Best Big-Kid Toys of 2012

Dominoes are making a comeback this year. Follow the instruction cards to set them up; then knock them over to see Lady Liberty, a rainbow, and much more. 8 years+, $45; marblesthebrainstore.com

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Apparently, taking the middle out of the cube makes it harder to solve. Who knew? If your kid did, this puzzler is probably the perfect stocking stuffer for him. 8 years+, $16; winning-moves.com

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Surprisingly addictive, this balance game requires a steady hand. Hang all the wires form your pile first to win. Psst! It's not as easy as it seems. 8 years+, $17; melissaanddoug.com

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Duct tape is all the rage, and this trendy set gives your fashionista enough multicolored tape and patterns to make a whole wardrobe of stylish purses and accessories. 7 years+, $28; alextoys.com

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Attention future engineers! Learn some tech basics and come out with your very own set of speakers. The kit contains everything kids need to build a working MP3-player dock. 8 years+, $20; smartlabtoys.com

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Don't forget about your child's furry friends. The Dog School and Kitty College kits come with a guide for training pets and making toys like this Cat Activity Center. 7 years+, $20 each; intplay.com

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• We're giving away a different toy every day for 28 days! Click here to see what you can score and to enter to win.