It’s a unicorn. That kids can ride. Enough said? Not by a long shot! Dynacraft’s Stable Buddies Unicorn 6V Plush Ride-On has a horn that lights up as it scoots along at 2.5 miles per hour-—safely slow but still a thrill. 3 years+, $150.
Tester kids (and even two staff dads) gasped and ran to Fisher-Price’s Imaginext DC Super Friends Batbot Xtreme. Of course they did! The super-tall electronic hero has punching fists, a voice changer, firing projectiles, and more. 3 to 8 years, $110.
*Don't forget the Duracell batteries for this toy!
Hasbro’s furReal Roarin’ Tyler acts crazy-lifelike. We’re talking blinking eyes, wagging tail, swiveling head, ears that raise. Plus he shifts his weight so naturally that it’s as if Santa snatched him from a zoo. Tyler reacts to touch and plays with his wee chicken too. 4 years+, $130.
At Melissa & Doug’s Star Diner Restaurant, kids can take orders at the counter, “cook” in the kitchen, and, as one tester mom points out, eat their actual lunch at the table. 3 years+, $200 for diner, $30 for accessories.
Mattel’s Enchantimals seem inspired by Snapchat filters. They come in girl-and-pet pairs that are a just-right mix of weird and sweet, encouraging girls to stay goofy offscreen a little longer. 4 years+, $9.
Crayola’s Magic Scene Creator is low-tech but every bit as consuming as Candy Crush Saga. It invites kids to draw and use animation cards for silly scenes that jiggle and jump. 3 years+, $20.
Spin Master’s Luvabella wiggles like a live baby, minus the crying but plus the happy babbling which, we swear, evolves to sound more like words as she plays. 4 years+, $100.
Go ahead, chuckle at the organic kale. Then hit “buy,” because our preschool testers played with Melissa & Doug’s Slice & Toss Salad Set for 30 minutes straight. 3 years+, $30.
For kids who want to get real, Hasbro’s Baby Alive Sweet Tears Baby Doll has a nose that turns red and requires a wipe. She speaks English or Spanish and- asks for “Daddy” or “Mommy.” 3 years+, $50.
AllZuru’s Robo Alive Lurking Lizard does is run forward-—but that’s enough. We found him to be the most attention-grabbing reptile since the Geico Gecko. 4 years+, $15.
As if dollhouses aren’t magical enough, Lakeshore’s Fairy Land Playset enchants with posable sprites and diminutive furnishings that store in the little home. 3 to 7 years, $40.
Kids love bugs. Parents? Not so much. That makes Play Visions’ Dirt Bugs in a Jar—with sandy dough that looks like soil and toy insects to bury—genius. 3 years+, $13.
