We love toys that inspire kids to use their imaginations and give them the tools to create something unique! In this Fun With Kids video, our Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht and Woman’s Days Taryn Mohrman show off a few of their favorites!

Holiday Toy Crayola Grow-With Me EaselMy First Crayola Grow-With-Me Easel (Grow’n Up Ltd.)

  • 3-in-1 Easel: standing easel, table top, carry-case
  • Double-sided Dry-Erase & chalkboard surfaces
  • Comfortable carry-case handle and storage area
  • Adjustable paper clips
  • Storage for art supplies
  • Eraser included
  • Ages: 24 months+

twilight_noahs_arkTwilight Noah’s Ark (Cloud b)

  • The classic tale of Noah and his animals two by two are brought to life with this play set.
  • Children can remove the detachable top and pretend play with included plush puppets.
  • Projects a starry night scene on bedroom ceilings and walls in three soothing color options.
  • Ages: All ages
  • MSRP: $41.95

Holiday Toy Folkmanis Grunting PigGrunting Pig Puppet (Folkmanis Inc.)

  • Kids can entertain their friends and “LOL” with the cuddly Grunting Pig puppet.
  • As kids squeeze its pot belly he makes delightful grunting sounds.
  • Movable snout, mouth and front trotters.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $29.99

Girl Toys Elf Magic PlaysetElf Magic Elves Playsets (Elf Magic)

  • These adorable 10-inch Elf Magic Elves come with everything they need to create a Christmas home-away-from-home!
  • Each Christmas Elf includes a removable Elfit, reversible bed/table, cozy Elf-sized blanket, reversible fold-out play scene, Magic Snowflake shaker, passport and boarding pass to travel to and from the North Pole, and more!
  • Kids can set the scene for festive holiday fun with this adorable Elf Magic Elf! Dress them, make cookies and crafts together at their tiny table or workbench, decorate the Christmas tree and playroom with the included stickers, and tuck them into bed—then delight in discovering her magical nighttime adventures each morning!
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $32.95

Girl Toys Shopkins Small Mart LifestyleShopkins Small Mart Playset (Moose Toys)

  • Girls can ‘shop ‘til they drop’ with the Shopkins Small Mart Playset!
  • Whether sliding their groceries down the delivery chute or heading to the check out at the conveyer belt register, there’s always work to be done and fun to be had at the Small Mart.
  • Includes one shopping trolley, two exclusive characters and a collector’s guide.
  • Create the ultimate Shopkins world with the Small Mart playset!
  • Ages: 4+
  • MSRP: $19.99

Girl Toys Doh Vinci Style and Store VanityDohvinci Style & Store Vanity Kit

  • Kids can keep their rooms just a little more organized with a customizable place to store their favorite things!
  • Use the Styler tool to make this mirror and drawer set uniquely yours with colorful designs that pop.
  • Once the Dohvinci design is complete, kids can assemble their vanities and voila! – a perfect place to store jewelry, notes, and other favorites.
  • Includes five-piece vanity with mirror, add-on flourishes, Styler tool, wavy shaped design tip, two-sided edging tool, four Deco Pop colors, and an inspiration guide.
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $19.99

Boys Toys Crayola Paint MakerPaint Maker (Crayola)

  • Mix and shake!
  • Kids can use their imaginations to make customized Crayola pain colors.
  • Utilizes new paint strip technology and washable paint base.
  • Fun, easy process.
  • Includes a paint maker base unit, pain base, 10 sheets of white papers, 75 paint strips, 15 paint pots and labels, a color mixing guide, a paint brush, and an instruction sheet.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $24.99

Girls Toys ThreadzThreadz Craft Kits (PlaSmart)

  • It’s a new take on an old craft!
  • Hook a stylish beanie, scarf, or purse using new, improved, all-plastic, re-useable looms.
  • The line includes three craft kits and new mini kits with colorful yarn
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $19.99

Girls Toys Graphic Skinz Design Studio PinkGraphic Skinz Design Studio (Mega Brands)

  • Graphic Skinz allows kids to become designers using the motorized design chamber. They simply apply custom skins to small 3-D objects like cars, figurines, jewelry and more.
  • Skinning is a huge trend that adults and kids recognize and understand. They skin all kinds of things but most well known are electronics, sporting goods and vehicles
- Customizing and creating are the most exciting features
.
  • The vacuum chamber and its suction powers are a unique and never-been-done play pattern
.
  • The most exciting objects to skin are Jewelry and Cell Phone cases
—There are over 400 skinz to choose from within all the packs, so the possibilities are endless
.
  • There is literally NO messing up this process. With the proprietary Graphic Skinz formula, kids can layer their skinz over and over again. Not only is it fail proof, but it prevents against boredom!
  • Runs on AA batteries.
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $29.99, refill packs $3.99+

Girls Toys Fashion Angels Its My BizIt’s My Biz (Fashion Angels)

  • Girls can become a real She-E-O with these products intended to build girls’ confidence and inspire them to consider careers in business and entrprenurship.
  • Each It’s My Biz kit includes all of the essentials a girl needs to start her own business, including materials to create her products and a business management guide.
  • Girls can start a fashion boutique, T-shirt shop, cupcake bakery, nail salon, or their own creation!
  • Ages: 9+
  • MSRP: $14.99-$24.99

About the author

Deanna Atkins

Deanna Atkins

Deanna Atkins is the editorial assistant at Adventure Publishing Group. She helps the editorial team on leading trade magazines The Toy Book and The Licensing Book, and contributes online at toybook.com, licensingbook.com, and thebigtoybook.com. When she’s not trying to keep up with Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht, she can be found reviewing kids’ CDs, DVDs, and books while daydreaming about the upcoming How to Train Your Dragon sequel and reading the dictionary. Follow her on Twitter @Deeeannuh and keep up with her bi-weekly, sometimes funny commentaries on toybook.com.

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