International Playthings Rocket Ship is Blast-Off Hit With Toddlers & Preschoolers Lift Off Rocket $29.95 at Amazon.com

This rocket ship by International Playthings is great for toddlers, as there are no small or complicated parts. It’s also great for preschoolers who are at the height of their imaginary play phase. Although made of plastic, it’s of quality construction with lots of fun accents you might find in a real space shuttle (cockpit, cargo hold, microwave, Murphy bed, toilet, etc.). In addition to the rocket ship, the set includes 2 astronauts, space dog, alien, dune buggy, and moon crater. And, of course, there is a button that when pushed, takes kids through the “lift off” sequence (10, 9, 8… lift off!), simulates other rocket sounds, and lights up the “boosters.” A really fun and popular toy!

The Sweetest Story of All: Custom Made for Kids Personalized Children’s Book The First Adventures of Incredible You $32.95 at Custom Made for Kids

What a wonderful way to document your grandchild’s early years! The First Adventures of Incredible You, published by Custom Made for Kids (created by two moms), is a personalized children’s book about the everyday experiences of a young child — your grandchild. You help write the story, by providing the names of special people and places in your grandchild’s life (including you!). From splashing in rain puddles to cheering on a favorite team to smelling a beloved family food, the book tells the story they can most easily relate to. The publisher’s website has a great FAQ page that answers all types of questions, like how the story accommodates multiple siblings, if a child is adopted, a twin, etc. Great for kids ages 0-8, the book is the winner of the 2007 iParenting Media Award Winner for Outstanding Product in the Gift category. We are sure that this is one story your grandchild won’t want to miss!

Beautifully Accented Heirloom Quality Doll House by Melissa & Doug Melissa & Doug Victorian Doll House $94.48 at Amazon.com

This dollhouse by Melissa & Doug is all about the details. Modeled after an authentic Victorian home, it boasts many of the dainty accents one might find in Victorian construction and interior design. It begins with the high quality wooden construction we’ve come to know and love from Melissa & Doug toys. You’ll also find two mahogony finished staircases, scalloped, peaked roofs, molded windows, and lots of tasteful floral and striped accents. The furniture and other accessories are sold separately, and can be found on Amazon.com by searching under “Melissa & Doug Doll House Furniture.” The house measures 26.5 x 28 x 18 when assembled.

You don’t have to be middle-aged (and male) to appreciate a nice sports car. And you don’t have to be all grown up to appreciate a beautifully-crafted wooden toy car. This sportster is just one of many modern Automoblox model do-it-yourself car kits, including coupe, SUV, and compact for eco-concious kids. Every component in the Automoblox system is interchangeable: wheels, tires, roofs and wooden bodies, so the possibilities are endless. A great toy!

For Thomas Lovers: Thomas the Train Wooden Train Set Thomas & Friends - A Day at the Works Set $150.00 at Amazon.com

There are plenty of other fine wooden train sets available, but Thomas & Friends seems to be the favorite for the 3 to 5 year-old set, mostly because of the characters, like Thomas the Train, Sir Topham Hat, and others on the Island of Sodor. Kids (especially those who know the Thomas books and movies) essentially engage in two types of imaginary play with Thomas sets — the world of trains and locomotion, as well as the imaginary world that Thomas and his friends live in. Yes, these sets are expensive, but you can easily find generic wooden track that is compatible with the Thomas track, when the time comes to “add on” to your grandchild’s train set. This one comes with Thomas, Culdee, SC Ruffey and Tugboat, as well as Sir Topham Hat and the Engineer. It also includes “The Works” engine repair shop, a gristmill and waterwheel, Span of Sodor Bay Bridge, different pieces of straight and curved track, a track adaptor, engine shed switch track, 2 ascending track pieces and risers, road signs, trees, and a cloth play mat. You can also choose from plenty of other Thomas sets, engines, trains, train tables, and accessories by clicking on “Click Here” and searching under “Thomas Wooden Railway.”

Feed Tummies and Imaginations with Emily Green’s Melamine Kids Plates Emily Green Plate - Monkey $12.00 at Amazon.com

We’re always searching for great tableware for kids, and we’ve found a hit! Emily Green’s kids plates, bowls and utensils are plenty durable — made of melamine and dishwasher-safe. Her patterns are whimsical, with vibrantly colored vintage backgrounds and adorable animals you won’t recognize from anywhere other than Emily’s unique collection. Kids will enjoy setting the table themselves, and Mom & Dad may even want to dine on these unusual creations, as they truly are works of art. The 10-inch plates, 6-inch bowls, and utensils are sold separately. Washable placemats, and imagination mats, for kids to draw their own creations, are also available. Choose from a wide variety of animals and patterns appropriate for girls, boys, or both.

Feed Tummies and Imaginations with Emily Green’s Melamine Kids Plates Emily Green Plate - Dinosaur $12.00 at Amazon.com

We’re always searching for great tableware for kids, and we’ve found a hit! Emily Green’s plates, bowls and utensils are plenty durable — made of melamine and dishwasher-safe. Her patterns are whimsical, with vibrantly colored vintage backgrounds and adorable animals you won’t recognize from anywhere other than Emily’s unique collection. Kids will enjoy setting the table themselves, and Mom & Dad may even want to dine on these unusual creations, as they truly are works of art. The 10-inch plates, 6-inch bowls, and utensils are sold separately. Washable placemats, and imagination mats, for kids to draw their own creations, are also available. Choose from a wide variety of animals and patterns appropriate for girls, boys, or both.

Introduce the Wonder of Magic with Melissa & Doug’s Enchanted Ring Magic Set Enchanted Rings 'N Things Magic Set $17.50 at Amazon.com

We just gave this gift to a little boy turning 6, and the first sight of the box generated an enthusiastic and cumulative, “Wow,” from his guests. Most boys and girls are entranced by magic tricks and want to learn to do them, but it’s important to get the right quality set for their age. This Melissa & Doug Enchantic Ring set for kids 6-9 is made from painted wood, so is solid and colorful. It features illusions and sleight-of-hand tricks similar to ones used by professional magicians, such as disappearing objects, multiplying coins and magic boxes. Kids this age should be able to learn the tricks without too much difficulty and frustration, and will become engaged in learning the tricks, as well as in performing them for you! Also available are the Melissa & Doug Discover Magic Set (ages 6-9), and their Deluxe Magic Set (ages 8-10).

Outfit your Picasso (around 3 or 4 and older) with quality equipment. This kids wooden easel and companion supply set by Melissa & Doug is the best value we’ve found. It’s solidly constructed, height adjustable, and folds easily for storage. It features a chalk board on one side and dry erase board on the other. It also includes: a holder and clips for easel paper, and extra large trays (for chalk, crayons, markers, brushes, paints and other art supplies). The companion supply set comes with 4 bottles of poster paint, 4 spill-proof paint cups (these are great!), 1 roll of easel paper, 10 jumbo triangular chalk sticks, 1 felt eraser, 1 dry-erase marker, and 4 paint brushes. Dimensions are 27 inches x 47 inches x 26 inches. Turn your grandkids’ rooms into a museum!

HABA Animal Den Plush Toy is Early Stage “Game” for Babies HABA Animal Den $16.99 at Amazon.com

This HABA Animal Den colorful plush toy is like a first “game” for babies, in that they are able to push and pull the animals out of their little “homes” in the ball. For such an early stage toy, it certainly stretches and enhances the developmental capabilities of infants, which is why it’s received the IParenting Media Award for Excellence. And it’s adorable. Well done!