toy room centerpiece, and can become anything your kid imagines! They come up with way better ideas than I do.  Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS saves 10% 38. Marble Run : Marble runs are all great, but what about one you can build yourself? There’s no fear of growing bored with the toy, since your child can create a new and exciting run as often as they want. It teaches an elementary understanding of physics for your kids, even if they don’t realize it! I love how much unconscious learning can come from working with your hands, improving spatial intelligence and problem solving. 39. Acrylic Blocks : Blocks come in all shapes, sizes and colors these days, but some of the best we have seen are the Rainbow Blocks set. The colors are crystal clear, highly pigmented, and the corners are rounded for comfort and safety. This simple set is ideal for adding color to the blocks you already have, or for those dipping their toes into the world of Hello Sugarhouse.  Code: TOYTESTING10 saves 10% 40. Balancing Stones : Balance is a huge contributor to child development, engaging the brain and muscles to work in tandem. This is why we encourage small children to start stacking as soon as possible… but stacking blocks aren’t just for babies. Big kids have a more exciting challenge available to them in Stacking Stones! Every stone is a unique size and shape, like real rocks, with flat surfaces to aid in stacking. We have used these stones as a family activity, seeing who can stack the stones without being the one to knock the stack over! 41. Castle Set : My toddler is obsessed with her Fisher-Price wooden pink castle block set. The pastel colors are so age appropriate and fun, bringing her fairy tales to life. She just started enjoying smaller dolls, and this set is the perfect size for them. The variety of shapes in the set is so developmentally exciting and I love to teach her the names of each of them!  42. MegaBloks : The standard, go-to toddler building set has long been the MegaBloks set, and there is a reason for it! The shape and design of the blocks are catered specifically to little hands, and the bright colors are enticing to their growing minds. My toddler loves her MegaBloks set and comes back to it day after day to build sturdy, lightweight towers and castles. You have your choice between a standard rainbow or pastel set, but at its price point you might as well get one of each!

Our kids love all things Barbie, so we rounded up some fun favorites to help you get as many purchases checked off your list! Mel here! Growing up, my absolute favorite thing to do was play Barbies. I have so many memories of playing Barbies with my mom and friends. We love that Barbie has recently made such a big comeback! Let's Go Barbie. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Barbie RC Car : Finally, a Barbie car! All Barbie lovers know that your dolls need a dream car, and this one fits the bill. It’s remote controlled and can fit two barbies, one for each of my girls. It also comes with stickers for customization, so naturally the girls wasted no time in personalizing it! 2. Barbie Color Reveal Mermaid : There isn’t much better than combining Barbies and magic–our kids will attest to that. Watching the Barbie transform into her mystery look is such a fun experience for everyone, and it is repeatable! We love that the toy comes with everything you need besides warm water.  3. Barbie Mini Surprise : There are countless reasons to be obsessed with the Mini Barbieland Lipstick Tube. For one, it doubles as a realistic lipstick tube for my girls to carry in their purse as well as a stage for a mini Barbie! Just twist the top of the tube to reveal which Barbie is hiding underneath. We love to collect these inexpensive dolls to add to our Mini Barbie Dream House collection.  4. Marthah Stuart's Roadster : We call it Clementine's Porsche! To say she is obsessed is an understatement. The suggested age is 2-4, but it does come with a parent remote so small kids can enjoy too. It can run continsuly for about 1hr and has a 12V battery. Quality is excellent and the design is fabulous! Clementine likes to play with it inside too. She will drink her bottle and I put on the rock mode and it sways back and forth! Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 5. Dream House : This house takes the cake when it comes to dream houses. It isn’t just a house- it is basically a smart house! It’s almost as tall as my girls, with a working elevator to take the Barbies to all three levels. The kids are transported into Barbie world as their dolls fry eggs, make themselves some tea, and take a slide into the pool!  6. Barbie Boat : Okay I know I would’ve had this on every Christmas list growing up. I love the Barbie boat because it is big enough for multiple Barbies to party on, and comes with so many swimming accessories. My daughter loves the upper deck option for the Barbies to slide or jump off of. But be careful, your littles might be begging you to take them on a boating trip soon! 7. Barbie Play Pouch : So you could use a big bin to store all of your Barbie stuff...Or you could go with the way cuter, less bulky, Dreamhouse Play Pouch! It doubles as a play mat, so the kids can go from playing to walking away mess-free in one simple step. All they have to do is pull the strings together and the toys stay contained in the pouch! (You can also get it in different toy themes!)  8. E-Scooter : It's called the "Keep Up Boys" and we couldn't agree more! This scooter/moped has power! Caroline straps on her helmet and rides all over our neighborhood. She likes it better than her electric, standing scooter beause she feels more stable and in control while sitting. It's recommended for ages 4-8, but I think kids up to 10 will like too. It has a 12V battery and the usuage time is about 1.5-2hrs. Code: THETOYTESTINGSISTERS 9. Barbie Color Reveal Sparkle and Shine : Barbie made the perfect doll for kids that love surprises. The Barbie transforms in warm water, revealing a mystery color and aesthetic for the doll. It even comes with a mystery outfit and brush, with which you can change her hair color! Buy multiple and mix and match outfits! 10. Barbie Pool : Did you know that Barbies need a vacation too? Send your Barbies on a tropical getaway with the Barbie Pool and accessories, including a slide, towel, two drinks and drink holders! The pool is also a perfect addition to any dream house, making your Barbie land a little bigger. 11. Barbie Dream Besties : This Barbie is for all the aspiring makeup artists out there. The Malibu doll comes with beauty accessories like a mirror, blowdryer and lipstick, and her own phone! The pink strands that frame her face are too cute and my girls loved adding her to their Dream Besties collection. 12. Barbie Closet : It is no secret that Barbies have the cutest clothes in the doll world, and if your kids are anything like I was as a girl, they have way too many outfits and no storage. Inspire their organizational skills and fashion sense with the Barbie Closet! It comes with three outfits, complete with shoes and accessories, and foldable doors for easy storage. 13. Barbie Mini Dream House : My daughter is obsessed with mini figurines, so this Mini Dream House was a literal dream for her. A lot of people don’t have the space for some of these larger houses, and this mini one comes with just as much fun! It comes with a mini Barbie, an elevator, slide and pool, but the details are a surprise! 14. Pink Corvette : The ins and outs look as luxurious as its full-size Corvette counterpart, and the bluetooth capability is amazing. But our favorite feature is the remote control that can be used when kids want to chill or are too little to drive without some help.

Mel here! My girls are absolutely with all things art. They could create all day long if I let them. Mandy I put our heads together to finally come up with an art guide that is full of the best supplies, kits, and everything in between. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Nortier Board : We are honored to have a Toy Testing Sisters special bundle reserved for our TTS family only! This art bundle has everything your littles could need, including a double sided chalk/magnetic board, fruit felts, magnetic letters, cute animal erasers, and more! My girls are into playing school with their friends, and this set has provided them the perfect pretend space to let their imagination run wild! CODE: TTSBUNDLE gives $50 off 2. Doh Kits : It is so not fair that kids these days have the most creative toys available to them! We stumbled upon Happy Life Magic's doh kits on Etsy and we died at how cute they are. There are countless choices for every occasion: Halloween, birthday parties, girls’ nights, and world exploration! The doh literally comes to life in every kit, and I love watching my kids go wild with their creations. 3. Sticker WOW : It is like a stamp, but for stickers! The Sticker Wow Pen is such a fun way to place stickers, and there are so many different character pens to choose from. If your kids can’t get enough of stickers, they certainly need this activity booklet! I love how many stickers the pen can hold, so I am not continually needing to help my kids load their pens. Its simplicity makes it a great on-the-go toy! 4. Soft Core Colored Pencils : Every kid needs a standard set of colored pencils, and I feel like Amazon Basics did a great job with this one. The tin storage case keeps the pencils neat and organized, preventing breakage when they aren’t in use. I also feel like they don’t break as easily as some colored pencils, and the color selection is exactly what we were looking for! You also can't beat the price. These make great friend gifts. 5. Dot It : If I can find a way for my kiddos to draw without using markers or paint, I do it! The Dot It art activity is such a fun and developmentally creative way to color! Stickers are provided to fill in the blanks of the canvas, and kids can practice their fine motor skills by peeling and strategically placing their stickers. It is a mess-free way to keep my kids busy during church, waiting at the doctor’s office, or car rides! 6. Tivi Tray : Art is beautiful, and it can also get really messy. I try to minimize the mess as much as possible, and the Tivi Tray has been so helpful with that! Its silicone material is also heat and slip resistant, and the raised edges help to contain the art being crafted within! We’ve used them to make jewelry, paint, and for special glitter art. It has been a life saver for clean-up! I just throw it in the dish washer and it’s ready to go for the next project. 7. Fun Foil : If precision, shine, and professionalism is what your child wants to see in their art, then Fun Foil is exactly what they need! This new way of making art is magical, clean, and so fun. No worries about coloring outside of the lines or getting glitter everywhere, because the foil leaves a crisp edge and glittery surface with little work required from your kiddo.  8. Chalk Crayons : Wondersticks are a versatile, multi-surface chalk crayon, that my girls could not live without. They usually use them in the traditional way, on paper, but I have let them decorate our windows in the past with them for holidays! It comes right off of glass and windows, and is permanent on paper and wood products! This fall we even decorated pumpkins with them, which will definitely become a seasonal tradition. 9. Painting Set : I don’t know about you, but I swear every time my girls paint their brush cleaning cup spills at least once, and brushes roll off the table and get paint all over my floor. It’s no fun! This 4-in-1 painting set was the solution and has had me breathing easy every time the paint comes out. I love it enough for the brush holders and the built-in brush rinser, but the mixing tray and brush scrubber were the cherries on top.  10. Color by Number Puzzle: The Color by Number puzzle is the best of both worlds- puzzles and coloring. What kid doesn’t love both? The puzzle pieces are all white, but once the puzzle is put together, then the coloring can begin! One of my children loves to follow the instructions and color it the way it was intended, but my other child chooses to disregard the instructions and let her imagination run wild! Either way, they both have so much fun every time they do one of these.  11. Fingerprint Activity Book : Whether you are on the go or are trying to rid your space of messy, risky art projects, then you need Fingerprint Ink Painting. Your kiddo, especially if they are a little young to be handling markers or brushes, will be excastic when they see the magic at their fingertips… literally! All they need is their finger, and they can create art in the car, at a friend’s, or even in their bed! No mess, no stress, just clean, magical fun. 12. Scrubbies : Reusable art projects are such a good investment, especially when it’s affordable and clever! Crayola’s Scribble Scrubbies are so fun because when my 4 year old messes up or doesn’t like her pet creation, she can throw it in the bath, rinse out the ink, and try again! Even if she is happy with it, she often wants to try new designs anyway. She plays with her Scribble Scrubbies almost daily right now, and I am all for it. 13. Rainbow Scratch Offs : My childhood flashed before my eyes when I was introduced to the Rainbow Scratch Art Mini Notes. I had to get them because I knew they would be such a good toy to take on the road or to church because they are mess-free and so compact! I also used it to my advantage when I wanted quiet time in the house and encouraged my girls to pass rainbow notes to each other instead of talking. It worked like a charm! 14. Wall Art Frames : Parents are so proud of their kids’ art that we love to display it, but sometimes we end up making piles and piles of undisplayed art that we can’t throw away but don’t know what to do with. The Li’l Davinci Art Cabinet solves this problem by being both a frame and a storage container! Each frame can hold up to 50 sheets of paper, and the frames come in so many sizes! This is a must-by for parents whose kids make a lot of art.  15. Liquid Water Color: Once we discovered Colorations Liquid Watercolor Paint, we said goodbye to all our food coloring! We use it for egg and silk dyeing, but most of the time we use it to add color to water for sensory play! The paints are so vibrant, and since they are non-toxic, I feel safe letting my girls play with it. 16. Paint Sticks : Sometimes our youngins don’t have the patience or the attention span to get out all the paint supplies, paint, clean the brushes, and wait for their art to dry. My 4 year old is at that stage. I got her Ooly’s paint sticks because she wanted to paint, but she wanted to paint now. The tempera paint stick is so easy for littles to hold, and dries quickly so they don’t have to wait long before admiring their work! 17. Magic Light Brush : Okay the Magic Light Brush is the ultimate mess-free art toy, bar none. The technology is so cool that I still don’t quite understand it. All I know is that my girls dip the light-up brush into the “Wonder ink”, which is totally invisible, brush on the provided “Wonder Paper”, and paint appears! The brush lights up to whatever color you are going to paint with, so there is no confusion as to what you are about to see. It is pure magic, and our family is obsessed! 18. Sidewalk Chalk Activity Kit : Sidewalk chalk is a necessity for childhood, but sometimes kids need a little direction to help them maximize their sidewalk chalk potential! The Skillsmatics Activity Kit provides 18 pieces of colorful chalk and 15 activity cards that the whole family can enjoy. The activities are simple to understand and I personally love that it keeps us all outside together!  19. Hey Clay Kit : Sometimes guidance is needed to help a child build the perfect clay animal, and so I am obsessed with the Hey Clay animals kit! It comes with an interactive app that walks the builders step by step, helping my kids feel proud of their work. They can either leave the animals to dry and set within a day, or they can remold the clay into whatever they want! Both my girls are obsessed with animals so this was a solid win for them. 20. Washi Tape : If your kiddo is getting into journaling or scrapbooking, they will no doubt ask for some patterned tape. The Washi Tape set gets you so much tape for such a good value, and the patterns are to die for! They come in all different sizes for variability, and my favorite part is how it peels right off paper without damaging it. So you can re-adjust your tape as much as you want until you get it just right!  21. Gem Art: My 6 year old just started 1st grade this year, which meant we were all in for school supplies. She was so excited to pick out her folders and notebooks, and I could not resist the temptation to pick her up a Big Gem Diamond Painting set so that she could customize her new supplies. Her excitement was on a whole new level, and we had a blast gemming stickers together! She made every school supply her own, and it made sending her off to school a little less hard for me. 22. Dot Markers : Switching up how our kids color is so beneficial to their overall development, so I try to find new ways for them to express themselves often. The Do A Dot markes are a great way to introduce different styles of coloring, and my 4 year old prefers it to using traditional strokes. Overlapping circles can create texture to an art piece that you couldn’t get otherwise, and there’s something so satisfying about watching that perfect circle form every time! 23. Paint by Stickers : Some kids are paint kids, and some are sticker kids! The Paint by Sticker book is made with sticker kids in mind, while also taking into consideration their developmental needs. The book helps them work on their ability to follow instructions, promotes fine motor skills, and helps them learn how different shapes can make up a beautiful finished product! My 6 year old is a sticker kid and has a Paint by Sticker book in the car, ready to go, whenever we drive. 24. SmART Sketcher Projector : My 6 year old told me one day that she wanted to draw our dog as a gift for Father’s Day, but she wanted it to look accurate. I had just learned about the SmART Sketcher Projector and figured she was at the perfect age and ability to use it! It was the best decision. All we had to do was upload a picture of our dog into the app, and the projector was able to make a sketch for my daughter to trace! It came out so lifelike and professional-looking, and my husband totally cried when he saw it. 25. Magic Water Gel : I love nothing more than watching my kids’ eyes fill with wonder as they view the world through a magical lens. The Magic Water Elf Toy kits are really amazing to witness when put to work! My girls channel their creativity when designing their gel creatures in the various molds, and watching the liquid gel turn into solid in the water is pure magic. 26. Poke In Art : Any future fashion designers are going to swoon over the Poke-in-Art Magical Princess set. It is such a simple way to pretend like you are building a dress from scratch, with real fabric squares that you push into the holes around the skirt template, bringing it to life! It comes with 6 princesses, making it the perfect party activity. My girls have required at least one box each because it is just too fun to share.  27. Craft Mat : If you have a painter who wants to have access to many colors, this craft mat is a great option. This mat is made from silicone and is heat resisteant. It has a built-in brush cleaning cup and the cups are fully collapsable. Clean-up and storage is so easy. 28. Acrylic Paint Pens : These paint pens are for the young artist who is ready to up their game and dabble in the world of precision art! The tips are extra fine, so they are catered to people who want crisp, straight lines. They can be used for all kinds of projects on all kinds of surfaces, though! We have a cute rock collection in our neighborhood full of decorated rocks made by the community, so we used these pens to decorate some rocks and added them to the display!

Mel here! Your babies are growing up and they are entering that stage of wanting really expensive gifts or you have absolutely no idea what to even get them. We've come to the rescue with some really fun and unique suggestions to gift your teen this year. Shop All Holiday Guides 1. DIY Book Insert : Your teenage bookworm probably has a bookshelf, and they are probably always looking for ways to beautify and personalize it. This Rolife DIY Book Nook kit is a magical dollhouse-like insert to put in between your books, bringing your bookshelf to life. Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but the process of putting it together yourself is so satisfying and worth the effort. 2. Smart Dog Puzzle Game : If your kid is a dog person, SmartGames has designed a fun and creative brain game for traveling, sitting in waiting rooms, or for quiet, phone-free time. Simply set up the pieces to match the challenge in the challenge booklet, and arrange the pieces one at a time to create an obstacle course for the dog to go through! Get the whole family involved and make it a competition, that’s what we did! 3. Hogwarts Castle : The Hogwarts Castle LEGO set is no secret in the Wizarding World community. Snagging one of these collectible sets is a dream for so many Potterheads, and a very special gift for the one in your family. They will feel that they’ve apparated into Hogwarts as they build the castle, and their notalgia itch will be satisfied for the year! I know families who display it as an annual Halloween or Christmas decoration, but it definitely deserves to be on display. 4. Quilling for Beginners : Looking for a craft for your teen to get excited about? The Quilling Beginner’s Kit has everything they need to dip their toes in the world of quilling, or making art by shaping paper! They can customize greeting cards, create artwork, door hangers, or even magnets. The kit is truly made for beginners, will easy-to-follow instructions on top of all the tools included. 5. Fine Line Temp Tats : I remember when I was in high school it was all the rage to draw on yourself with Sharpie or pens, which was not the safest or cleanest decision. But kids love to self expression and often find it in body art. These temporary tattoos last 5-7 days and are so easy to apply in seconds! There are over 240 tattoos to choose from, from inspirational words to flowers, wildlife and other symbols. They are so fun to do together as a group at parties, or make great party favors as well! 6. Super Slide Brain Game : Invite your kid to focus and strengthen their problem solving and planning skills with the Super Slide brain teaser game! It is about the size of a handheld console, making it a great travel companion. It is designed for fidgeters, children who struggle with focusing, or anyone who loves brain games! There are over 500 puzzles, providing endless challenging fun. 7. Gib Gab : I know you played a version of this game when you were a kid, but probably with your hands rather than a machine. It is a must-play for your next family game night, or when your kids have friends over! Choose a category, and think of words within that category faster than your opponent. If the light reaches you before you can think of a word, you lose that round! The first one to three points wins, so it is a pretty fast game that everyone can enjoy. It is just as fun watching as it is playing! 8. Face Serum : Just Ingredients has blown up in recent years, and for good reason. Their commitment to clean consumption is one that is addictive, and we are so glad that they have ventured into the beauty world! Their face serum is clean, effective, and safe for all skin types, especially youthful skin! All the ingredients are organic and recognizable, and the list doesn’t go on for miles! You can have peace of mind knowing that the best of ingredients are being soaked up by your or your child’s skin. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 9. Jumbo Scrunchie : Whether you or your child has really thick hair or you love statement accessories, the Kaxi Jumbo Scrunchie needs to be in your regular rotation. These massive scrunchies are 5 times the size of your average scrunchie and come in 15 gorgeous colors! These make the perfect finishing touch on holiday gifts. 10. Speks Putty : Look no further for the most satisfying fidget toy on the market. These tiny magnets are incredibly fun to run between your fingers or stack on the desk. My kids will play with their Speks Fidget Putty while reading a book or watching a show, quieting their mind and helping them focus. With multiple color options, each person in the family got to pick their favorite color! 11. Cats and Boxes Smart Game : I found one of the best on-the-go brain games that involves no technology whatsoever. The object of the game is super simple: set up the pieces to match the challenge in the challenge booklet, and arrange the pieces one at a time to get every cat inside of a box! It is perfect for road trips, airplanes, or when your teen needs to get off their device. 12. Roller Skates : Do you have a roller skating enthusiast in your home, or an upcoming birthday that you need to plan? If my parents had gotten me these roller skates when I was younger, I would’ve been at the skating rink on a daily basis! They are good for indoor or outdoor use, and whoever wears them will be riding in style. The holographic material is gorgeous and certainly stands out, and they even have an option for light-up wheels! 13. Lap Loom : Have you ever been asked how rugs and tapestries were made back in the day before machines? I know I have wondered about it before, but Harrisville Designs have taken away all the mystery with the introduction of their Lap Loom kit! Create a 9x15 inch piece made of 100% wool through the ancient practice of weaving. You and your kids can learn the history of weaving with the booklet provided, and create something truly beautiful and fulfilling! 14. Volleyshot : Let your kid bring the fun to the lunchroom, greenroom, or game night with Fat Brain’s Volleyshot! This super simple table-top game challenges hand-eye coordination and cognition, and is a great way to compete with friends in a short amount of time. Make it a scoring competition, or see how long you can keep a volley going! 15. Gold Chain : Gold chains are all the rage across the board for men and women, and I was shocked when my husband expressed interest in getting one! I found this 18K gold plated, sterling silver chain for such a good deal by Miabella. This chain is made in Italy, by people who value quality craftsmanship. It comes in 7 length options, so you can make sure it’ll lie right where you want it. It is a great staple piece that adds a little shine to every outfit! 16. Face Scrub : You or a young one in your family may be in need of a face scrub, but I beg you (!!!) to not run to the grocery store and buy one of their abrasive, chemical-ridden scrubs that will do more harm than good. Just Ingredients has a safe, gentle face scrub that smells amazing and will not harm your or your kid’s skin. No parabens, endocrine disruptors, or irritants, just organic and real ingredients that you can trust. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 17. Detangling and Massage Brush : Everyone with long hair and within the sound of my written word needs to invest in the Glow Beauty detangling brush. Meant for wet hair, dry hair, thick or thin hair, the brush is for everyone. It seamlessly detangles my hair, even when I have been out in the wind all day, and I do not have to worry about it breaking or pulling my hair. Unique to this brush is an intentional drainage hole to prevent water damage, water retention, or bacteria buildup. 18. Face Socks : Remind your loved one how much they love you with custom Face Socks from Etsy! These custom socks are the perfect silly gift for Mother’s or Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, groomsmen or even school dances. They can fit almost any occasion, are affordable, and will easily bring a laugh to the recipient. You can put up to 5 different faces on the socks, so creativity has no bounds! 19. Thinking Putty : Sometimes you just need something squishy, stretchy, and bouncy to play with while you read, do homework, or listen to your favorite podcast. Not only is Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is a sensory dream, and so fun to play with, but it is also made out of a gorgeous color-changing silicone that never dries out. It is an incredible fidget toy for all ages over 3. 20. Mixhers HerTime : I cannot praise Mixhers enough, with their devotion to women’s health and the making of tasty drinks. HerTime is one of their most genius creations. It was thoughtfully crafted with female hormones in mind, helping to ease menstrual cramps, mood swings, and bloating. It also supports normal cycles all month long, regulating hormones when taken regularly. I have my HerTime every single day and I have felt a major difference in my cycles. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 21. Super Flying Disk : I found the ultimate outdoor toy that is easy to travel with, lightweight, and loads of fun. The Star Magic Beamo Woosh frisbee flying disk is 20 inches in diameter, making it larger than a standard frisbee, and so easy to catch. It is great for the beach, pool, & park, improving hand-eye coordination in all who play with it! Watch it glide up to 100 feet and catch it without any fear of getting hurt. 22. Boomabandz : Do teenagers still do outdoor game nights? If they do, or if you have room in your home or backyard, you need a BoomaBand! This massive band provides a thrilling, physical activity for youth and adults! Bring it to your next picnic, 4th of July party or family game night. Simply wrap the band around four people, and get an unexpected giggly workout as you all take turns running to the other side of the band. It is breathtakingly fun and exciting! 23. Tech Deck : Finger boards, or mini skateboards for your fingers, are not only a great fidget toy, but are meant for collecting and trading with friends! This exclusive Olympic Games 2024 8 pack includes mini versions of Olympians’ boards, and they each come with trading cards and stands for the boards! Your skater boys and their friends can bond over this fun hobby and learn finger tricks along the way! 24. GRWM Towel Headband : Kaxi designed the cutest and functional headband there is! Get your hair out of your face with a gorgeous, soft, microfiber headband that prevents creasing. I use mine every single day when I get ready, and so do all my beauty influencer friends! If you have a content creator in your house or they just like feeling pretty when they are getting ready, this is a must-have for your day-to-day! 25. Bow Earrings Pack : 2024 is the year of the bows, and if you haven’t got on the train yet, it is never too late! This 12-pack of gold plated bow earrings are an incredible value and come with all kinds of styles and sizes of bows: long and skinny, short and squat, sparkly and flat. They are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, and are hard to tarnish, helping them last longer! 26. Mixhers Focus : Replace your sugary caffeinated drink with something made of clean ingredients that is just as yummy! Mixhers Focus is designed to help you focus while also aiding in stress relief and supporting brain function. When I take this regularly, I feel a boost in my energy and a restored vigor so I can do everything I need to do as a busy mom of 3. Mixhers is a woman-owned, woman-owned brand that we have proudly partnered with for years and recommend them to everyone we know! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 27. Wolf Em Stick : Roasting over the campfire is not limited to marshmallows and hot dogs. In fact, some people don’t even care for these campfire staples! I introduce to you the Wolf’em Stick. The creators of Wolf’em discovered a way to roast biscuit dough over the fire, creating a crunchy bowl to be filled with whatever sweet or savory treat you want! My favorite feature is the easy-turn wooden handle, making it so easy to cook my food evenly. 28. Harry Potter Puzzle : I would honestly be shocked if the Harry Potter fan in your household didn’t already have a Harry Potter puzzle, but whether they do or not, this puzzle is a must! It is for advanced puzzlers, with 3000 pieces. It is 32x45 in when completed, and totally captures the beauty of the Hogwards Castle. Do it as a family in one day, or make it more of a long-term project for one! Either way, it will bring some magic into your home. 29. On the Go Blanket : Beddy’s On-The-Go blanket is a necessity for travelers. It is double-sided, with a plush minky side for extra cold conditions and a lighter-weight side for when you just want the comfort of a nice blanket. It comes with a water-resistant carrying case for ease of travel, and I promise it will become your best traveling buddy the moment you use it for the first time! We love ours and have it in the car with us at all times. Code: TOYTESTING will save you at checkout. 30. Crystal Chakra Balls : We recently watched Inside Out 2 as a family and fell in love with the emotion characters all over again! When I found these crystal light-up chakra balls, I was so excited because they reminded me of the panel of emotions depicted in the movie! The seven colors are each so beautiful and vibrant, and when lit up become the most beautiful night light anyone could ask for! They add vibrance to whatever room they are in, and can be used as an emotional support item as well. 31. Get Out Pass : If you are a Utah local and have not tried a Get Out Pass yet, I am so sorry but you are really missing out! My husband I got the Get Out Pass in our first year of marriage when we wanted to explore what Utah has to offer and see what we enjoy doing together! It could not have been a better purchase. With each pass you get 1 visit at Lagoon, ski resorts, water parks, sports games, golf courses, trampoline parks, and way way more. The deal is truly unbeatable, and will get you and your family out of the monotonous routines and into the fun that Utah has to offer! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 32. Needoh Gum Drop : Stress balls can be retro, too! The Needoh Gumdrop brings a bright and nostalgic feel to stress balls, with its bright colors and classic Gumdrop candy-shape. It bounces back to its original shape every time it is squeezed, and the texture is so nice to feel in your hands. If your child needs to destress or simply requires a fidget toy, this affordable ball can do the trick! 33. Permanent Jewelry : Commemorate a relationship with permanent jewelry from Bonded Bracelets! We were introduced to Bonded a few years back, and immediately got ourselves matching bracelets. It was the best bonding activity for us to go to together, and the quality of the jewelry is the best of the best. We recommend going for a girl’s night, birthday parties, or hiring them for a private party! It is an act of permanence that will complete any outfit, and one you will never regret!

Mel here! This is my favorite age to shop for because it really is so much fun! Kids are past the toddler stage of life and really leaning into their interests. I also feel like this age is so easy to please. They simply love to play! We had no problem coming up with our largest guide this season! Shop All Holiday Guides 1. Stapelstein Grow : Staplestein just got bigger and better! The Grow Elements are twice the size of the original. I was actually shocked when I unboxed them! They are meant for the whole family to enjoy, inside or out! Our inaugural activity was using them for the floor is lava in our backyard, and it was a blast! We brought out the originals and the minis, and made the most colorful obstacle course I’ve ever seen. Ideas are endless with this staple toy, but some favorite ways my kids use them are drums, seat spinners, stepping stones, and magnetic tiles storage! 2. Light Table : This educational Light Box Playset is a dream for your kiddos who are learning their geometry, colors, and who want to shine some light on their education! My 7 year old is obsessed with changing out the light hues depending on what kind of scene she wants to create. The transparency sheets help guide her to match the colorful shapes to what's on the picture, and if she is running low on ideas, the play guide helps her think of new and exciting sensory activities to do! 3. Marble Tree : Imagine the most satisfying “plink” sound paired with the mesmerizing visual of a marble spiraling down a wooden tower. Are you sold? How about I tell you that the tower is made of beautiful rainbow colored wood leaves to resemble a floral aesthetic to brighten and beautify your playroom? Now I gotcha. This relaxing toy can put your kids into a peaceful trance after a long day of play, or they can take advantage of its open-ended nature to use it in all kinds of ways! Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 4. Nail Kit : We take nail care very seriously in this household. Getting my nails done is part of my self-care routine, and my 7 year old is following in my footsteps. I wanted her to feel like mommy while still being a kid, so I got her the HappyChoi Nail Arts Kit so she could get her own nails done whenever she wants! Sometimes I help her, but more often than not she is inviting friends over to do it all together. The kit comes with 3 different nail polishes, a nail dryer, and glitter/sticker accessories to add glam to the nails. 5. InfiniBook : We were introduced recently to the Infinibook Family books, and all I can say is WOW. Kids love to read the same books over and over, but sometimes we parents need a break. The Infinibook Family comes with 3 interactive smart books, with a pre-recorded narration that allows you to take a seat and just enjoy the story with your little. But my favorite feature is the ability to record yourself reading the book, or use the app to record a loved one from afar reading the book! Your kids will love hearing their favorite books read by their favorite people at any time. 6. Sword : The bar for foam swords has been dramatically raised! Formidable Toys makes one of the most durable and realistic-looking sword for imaginary play. Their mix-and-match system is perfect for future swordsmiths who want to employ their creativity to craft the sword of their dreams. My 9 year old has already begun quite the sword collection. Get a unique sword for each member of the family and battle it out! 7. Noriter Board : We are honored to have a Toy Testing Sisters special bundle reserved for our TTS family only! This art bundle has everything your littles could need, including a double sided chalk/magnetic board, fruit felts, magnetic letters, cute animal erasers, and more! My 7 year old is into pretend playing school with her friends and toddler sister, and this set has provided them the perfect pretend learning and creative space to let their imagination run wild! Code: TTSBUNDLE gives $50 off the bundle linked. 8. Doh Kit : It is so not fair that kids these days have the most creative toys available to them! We stumbled upon Happy Life Magic’s doh kits on Etsy and we died at how cute they are. There are countless choices for every occasion: Halloween, birthday parties, girls’ nights, and world exploration! The doh literally comes to life in every kit, and I love watching my kids go wild with their creations.  9. World Map Puzzle : I have seen far too many videos of people having no knowledge of geography of their own country, let alone the world, and I intend to put an end to that one World Map Puzzle at a time. Your kids can learn about and, hopefully, find a fascination for different countries around the world with this incredible puzzle. It isn’t just a puzzle, it is a full on educational experience, with 100 country cards that include fun facts about each place! 10. Pop Style Bracelet Maker : There is something about making jewelry that just screams GIRL. My 7 year old is at that age where making jewelry is everything right now, and finding new ways to make it is such a joy for her! This PopStyle Bracelet Maker uses a unique way to craft bracelets, by simply “popping” on square beads onto the bands. It is the perfect introduction to jewelry-making for smaller hands due to its ease and simplicity. It is also so easy to remake the bracelets, changing the look to match whatever you are wearing that day! 11. CLiCQUES Dolls :  Mix and match different wood body parts and clothing with the CLiCQUES dolls from Sarah’s Silks! There are both a boy and girl set, each coming with 6 dolls of various skin tones, hair colors, and each outfit is a color of the rainbow! The pieces are all magnetic, so switching up the dolls’ appearance is too fun and easy. As always, the dolls are made with the highest quality materials and are a fantastic heirloom gift. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you at checkout. 12. Schleich Figurines : Farm animals are so interesting to our small kids, and our older kids want their animal figurines to look as realistic as possible. I love the Schleich animal figurines because they are so incredibly detailed and sturdy, perfect for animal lovers who have outgrown more cartoonish animals. My 7 year old frequently uses them in her pretend play and is demanding more! 13. Train Set : The train set of your child’s dream is here and ready to be explored! This 87 piece Brio World Deluxe Railway Set is a highly interactive set that gives a glimpse into real world travel. It includes multiple types of trains, a metro and harbor scene, stations, cranes, bridges and people! It is compatible with any other Brio set, so the creative options are endless as your kids set it up around the Christmas tree this year! 14. TinkerTar Guitar : Introducing music to kids early is so important and valuable to their development! The TinkerTar Guitar is an incredible way to do that. This flashy guitar has only one string and different colors on the neck, making learning music simple, but effective. It comes with a guide book of 12 songs for your child to learn,  and replacement strings in case one breaks! Your little musician will have such a blast strumming their guitar, that they’ll be asking for a real guitar in no time. 15. Magic Gel : I love nothing more than watching my kids’ eyes fill with wonder as they view the world through a magical lens. The Magic Water Elf Toy kits are really amazing to witness when put to work! My kids channel their creativity when designing their gel creatures in the various molds, and watching the liquid gel turn into solid in the water is pure magic. They bring their creations with them to bath time, the pool, and to school as little gifts for their friends. 16. Sink n’ Sand : Farewell, Jenga! A new “don’t fall!” game is in town, and it is a hit. Sink n’ Sand is a thrilling game for kids, combining chance and strategy to be the last man standing. The kinetic sand is so fun for kids to play with inside and easy to clean up afterwards, and it adds so much to the thrill of the game! It is such a simple game to learn and your kids or the whole family will be playing all day long. 17. Gem Sorting Board : Quiet time is shiny, glittery, and organized now that you’ve introduced the Dinosaur Sensory Board to the mix! This high-quality wood dinosaur is double sided, with a different pattern on either side. A bag of colorful gems comes with the dinosaur, ready to be sorted and displayed on the board. Your child will feel calm while enjoying the tactile and soothing experience of sorting the gems in various ways on the board. 18. Felt Sling Shot : Help cultivate your child’s hand-eye coordination with this high-quality, handmade slingshot! The 20 balls that come with the slingshot are made out of 100% sheep wool , so they are soft and harmless if one accidentally hits you. The wood is individually cut and treated with safe, non-toxic substances! You and your child will have a blast making soda cans or bottle targets in the backyard, for them to practice their aim on their own or to compete as a family! 19. Lucite Cubes : I got this toy selfishly when my now-toddler had a birthday because I knew she was a little young to play with it, but I wanted it for myself! I thought the cubes were so gorgeous, beautifully reflecting the sun, and they were so fun to stack. These cubes are fun for all ages, though, whether they are stacking them, shooting them across the hardwood floor towards a target, or turning them into a pretty window-sill art . The cubes come inside of a sturdy wooden tray for convenient storage when your kids are done. Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 20. Magnetic Movers Set : If your child is showing any STEM curiosity, the Magnet Movers toy is a great introduction to the world of science for them. An activity guide is there to help walk them through 10 different experiments where they can observe magnets in action, teaching them in a fun way. If they aren’t interested in the experiments, they can use their own imagination to learn how magnets work- you’ll be impressed by what they discover! 21. Sticki Rolls Jewelry : Friendship bracelets just got a rebrand! I never thought I would see the collaboration of stickers and jewelry in the way that Sticki Rolls has accomplished with the Sticki Station, but here we are! After your child has made a beautiful beaded bracelet, they can put a sticker roll on their bracelet, which they can pull stickers out of to give to their friends, or decorate their water bottle or school supplies! It is such a clever way to encourage social interaction and creativity. 22. Fat Brain Cleaning Kit : Does your kid follow you around the house while you clean? Put them to work with the Pretendables Cleaning Set by Fat Brain Toys. This child-size cleaning set includes a functional duster, a spray bottle, dust pan, and more! Your kids can pretend to clean, or they can actually clean- either way, they will learn critical skills in the process. The tools all come in a storage caddy to keep them all in one place! 23. Holo Brite Pixie Lantern : The Holobrite Pixie Lantern is the hottest toy of the season, and I will tell you why. It is designed so well, to encourage child interaction with over 200 ways to play. There are two main ways to interact with the pixie: virtually or in person! Unlock the lantern with a key, and interact with an adorable pixie displayed by holographic technology! She tells the user about her world, dances, makes herself snacks, and plays! As your child plays with her, “Friendship Magic” grows until it reaches a point that she is able to manifest in the real world.  24. Pirate Ship :  PlayMobil has created an incredible toy for the waters or dry land toy. This realistic pirate ship really floats, and has over 130 pieces for interactive pretend play. Your child will feel like a real pirate, with movable sails, rotating functional cannons, sea creatures and so much more. It is the perfect addition to any role-playing toys, bringing a sense of adventure to your kids! 25. Mini Polly Pocket : Kids in this age group tend to love mini things. What is nice about miniature toys is that they are easy to take on-the-go, especially when they come in an adorable van-shaped carrying case with a dog in the driver’s seat! This mini Polly Pocket Compact Playset comes with two dolls, a bunk bed, a pet dog, and a whole beach scene with beach accessories for the dolls to play and relax on the sand! 26. Clean Kids Makeup : Once my 7 year old was required to wear makeup for her dance recitals, I wanted to be sure that I was getting safe products for her gentle skin. I love that Klee Kids makes all their makeup with no talc, parabens, or animal testing, and the colors are subtle and age-appropriate. She started wearing a little makeup for her dance recitals and she personally loves how yummy th e ras pberry sugar tastes! All the ingredients can be found before you even add it to the cart, for total transparency and peace of mind. 27. Magnetic Tiles Princess Castle : Magna-Tiles continues to out-do themselves at every chance. They created an adorable 48-piece set meant for princesses. This pastel-colored magnetic tiles set comes with the classic triangular and square shapes, with the addition of a drawbridge, 2 spiral staircases, a dragon, balconies, windows and more! The tiles are not only princess-colored, but they also glitter as a princess castle should. All your child’s dolls will feel like royalty after their new castle is constructed. 28. Silent Basketball : I don’t know about you but telling my kids (and husband) to stop playing ball inside the house gets real old real fast. Eventually I had to take matters into my own hands and get the silent indoor basketball! It is the professional standard size, so it feels real without endangering my home. And it is actually silent, so I don’t have to deal with any aggravating bouncing. If you have sports enthusiasts who insist on playing ball in the home, this is for you! 29. Foam Swords : Any decent costume bin needs a sword collection, and fortunately for you, you can get 5 unique swords at once from Liontouch. These foam swords are all different from each other, with unique handles, blade shapes, and overall design. Your kids and their friends can become a knight, a dragon slayer, a viking, a king, or whatever their imagination allows! Their imaginary play just became so much more fun. 30. Design and Drill Flowers : Introduce the excitement of using power tools in a safe and adorable way! This set is too cute and colorful, with various flower and bug-shaped plates to screw or bolt into the flower-shaped stand. They can drill freely using their own imagination, or they can use the activity guide to help them create specific patterns! This toy will help build their confidence, fine motor skills, and introduce them to the world of STEM. 31. Pixel Piano : Another way to bring music into your kid’s life is the Pixel Piano by Hape! This colorful and interactive piano has a faux wood screen that lights up and displays different pixel patterns while your little one plays. There are different modes they can switch through, whether they want to simply play the piano or learn through lights. This dynamic toy could make a huge difference in your child’s development, and they will have a blast doing it! 32. Calico Critters Burger Stand : Pretend food play is extra fun the smaller the pretend food is! The Calico Critters Burger Stand is so stinking cute I can’t even handle it. This 30+ piece set includes an adorable burger stand with a table and chairs for all your kids’ small critters, and yummy burger meals for them to enjoy. The stand comes with a cash register, a griddle to cook the burgers, and a deep fryer for the fries! Your kids will be in burger heaven with this one. 33. Cosmetics Vending Machine : Grab your daughter and her friends to try out the Fruity Beauty Cosmetics Vending Machine! This functional vending machine contains 5 different lip glosses disguised as drinks that you can release by pulling the tabs at the bottom. Two surprises are included with the set, adding mystery and thrill to the toy! It is a great gift or party activity for single use fun. 34. Calico Critter Family : Calico Critters makes some of the cutest plushies I have ever seen, and this family of kangaroos is no exception. This mini figures are only about 3 inches tall, fitting easily in any dollhouse or purse for bringing out and about. It comes with two adults, a kid and a baby, and will be a precious addition to your Calico Critter collection. They also make great and inexpensive collectables. 35. Princess Sword and Shield : There will be no damsel in distress in your family thanks to the Liontouch Princess Sword and Shield. She can defend herself, thank you very much, and she will do so in glittery style! This foam sword is sparkly, with a long, thin blade for defeating all her foes. It is a necessity for your costume closet, helping build confidence and encourage adventurous imaginary play. 36. Magnetic Tiles Space : Magna-Tiles released a set for all space lovers. It combines all the magic of their magnetic tiles with the adventure of space travel. Included is an astronaut, a spaceship, a space rover, and more! Your kids can create their own magnetic space station, defying gravity in its own right, or they can include it with any other magnetic tiles set to create whatever they have in mind that day! I love the space-themed colors and how they really immerse your child into the intergalactic world. 37. Perler Beads : I get so excited when classic toys that I had growing up are reimagined for kids today. Perler Beads designed the cutest Squishmallow bead toy. If you haven’t made these before, you are in for a treat! Use the pattern sheet to help you design the squishmallow on the peg board, then iron the beads to form them together! The result is a flat squishmallow that your kids can use in their pretend play, bring to school, or display in their room! 38. Horse Ranch Playmobil : Your horse lover will go nuts for this Horses of Waterfall horse ranch. This dollhouse comes with a horse stable and fence for horse training, grooming, and feeding! There are over 250 pieces in total, fully immersing your kids into the world of raising horses. This is one of the most interactive dollhouses I have seen on the market, and with how much is included, it is well worth every penny. 39. Dino Railway Set : If your child loves dinosaurs as much as my kids do, they will go crazy for this dinosaur themed train set by Hape! They will be in their own Jurassic World after building a railway that twists and turns through a dinosaur habitat. The skull and bones tunnels glow in the dark, and every feature was so meticulously designed for ultimate dino play. 40. Yoto Player : We love the Yoto Player in our home, and use it almost every single day. My kids have made it a part of their wind-down routine to listen to stories or guided meditations. This mini version is perfect for road trips, with its small and compact design! It has headphone or bluetooth capabilities and a lanyard so it isn’t easily lost! 41. Yoto Cards : Collecting Yoto Cards is a must when you have a Yoto player. I am so impressed with the variety of cards they offer, from adventure stories to music to meditation. The meditation cards have been implemented into our daily routine, and I employ the story cards to help my kids enjoy screen-free entertainment! 42. Large Doll House Playmobil : This Playmobil dollhouse is no joke. It has almost 600 pieces- I repeat- six HUNDRED pieces! Your child will go crazy customizing their 3-story dollhouse exactly how they like it. The doorbell is fully functional, and additional accessories like a mailbox, flower boxes, kitchen tools and furniture really help your kid’s dolls feel at home. The dollhouse is just over two feet tall and is full of endless fun. 43. Large Silk : We have been singing Sarah’s Silks since the founding of Toy Testing Sisters! We haven’t had to worry about our kiddos outgrowing their silks, since the silks have grown with them! The giant silk is large enough to use as a fort covering, a canopy, or a cape. The options are limitless, especially in the eyes of our children. Don’t forget all Sarah’s Silks are made of 100% pure silk!' Code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS will save you 10% at checkout. 44. Origami Kit : Origami is a skill I’ve always wished I had but haven’t put in the effort to learn! Now I have an excuse, and so do you! This adorable animal themed origami kit introduces you to the beautiful craft of origami in a fun way. It has a booklet to guide you through every design, and stickers are included to bring your animal to life! It is easy to understand, and so fun for the kids to do together at home, in the classroom, or at a party. 45. 3D Play Rug : Play mats add so much to a playroom, and this 3D playmat adds even more! It is 32x44 inches, the perfect size for playing with toy cars and miniature dolls. I love the various settings on the mat that you don’t usually see, like the parking lot, and basketball and tennis courts. Everything but the roads are raised, enhancing the pretend play. Your kids can add whatever buildings and accessories that they want to customize their town for ultimate fun! 46. Slime Station : Making slime has never been easier. All you need is your Slime’Licious Slime Station and water and you are good to go! The kit makes up to 16 scented slimes for your kids to enjoy. The slimes are totally customizable, with different color/scent options, and toppings to add texture and body to the slime. The slime is all food-inspired and is ready within 5 minutes! Just pour the slime mixture into the shaker cup, add a few drops of color, add water, and shake for 30 seconds, and bam! Your slime is ready to play with. 47. Twister Track : What so many race tracks are missing is a 360 °   loop! The Twister Track not only gives your kids the thrill of watching a car flip upside down in the loop, but glows in the dark! The neon colors are so bright and engaging, and the emergency-styled vehicle that comes with the track lights up in 4 different colors. Your kids will have a blast building the track themselves, using their imagination to shape the track however they want. 48. Large Puppet : I think it is necessary for every playroom to have a puppet or 10. This yellow bird puppet is so freaking cute and charming, and is pretty big, too! It is almost 2 ft tall, which adds to the charm. Add it to your puppet show cast, bring it to the classroom, or incorporate it into story time. I have seen so many older kids use it to entertain their baby siblings, and the giggles make my day every time! 49. Balance Cobra : There aren’t a ton of toys like this one, so I am so excited to introduce it to you! The TrueBalance Balance Cobra is an incredible tool and toy for strengthening hand-eye coordination, critical thinking skills, and balance! The disks are all connected with magnets, and the goal is to allow the disks to separate and then try to align them back using your fine motor skills and focus. Once the disks are all stacked on top of each other again, you have won! It is so fun for the whole family to do together and make a friendly competition of it. 50. Loose Parts Bones : Introduce the wonder and intrigue of paleontology into your child’s lives with the Tabletop Loose Parts Bones! The 105 bones come in a big pile, ready to be arranged and built into a dinosaur, alien, or insect, whatever your child can imagine! The pieces range in size, expanding the possibilities of creation. There is no instruction manual, so your child has complete freedom to use trial and error and teach themselves the craft of bone building! 51. Blossom Pets : Kids are great caretakers, and are always finding something to nurture and grow! Blossom Pets are an adorable and simple way to help children feel like they are taking care of something special. These pets are covered in fabric flowers that need a little TLC to stay vibrant and healthy. Included with the pets is a spray bottle to mist the flowers when they dry out. Once the flowers are misted, their petals become bright and flourishing again! Your little will find joy and satisfaction from feeling like they are really making a difference in their pet’s health. 52. Gem Surprise Learning Toy : When I was younger, my favorite museum exhibit was the gems and minerals exhibit. I couldn’t believe that such beautiful things were under the earth’s surface. If this sounds like your child, you need to get them Learning Resource’s Rock n’ Gem Surprise. Included are play geodes and tools to open them. All your kids have to do is crack open the gems to reveal a surprise! After they have opened them all, they can practice their color sorting, mix and match, and then do it all over again. 53. Card Racers : You guys, I found the best pocket-sized car toy out there. The Flat 2 Fast Card Racers are exactly what they sound like- a flat car that sits inside of a small box until you press a button to release the car and watch it zoom! Send it with you child in their backpack for recess play, give as party favors, or keep them in the house! All you need is a flat surface, and your kids have everything they need to race their card racers.

We want to help YOU nurture family relationships this summer with your kids. It is incredible how quickly the summers go, so we decided to team up with Kerri and Christina, child play therapists from Love Play Grow, to find toys we would BOTH recommend! Together we came up with a list of 11 toys and games that will surely bring your closer to your kids and family for EPIC FAMILY FUN! 1. Giant, Inflatable Bowling Game: Just like the smaller toys get the cuter they are, the larger toys get the funnier they are! This giant bowling set is great for family fun nights. Play bowling the traditional way, or set up the pins in different ways to create challenges! 2. Sink N Sand Game: Sink and Sand is a unique game that involves every kids’ favorite, kinetic sand! This game is easy to learn, fun, and great for families. Encourage kids to come up with a storyline for their characters, or create a family story that involves all the characters to level up the game and add creativity and connection! 3. Giant Connect Four: Giant connect 4 is a great game to keep out every day on your deck or patio. A great game to develop strategy, critical thinking, and turn taking in your child! Smaller kids can connect 3 and older kids can try to connect 5! 4. Uno Splash: UNO is the perfect card game! Easy to learn and a huge crowd pleaser, this splash version is great for summer family fun nights! Great for pool or beach play and barbecues where cards can’t get wrecked! UNO is also an easy game to modify, one of our favorite ways to play is where players pick a feeling for each color and share something that “goes with” that feeling when they play the color! You can be as silly or as serious as you want, though we recommend silly for laughs. 5. Water Blasters: Water blasters are a great pool toy, but you don’t need a pool to enjoy the fun, fill up a plastic tub with water from the hose and get to blasting! Play games like who can blast water the furthest, set up targets, and definitely plan a parent vs child blast fight! 6. Lawn Skee: Your favorite carnival game is now your favorite lawn game! Skee-ball is a classic carnival game that evokes nostalgia and is good old family fun. Unfurl the 7-foot ramp and secure it to the ground with the included stakes. Adjust the angle to match your skill level, then set out the scoring rings just beyond the ramp into any configuration you want. Players take turns rolling the balls up the ramp to launch through the air and land in one of the rings. 7. Inflatable Art Easel: Art is a fantastic way for kids to explore their imagination and inner world. Paint in particular is so therapeutic but so messy! Bring the paint outside with this inflatable easel. Double sided and easy to hose off when the fun is done, this easel is a great way to encourage creativity in nature-a double dose of calm for kids (and adults)! Play our favorite, the squiggle game with your kids! Each person takes one side of the easel and creates a “squiggle”. Then, switch sides and create a picture out of the squiggle. See if the other person can guess what you created! 8. Riwi Blocks: We love open-ended toys that have endless possibilities, and these foam blocks are no exception. Soft, machine washable, and perfect for outdoor family fun. We can imagine obstacle courses, forts, and the most epic game of The Floor is Lava with these. 9. Zip Ball: Retro and so fun, this fast paced football game is great for big belly laughs. Perfect for two players, this game is great for connecting with kids of all ages. 10. Throw Throw Burrito OUTDOOR Game: We love this game as it was originally created and this outdoor version is a great addition to your family fun nights! Throwing burritos at each other is sure to create laughs and hilarious memories for your family. Collaboratively setting boundaries (I.e. “can’t be thrown at someone’s face”) before play starts is also a great way to develop family rules/culture. 11. Giant Jelly Ball: This giant balloon ball is a hilarious and fun way to play outside! Picture the biggest bubble you’ve ever seen, that can’t be popped! Perfect for kicking, throwing, a new and interesting way to keep kids playing outside, these Giant Jelly Balloon Balls are great for a family fun night in the backyard. Fun hack, fill with water when its really hot out!

It'a about to get sizzling but don't worry, we have you covered. We have put together an out door guide with over 100 incredible toys! We have something for every interest and every budget. This guide is full of swings, water toys, bikes, scooters, and more! 1. Custom Swing Set: We haven't seen a more beautiful, custom swing set! This swing set is from Saltair Swing. It's single post and you can select the type of swings you want. Saltair will soon be launching additional accessories like a projector screen and golf net. The swing set ships with instructions on how to permanently install. If you are local to Utah, they do have installation options. 2. Seek and Splash: This is a seek and find gem game to play in the pool. The kit includes 35 water proof cards and 64 gems for your kids to seek and find! 3. Foxtail: This is fun for big kids, teens, and adults. To play, simply spin to throw and catch by the tail! We like to play "jackpot" with it or see who can throw the furthest. 4. Pump & Splash Pond/Water Table: Step2 is known for their outdoor toys and this one is a slam dunk. There is plenty of entertainment packed into this toy but it doesn't take up a huge footprint. So, if you want to add a water play toy but don't want something huge, this is perfect. We recommend or 2-6. It's excellent for fine motor development and includes 10 accessories. 5. Vortex Spinning Ring Swing: We call this the puke machine for adults! This 50in. spinning swing from Hearthsong holds 300lbs. and up to 4 kids. Kids sit on the sturdy, padded metal frame and rest their feet while they swing or spin. Works great on a swing set or tree. 6. Construction Vehicles: This set from Green Toys is excellent for outdoor play and can be used in the water, mud, and sand. The set includes a scooper, dumper, and mixer. When it cools off, bring inside for indoor and tub play. 7. Silicone Tea Set: We swoon over anything that comes from Marlowe & Co. Their tea set is a fun addition for backyard play! Add this set to a mud kitchen, sand box, or water table! We also love using in the bathtub. 8. Baby Turtles: Moes is well known for their toys in Germany. Luckily, they have a distributor for the US. (Dam Good Ideas) so we get access to their incredible products. These baby turtles are such a fun open-ended toy for outdoor or indoor play. Our kids love using outside as stepping stones, balancing, stacking, and playing leap frog. 9. Swurfer Coconut Swing: This is our favorite toddler swing. It has a 3-point harness and is very comfy for littles. The quality is excellent and comes in a handful of color options. When it's cold, we bring the swing indoors and use. The max weight recommendation is 50lbs. 10. Inside Elements: Stapelstein recently launched their Inside product and it's such a good fit for out outdoor guide. The elements can be used in water, mud, and sand. Think stacking, collecting, sorting, pouring, and more. If you have their original elements, you can use with them because Inside is modular. 11. Silicone Ice Cream Sand Toys: Another Marlowe and Co. hit. Love the retro design and ice cream molds. This set has 11 pieces and includes a bucket, shovel, 8 ice cream molds, and travel bag. The silicone set is BPA and phthalate free. 12. Crazy Cart Shuffle: We think this is going to be one of the hottest summer toys. It's from Razor and powered by your kids. It moves by pumping your legs back and forth. Your kids can drive, drift, and spin for hours! Trust us, this will get used all of the time. If you can swing it, grab 2. Multiple kids always want to use at the same time. It's adjustable and we recommend for ages 4+. Watch it in action HERE! 13. JumpFlex Trampoline: Mel and I grew up on a trampoline! So many memories with friends and family. We get asked a lot what we recommend for tramps. JumpFlex is an awesome option! They offer 12ft, 14ft, and 15ft. We recommend 15ft for more room and jumping if you have space. This tramp is enclosed and includes a ladder. They sell fun accessories like a slide, aqua jet, sun shade, and basketball hoop. 14. Lux A5 Kick Scooter: This kick scooter is from Razor. It's for kids 8+ but younger kids can ride depending on height. The scooter is adjustable, rugged, and can support up to 220lbs. So, parents, grab one for you too and get outside and play with your kids. 15. Uno Splash: Mattel released a water resistant version of Uno. We are fans because playing games outside is the best! Kids can enjoy near water or even camping. The plastic cards are stored on a key ring which makes them easy to transport. 16. Sandy Beach Dolls: We shared about Sandy last summer and the reel had over 6M views! This year they launched a Sandy boy. The dolls have a hole on the top of their heads so kids can fill with sand or water. Sandy includes a carrying case, shovel, and matching sunnies. 17. Activ Flyer: This is hands down the best frisbee. They fly straight, are lightweight, and easy to catch. They come in a bunch of colors and these would make such a fun friend bday gift. Keep them in your car to break boredom! We bring to sports practice, the park, lake, and pool. 18. Disc Swing: Here's another Swurfer win! This disc swing can hold up to 150lbs. and it's adjustable. It's heavy duty and can be used on a swing set or attached to a tree branch. The adjustable climbing rope lets you set this saucer swing up to 8 ft. high. 19. Upside Down Challenge Game: Get ready to laugh and possibly tip over. This game from Vango includes goggles that flip your sight upside down. The kit includes challenge cards and accessories to complete the challenges. Add this to your game night collection. We recommend for ages 6+. 20. Bow and Arrows: This bow and arrow set from Two Bros Bows is an absolute favorite. The arrows are soft on the end but that doesn't mean they don't soar. We recommend for ages 6+. The arrows come in a bunch of different designs and colors. 21. Elite Deluxe Scooter: We have used this 3-wheel tilt scooter for over 4 years and it's still in excellent shape. This scooter is from Globber. It's adjustable, collapsable, wheels light up, and comes in a bunch of fun colors. We recommend 2.5-9. 22. Playground Balls: These come in a set of 6 with a pump and carrying net. We use for four square, dodge ball, kick ball, and so much more! Balls are from GoSports and they are known for excellent sport and outdoor toys! You could even split these up and use as gifts. 23. Balance Bike: Strider is known for their balance bikes and for good reason. It's been ergonomically designed for kids 18months to 5 years old. This bike is lightweight and the seat and handlebars are adjustable, plus no tools needed. This is balance bike both our kids started off using when learning to ride a bike. 24. Bug Bungalow: If your kids are like ours, they love exploring the outdoors and finding all the critters and bugs. This kit from B Toys is perfect for collecting those bugs and green findings. This 4-piece set is all you need. It includes a mesh critter catcher, case with magnifier, tweezers, and magnifier. 25. Boomabandz: We call it the giggle trap or human catapult. Four people are needed to play. You boomerang yourself by running the opposite direction of your partner. This is for kids who know their right from left and understand timing well! We recommend 8+. Parents, you will love this too. 26. Smol Splash: You won't find a more beautiful water bounce house! Splash is from the makers of our favorite bounce houses, Smol. This inflatable water playset features two tunnels, a climbing wall, double slides, a basketball hoop, and a water gun–just for fun. You will spend hours outside as your kids play all day with their Splash. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 27. Gardening Set: Set includes a watering can, rake, and shovel. It's from Green Toys which we are huge fans of. This kit is perfect for the dirt, sand, and water. You can wash in the dishwasher and it's fun addition for a little gardener. 28. Mini Mud Kitchen: This year Wood n Poppy launched a more affordable mud kitchen and we think everyone needs it. Their OG mud kitchen is played with every time our kids are outside and this version brings messy play to more of you. Our kids cook up flower soup, make mud casserole, and brew up yummy potions. You have the option to select your wood type and finish. 29. Twister Splash: Growing up Mel and I played Twister with our family all of the time. Twister Splash keeps it cool and adds an element of fun. Rules of traditional Twister are the same except water comes out from each circle. 30. Kick Scooter: This kick scooter is from Razor and it's tried and true. We also love the lower price point. It is recommended for ages 5+. It has a max weight capacity of 143lbs. It has adjustable handlebars and it folds up. Quality is excellent and our kids have been using for many years. 31. Gazillion Bubble Machine: Mel has used this for years and it is her go-to. It's portable and spits out thousands of bubbles. We also like that it holds up well with all the sticky bubble mess. 32. Zipline: Who doesn't want a zipline in their backyard? This zip line kit from Fofana Ninja turns two sturdy trees into a zip line adventure. Bring it to the park or install in your backyard for hours of outdoor fun. You need two sturdy trees 10-55ft apart. The slack line is 65ft. long and holds up to 250lbs. 33. Extreme Roller Coaster: We love Step2 Coasters and this one is a Costco exclusive. It's recommend for ages 3-8. But, if you have a thrill seeker, younger kids can enjoy too. This toy will keep your kids busy all summer long. 34. Reusable Water Balloons: We have tried several brands of reusable water balloons and BunchOBalloons is our favorite. If you have ever spent hours picking up water balloons, you know how annoying clean up is. Reusable water balloons are so much fun because you can keep filling up. We always take them to the pool and lake. 35. Gel Blaster: This gel blaster is from Nerf and includes 10,000 "water beads". These do hurt if you get shot up close so be sure to wear protective eye wear and keep young kids away. Nerf gel blaster battles are SO much fun so grab a few and get playing. 36. Metal Swing Set: This is our favorite metal swing set. It's from LifeTime and sells out constantly. I am going to link a few options so you can get the best deal and find it when it's in stock. Best deal is at Costco but it's currently sold out. Home Depot Walmart 37. Watermelon Pool Ball: If you are headed to the pool this summer, you won't want to sleep on this water ball. It sinks, rises, and floats. You can even dribble it under water. Great for kids of all ages and adults. 38. Balance Bike: This balance bike is about $40 cheaper than Strider. It has excellent reviews! It's recommended for ages 18months to 3 years. The seat and handles are adjustable. There are a lot of fun colors and the tires are puncture proof. 39. Giant Splash Pad: If you don't want an inflatable water bounce house or pool, this splash pad is excellent. It's 11ft wide and multiple kids can enjoy at the same time. Sometimes you can find this at Costco, so keep your eyes open. 40. Water Blasters: Grab the 6pk for around $20 and use any time you hit up water. They are made of pool noodle foam and are simple to use. Just pull back for the water to load. Invite some friends over for a backyard water fight. 41. Bijou Teepee: So strong! It stayed up all winter long and survived a 90mph wind storm! It sets up in less than one hour and is fully collapsible. It can be used as a jungle gym and lounge. They have different attachments like a swing, rope bridge, and mainstay (swing set). This is an investment backyard toy but it's built to last and beautiful. 42. Bubble Gun: Fun for older kids to go nuts with thousands of bubbles per minute. It also has 4 color lights which makes night use fun too. These would be fun to bring to amusement parks, firework shows, and outdoor city festivals. 43. Surfboard Swing: This is from Swurfer, the OG of surfboard swings. The swing is fully adjustable and can be used on a swing set or tree. It's a fun take on a traditional swing and can hold up to 200lbs. We recommend for ages 5+. It's weatherproof and excellent quality. 44. Obstacle Course: Known as the Smol Course and made by the bounce house experts. This is the ultimate energy burner. The Smol is an inflatable bounce house obstacle course. It features tunnels, slides, climbing wall with foot holds, dangling obstacles, and basketball hoop. You will love the modern look. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 45. Guardian Bike 20inch: Recommended for ages 6-9. So, this is perfect for kids who have graduated from their balance bikes. If your kid is still learning with the balance bike method, that's fine because it is compatible. Includes kid friendly gear shifting and is training wheels compatible. 46. Grill and Gather: You know we love Step2 and this year you can purchase the Grill and Gather at Costco in store or online. The set includes 61 accessories and plenty of stations for multiple kids to enjoy at once! Your littles can grill up their favorite foods, harvest veggies, and experience water play. The set includes a canopy which helps keep kids cool. 47. Heel Wheels: Love this more than rollerblades or skates because they slip right on and all your kid has to do is lift the front of their foot. These are for 6+ and fit shoes sizes kids 12-12 adult. They can support 176lbs. and will be enjoyed by so many different ages. The heel wheels have an adjustable strap and base. 48. Sand Excavator: My SIL has this at her house in Washington and her kids use all of the time. It's great for a sandbox or an area where digging and exploring is fine! My kids always play with a version of this when we go to the children's museum. 49. Collapsable Buckets: These are perfect to take to the beach or lake! You can even use in your own sand box. We love that they collapse for each storage or travel. They come in a 3pk and made from silicone. 50. Ride On Vehicle: Never ever buy a ride on vehicle like this unless it's 24V. Anything less doesn't have enough power. This is a great option because it is 24V, includes a remote for parents, and holds 2 kids. Max speed is 6mph for this vehicle. 51. Bullseye Inflatable Platform: Last year we tested this toy and love it so much we had to include again. It's important to point out that this is inflatable and hasn't popped! Our kids and friends have used over and over and it's held up well. You can select your thrill level by balancing on the platform or jumping and climbing on the inflatable ball. It inflates in minutes and you can easily store in a Rubbermaid. 52. Rain Showers Water Table: We love the aesthetic of this water table from Step2. You can snag it at Costco or purchase online. There are 24 different paths for water to flow and includes 16 accessories. The open play area allows multiple kids to enjoy at once. It is easy to clean and doesn't have a large footprint so storing is simple. We recommend ages 1.5-6. 53. Bounce House: If you don't want a tramp and have young kids, this inflatable bounce house from Bouncee is great for outdoor jumps! It inflates quickly and can be stored in a large tote. There is a 6x6 or 8x8 and this bounce house wasn't designed with obnoxious colors. It can hold between 2-5 kids. 54. Dune Buggy: What kid doesn't want to cruise around in a dune buggy going 9mph? My niece and nephew got these for Christmas a few years ago and they drive all over their yard. It's recommended for 8+ but my 4-year old nephew was able to handle! It includes a seat belt and the frame is metal. The battery life is good. It lasts approx. 40 min before it needs a change. If you have the yard or outdoor space for cruising, this dune buggy is a must. 55. Little Kids Bike: We wanted to find an affordable bike option for our younger kiddos. This is cutest bike on Amazon and it comes in so many sizes. You can buy with or without training wheels which makes it the perfect transition bike. Lots of color options as well and so many good reviews. I love this retro looking style as well. Works for kids aged 2-12 depending on which size you purchase. 56. Metal Gardening Toys: These gardening tools are metal with durable wooden handle, and are made to last for all the outdoor adventures. Perfect for gardening, digging in the dirt, or playing in the sand. 57. Sidewalk Chalk: Our favorite brand of sidewalk chalk is from Crayola and comes with all the colors you need to create a beautiful sidewalk masterpiece. These chalks are also washable and come in several vibrant colors that work well on concrete. 58. Waterslide Bounce House: We have tested several different designs for this inflatable and this one checks all the boxes. It includes a basketball hoop, padded base under the climbing wall, and isn’t too large or too small. Your house will be the most popular in the neighborhood with this water inflatable. 59. Potion Powder: Little Larch makes our favorite biodegradable potion powders. This powder is water activated and perfect for all the potions and creations that are a bit too messy for inside. 60. Catch and Release Kit: This is the perfect sanctuary for all the bugs, butterflies, and even aquatic creatures. It’s made with high quality PVC and silicone which makes it rust resistant and a step above its competitors. 61. Gagagon Game: From GoSports this set from Amazon is one of our kids favorite outdoor games to play at school, so it’s fun they can now play it at home. Most sets you find online are inflatable and not great quality. This set is durable, comes apart for easy storage, and can be added to depending on the size you need. See it in action HERE! 62. Beach Pool: This baby beach pool doubles as a place to cool off and a beach blanket when dry. Great for kiddos that aren’t quite big enough to conquer the ocean or water on their own by keeping them close by. The carrying bag also doubles as a water bucket to transport water to and from. 63. Light Up Ball Wand: Summer nights are so much more fun with light up toys! Snag a few of these light up spinning wands on Amazon and save money by getting the toys in advance for all the summer evening activities. 64. Amber Kaleidoscope: A traditional toy with a unique spin! This kaleidoscope is made with all natural materials and is beautiful to gaze through. 65. Wooden Water Table: This water table was designed for easy setup and maintenance, featuring drain plugs to simplify water removal and a durable construction that withstands splashing and playtime messes. It is also easy to clean, ensuring hassle-free maintenance for parents. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 66. Bigger Boys Bicycle: This bike from Walmart is one we've tried and tested. It's great quality and priced so incredibly well. The perfect, 20 inch, bike for kids ages 7+. 67. Beach Toys: This beach toy kit from Hape includes everything you need for beach, sand, or outdoor water play. Excellent quality and comes with a carrying case for easy storage and transportation. 68. The Nighthawk: This is the ultimate ride on toy, and I promise if you end up purchasing it you'll get asked about it all the time. My kids love zipping around the neighborhood on what we call "the stingray". We have linked the 24V battery one that goes a little faster. We would recommend for ages 5+. Watch it in action HERE! 69. Blu Track: This 15 foot race track works both indoors and out. Stick it to any smooth surface with the included suction cup, add a few race cars, and get to racing. I love that it rolls to store, is water resistant, and can be configured into so many different shapes. 70. Bigger Girls Bike: This is a highly recommended and tried and true bicycle from Walmart. It is priced so well and has such incredible reviews. Bike has 20 inch wheels and is great for girls 8-12yrs. 71. Electric Scooter: This is one of those things I bought for myself and all the kids want to use! It is such good quality and holds a charge well. It also has 2 speed controls, can connect to a bluetooth speaker, folds to store and transport, and comes in some really fun colors. Look no further and get this for your teen, or yourself! Holds up to 264lbs and goes up to 16mph. Watch it in action HERE! 72. RC Car: This RC car was featured in our article with Forbes because it is high quality and build to last. This remote controlled car is durable enough to withstand outdoor adventures in even the most rugged terrain. 73. Slack Line Kit: Slack lines are gaining in popularity amongst the older kids. This particular kit comes with everything you need to use it as a traditional slack line, or add some height and attach the included attachments. Just make sure you have ample space and 2 sturdy trees for support. 74. Wooden Channels: This wooden channel set is unique and the perfect addition to any, outdoor, water experience. They are made out of bamboo and can be configured in several ways to channel the water in different, desired directions. 75. Snipe Hunting Game: Have you ever been on a "snipe" hunt? The Snipe Hunt game on Amazon is a hide-and-seek twist where teams compete to find a chirping snipe hidden indoors or outdoors. Suitable for all ages from toddlers to adults, this game provides active fun and can be played with two people, teams or solo. 76. Lifetime Swing Set: This particular set can be found only at Costco but excels in quality! Plus, who doesn't love the Costco return policy. We have found with swing sets that "less is more" and this set includes all the elements we would want in an outdoor play set for our kids. 77. Pocket Swing: This is the outdoor pocket swing from Hape toys. Simply attach to two sturdy tree trucks and get to swinging. Think of it as a smaller hammock perfect for swinging and enjoying the outdoors with your kids! 78. Rocket Lab: The perfect toy for any little science explorer. This kit comes with everything you need to experience a virtual reality rocket experiment. An incredible kit with so many amazing reviews on Amazon. 79. Rock Climbing Tree Holds: These climbing holds turn any branchless tree into the perfect climbing one! These don’t harm the tree and are great for little explorers outdoor. 80. Step 2 Playhouse: Check out this kids’ outdoor playhouse with features like an extra-long slide and molded-in sink and cooktop! Step 2 excels in quality and these new wood components are brand new this year! 81. Balance Bike: Hape toys has an excellent balance bike that we highly recommend. It has foot rests and is excellent for ages 2.5-4. This is a great place to start learning the mechanics of bikes and balance. Using this bike can help your kiddo skip the training wheels and make the transition easier: 82. VR Science Lab: This Bill Nye science kit lets you experience all sorts of unique science experiments in virtual reality. It comes with the VR goggles and has so many good reviews on Amazon! The perfect stem learning toy for any science intrigued kiddo. 83. Minidip Pool: Target has done it again with the most stylist pools on the market. Priced well and perfect for a shallow dip for your kids. Their pattern options are so cute and trendy. 84. Bird Calling Kit: This toy is so unique and that’s because it includes all the tools used to perform various bird calls. Take this kit up to the mountains and enjoy watching which birds can hold conversation with YOU! 85. Tilt Scooter: We love Razor and they made an excellent tilt scooter for younger riders. Tilt to turn steering and a seated riding option make it both versatile and intuitive. 86. Pots & Pans: This pots and pans set is stainless steel and is the only set you’ll ever need. Perfect for mud pies, grass soup, and weeds salad! 87. Gardening Tools: These gardening tools from Hape toys include everything you need to tend a small garden. The watering can is also versatile and made from durable materials. 88. Water Float: Introducing Sunchill, everyone’s favorite water floaty. Sunchill is perfect for days at the pool, boating on lakes, and adventure packed beach days. It's durable, lightweight, and inflates in only 90 seconds. 89. Outdoor Slide: The best and most sturdy outdoor slide from Little Tikes. It folds for easy storage and is exceptionally durable and can hold much more weight than the traditional outdoor, plastic slides. 90. Weaving Board: A very unique outdoor toy that can be used to weave just about anything! Long grass, dandelions, silk scarves, or any pliable material to make beautiful, outdoor works of art. 91. Water Blaster: This water blaster is from Target and is battery powered which makes it so easy for kids to use and packs a water filled punch. The magazine portion of the blaster can easily clipped on and off to refill with water. Grab a few for your family! 92. Foam Water Toys: This set of water resistant toys from Moes include 6 recognizable animals for all the underwater adventures. Perfect for the bath, shower, pool or beach. 93. Build a Branch: You’re so excited to buy your children a fun swing for your backyard, but then you realize you don’t have a strong enough tree to hang it onto. You’re not alone! Build-a-Branch allows you to turn any tree into a swinging tree in less than 30 minutes, and holds up to 500 pounds. Easily follow the instructions and start swinging. 94. Bee House: Attract bees and insects to your garden with this bee hotel. Save the bees by giving them a safe place to stay. 95. Circle Swing: This swing is so fun to attach to any outdoor swing set. It is padded around the base and the netting makes it comfortable for your kiddos to sit and swing. UV resistant and includes added swinging hardware. 96. Kids Electric Scooter: This electric scooter is excellent for kids ages 6-12 and holds up to 150lbs. It has a great range and can go up to 7.5mph. Charlie is 8 and loves zipping around on this scooter, especially at night when he can use the LED wheels. 97. Flower Kaleidoscope: This wooden kaleidoscope is unique because it contains beautiful dried flowers that reflect in the sunlight beautifully. This toy is handmade with natural materials and is sure to wow your kids! 98. Inflatable Waterslide: Ditch the plastic waterslides that rip and tear. Instead, invest in this inflatable bounce house for all your water fun! This particular model is a space saver and excellent quality. Watch it in action HERE! 99. Rubber Road: This toy is so versatile and can be used both indoors and out. It is priced amazingly well and we recommend grabbing a 40 piece set. You'll be shocked with how well your kids can assemble it on their very own. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 100. Bounce House: Playsmol makes the most beautiful, esthetic bounce houses and this year they came out with the big guns. This is their XL bounce house and it is perfect for bigger kids to join in the fun! This 12x12 holds up to 240lbs and is meant for ages 3-8yrs. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 101. Balance Bike: This balance bike from Hape toys is the perfect place to start with a bike for your kids. It is priced so incredibly well (and on MAJOR sale) and is built with a sturdy magnesium frame. Great for beginners to get the hang of balancing on a bicycle. 102. Big Wheel Scooter: Razor makes our favorite scoters and for good reason. They are the best quality and their product standards and return policy are excellent. This is our favorite scooter for "bigger" kiddos because it holds more weight and glides better on uneven roads and pavement. Meant for ages 8+ and holds up to 220lbs. 103. Fishing Ducks: This toy is harder to find but it is made by one of our favorite toy brands. I actually found it on sale HERE! Ducks are completely water tight and have a weight at the bottom for easy standing and no tipping over in the water! Great for water play or set on the ground and work on those fine motor skills. 104. Water Pitcher: I am obsessed with this kids crocodile water jug. It is absolutely darling and my kids think it's the best thing to fill him up with water, flowers, leaves and practice those montessori pouring skills. Made with 100% silicone, this cleans up well. 105. Hoverboard Converter: This kit includes everything you need to turn a standard hoverboard into an easy to maneuver go kart for kids who need a little more assistance on the hoverboard, or just want to switch things up! This accessory is only $50 on amazon and can be used with almost any hoverboard. 106. Slack Line: This exact slack line isn't quite available to purchase online, but as soon as it is we will share a link to this incredible one we found! For now, check out this highly recommended one on Amazon! Slack lines are gaining in popularity with teens and is a perfect way to still include the older kiddos in outdoor play. 107. Jumbo Soccer Ball: This giant soccer ball is from bolder play and our kids absolutely love it. To help gauge the size think of a light weight exercise ball. It is very large and so much fun to kick and throw around the yard. It also includes a pump and extra plug and has lasted each of our families several summers! 108. Hoverboard: This hoverboard is from GOTRAX and we love the rose gold color. We own this exact model and it is great quality and holds a charge well. The GOTRAX brand is also a very reputable one and has had great customer service reviews. It is bluetooth compatible, self leveling, and holds between 44-175lbs.

Spring is right around the corner and we love the energy sunny days and blue skies bring! We have curated an awesome list of family and individualized toys to fill those Easter baskets. Below you will find our Easter guides for family, baby/toddler, little kids, and big kids! Family Guide 1. Swedish Wall Ladder: We are huge fans of the brand Avenlur. Their wall ladder includes a cargo wall climber, swing, rope ladder, slide, and pull up bar. Perfect wooden, indoor playground. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 2. Cloud Swing: You know we love an indoor swing! This one is great for many ages and it's really comfy! Kids can sit inside the swing or lay on their belly and fly. 3. AirToobz: It's BACK!! Honestly, don't you dare wait on this. This open-ended toy uses air, tubes, and balls to create an endless cycle of play. It's a top toy at our homes and can be loved by so many different ages. We recommend 2.5-9. 4. Play Stand: Literal Waldorf perfection. This play stand from Sarah's Silks is the ultimate play station. Think play house, kitchen, grocery store, building zone--make believe everything. You can add a giant play silk and 4 play silks for added fun! Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 5. Crazy Cart Shuffle: This shuffle cart doesn't require batteries. You can drive, drift, and spin! It's very easy to assemble and simple to use. The frame is adjustable so multiple ages can enjoy. We recommend 4+ but it depends on the height of your kids. 6. Bounce House: You know we love bounce houses because they can be enjoyed inside and outside. They are great for getting wiggles out and create core memories. This bounce house has a great aestethic and can be purchased on Amazon. 7. Smart Sketcher 2.0: This projector uses an app to project images your child can trace. It has a step-by-step guide which makes the drawing process so much fun! You can even take photos and upload your own images. 8. Bijou Teepee: We have had this teepee for almost a year and are really impressed with the quality. We kept it up during the winter but it's full collapsable which we love. It can be used as a jungle gym and lounge. It even comes with solar lights. They also offer additional accessories like a swing and rope bridge. 9. Elements: This element set is great because it includes a balance board. This is one of our favorite open-ended toys! So many play possibilities! 10. LeoMat: The trifold tech on this play couch makes incorporating mountains into your obstacle course a breeze. My kids love their Leo. It has different dimensions than the Nugget and its base pieces are the same thickness and size. 11. Giant Gem Blocks: These are new to the Hello Sugar House line.They are the size of an adult hand and come in primary and pastel colors. Each set contains 4 gorgeous blocks. 12. 24V Vehicle: Never buy a ride on vehicle unless its 24V! Anything less than 24 doesn't have the power needed and it's not worth the investment. This vehicle is awesome because it includes a parent remote and it can play music. It is recommended for ages 4-8 but younger kids can ride and enjoy too. 13. SuperSpace: These magnetic panels help your kids engineer creative builds like forts, rocket ships, tunnels, boats, and more! You can purchase add-on pieces like their whiteboard panel. This is an excellent STEM and MESH toy. 14. Nortier: New to the US and we believe it's going to take the market by storm. It's a double-sided, magnetic white/black board and there are so many incredible accessories. Their felts and magnets are high quality and the perfect tool for open-ended play. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS to save 15% on all products. Enjoy Free Shipping too. This deal is available starting 3/11/24. 15: Nugget:  I have 4 of these at my (Mandy here) house! My kid's favorite thing to do is make obstacle courses with their Nuggets. This is a gift that can be loved by babies all the way up to big kids. Baby/Toddler 1. Rock n' Roller Piano: It's a fav at our house and is perfect for baby/toddlers. Your little can play music by rolling or tapping the xylophone. Fat Brain Toys knocked it out of the park with this one. 2. Alphabet Set: Rubbabbu products are made of eco-friendly and sustainable natural foam rubber that is antimicrobial and biodegradable. These letters are flocked and squishy. 3. Sunni Grasping Toy: This is a beautiful wooden grasping toy made in Germany by Haba. It is great for rattling and shaking. 4. Tinker Rings: These magnetic rings are textured and fun for stacking and attaching in different ways. It encourages fine motor skills, sensory learning, and tactile learning. 5. Dimpl Splash: The "pop it" function adds an extra element of fun to this bath set. Clementine (1) got this set for Christmas and it's her favorite thing to play with in the bath. 6. Oogi: Made of silicone, this stretchy, suction cup figure is easy for littles to grasp and play with. It's a great open-ended toy that promotes creativity. 7. Soft Photo Book: Clementine loves her photo book. It's soft and has 10 pages. We filled with 4x6 photos. The photos fit in perfectly and don't slide out. 8. Climbing Tunnel: Movement toys are a fav of ours and this colorful climbing tunnel is great for keeping those movers busy! 9. Rainbow Suitcase/bag: This rainbow suitcase/bag/purse is awesome for those walking toddlers. They can easily tote around and store their treasures. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 10. Tobbles Neo: This has been a staple for years at my house! The Nobbles Neo is perfect for practicing fine motor skills. It's fun for littles to stack and watch the weighted pieces topple over. 11. Sunshine Activity Table: If you have a stander, an activity table is perfect for keeping your little one busy! There are beads, animals, gears, stacking elements, and bells packed into one toy. 12. Handmade Bunny Dolls: Adding an heirloom stuffy is a must, especially if your little has a small collection of stuffed animals. These handmade bunnies from Sarah's Silks are made in Maine, USA with beautiful materials. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 13. Berry Teether: Love that it can attach to a stroller or diaper bag. It includes a teether, small mirror, fun textures, and shapes for baby. 14. Oombee Cube: Shape sorters are great but it's annoying when you lose pieces. This set has the shapes attached to the corners. This is a great toy to take on the go since you don't have to worry about missing pieces. 15. Carrot Puzzle: Excellent for improving fine motor skills and problem-solving. The carrot holes are different sizes so it challenges your little to find the correct fit. 16. Scoot and Ride: We love toys that grow with your child and the scoot and ride does just that. Your kid can ride, walk, and roll on this unique vehicle. 17. Dinkum Dolls: These dolls melt when they are given a cuddle. They are huggable, soft, and come in the cutest designs. 18. Jumbo Animal Puzzles: Excellent first puzzle set for small hands. The knobs make it easy for littles to grab and place. This set comes with 2 puzzles, featuring 3 pieces each. Little Kids Find and Feel Toy: From Fat Brain Toys, embark on a tactile adventure with the Fat Brain Toys Feel & Match Zoo. Find and Feel: From Fat Brain Toys, embark on a tactile adventure with the Fat Brain Toys Feel & Match Zoo, a captivating learning experience designed to engage young minds and curious hands. Watch your little ones enjoy the surprise of feeling their way to a match! Lego Duplo: An organic farmers market to welcome the warm weather. Lego Duplos are perfect for little hands and a great toy to introduce your little one to building toys. Hide N Seek Bizzy Bags: A unique sensory experience that incorporates a fun game of hide and seek. We love everything egg themed and these are perfect to add into any Easter basket. Sensory Play Jar: This is a water activated sensory play jar that can be used as a DIY snow globe. You can tap to change the colors and fill with glitter, gems, or glo pals! Ice Cream To Go: This toy is perfect for on the go adventures! Make an ice cream sunday for imaginative play then store all the pieces in this portable container. Stepping Stone: Now is the time to add to your stepping stone collection from Green Elephant Home. This lime green color is beautiful and these open ended toys are perfect for floor is lava and obstacle courses. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS for 10% off your entire purchase. Magnetic Easter Eggs: These colorful magnetic Easter eggs are perfect to color sort or fill with fun treats or prizes. A great price point and made with quality materials. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! Disney Wooden Figures: Disney KIDEA is a Japan-exclusive, licensed Disney wooden toy line perfect for stacking, small-world play, block play, and display. A higher price point item but perfect to collect and enjoy for years to come. Tonie Character: Add to your Tonie collection with this fun Peter Rabbit story player or grab any of the characters that your kids are into right now. You do have to own a Tonie Box in order to use this magnetic figure but holidays are the perfect time to add to their story collection. Save 15% with code TOYTESTINGSISTERS. Green Toys Car Carrier: Green Toys makes their toys out of 100% recycled milk jugs. They are excellent quality and can be used indoors and out. Playsilk Dye Kit: This is a unique twist on the tradition of dying Easter eggs. Instead of eggs we found this silk dying kit from Sarah’s Silks and our kids are OBSESSED. There is something about creating something so unique and beautiful and using it for open ended play that is so satisfying. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! Sticker Wow: Melissa and Doug has made stickers so much easier for little hands. Load the stickers into the refillable dispenser and press and place into the play pad. I love that this is refillable and so user friendly so my kids love it. Magnetic Food Set: This magnetic food set from Learning Resources is my kids favorite toy to use when playing “restaurant”. It’s quality and fun to use on the fridge or just on the included placemat. Miniland Baby Doll: I love this brand of baby dolls and the quality is unmatched. They include so many diverse baby dolls that are so beautiful and unique. Magnetic Baby Food: This baby food has a magnetic mechanism that pops the baby food out of the spoon when it is placed in the jar. A much more entertaining way to feed your baby doll. Wooden Tea Set: We love this wooden tea set and it’s affordable and can be purchased on Amazon. The accessories are so cute and it’s excellent for pretend play. Meileg Bunny: We got these bunnies for our kids last year and the packaging and quality is what sold us. They come in a small cardboard egg and are soft as can be. Big Kids The Fidget Game: Introduce sight words and reading to your kids with this fun fidget popper game. 2-4 players at a time makes it the perfect family learning game to join in together. Make Do Discover Kit: This accredited stem toy is an excellent way to keep your kids building and hands on for hours. No kidding, our kids have been having so much fun using kid friendly tools to create endless cardboard creations. Tivi Tray: We love this tray for so many reasons, and that’s because it has so many uses. We use it for essentially every craft to contain the mess and it can be washed and wiped down so easily. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 20% off your purchase! Camp Snap Camera: A screen free digital camera for kids of all ages. No more messing up settings or buttons. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase! Prehistoric Life Kit: This dinosaur kit comes with so many crafts and activities to teach your kids about the prehistoric era. My kids had so much fun making soap, playing in slime, and sculpting with modeling clay. Tinker Tar: A one string guitar that gives kids the independence to easily create music. Each guitar comes with a music booklet to introduce a love for music at any age. Klee Makeup: My kids love this makeup and I love it even more. It is made with all natural/clean ingredients that I know are safe for soft faces and sensitive skin. Tabletop Foosball: This is one of Fat Brain Toys hottest/new toys because it can be used anywhere. Who doesn’t love a competitive game of foosball to go! Playmobil Horse Set: Playmobil creates some of our favorite building sets and these mini kits are the perfect size for any basket or beginning builder. Wonderstix: My personal favorite coloring medium. These can be used on virtually any surface and glide so well. Wooden Building Slats: Think of wooden building dominos and that’s what you’ve got here! Perfect for open ended play where your kids just get to sit down and create with some beautifully stained pieces. Pop Style Bracelet Maker: A unique style of bracelet making that is easier for kids to get the hang of and “pop” off their own beautiful bracelet creations. Globber Tilt Scooter: A higher price point, but our absolute favorite tilt scooter that is built to LAST! You will be shocked at how well this one holds up, and it folds to store and transport. Surprise Stories: We were pleasantly surprised at how much our kids fell in love with storytelling with these prompt cards from Surprise Stories. The kit comes with 3 categories to get your kids making up stories and unleashing their incredible imaginations. Pretendables Lemonade Kit: Fat Brain Toys released a line of toys that are perfect for pretend play. Take this outside and let your kids set up their own lemonade stand.

Winter into Spring can he hard. The kids are inside more and have so much energy to burn off. Mel and I love movement toys and setting up an obstacle course for your kids is an excellent way to keep them entertained and moving. We have rounded up all of our tried and true obstacle course items to share with you! If you have been a follower for a while, you probably have a few of these items ready to use. 1. Stairslide: Starting with a Stairslide is the ultimate way to begin an obstacle course. You can even incorporate the slide within play couch cushions to maximize fun! Use code: TOYTESTING10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase! 2. Ballpit: We typically have our kids slide into the ball pit or run/jump through as they are maneuvering through play couches. The balls add extra sensory fun to the experience. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 15% off your purchase! 3. Tunnel: There are so many tunnels you can pick from on Amazon. This one is $18 and is great for adding an extra element of skilled movement to the course. 4. Bilibo: These "turtle shells" can be used two different ways. Start off by having your kids step and balance on each Bilibo. Then, add some complexity and require a certain number of ground spins. 5. Elements: This element set is great because it includes a balance board. You can stack the elements different heights and add in the balance board for difficulty. 6. Sensory Tiles: The bright colors and sensory fluid is fun for little feet to cross. Perfect for adding an obstacle row to follow. 7. Wobble Board: These can be used to wobble or flip upside down and they become a bridge. Wobble boards can be incorporated into the play couch build of the obstacle course. 8. Stepping Stones: Excellent budget stepping stone for $50. You can also add additional stepping stones for $10. This set comes in fun colors but doesn't include a balance board. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase! 9: Balance Beam: You need to have some sort of balance structure in your obstacle course and this one is great for younger kids. It is very stable and also works well on wood and tile--no slipping. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 15% off your purchase! 10: Tumblers: Use as bridges in the course or really challenge older kids and let them balance on the rounded sides. 11: Climbing Triangle: Many homes have a version of this climbing triangle. Mel and I own one that our brother made for each of us a few years ago. Vertical climbing is great for gross motor development. 12: LeoMat: The trifold tech on this play couch makes incorporating mountains into your obstacle course a breeze. My kids love their Leo. It has different dimensions than the Nugget and its base pieces are the same thickness and size. 13: Gym Bar: Kids can get some swinging power and catapult themselves into a crash area like a play couch! 14: Soft Balance Beam: The soft balance beam is fun because you can keep adding to it. It has velcro ends so you can start with 2 and add more as your kids grow. 15: Nugget Play Couch: I have 4 of these at my (Mandy here) house! My kid's favorite thing to do is make obstacle courses with their Nuggets. There are so many build ideas on the Nugget website or let your kids create their course. 16: Monkey Bars: Last year Mel had these installed at her house! She did have a contractor put in but if you are handy, it's totally doable. Her monkey bars run along her ceiling. 17: Wedges: These mega wedges add stability to an obstacle course and work well for younger kids! 18: Rock Wall: Mel had this installed two years ago and her kids use every day! You can incorporate in the obstacle course by having your kids climb to the ceiling and touch it.

The love holiday is approaching and we have you covered. We rounded up 30 awesome finds that are proven to be a hit! We kept these items under $30. Growing up, our mom went all-out on holidays so we always channel our inner Rinda! 1. Phone Press: The realistic phone shape with buttons and a screen-like bubble panel piques little ones' interest and encourages imaginative play. Clementine goes nuts every time she sees it. I want her “eating” this one instead of my real phone. 2. Five Crowns: We can’t stop playing this game. It’s our current go-to. It’s suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great game for families to enjoy together. The simple rules are easy for younger players to grasp, while the strategic elements offer plenty of challenges for adults. 3. Love Spell Potion: Little Larch is known for their water-activated potions and they offer a Love Potion. These potions are our favorite item to pair with water play. The ingredients are all natural and they smell amazing. Warning: You won’t be able to stop buying. 4. Pop It Push Game: Warning: it's addictive and so relaxing at the same time. Remember the bubble wrap you couldn't resist popping as a kid? Pop Its are like the ultimate, reusable version of that, offering endless tactile satisfaction and a surprisingly fun challenge. Simply press a bubble down, and it pops out with a delightful little snap, then flip it over and start again! Amazon option. Temu option. 5. Silk Balloon Ball Cover: Sarah’s Silks launched a mulberry balloon ball cover for the holiday and it’s gorgeous. The soft silk protects tiny fingers from popping balloons, and if one pops, it stays contained inside, preventing tears and tantrums. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase. 6. Vday Doh Kit: Doh kits are such a hit, always! They are great for sensory play and an excellent activity to pull out one a kid says they are bored. These kits are from Where The Kids Play! The owner is a mom and power house! We love supporting women-owned companies. 7. Earrings: Pierced has our absolute favorite earrings. Our girls have been wearing for over a year and it's really all they wear. The designs are darling and the flat backs make them really comfy. They are also great for sensitive ears. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 20% off your purchase. 8. Kendema: Big kids love Kendema and for good reason. The goal is to land the ball on the spike. It requires focus and hand eye coordination. It can be very challenging but insanely rewarding when the ball falls into place. 9. Hair Glitter Gel: We love glitter! Give us all the glitter. Caroline and Olina love it when we add this glitter to their hair. We usually add to a slick back pony or side part. The glitter stays throughout the day and easily washes out. 10. GloPals: Grab a purple or red GloPal for a unique Vday gift.GloPals are adorable, water-activated light-up bath toys that transform bath time into a magical underwater adventure! Each GloPal comes with 6 reusable light-up cubes that activate when placed in water, casting a soft, colorful glow that mesmerizes little ones. 11. Acrylic Blocks and Loose Part Gems: Hello Sugar House is a fan fav and they released a collection for Vday that has us swooning. Our kids use these sets for building castles, integrating into their doll houses, and more. 12. Stardust Needoh: Needoh has released so many different products that provide endless sensory enjoyment. This stardust version gives you a jelly feel when you squeeze it. Comes in from Vday colors and is an excellent stress ball for busy hands. 13. Heart Purse/Case: Sarah’s Silks has added purses/cases to their collection and we couldn’t hit add to cart fast enough. It’s the perfect size for little hands to carry and fill with all their treasures. It can fit mini silks, small figures, and wooden animals. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase. 14. Animal Bath Toys: This set is mold-free and made of silicone. The tops pop on and off so littles can pour. This also allows for them to air dry.  When filled, kids can spray water out of them. These are excellent for the bath, beach, pool, or a sensory table. 15. Pinball Game: We love the look of vintage toys and this Pinball game from Schylling is giving it to us. Charlie got one just like this for Christmas and was so stoked. We keep it in his room and he can often be found chilling in his bed playing pinball. It is not mini so you can actually play it. 16. Stepping Stones: Green Elephant Home's stepping stones are more than just a way to cross a garden path. They're colorful invitations to explore textures, challenge balance, and spark imaginative play. Made from safe, durable, and eco-friendly materials, these stones come in a variety of colors to suit every child's needs and preferences. These stones can be purchased individually which means now would be a good time to add to, or start, your collection. Use code: TOYTESTINGSISTERS at checkout for 10% off your purchase. 17. Scented Piggy Paint: These polishes are perfect for kids and adults alike who want a little extra something from their nail polish. The scents are subtle but delightful, adding a whimsical touch to any look. Plus, you can choose from a variety of fun scents to match your mood or outfit. Not to mention, they are made from clean and safe ingredients which make them perfect for littles. 18. Fruity EOS Chapstick: Forget boring balm! EOS chapstick takes lip care to a whole new level of flavor and fun with their fruity collection. This 4 pack can also easily be broken up between kids and is my go to lip balm as a mom and for my kiddos on the go. 19. Plasma Heart: A heart shaped plasma ball!? Need we say more? This captivating phenomenon harnesses the power of science to bring a touch of otherworldly wonder to your fingertips. Perfect for a science loving kid with a creative imagination! 20. Tonies Characters: Priced at around $18 per character, now is the time to add to that collection! Each Tonie character holds specific audio content within its NFC chip. It could be anything from classic bedtime stories and musical favorites to educational podcasts and language learning programs. My kids current favorite happens to be ELMER which they use for small world play in addition to story time. 21. Scratch Note Cards: Melissa and Doug never disappoint when it comes to unique and innovative toys. These little note cards are the best busy toy to keep kids creative and having fun. Scratch away the black coating to reveal a dazzling rainbow of colors underneath. Each card holds a vibrant surprise waiting to be unveiled! 22. Diamond Art Stickers: From adorable animals to playful patterns, the variety of sticker designs is sure to spark imaginations. Mix and match to create unique combinations or add a touch of personalized bling to anything. Your kids will have endless amounts of fun practicing those fine motor skills while meticulously placing gems. 23. Kids Tumbler: The best part about this kids tumbler cup is that it DOES NOT LEAK! That is a game changer when it comes to an easily accessible water source for your kids. It comes in various fun colors and designs, and keeps drinks cold for up to 18 hours or hot for up to 10 hours. Perfect to take on the go or set out on the kitchen table so you don’t end up filling 100 cups throughout the day. 24. Fingerlings: Tiny monkeys that cling, wink, and sing! Fingerlings are interactive toy critters that wrap around your finger and react to touch and sound with adorable noises and movements. They are soft and currently the “it” toy in my home. 25. Kids Heart Pajamas: My absolute favorite kids pajamas because they are durable, buttery soft, and come in the most beautiful colors and patterns. I also love that they come in a wide variety of sizes which makes it fun to match siblings. This heart set is to die for and perfect for the upcoming holiday. 26. Tattoo Pens: Our kids are gonna color on themselves…so why not give them a safe way to do it! Just draw your designs directly onto skin with the vibrant, non-toxic gel ink. The tattoos last for a few days, then fade naturally with soap and water. 27. Pocket Hug: I got creative with this one and I think it is SO CUTE! This small, heart shaped token can be toted along in a pocket, backpack, or nestled in precious hands to help remind your little one of the love that you share. A unique way to create a tangible source of LOVE! 28. Droplets: These are kid sized bath bombs and they smell incredible! Use them individually or plop a few together in the bath for a cocktail of scented fun. Each bomb releases gentle bubbles and sweet scents, creating a mini spa day for mini heroes. The box also gives you ideas for fruity combos, or let your kids get creative! 29. Portable Karaoke Machine: Have you ever watched your kids belt their little hearts out to karaoke? This activity is fun for the entire family. This set is bluetooth compatible and includes an SD card preloaded with all sorts of fun songs. Highly rated on Amazon and the perfect Valentine's Day surprise. 30. Yoto Cards: The perfect time to continue to add to your story collection. Each of these credit card style cards pairs perfectly with the YOTO or YOTO MINI (my personal favorite). We also store all our story cards in a business card organizer that we love from Amazon.

The Game King is also a grandpa and loves having great games to play with with grandkids! This list contains his tried and true hits that littles will love and adults will enjoy too. 1. Sleeping Queens 2: Play your cards (using simple math skills) to wake up the queens and collect them. Or put your opponents’ queens to sleep. You will fall in love with the charming visuals, and there’s a new sequel game if you’re tired of the first. Ages 8+ (could be younger), 2-5 players. 2. Pengoloo:  This game teaches numbers, colors and memory skills for younger kids. And it’s based on adorable penguins hatching eggs. The roll of the dice tells you which color eggs to find. Lift the penguin to find that egg and it’s yours. The all-wood pieces are an extra bonus. Ages 4+, 2-4 players. 3. Zimbbos: This circus-themed game doubles as a toy and is a game that appeals to the youngest kids. Build a tower using elephants, balancing bars, and other figures. It also teaches number recognition and problem solving. The all-wood pieces are great quality. Ages 3+, 1-4 players. 4. Outfoxed: Figure out which fox is on the loose. Eliminate them by using clues. The best part is a genius contraption that lets you reveal special clues until there’s only one fox left. (Seriously, the contraption is the best part.) Ages 4+, 2+ players. 5. Dr. Eureka: Don’t let someone tell you this is a kid’s educational game. For me, it’s a fast-paced race to pour colored balls back and forth in test tubes to match the picture on the card. Don’t touch the balls, just the tubes. And sure, it can be educational, too. (And this translates well for a game for all ages.) Ages 8+, 1-4 players. 6. Paco's Party: Flip over a card to reveal a party. There are four guests and three party items. Figure out which one is missing from the scene and you win the card. If everything is there, it’s time to dance and shout “Paco’s Party.” Ages 4+, 2-6 players. 7. Zingo: Think Bingo meets Tic Tac Toe with some reading skills worked in. This is a great game for early readers and pre-schoolers. And they love playing against parents or grandparents. Ages 4+, 1-6 players. 8. Chickyboom: Remove chickens and other pieces from a precarious perch but make sure it doesn’t get out of balance and topple over. Teaches math-type skills, dexterity and problem solving. The pieces are all high quality wood and the game is solid. Ages 3+, 2-4 players. 9. Concept Kids: You have to get people to guess your animals, so you put markers by certain characteristics on the board. Color, where it lives, what it eats, etc. This is a collaborative game simple enough for some of the younger ones. Ages 4+. 2-12 players. 10. Cake-n-Bake Challenge: Simple, easy and great for younger kids. Follow the color-coded layers on your “recipe” card to build a matching slice of cake in a race against other players. You can even wear the included baker’s hat if you’re first. Ages 4+, 2-6 players. 11. Dragomino: Kind of like an intro to dominoes with a dragon twist. If you can match the pictures on the dominoes, you can reveal a dragon egg and hope it has a baby dragon in it. Ages 5+, 2-4 players. 12. Sherlock Express: Who committed a crime from the six animals on the cards? Flip over clue cards one by one to eliminate the suspects until there’s just one left. Slap the card and it’s yours. ( I also play this with adults and it holds up well.) Ages 7+, 2-6 players 13. Waffle Topple: This is a fun stacking game where you place waffles, syrup, bacon and more on top of a fork tower. Tricky rules dictate what can be touching or placed where, so you can get strategic making it harder for other player, but don’t topple the waffle tower. Ages 5+, 2-4 players. 14. Mantis: Make matching sets by trying to steal these colorful cards from opponents. Use clues to figure out who has the cards you want. Ages 7+, 2-6 players. 15. Exit the Game Kids: Specially designed for younger kids as an “introduction to deduction.” Follow clues to figure which three animals to pick on your decoder spinning wheel and the turn it over to see if you got the code correct. Ages 4-6, could be played solo with adult guidance, or small group collaboration. (This is NOT like Exit The Game for adults. It is a simple deduction game.) 1. Just One: I love collaborative games and this is one of the best. One person has to guess a word from the clues everyone submits, but duplicate clues get eliminated so you can’t give the obvious clues. Great for medium sized groups. (More than 15 and it starts to get too much.) Ages 8+, 4+ players. 2. Go Nuts for Donuts: Several donuts are up for grabs, each of them worth different points. Just pick which one you want. But if you picked the same as someone else, no one gets it. It’s strategy and second guessing with some pink glaze and sprinkles. Ages 8+, 2-6 players. 3. Linkee: You are given clues to four different things. But the REAL challenge is figuring out how the four things are linked. You have to silently figure out the first clues, and hope you’re right and then link them. Fun game that fits even for informal settings. Ages 12+, 2-20 players. 4. Think Fast: Currently one of my absolute favorite games. Two teams compete to guess 15 words from a clue. There are three rounds and each round, the clue gets more obscure while the 15 words stay the same. Great for any size group. Ages 8+, 4+ players. 5. Cobra Paw: One of the best “ice breaker” games to just get people drawn in quickly. There are a series of tiles with two icons on each. When you roll the two “icon dice”, race to be the first to snatch the tile that matches. Ages 6+, 2-6 playersiminate suspects in this funny disguised animal whodunnit. Ages 8+, 2-4 players. 6. Dr. Eureka: Don’t let someone tell you this is a kid’s educational game. For me, it’s a fast-paced race to pour colored balls back and forth in test tubes to match the picture on the card. Don’t touch the balls, just the tubes. (Sure, it can be educational, too.) Ages 8+, 1-4 players. 7. Tiki Topple: Nine colorful tiki tokens are stacked on top of each other. You are assigned three and now everyone is fighting to move their tokens up the pole with their action cards while some tikis are getting “toasted” until there are only three left. Ages 10+, 2-4 players. 8. Tenzi: One of my favorite “ice-breaker” games. You have ten dice and have to roll the to get an assigned task: all odds, add up to 47, all the same number, etc. Great way to get some quick energy in your game night (best in a short burst). Ages depending, one set of 10 dice per person. 9. Zillionaire's Road Trip: Monopoly meets auction-like bidding meets Sequence. What are you willing to pay for properties along “roadside Americana”. Get four in a row and you win. This game can go much longer than I like a game to go, but if you’re prepared for that, it’s a fun twist. Ages 8+, 2-5 players. 10. Herd Mentality: It doesn’t matter what the “right” answer is to a question, it just matters what is the most popular. Name a farm animal. What’s your favorite finger? You have to match the “herd” to get a point. Ages 10+, 3+ players. 11. Happy Salmon: Few games get people up and moving like Happy Salmon. Flip your cards over and find someone who has the same card, complete the action described and go to the next card. My stomach hurts every time I play (short bursts of shouting). Ages 6+, 3-8 players. 12. WHOZIT: Clever collaborative game. One person tries to get the rest to decide which celebrity/job is assigned by giving two clues on a sliding scale. You have to work together to reach the end goal in five rounds. Ages 10+, 2+ players. 13. Spot It: Everyone knows this game, but the best way to play it is NOT the traditional way. Everyone takes a card and turns them over at the same time. Find someone you match and then offload your card on them and you’re free. Last person standing is the loser. It’s frantic. Ages 6+, can play with larger groups with this version. 14. Sushi Go: You start with a set of cards, each worth different points based on combinations and sets, but you can only take one and pass the rest on. You’ll get a new set of cards from another player and have to keep building as you go with the leftovers from other players. Fun graphics and a great twist for a game. Ages 8+, 2-5 players. 15. Color Brain: Clever game where you have color coded cards you have to race to put down to match the color question. What are the colors of the Belgium flag? Get your color cards picked in a race against everyone. (There’s a Disney version that is a little too obscure for me.) Ages 12+, 2-20 players. 16. Code Names: Does anyone NOT have this game already? Two teams racing against each other to identify random word cards on a grid. Give clues that connect multiple words so you can find your team’s words first. Ages 12+, 4-12 players. 17. Block Party: Create an assigned object, but all you have is small colored blocks and a timer you’re racing against. Can the guesser figure out what you created? And watch for added challenges. Super simple concept everyone can grasp quickly. Ages 6+, 2+ players 18. So Clover: Identify four clues for what four word pairs have in common with each other. Then scramble the words and add some extra words to see if the rest of the group can figure out what the four original pairs were. Fun collaborative game. Ages 10+, can play in a larger collaborative group (up to 10 players). 19. You Can't Say Umm: Can you get your team to guess two random words as you describe them? Sounds easy enough? Oh yeah, you can’t say the word “ummm”. More challenging and funnier than you think, especially with a couple other twists that can get mixed in. All ages, At least 4 players. 20. Hues and Cues: Picture a giant color swatch board. You have to give a one word clue to get everyone to figure out exactly which color is the right one. Periwinkle, huckleberry, Barney, plum could all be your clue, but will other players know where to put their marker? Ages 8+, 3-10 players.