Best Toddler Toys of 2012

The royal ladies get a Little People makeover for this interactive playset, which recognizes and responds to each doll. 18 months+, $50; fisher-price.com

Rubber ducks are so last season! Get more creativity during bathtime with these colorful orbs that stick to the tub and each other for an endless combination of designs. 12 months+, $18; booninc.com

Kids will have a blast on this UFO-shaped ride-on with 360-degree wheels that roll in every direction. 18 months+, $30; radioflyer.com

How many blocks can you stack on the giraffe's neck before they fall over? Your child is about to find out in this basic game that's a great intro to following rules. 2 years+, $36; habausa.com

Your tot rocker will get a kick out of jamming on this unique instrument. Not only does it play acoustic and electric, but it also howls when strummed! 2 years+, $24; target.com

Your budding walker can get in extra practice with the help of this sweet plush pet from the Parents toy line. 12 months+, $22; manhattantoy.com

Easy-to-follow cards show beginners how to set up this house and other structures—and give them the confidence to make their own. 18 months+, $25; lego.com

Match the pieces by color or shape to complete this mod home. 12 months+, $35; albeebaby.com

Our tot testers never got tired of rolling the cars down this spiral track, complete with flashing lights and sounds. 18 months+, $60; intplay.com

Classic wooden blocks just got a lot cooler, thanks to this high-quality glow-in-the-dark set. 2 years+, $23; wonderworldtoys.com

Save your pots and pans with this mallet-and-ball toy that puts your child's banging energy to good use. 12 months+, $39; alextoys.com

Add another level of play to this well-crafted stacking toy: Its pieces fit together in a variety of ways. 12 months+, $30; pkolino.com