There are few toys more universally loved by toddlers than the shape sorter. A first toy for many tots, the shape sorter helps lil ones build hand-eye coordination, recognize shapes and colors, and encourage independent play. While a basic cube with spaces will do, these eight sorters add even more excitement to the activity. Check them out! Read more

The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe may be a classic when it comes to ride-on toys lil ones can power on their own, but the bright red and yellow plastic pieces don't suit every mama's style. For those that prefer wood to plastic, and warm tones to bright, we turn our attention to more contemporary designers. Using eco-friendly materials, these toys give tots the rides of their lives without sacrificing Read more

Winter can call for a little — OK, a lot — of creativity. Get some help (and get your kids away from the television) with these five supercreative new toys. From an affordable, make-your-own model that your lil one will spend hours designing online to a book with incredible disappearing-ink technology that requires some fun and time-consuming interaction, these toys are totally worth the Read more

Ask most moms the biggest hurdle to having an organized home and you're sure to hear a chorus of "toys!" Sure, we try to keep our lil one's dolls, trucks, blocks, and puzzles under control, but there's just so much of it and so little space to put it in! As we work to better organize our lives in the New Year, we turned to Sarah Giller Nelson, a Chicago-based professional organizer and the owner Read more

Think the LeapPad and Air Swimmers were the most anticipated toys of 2011? Think again! On Jan. 1 (or Dec. 26 in the UK) Lego is introducing Lego Friends — its first significant entry into the world of girls play, with a $40 million global marketing plan to support 23 different products — including six new colors (think pastels) and 29 minidolls that look more lifelike than the current Read more

Step away from the Tickle Me Elmo! Toy crazes are nothing new, and 2011 is no exception. There's always that one certain toy, game, or doll that every child simply must have, and parents will go to any length to acquire it for them. Keep reading for some of the most popular toys in history that turn generally well-mannered adults into toy-crazed maniacs. Read more

There's more to picking a tot's holiday gift than meets the eye! Sure, we go into the store armed with lists of toys that will make our lil ones grin ear to ear, but smart mamas know there's still more work to be done. Before putting a toy in your cart and moving on, be sure it is safe for the intended recipient. From what to look for on the box to which toys to avoid, follow our tips to ensure Read more