Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht shared interactive and educational toys for ages 6-8 with Grandparents.com’s Toy & Gift Finder. Unsure what to buy? Here are her suggestions:

There are so many backpacks to choose from….The reason we chose this Monster High Backpack from Mattel: it has everything parents/grandparents should look for. It’s lightweight, has padded straps and padded back for comfort and stability, has a roomy main section plus space for additional accessories, and is reasonably priced. The other thing that really sold us: the brand promotes an anti-bullying message that kids and adults will appreciate.

Now girls can express who they are and their personal style by decorating their lockers to fit their personality with Locker Rockers from Wish Factory! With four different themes “Glam Rock,” “Beach Crush,” “Bohemian Spirit,” and “Scribbles Beat”, collections include locker lamps, rugs, mirrors, wallpaper, and more.

Heroes and villains battle their way, spinning and crashing, Marvel BonkaZonks by Hasbro. Each BonkaZonks 4-PACK comes with three figures—featuring edgy art of favorite Marvel superheroes like Spiderman, Ironman and Wolverine—and one hidden figure, plus a stunt card with an online code to unlock more fun. The Face Case comes with four figures and display tray in kids character of choice.

Easy to understand, PlaSmart’s Hiccups offers frustratingly-good fun! Kids try to pass the ball sequentially from cup to cup without a hiccup. If they drop the ball, they start back at the beginning. Provides hours of fun for all!

La Dee Da by Spin Master is a new fashion doll based in the heart of New York City. Dee is the lead doll in the La Dee Da collection and she and her talented friends go to design school where they design outrageous outfits. Available separately: a La Dee Dah Sketchbook for girls to create their own fashion pieces.

The Encyclopedia Britannica U.S. Talking Puzzle from Tek Nek Toys has a voice that identifies the state name, capital city and nickname for each of the 50 states. With over 150 sound effects and learning opportunities, this electronic puzzle is sure to expand kids’ geographical knowledge in a fun way.

For girls who love to build and create, LEGO Friends Heartlake Stables is one of the most researched and exciting launches this year. Heartlake Stables is the adventures of 5 girls who live, work and play in Heartlake City. Includes 2 mini-doll figures, 2 horses, barn, stables and more. 416 pieces in all.

For more gift ideas for other age groups, check out Laurie’s suggestions for kids 0-2, 3-5, and 9+!

Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht shared interactive and educational toys for ages 0-2 with Grandparents.com’s Toy & Gift Finder. Unsure what to buy? Here are her suggestions:

The Wonderworld Counting Ball is a counting toy that encourages learning subtraction and addition and will keep kids entertained for hours. Equipped with five colored balls and an upper and lower level, kids can hit a lever to bring a ball up to add to the upper level or twist the knob to subtract and bring a ball down to the lower level. This eco-friendly company plants two trees for every one that is cut down and used for products.

The Roll & Play by ThinkFun is designed specifically for toddlers to be your child’s first game! To play, kids toss the big plush cube and identify which colored side faces up. They choose a matching color card and perform the simple activity shown. “Make a happy face,” “Moo like a cow”— the activities are designed to help kids shine, supporting healthy development and celebrating success!

Beep beep! Time to go to school! Kids love lowering the ramp and loading this smiley Sing-along School Bus by TollyTots with its three Baby Genius friends. When everyone’s in, close up the ramp and they’re on their way! Cheerful songs, fun sound effects and cute character voices are activated as little ones push and play.

Playskool’s Rocktivity Sit to Stand Music Skool features over fifty musical activities, including songs like “ABC”. In music mode, tots can create rockin’ songs with the built in instruments, lights, and sounds. In learning mode, kids can learn simple concepts about shapes, colors, numbers, letters, and opposites in either English or Spanish. Table legs detach for sitting play.

Wondering what art activities are appropriate for a toddler? Here are six perfect activities, and everything is included. Alex Toys’s Tot Art Start has colorful projects include sticky collage frames, easy grip crayon, stickers, tissue paper, and more.

The Alphabet Activity Cube by VTech is an interactive learning cube that has five sides of fun to discover! Little builders will love the 13 building blocks that also teach the alphabet. The blocks can be stacked on the top of the cube or they can be inserted into the slot on the electronic side to learn more about each letter. The electronic side also features piano keys, a number keypad, and telephone. Other sides feature fun mechanical elements such as a peg maze, put-and-take holes, sliders, gears, a mirror and more!

For more gift ideas for other age groups, check out Laurie’s suggestions for kids 3-5, 6-8, and 9+!