Ages 5-8
Invite one of Gerd Hahns’ Worry Eaters plush toys into your child’s life to chase all his cares away. (Adults like them, too!) Kids can write their worries down, zip them in the toy’s mouth, and poof, they disappear. Ages 3 and up. At haywiregroup.com. $15.99 small; $22.99 large.
Mount the Kidzoom Action Cam by V-Tech on a helmet, bike or skateboard – or even take it underwater – for memorable video or photos. Our 7-year-old tester loved showing us the camera footage of his bike ride down our street, speed bumps and all! Parents will appreciate that it comes with a sturdy waterproof case for underwater activities and for added extra protection during everyday use. Ages 4-9. At major retailers. $59.99
The View-Master by Mattel has captured the imaginations of children for generations. The current version uses your smartphone and apps to take viewing to a whole new level with 3-D, 360-degree images. The virtual reality starter pack explores wildlife, destinations and even space, and makes you feel that you’re really there. Ages 7-15. At major retailers. $29.99
Crafty kids will spend hours with the Goldieblox Craftstruction Box’s 275 pieces creating odd and wonderful designs and solving problems. Look for weekly online videos for even more building ideas. Ages 6 and older. At goldieblox.com. $39.99
Hot Wheels Ultimate Auto Garage Playset has it all with parking spaces for 36 cars, plus multiple action zones including a chomping shark, tune-up shop and gas station to keep kids’ imaginations engaged. It’s awesome if you have the space. Ages 5-12. At major retailers. $99.99
Make Your Own Glitter Snowglobe by Mindware has everything you need to design clay creations, oven-bake them and then assemble the globe, including ideas and clay-molding techniques. Ages 6 and older. At Learning Express Atlanta and Kazoo Toys. $24.95
With the Pie Face Game, players take turns inserting their faces through an opening and turning the handle until …. splat! A dollop of whipped cream might just land in their face. What a sweet treat! Here’s a hint: Keep a small hand towel handy for quick cleanup of each player. Ages 5 and older. At major retailers. $19.99
Graphic Skinz Design Studio by Mattel craft set kept our three girl testers engaged for hours, experimenting with skinz designs. The kit comes with a motorized vacuum chamber that uses suction to apply full-color graphic skins to 3D objects – anything that will fit inside the vacuum tube. Setup and directions were easy to follow. Ages 6-12. At major retailers. $29.99
It only takes two players for dodgeball, when it’s Slimeball Dodgetag from Diggin Active. Opponents don special vests and fire slime balls at each other – the balls will stick to a vest but nothing else and won’t leave any sticky residue. Comes with two vests and six squishy balls. Ages 6 and up. At Learning Express Atlanta and Hibbett’s. $24.99
Crayola Creative Art Collection Window Art lets kids turn any window into a (temporary) work of art using 12 vibrant window markers (windows wipe clean). The set comes with markers, stencils, a transparent drawing panel and a booklet of design ideas. Ages 4 and up. At Barnes & Noble and Crayola.com. $24.95
Write Brain Books Published Author Kit has everything a child needs to publish their own story with these creative wordless book templates. Parents will have to help younger kids more. Once the child’s book is finished, it’s printed with the child’s photo and bio on the back, and shipped to the child’s home. Ages 5 and older. At writebrainbooks.com. $39.95
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