House Party
Kids will love to decorate Easy Playhouse, an easy-to-assemble, 100 percent recyclable heavy-duty cardboard house that is a like a blank canvas. Kids paint, color or decorate it to transform it into a holiday gingerbread house, a firehouse, a secret hideout or anything they can imagine. Plus, it’s reversible, so you get two playhouses in one. Makes a great, creative group activity. $40. www.easyplayhouse.com
Head Gear
Helmets are essential for biking safety, but kids can be hard-headed about wearing them, unless they have an awesome Raskullz 3D Helmet, featuring T-Rad Rex, Shark Attax, Cutie Cat or Sparkle Heart the Unicorn. These unique and stylin’ helmets are a no brainer for getting kids thrilled about gearing up. $24.99. Target, Walmart and Toys “R†Us.
Puzzling Toys
Famous puzzle maker Ravensburger adds a layer of challenge with new no-glue-required 3D puzzles featuring uniquely curved, hinged and flat plastic pieces that create stunning 3D replicas of landmark structures, such as the Empire State Building or Eiffel Tower ($25.99). The 125-year-old company makes puzzles for every level of difficulty, from children’s super-sized floor puzzles and large-format puzzles up to a mind-blowing 32,256 piece puzzle featuring the art of Keith Haring ($299.99). Other puzzles $6.99 and up. Retailers nationwide or www.ravensburger.com.
A Kid’s Best Friend
Little ones will love to cuddle and laugh with Totally KooKoo Kennel Puppies. Each 6-inch daffy doggie, with names like Scruffy, Dollymation and Hairyterrier, keeps company with mini plush pup and lets out a happy bark when you squeeze its belly. $18.99. www.toywiz.com
Sleepy Head
What’s better than combining cuddly creatures with a nap? The Happy Napper plush animal comes with its own home that converts into a soft pillow for nap time, at school, in the car or wherever. $19.99. www.happynapper.com
Let’s Roll
Children will love to pack up their toys and belongings in the ride-on suitcase Trunki by Melissa & Doug. This rolling bag with a pull-along strap is the perfect companion for travel, sleep overs, summer camp and other outings. Available in six adorable colors and designs. $39.99. www.melissaanddog.com
