Soft velveteen fabric, metallic threads, bright colors, and other rich details make these masks a real standout in the dress-up box. Ages 3 and up $35 each, shoptantrum.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Combining art and science, these kits let kids sculpt air-drying clay around a motorized frame, then attach eyes, chompers, spikes, and other dino details. Ages 6 and up $7.99, areyougame.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Your kids' favorite characters are now cuter than ever, thanks to the squishy, spherical styling of these mini plushies (yes, that's a mini Minnie!). Ages 3 and up $4.95 each, disneystore.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
In this quick-paced game, players chant a string of crazy words -- "zap, zoom, boom, bam, wham, yowza!" -- all the while flipping cards. When a word and a player's card match, he has to take the whole pile. 2 or more players. Ages 7 and up $7.99, patchproducts.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Very little "force" is needed to elicit squeals of delight from young Padawans when they see these plush figures. Ages 3 and up $6.95 for Darth Vader or R2-D2, $29.95 for the set of Luke Skywalker, C-3PO, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jawa, hallmark.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Build it, and the virtual people will come. Kids download the app to a mobile device, find out what structure the digital citizens need (hospital? flower shop?), then build it from the included 256 bricks. When it's completed, they snap a photo and watch the project come to life on-screen. Ages 7 and up $34.99, shop.lego.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Turn video games into educational fun for little ones. The games (each sold separately) teach life science, simple spelling, math, and more, with the help of a simplified controller. Kids can even get in the action via the unit's camera. Ages 3 to 8 $149.99, leapfrog.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
This new tablet packs a ton of kid-and parent-pleasing features, including a protective case (for those inevitable drops), parental controls, and more than $300 worth of preloaded games, e-books, apps, and music. Ages 6 and up $129.99, kurioworld.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
This game is so beautiful, engrossing, and yes, even relaxing, you may have a hard time turning the controller over to your child. The player becomes a kitelike being that floats through various worlds, exploring playgrounds filled with color and music. PS3, PS4, PS Vita. Ages 10 and up $14.99, playstation.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent's beloved tales of two unlikely friends are brought to vivid life in this movie. The grumpy bear and the curious mouse team up on an adventure that involves a wild police chase, a snowy cabin hideaway, and lots of heart-warming moments. Rated PG for a few scary scenes. Ages 6 and up $29.95, amazon.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
Fans of backhoes and bulldozers will totally dig this book by Anne-Sophie Baumann and Didier Balicevic. Integrating more than 60 lift-the-flaps and pull-tabs into its busy pages, the book offers a hard-hats- only view of how a railroad, bridge, roller coaster, and more come together. Ages 5 to 9 $19.99, amazon.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
This book written by Patrick Dillon and illustrated by Stephen Biesty, is based on the premise that every structure has a tale to tell. Sixteen iconic feats of architecture, such as the Chrysler Building (still the tallest brick building in the world), reveal their histories through lively text and cross-section drawings. Ages 9 and up $19.99, amazon.com
Originally published in the December/January 2015 of FamilyFun
