Parents know the best toys keep kids busy throughout the whole afternoon. Toy Insider Mom Laurie Schacht brought some of the year’s top toys and activities to keep kids busy to KSWB San Diego. These toys will get kids to work with their hands and promote creativity.

AlexToys.ArtistStudioSuperArtTableArtist Studio Super Art Table (ALEX Toys)

  • Nurture your child’s sense of creativity and love for learning with this ALEX Toys Artist Studio Super Art Table With Paper Roll.
  • This three-piece wooden table and bench set includes a 100′ paper roll that hangs underneath and feeds through the slot on the tabletop, so your kid can easily access it whenever he needs to work.
  • The wood Alex Toys art table has a chalkboard surface that holds three storage cups and a hanging canvas bag to organize all the art materials and accessories.
  • Your child can have a wonderful time creating new things on this desk.
  • The kids’ art table has a colorful design that will encourage the kids to sit down and start drawing.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $174.99

Joinks (Fat Brain Toys)FatBrainToys.Joinks

  • Flex, connect, build, and play with Joinks! Colorfully constructed, Joinks engage the fingers and mind in a new biilding experience.
  • Joinks attracts inventors of all ages. From playroom to universities, toddler to teacher, simple to complex, Joinks designs are wide and diverse.
  • Wooden dowels join easily with quality 100% silicone connectors. One simple push and the dowels sit tight for a secure fit. To deconstruct, pull and the silicone slides off with a fun “POP” sound.
  • Joinks connectors reach out in all directions – five prong connecting pieces conform creativity to your definition.
  • Kids can build silly creatures, expressive forms, 3D geometric shapes, chemistry and molecular models, and irregular structures.
  • Age: 3+
  • MSRP: $44.95

Folkmanis.DragoninTurretShow & Tell Storytime Fantasy Puppets (Folkmanis)

  • Fantasy play just got more entertaining with new puppets from Folkmanis.
  • Fierce and bold, the Winged Dragon reptile is a handful of fun! Kids can create their own fairytales animating the mouth and wings of this magical beast.
  • The Sea Serpent puppet is an enchanting creature that features scaly-looking, midnight blue skin with feathery, three-humped spine highlighted with bright blue accents on his movable head and tail.
  • The Dragon in Turret is the latest pop-up. This king of this castle is a lively baby dragon with colorful metallic accents.
  • Encourages imaginative and creative thinking.
  • Ages: 3+
  • MSRP: $27.99 – $35.99

Fashion Plates (Kahootz Toys)KahootzToys.FashionPlates

  • The classic mix and match fashion drawing set is back and better than ever!
  • The new Fashion Playes design set makes it easy and fun for aspiring designers to create their own fabulous fashion dsigns.
  • Create one-of-a-kind look by combining the different rubbing playes together into the new Fashion Plates tablet.
  • With just a few passes of the rubbing tool, your design transfers to your sketch paper.
  • Adding colors and detail to your new look is a snap with the included artists pencils and the fashion textures build into the back of each Fashion Plate.
  • The stylish portfolio case neatly stores your tablet, plates, and tools, making it easy to take your designs and fashions on the go!
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $19.99

2535.sands.alive.Pet Shoppe.2015.30November2014“Sands Alive! Glow” (Playvisions)

  • Prevents bacterial growth and never dries out
  • Non-Toxic and all natural mineral oil allows it to only stick to itself, not your clothes or the carpet!
  • When exposed to air, the sand becomes fluffier and lighter for more play material.
  • Play with it in a well-lit room, or take it into your bedroom and turn off the lights for the ultimate glow experience.
  • The sand will charge with any light source. The sand underneath the surface will not charge and stay the same color, allowing the sand to change color once it is exposed to UV light. Play with it under our hands-free UV Glasses or UV Penlight to experience the color changing effects!
  • Use the UV Penlight to Write with Light! Flatten the sand and play tic-tac-toe, write your name, or write a secret message.
  • Ages 3+
  • Retail pricing of $19.99-$79.99

Yummy Nummies (Blip Toys)yummy_nummies_cupcakes_blip_toys

  • Yummy Nummies are candy, snack, and meal making sets that come with everything kids need to create no-bake, realistic-tasting mini foods!
  • Magically fun and delicious, Yummy Nummies intrigue little taste buds with an involved and educational activity that requires no oven or stove.
  • The results are adorable little foods that look and taste just like the real thing – a hamburger tastes like a real tiny hamburger, and the cupcakes smell freshly baked!
  • Made with only food ingredients from the USA, Yummy Nummies are a tasty and fun way for little chefs to explore and learn in the kitchen!
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $7.99-$15.99

BridgeDirect.ShopkinsBakeryC3KinstructionSetShopkins Bakery C3 Kinstruction Set (The Bridge Direct)

  • Now you can build the world of the cutest, most-collectible characters with Shopkins Kinstructions Scene Packs!
  • Each pack comes with a buildable set and 3 buildable figures!
  • Availabe in the Bakery Set and the Cupcafe Cafe Set!
  • Build, Shop and Kinstruct your Shopkins world!
  • Includes: 193 Pieces, 4 Buildable Figures, Set and Accessories
  • Ages: 6+
  • MSRP: $24.99

Ground Force Drifter Fury (Razor)Razor.GroundForceDrifterFury

  • Slide into turns with style in the Razor Ground Force Drifter Fury, which has Super Slider POM rear wheels for increased drifting capabilities.
  • Hurdle forward on the go-kart-style, powder-coated steel frame using the easy-to-operate, thumb-trigger throttle and reach speeds up to 12 mph.
  • To kick things up a notch, engage the Spark Bar and release a shower of brilliant sparks in your wake.
  • Spark Bar shoots sparks out for an awesome effect
  • Variable-speed, thumb-trigger throttle provides easy operation
  • Super Slider POM rear wheels are designed for drifting
  • Rear, hand-operated brake
  • Go-kart-style, powder-coated steel frame for durability
  • Reaches speeds up to 12 mph
  • Runs for up to 40 minutes of continuous use
  • High-torque, chain-driven motor
  • Molded aluminum front wheels with solid rubber tires
  • Bucket-style seat with seat/shoulder strap
  • Flag included for decoration
  • Maximum weight capacity: 140 lb.
  • Ages: 8+
  • MSRP: $399.99

About the author

Christopher Braun

Christopher Braun

Christopher Braun is the editorial assistant at Adventure Publishing Group. He is a recent transplant from Ohio, and spends the bulk of his free time reading, running and exploring his new home in New York. When he’s not at home or in the office, he’s on a park bench somewhere, enjoying fresh air with his nose deep in a novel or magazine. With a lifelong interest in literature and art, Christopher loves any toy that helps kids share their creativity and imagination with family and friends. He thinks coloring books and crayons are necessary for a fulfilling life and no home is too small for a craft closet. To keep up with Christopher, follow him on Twitter @chrisjamesbraun.

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