Top Holiday Toys for Kids

Once again, we've hit the holiday season. Like every year, parents and families alike wonder what toys and gifts are great for kids of all ages. From toddlers to teens, here are some of today's best gift ideas for the kids in your life.

Whether a girl or a boy, the Leapstart Gym from Leapfrog is a great gift for babies under a year. This gym offers two positions allowing it to grow with the child. A more angled position of this toy accommodates babies laying on their back. Songs and music incorporating english, spanish, french. german, and japanese encourage early language skills. A carousel piece hangs from the top and spins along with the music as it plays. As baby grows, there are more fun things for him to explore. Baby can move the globe in the center which plays music or speaks a "hello" song in different languages. On one side, there is a flip mirror which plays peek a boo with baby, and on the other a counting with animals wheel counts up in each language and makes the sound of each animal as it turns. This toy also positions into a higher setting for older babies who can sit up on their own, engaging them in fine motor skills with sun and moon, and other pieces. For $45, this toy is great for babies under a year.

For toddlers, the Spinmaster Aquadoodle Draw N' Doodle Mat is great for active toddlers. Place water on the pen, and draw. The water shows up on the mat, and as it dries, the picture disappears. All toddlers love water, and this is a great way to let them have some creative fun without making a huge mess. I let my son dip his fingers in water and finger paint on the mat as well making doodles anywhere he chooses. We make handprints and compare big and small. This toy is simple and easy fun or kids keeping them occupied.