Toys That Are Worth Your Money

Kids are a great audience for gifts: They're always excited to get one, especially if it's a toy. But as a parent, that initial thrill isn't enough. If a toy is going to take up room in your home, you want it to be played with. To that end, we mailed dozens of new-this-year toys to families to gauge which ones have staying power. Here are 15 choices that parents tell us are all great bets.

There's an ingenious folding mechanism in RoseArt's Portable Art Easel, which means you can quickly stash it.

RoseArt, Portable Art Easel, $40, available at www.amazon.com