Get busy building! This jam-packed tub features an extensive assortment of LEGO bricks and other fun elements. It includes a building plate, mini figure, windows, doors and wheels. New container allows for easy clean-up and efficient storage. The transparent lid lets builders display their models. Includes building instructions for five models and photo inspiration for 25 more. 405 pieces. Tub measures 7.56"H x 15.12"W x 8.98"D.

When your toddler has graduated from the Duplo stage and is ready to take the next step in his, or her, Lego journey, the Lego Ultimate Building Set is the ideal graduation gift. With 405 pieces stored in a durable plastic box with a see-through top, this set is the perfect place to let children continue to explore their imagination and engineering skills. The Lego Ultimate Building Set contains many small pieces and is designed for kids ages four and older.

Large Brick Box Ages: 4+ Pieces: 405

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Lego starter kit lets younger children build a house, car, dog, helicopter, and more. The Challenging: Younger children may need help with following the instruction. In a Nutshell: The ideal Lego starter kit for kids too old for Duplos.

The Ideal Lego Starter Kit
The Lego Ultimate Building Set includes everything a child needs to take the first steps to becoming an expert Lego builder. It includes one mini figurine, a building plate, and a wide mix of standard bricks in various colors as well as house and wheel elements.

Following the included instructions and using pieces in the starter kit, kids can build a house, helicopter, dog, and car. The only flaw is that the instructions may be challenging for younger children, and require adult assistance.

As is the case with virtually every Lego set, your child will be limited only by his, or her, imagination and perseverance. Although the kit is designed for younger children graduating from Lego Duplos, you can be confident that your child will never actually grow out of the Ultimate Building Set. All of the pieces can be incorporated into future Lego collections.

What's in the Box
405 standard Lego pieces with house and wheel element, mini figurine, durable plastic storage case, and instructions.

With 405 pieces, this Legos starter kit allows your child to build a variety of different things.

Each Zhu Zhu Hamter has its own unique personality & whimsical sounds. Loving Mode: Pet them, love them, hear them chatter Explore Mode: Let them scoot, scamper, across the floor. Provide them with their Hamster Habitat.

Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets hamsters love to scamper around and explore the Funhouse environment. This playset has lots of openings to allow connecting additional playsets and accessories. Zhu Zhu/Go Go Pets Hamsters sold separately. Item may ship in Zhu Zhu/Go Go packaging.

Super Smart, Realistic Hamster-rific Fun! I chatter, scatter, scoot n' scutty like a real hamster!

Each Zhu Zhu Hamter has its own unique personality & whimsical sounds. Loving Mode: Pet them, love them, hear them chatter Explore Mode: Let them scoot, scamper, across the floor. Provide them with their Hamster Habitat.

24 Days of Lego City building fun! Count down to the holidays with the 2009 Lego City Advent Calendar, with something new to build every day until Christmas! Set includes nine mini figures and many other cool accessories that make your Lego City even more exciting. Lego City Advent Calendar includes 24 city themed surprises for the season, including Lego mini figures, accessories and more. Each day open a new window in the specially designed Advent Calendar box. This Lego Christmas set has 257 pieces and includes 9 mini figures. Recommended for ages 5 to 12.

Zhu Zhu pets are also GoGo pets

SCRABBLE SLAM is a fast-paced word game where anything could happen! Race against each other to change the existing four-letter word and get rid of your cards. “Game” could become “fame” and “fame” could become “fate”—you never know where it’ll go. Be the first player to get rid of all of your cards to win!

Here is the MAXUS DRAGONOID. 7 in 1 to combine into MAXUS DRAGONOID. All are Pryus red figures. This is a MUST HAVE for any Bakugan collector or gamer.

One of the biggest and most powerful Bakugan yet, the Maxus Dragonoid will have your Bakugan opponents quaking in fear. It includes one Bakugan warrior and six traps that, when transformed, can be assembled into a giant dragon robot. These seven pieces are unique and can't be found anywhere else, making this set essential for any Bakugan player/collector.

7 in 1 Maxus Drago Ages: 4+

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Novelty factor: The Good: Innovative, pocket-sized toys that are enjoyable to play with. The Challenging: Additional Bakugan pieces are necessary to play the game properly. In a Nutshell: With seven unique pieces, an essential part of any Bakugan player's collection.

Get in on the latest craze with Bakugan.

Unleash the fearsome power of the Maxus Dragonoid on your Bakugan foes! View larger.

Get In On the Bakugan Craze
For those who are unfamiliar, Bakugan is an inventive strategy game based on the popular anime TV series, "Bakugan: Battle Brawlers." It pits a variety of "Bakugan warriors" against each other for points. The Bakugan themselves are magnetic, spring-loaded marbles that -- when exposed to a metal "gate card" -- burst open to reveal a fearsome warrior.

The mission of the Bakugan strategy game is to capture the opponent's metal gate cards. This is achieved by rolling your Bakugan warriors onto these cards and doing battle with defending enemy Bakugan. The game involves a surprising amount of strategy, and features various tactical cards and trap pieces that help protect your Bakugan warriors.

Room for the Imagination
This game combines skill (aiming your Bakugan) with strategy (placement of the cards). Players also enjoy the way the warriors pop open on the magnetic cards -- although sometimes they do it even when they don't land on the cards. Players unfamiliar with the TV show, may feel a little lost at first in the world of Bakugan. But with the help of the colorful, animated Bakugan Web site, they will get what the game is about and how to play.

Even without the official strategy game, Bakugan toys are enjoyable and can be played with like regular action figures. Fans of the show will like role-playing as one of the various characters, such as the fiery 12-year-old leader "Dan" or the wise "Marucho."

Maxus Dragonoid Expands Your Bakugan Collection
This particular set contains one Bakugan warrior (named Neo Dragonoid) and six Bakugan traps (Grakas Hound, Dark Hound, Grafias, Brachium, Spitarm and SpyderFencer.) These pieces can be combined together to form the massive Maxus Dragonoid monster. The transformation process is a bit complicated, but the set includes clear instructions that make assembly easy. The assembled Dragonoid is a unique toy, although a bit unwieldy -- if not positioned correctly, he will easily fall down.

Each of the seven Bakugan that compose Dragonoid can be used individually in the strategy game. Avid players will be happy to know that this set also includes a special ability card, which will come in handy when you're devising a strategy to topple your enemy. Just keep in mind that, in order to play Bakugan properly, you'll need several other Bakugan marbles/cards that are not included in this package. Kids who are new to Bakugan might be better off with one of the various starter packs.

What's in the Box
One Bakugan warrior, 6 Bakugan traps, ability card and metal gate card.

Maxus Dragonoid disassembles into smaller Bakugan that can be used in the official strategy game.

A lightweight headset containing sensors for the forehead and earlobes measures your brainwave activity. When you focus your concentration, a small foam ball will rise on a gentle stream of air. Relax your thoughts and the ball will descend. By using a combination of physical and mental coordination, you must then guide the ball through a customizable obstacle course–the various obstacles can be repositioned into many different configurations. Mindflex™ combines advanced technology with the power of thought to create an interactive experience unlike any other– a game where players compete in the ultimate mental marathon!

For ages 8 and up.
Requires 4 "C" and 2 "AAA' batteries.

Mindflex--featuring a headset that reads your brain waves and a levitating foam ball--is the kind of game that must be seen to be believed. Recommended for players aged eight and older, the game begins when you strap on the headset so you can use your powers of concentration to move the ball around the game console and through a mind-bending obstacle course. A dial-in console lets you to keep the ball lifted on a cushion of air, but raising and lowering the ball must be accomplished by alternating concentrating and relaxing your mind.

At a Glance Ages: 8+ Requires: 4 "C" and 3 "AAA" batteries (not included) Screwdriver for battery installation

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Adults and kids guide a foam ball through obstacles using the power of their minds. The Challenging: Players unable to perceive a relationship between their minds and the ball's height may grow impatient. In a Nutshell: Foam ball really does rise and fall, and choice of games and obstacle courses provides hours of amusement.

Your telekinetic fantasies becomes a reality with the Mattel Mindflex. View larger.

The challenging obstacle course will hone your mental focus. View larger.

Headset Measures your Brain Waves
Tired of games that depend on the roll of a die or lucky draw? With the help of advanced technology, Mindflex introduces a whole new way to play--by using the power of your mind!

You'll feel like a character in a science fiction movie as you strap on the headset, connect the clips to your ear lobes, and align the metal forehead sensor just above your left eyebrow. But even this strange accessory won't prepare you for the sight of a foam ball quivering five inches above the game console!

Move the Ball with the Power of your Mind
Skeptics will be quick to point out that the console's moveable fan nozzle holds the ball aloft on a cushion of air. However, as players learn to alternately focus and relax their minds, the ball will respond by rising and falling. An instruction manual provides various concentration and relaxation techniques to try such as math problems or visualization and practice exercises.

Once you feel like you've mastered the art of telekinesis, you can test your mental acuity with five challenging games designed for groups of one to four players. Use the game console to select your game, set the difficulty level, and track your scores.

Design a Mind-Bending Obstacle Course
A variety of hoops, hurdles, funnels, and a teeter-totter can be positioned however you choose on the game console. Players use their minds to move the ball under, over, or through the obstacles. Several games test speed, while another challenges players to lift a ball up and through a funnel, shooting it across the game console to score points.

While Mindflex's advanced technology is sure to intrigue, mastering the games may prove difficult for some. Because concentration techniques will vary from person to person, the game rewards patience and a willingness to experiment. Fans of mazes and brain teasers will appreciate the mental challenge, and creative types will like designing the obstacle courses.

Mindflex's game console requires four "C" batteries (not included), and the headset requires three "AAA" batteries (not included). The four foam balls should be handled with care to keep their ability to levitate. Fortunately, the game console features an inner compartment for safe ball storage.

What's in the Box
Game console, headset, four foam balls, and various obstacles. (Batteries not included.)

Bananagrams is a fast and fun word game that requires no pencil, paper or board. All you need is a table. One hand can be played in as little as five minutes. It is a great for family fun as well as being educational. Bananagrams portability makes it perfect for travel. Just grab the pouch and go.

Special ZhuZhu Pets habitat accessory wheel and tunnel. They love to jump on and off the wheel all by themselves. ZhuZhu Pets hamsters sold separately.

Sophie the Giraffe, full of discoveries and activities to awaken baby's senses. Sight: The dark and contrasting spots all over Sophie the Giraffe's body provide visual stimulation and make her easily recognizable to baby. She soon becomes a familiar and reassuring objet. Hearing: Her squeaker keeps baby amused, stimulates his hearings, and helps him to understand the link between cause and effect. Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is very flexible and has lots of parts for baby to chew like ears, horns, legs. She is perfect for soothing baby's sore gums when teething and is completely safe. Made of 100% natural rubber and food paint. Touch: Sophie the Giraffe is perfect for baby's small hands. She is very light and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip. She is very soft to touch, just like baby's mummy, stimulating soothing physiological and emotional responses. Smell: The singular scent of natural rubber from Have tree makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to identify amid all his other toys. Phthalates and BPA free.

This friendly little dump truck speaks over 40 phrases and sounds, including "Let's get to work!" and "Time to find some dirt!", and moves his bumper and wiggles his dump bed in his excitement to start working. The truck also drives when you call to him, and a storybook is included to rev up children's imaginations.

Product Features:

• Speaks over 40 phrases and sounds when you lift his dump bed, press his bumper or press his top
• Chuck starts to drive when you call him
• Batteries Required: 3/C (included)
• Ages: 2 years and up
• Includes Chuck the talking dump truck, storybook and 3/C Powrfuel batteries

(Model 94353)

Your toddler will have loads of dump-truck fun with Playskool's Chuck My Talking Truck. Not only does Chuck have over 40 spoken phrases and sounds, he also drives to you when called and shakes his bumper and dump bed while chatting and "working." Designed for children ages two and up, Chuck My Talking Truck offers your child interactive fun and role-playing opportunities.

Chuck My Talking Truck Ages: 2+ Requires: 3 "C" batteries (included) Phillips screwdriver to replace batteries No assembly required

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: A fun, interactive truck that speaks over 40 phrases. The Challenging: Other sounds in the room could confuse the toy, causing extra movement. In a Nutshell: Your toddler can share many new adventures with this motorized, speaking dump truck.

Chuck My Talking Truck knows over 40 spoken phrases and sounds!View larger.

Your Own Personal Driving, Talking Truck
Chuck My Talking Truck has plenty of things to say and places to go. His 40 plus phrases and sounds make each playtime a new adventure for your toddler. When your child calls Chuck from across the room the fun-loving dump truck starts up right up and chugs his way over to your child. His cartoonish features are silly, fun, and inviting, and with four different touch sensors he starts up easily for younger children still improving their eye-and-hand coordination.

Though Chuck does come when called, be careful to use him away from the television or radio. His sensors may get confused with extra voices, causing him to keep driving when he hasn't been directly spoken to.

Cartoonish Features and Interactive Play for Your Toddler
Chuck My Talking Truck will keep your toddler guessing with talk, movement, and sounds. Toddlers can help load Chuck up with stuff to take to the "dump," and help him unload when they've made it across the room together. There are plenty of dump truck adventures to be had with Chuck's versatile actions and sounds. Chuck's body is also made of soft rubber that will not hurt toddlers in collisions.

What's in the Box
Truck, storybook, three "C" batteries.

The Go Go Adventure Ball is the must have accessory for your Go Go Hamster!! Each go go hamster (sold separately) has its own unique personality and whimsical sounds! Loving Mode: Pet them, love them , hear them chatter, Explore Mode: Let them scoot, scamper bump n boogie across the floor or through their Hamster Habitat. Collect the whole Hamster-riffic gang! Mr. Squiggles, Num Nums, Chunk, & Pipsqueak!

Elf On The Shelf. How does Santa know if you

Promote music appreciation by introducing your little one to baby-friendly versions of classical masterpieces by Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin and Rossini with the Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes! A large, easy-to-press button allows your baby to toggle through 7 high quality and enjoyable classical melodies at home or on-the-go! This baby's version of an ''MP3 player'' has colorful lights that dance across the screen to enhance each entertaining melody. Imported. . 7 baby-friendly classical melodies. Volume control. The colorful and easy to grasp caterpillar handle ensures that baby can ''takealong tunes'' anywhere!Melodies include:. Serenade No. 13 in G, ''Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,'' K525, 1st movement, (Baby Galileo, Mozart). Nocturne No. 6, K239, 1st movement, (Baby Neptune, Mozart). Waltz in GB Op. 70, No.1 (Traveling Melodies, Chopin). The Four Seasons, Spring, 1st movement (Baby Vivaldi). William Tell Overture, ''Lone Ranger'', Rossini (Playtime Music Box). Piano Sonata in A, K331, 3rd movement (Baby Mozart). The Four Seasons, Summer, 1st and 3rd movements (Baby Vivaldi).

Bop it, baby! Can you react to the commands fast enough? With the bop it! game, you never know what's coming next!

Bop it, baby! With bop it!, you never know what's coming next. Can you react to the commands quickly enough to beat your high score? Three different orders come at you fast, and there's even a new 'Yell It!' command to keep you guessing. Play the game alone or with a group of friends in the new 'Party Bop' mode!

Fun for the whole family, Bop It is like a modern-day, handheld "Simon Says." After pulling the blue knob to activate the game, just follow the voiced directions and get ready to bop it, twist it, pull it, or shout it! But make sure you do it before the buzzer sounds! Designed for ages eight and up, the game will have you showing off your bopping talent by being the first to "stay alive."

Bop It! Ages: 8+ Requires: 3 "AAA" batteries (included) Phillips screwdriver to replace batteries No assembly required

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Offers variety of games depending on expertise level or number of players. The Challenging: High scores are reset when batteries are changed. In a Nutshell: Travel-friendly, interactive hand-held game that's great for solo or group play.

Be the first to bop it and "stay alive!" View larger.

Colorful, Interactive, and Easy to Carry
Bop It is the same size of a small, hand-held car vacuum, and is very light--weighing under a pound--making it easy to travel with. The toy is made up of four main components--a large button in the middle to bop, a blue gadget to pull, a yellow gadget to twist, and a green lever to move sideways for shouting.

Once the game is activated, simply follow the voiced directions before the buzzer sounds. As the game goes on, you will take less time with each turn to complete the actions. So be prepared to "bop it" or "pull it" quickly!

Bop It features useful rubber grips around the "twisting" and "pulling" gadgets to prevent it from slipping out of your hands. The bright, primary colors of the gadgets also add to the fun and goofiness of the game itself.

Fun, Competitive Play or Solo Mode
Bop It can be played by one person in solo mode or in a group/party setting. The toy is interactive and mentally stimulating--which keeps the game interesting and challenging for players of all ages. Bop It promotes responsive reflexes and good listening skills, along with lots of twisting, bopping family fun.

What's in the Box
Bop It, three "AAA" batteries and instructions.

Our tactile wooden block game combines the logic and strategy of Set® with the creative multi-maneuver game play of Scrabble®. Easy-to-learn rules mean youll be creating columns and rows of matching colors and shapes in no time! Look for opportunities to score big by placing a tile that touches multiple pieces and matches both shapes and colors; the player with the most points wins. 108 blocks.

What's different about the moon tonight? It's inside your room! Authentically detailed, Moon In My Room hangs on your wall and shines moonlight just like the real moon. Twelve different phase settings let you match what the real moon looks like outside tonight!

Listen to the included audio CD to learn exciting facts about the moon and its unique relationship with planet Earth.

LeapFrog - Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set Toddlers from 12 months and up will love making wacky animal combinations with this Magnetic Animal set. This toy teaches kids all about animals, as it plays learning songs, fun facts, and sounds. Toddlers can make up to 25 combinations with this magnetic puzzle, and it can be played with on the floor or on the refrigerator. When two matching pieces are inserted into the farm, a cheerful electronic voice says the animal name. If the pieces mismatch, the toy creates a silly name for that animal. Matches are positively reinforced and the toy makes mismatches seem funny rather than wrong. When set to music mode, Farmer Tad plays five banjo tunes for a real barnyard hoe-down. The Fridge Farm is a great set to travel with. All pieces store on the back of the barn and a carry handle allows easy transport from place to place. The toy's resilient construction withstands wear and tear and holds up nicely to rough child play. Strong magnets keep it from falling off the fridge and lightweight construction allows a small child to carry the fun from room to room with no problem. A handy volume switch keeps the music at an enjoyable level. The fridge farm encourages creativity, as your child mixes, matches, and makes zany animals. Bright colors and lively animal songs make the Fridge Farm a family favorite. In 2004, it received the prestigious Superior quality, easy-to-grasp pieces, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. and lively banjo tunes make it a great addition for any toddler's toy box. This toy is easy for little fingers to manage and convenient for parents to store. It requires three AAA batteries (included). Includes: Barnyard, 5 animal pieces, and 3 AAA batteries.

Moo! Oink! Bow-wow! Toddlers from one to five years old will love making wacky animal combinations with this LeapFrog Magnetic Animal set. This toy teaches kids all about animals, as it plays learning songs, fun facts, and sounds. Toddlers can make up to 25 combinations with this magnetic puzzle, and it can be played with on the refrigerator or floor. When two matching pieces are inserted into the farm, a cheerful electronic voice says the animal name. If the pieces mismatch, the toy creates a silly name for that animal. Matches are positively reinforced and the toy makes mismatches seem funny rather than wrong. When set to music mode, Farmer Tad plays five banjo tunes for a real barnyard hoe-down.

Down on the Farm
The Fridge Farm is a great set to travel with. All pieces store on the back of the barn and a carry handle allows easy transport from place to place. The toy's resilient construction withstands wear and tear and holds up nicely to rough child play. With this toy's open-ended format toddlers can create any hilarious combination they choose. It features strong magnets to keep it from falling off the fridge and a lightweight construction so the child can carry the fun from room to room. A handy volume switch keeps the music at an enjoyable level. This toy is easy for little fingers to manage and convenient for parents to store. It requires three AAA batteries (included).

Fun Award-Winning Features
The fridge farm encourages creativity, as your child mixes, matches, and makes zany animals. Bright colors and lively animal songs make the Fridge Farm a family favorite. Loved by parents and their children, this award-winner is both educational and fun. In 2004, it received the prestigious Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award. Superior quality, easy-to-grasp pieces, and lively banjo tunes make it a great addition for any toddler's toy box.

What's in the Box
Barnyard, 5 animal pieces, and 3 AAA batteries.

All pieces store on the back of the barn, and a carry handle allows easy transport.

The fridge farm encourages creativity, as your child mixes, matches, and makes zany animals.

Ten bright blocks are ready for baby to drop into the open bucket or through the shape-sorting lid. Baby will love filling the bucket with blocks, dumping them out, then starting over again. Great for eye-hand coordination and other early skills. Then baby can move on to sorting and stacking and learning about identifying and matching shapes. Includes plastic shape-sorting box with take-anywhere handle and ten colorful blocks.

Spark kids' creativity with this magical Glow Board where your drawings appear and disappear, creating cool 3-D effects like a neon sign. The reusable surface provides hours of non-stop creative fun. The colors give an intense, glow-in-the-dark effect, and violet lights illuminate the ink. Includes: two drawing surfaces, six glow-in-the-dark markers and a tracing sheet. Easel back. Measures 12" x 13.5" x 2.5".

With the Crayola Color Explosion Glow Board, kids can take their creations to a whole new level of fun. The glow board comes with six vibrant neon markers, which can be used to draw on either of the board's two drawing surfaces. Once their drawing is complete, kids can illuminate the colored inks with the touch of a button, as the board's lights give the ink an intense glow.

Children can illuminate the colored inks with the touch of a button. View larger.

Kids are able to create a multitude of different drawings.

An Electronic Easel
The Crayola Color Explosion Glow Board offers a unique way for kids to display their art, as it lights up drawings much like a neon sign. It incorporates several violet lights under the drawing surface. When lit, these lights cause the ink to take on a vivid, striking glow. The board's surface is reusable -- ink erases in an instant -- making it good for hours of fun at a time. Children can easily display their artwork by using the easel back to prop the board in place. And the board's two separate drawing layers give kids even more room to doodle. Using the glow board's controls, kids can choose to display one layer, or flash between both for an exciting billboard-like effect.

Drawing with the Glow Board
The glow board's markers come in six dazzling neon colors -- red, blue, yellow, green, orange, and pink. With these colors at their command, kids will be able to create a multitude of different drawings. Perhaps they will envision a galaxy with stars and planets, or render an undersea adventure. The markers have medium tips, which can draw thickly but also offer the ability to draw finer images. A tracing sheet comes with the board to help kids get ideas for their artwork. This toy is recommended for children ages six and up, and requires three AAA batteries (not included.)

About Crayola
Crayola first began developing its world-famous crayons in 1903, with eight original colors. The company is now the world's most popular manufacturer of children's art supplies and it produces more than 120 different crayon colors. Crayola recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and continues to innovate in the field of children's art.

What's in the Box
Crayola Color Explosion Glow Board with two coloring surfaces, 6 glow board markers, and tracing sheet.

LEAPFROG 19139 SCRIBBLE & WRITE

Take the challenge of the only 4-in-a-row game for 4 players. Doubling the grid and doubling the number of players creates more challenge and more fun. Take turns dropping a checker into the grid to create a line of 4 checkers horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, just like the original Connect 4. The double-sided grid allows you to make a line on either side, or by weaving through from one side to the other.For 4 players, ages 8 and up.

Connect 4 x 4 is similar to the classic original, but now you can play with up to four people, and the double-sided grid adds greater complexity and more chances to win. Designed for ages eight and up, Connect 4 x 4 may have doubled the challenge, the amount of players, and the grid--but the fun and scoring are still the same: four in a row and you win!

Connect 4 x 4 Ages: 8+ Required: 4 players

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: Up to four people can play Connect 4 x 4; features new colors and helpful blockers. The Challenging: Younger children may need pointers on the double-sided grid when first playing. In a Nutshell: Fun remake of a favorite game with added challenge and complexity.

Double-sided Grid, More Colors, New Pieces
Connect 4 x 4 is the only checkers four-in-a-row, four-player game--making it perfect for family game nights. With the new double-sided grid, you can score on both the front and back side of the game.

Game play is simple--pick a line, drop a checker in on each turn, and hope that your opponents don't foil your strategy before you get four checkers in a row! The game has also added "blockers," which can be used to block your opponents on both sides of the grid in one turn. However, make sure to save your blockers for when you really need them--you only get two and they are valuable!

When you're finished playing Connect 4 x 4, a convenient locking top slide keeps the pieces on the grid so you never have to worry about lost checkers.

Challenging Remake of a Timeless Favorite
If you grew up playing Connect 4, you'll quickly realize that Connect 4 x 4 is like having both an old favorite and a new game all in one. You can still play the game with two players, but now also have the option of playing with four. The double-sided grid adds a welcome challenge and complexity for long-time Connect 4 players. A word of warning for younger players: the added complexity may be a bit challenging to understand at first, but once they do, they'll definitely be hooked.

What's in the Box
Double-sided grid, 68 checkers (17 of each color), and eight blockers (two of each color).

View larger.	View larger.
The double-sided grid adds more opportunity to score, or be scored against!

Special ZhuZhu Pets habitat accessory Garage and Car. Hamster pets love to go for a drive in their very own hamstermobile. ZhuZhu Pets hamsters sold separately.

Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Cookie SetBake up a batch of fun! This realistic wooden set includes 12 colorful, detailed cookies with 18 toppings, plus wooden knife, kitchen mitt and cookie sheet. With over 30 pieces, this set makes a tasty treat for little bakers.

Young children naturally love to pretend they're doing "grown-up" things -- it's a fun and important part of childhood development. The Melissa & Doug Wooden Slice and Bake Cookie Set lets children ages three and up pretend to bake, decorate, and serve cookies, all while practicing fine motor skills, learning number concepts, and more. The set includes a dozen wooden cookies, a dozen wooden decorating pieces, and toy wooden kitchen utensils.

Slice and Bake Cookie Set Ages: 3+

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Educational factor: Novelty factor: The Good: Sturdy, high-quality wooden toy is built to last, offers plenty of opportunity for both independent and interactive pretend play The Challenging: It's a toy with a lot of individual pieces, but it includes handy, clever storage solutions In a Nutshell: Wooden cookie set comes with toy kitchen utensils, providing fun tools to foster imaginary play in preschool-age children

Kids love using the wooden spatula to remove their cookie creations from the tray. View larger.

"Slice" cookies from the tube of "dough" with the wooden toy knife. View larger.

Bake Up Something Good
The Slice and Bake Cookie Set features a dozen cookies that are packaged in a cardboard tube that looks just like a tube of cookie dough from the grocery store. Because they're held together with Velcro, the cookies slide out in one piece. Use the wooden toy knife to "slice" the cookies apart -- the Velcro makes a satisfying slicing sound when it separates.

The child can then place the cookies on the cookie sheet and pretend the cookies are baking, making sure to hold the "hot" cookie sheet with the oven mitt once they're done. (Note that the toy kitchen utensils are not meant for use with real food or with real kitchen appliances.)

Once the cookies are done baking, it's decorating time! The 12 "vanilla" and "chocolate" frosting pieces attach to the cookies with Velcro. They are painted with different, yummy looking sprinkles, candy pieces, and icing patterns, so your child can create a variety of different looking cookies. After the decorating is done, your child can serve them up with the included wooden toy spatula.

Perfect for preschool-age children, this toy not only offers plenty of opportunity for imaginary play, it also helps small kids exercise their motor skills. Our preschool-age tester found it challenging, yet fun, to slice the cookies apart. And while our toy tester enjoyed playing with it independently, this toy makes a great parent-and-child activity, too.

Adults can place custom orders for cookies, play counting and matching games, and more. If you're at a loss for ideas, Melissa & Doug includes interactive play ideas on the back of the cookie sheet that help you encourage your child to learn while she plays.

Sturdy, High-Quality Construction
The Slice and Bake Cookie Set definitely has plenty of pieces, so we were glad to find that the cardboard tube is big enough to contain both the cookies and the toppings, making cleanup and organization much easier. We also love the toy's sturdy wooden construction that's built for plenty of rough play. And as with all of their products, Melissa & Doug states that this toy is made with non-toxic coatings and meets or exceeds US toy testing standards.

About Melissa & Doug
Started in the garage at Doug's parents' house in 1988, Melissa & Doug has grown to become one of the most popular toy makers in the world. Their toys have garnered dozens of parenting and "best toy" awards over the years, and have been featured widely in national print media and on television.

One of the company's points of pride is that their toys are thoroughly tested for safety, and meet all US consumer product safety regulations. The toys are tested at the factory of origin during various phases of the production process to ensure that every toy meets the company's stringent safety requirements every step along the way. In particular, the paints and coatings on Melissa & Doug toys are tested frequently to be sure they meet or exceed government recommendations limiting heavy metals and lead in children's items.

Since day one, Melissa & Doug has been in compliance with every US consumer product safety regulation and will continue to stay compliant as the laws continue to evolve, assuring parents that their children can have a safe childhood while playing with Melissa & Doug toys.

What's in the Box
12 wood cookies, 12 decorative toppings, toy cookie dough tube, wooden cookie tray, wooden spatula, wooden toy knife and oven mitt.

The most realistic kitty cat ever! This cuddly kitty comes with a brush and loves to sit on your lap while you pet her. As you pet her, she'll relax and roll over to look at you and let you pet her tummy. She blinks her eyes and moves her ears, too. Kitty even licks her paw to clean her face just like a real cat!

FurReal Friends' My Cuddlin Kitty Lulu is not your average toy cat. A great new friend for the little pet lovers in your home, Lulu features life-like qualities and five touch sensors will have your children amazed by how realistic she looks and acts. Designed for children ages four and up, Lulu is a neat toy for introducing your preschooler to pets and their care.

My Cuddlin Kitty Lulu Ages: 4+ Requires: 4 "C" batteries (included) Phillips screwdriver to replace batteries

What We Think Fun factor: Durability: Ease of assembly: Educational factor: The Good: A fun, realistic toy that teaches kids about being responsible pet owners. The Challenging: Lulu sheds occasionally (though not nearly as much as a real cat.) In a Nutshell: An interactive toy that feels like and mimics a real cat.

Interactive, Life-like Kitty
Lulu is the size of an actual cat, though her mechanical body is much lighter in weight, and she even sheds--thankfully not as much as a real cat, and you don't ever have to worry about allergies.

Everything about Lulu is amazingly realistic. Her soft white fur and adorable sounds make it hard not to pet her--especially when she rolls over for a tummy rub or cleans her face with her paw. Lulu has five convenient touch sensors located on her head, back and stomach. It seems that Lulu may also be able to detect motion or sound--when you walk by without touching her she will purr and meow "hello" at you. (To keep this from happening you can easily turn her off.)

Adorable and Hard Not to Love
Though Lulu is designed for children, we can see how she would appeal to all age groups including adults--who wouldn't love having a fuzzy realistic toy kitty to cuddle with? Lulu's interactivity makes her a great addition to the family or as a first pet for your preschooler to care for. She even includes a brush for grooming and an adoption certificate that proclaims your child as her rightful owner. Once Lulu sits on your lap and purrs, you and your child will not be able to help falling for her.

As a small warning, since Lulu is electronic, she should only be used indoors and away from water or hot temperatures that could damage her mechanics.

What's in the Box
Cat figure, a plastic comb, an adoption certificate, and four "C" batteries.

Lulu is so soft and life-like, you'll never want to stop petting her. View larger.

Pet Lulu and hear her loving purrs for yourself! View larger.

Mind blowing experiments to delight and educate young scientists! Erupt a color changing volcano.  Mix up magic ooze with a mind of its own.  Play with sand that never gets wet.  Mix safe chemicals and watch colors change before your eyes. You'll amaze yourself and your friends as you explore the science behind these truly remarkable reactions.