We love toys and games that mix fun and learning. Check out these NAPPA Award winners for great gift ideas this holiday season.

 

MiaoKids Smart Kit

Designed to complement various MiaoKids applications, such as MiaoKids Wonder Math, that assist young learners in developing foundational academic skills through an open world of play-based learning. $79, 2-8, www.heptagon-violet-4waj

PAW Patrol Learning Watch: Chase, Marshall, Skye 

Interactive watches include four exciting games you can play to recognize patterns and identify animal tracks. It’s also a clock, timer, stopwatch and alarm. $14.99, 3-6, www.vtechkids.com

Our Precious Planet

The newest addition to the Celestial Buddies Galactic Gang—a large (9” diameter) detailed version of Earth designed to help start a conversation about climate change. $24.99,  3+, www.celestialbuddies.com

Just Add Sugar

Features multiple organic chemical experiments and art activities to inspire young artists and scientists. $24.95, 8+, www.griddlygames.com

Positronic

Features clever lyrics about science and how the world works, positive messages and an infectious rock beat. $9.99/digital, www.marshaandthepositrons.com

Smithsonian Mega Science Lab

Learn about volcanos, weather, outer space and more in this STEM kit. $34.99, 10+, www.nsi-intonline.com

681 Math Flash Cards Bundle Pack – Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

Easy, smart and effective way to make learning math fun. $89.99, 5-12, www.thinktankscholar.com

CARNAVAL — French Learning Songs

From calypso and reggae to New Orleans brass and Latin rhythms, embark on a musical celebration. $14.99, www.whistlefritz.com

KidiBuzz G2

Send texts, voice messages, photos, drawings over Wi-Fi to a parent-approved contact list, check out pre-approved websites, make videos, explore 40 learning games and apps. $99.99, 4-9, www.vtechkids.com

Artie 3000

A coding/drawing robot that draws what kids have coded. $69.99, 7+, www.codewithartie.com

Turing Tumble

Players build mechanical computers powered by marbles to solve logic puzzles. $69.95, 8+, www.turingtumble.com

 POWERUP Toys 2.0 Free Flight Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit

Transform your paper airplane into a soaring electric aircraft with more than 30 seconds of flight. $19.99, 8+, www.poweruptoys.com

Let’s Start Coding Code Rocket

A programmable circuit board in the shape of a hand-held rocket, complete with projects that teach kids coding. $44.99, 8+, www.letsstartcodingcom

Spanish For Kids: La Grain Colleccion

Cheerful collection of videos and music CDs with an irresistible mix of Latin rhythms introducing children to the Spanish language. $120.00, 2+, www.whistlefritz.com

My Epic Life Word Book

1000+ words every child needs to know, hilariously illustrated. $17.95, 4-7, www.mrswordsmith.com

Sir Dapp! App

This game show improves manners by teaching kids, in a fun way, to be polite and respectful. $3.99, 5-8, www.sirdapp.com

  

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #playlearnconnect #holidays #giftguide

 

 

 

 

 

A fun night of family games and laughter is the best way to spend time together during the holidays! Check out these NAPPA Award winners and bring the fun this holiday season.

Adventerra Games


We are excited for this environmentally-focused game series from Adventerra Games. There are four board games in the series including: Global Warming, PowerHaus, Recycle Rally and WaterGames. $24.95/each game, 7+, www.adventerragamesusa.com

ProjeX Projecting Game Arcade


Turn any room into an incredible gaming arcade. No need for a TV! Project crisp graphic images right onto any blank wall and enjoy real-life gaming, without the limitations of a screen. $49.99,6+, www.projexgame.com

Chickapig


Break your flock of Chickapigs free while dodging opponents, hay bales and an unruly pooping cow in this strategic board game created by Brian Calhoun and Dave Matthews. $25, 8+, www.chickapig.com

The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon Box of Lies Party Game


Challenge friends to the bluffing game of hilarious objects. $19.99, 10+, www.hasbrogaming.hasbro.com

Disney Villainous: Wicked to the Core


Discover your unique abilities while dealing twists of fate to your opponents. $24.99, www.ravensburger.us

King of the Ring


Can you be the Last Sumo Standing? Find out in this battle. $19.99, 6+, www.yulutoys.com[crosshead]

Mickey’s Snuggle Time


A calming game that’s perfect for bedtime, naptime or any quiet time. $24.99, 3+, www.amazon.com

Friends of a Feather


Add feathers to your bird each turn by drawing from the deck or trading away your unwanted ones to the nest. $19.99, 3+, www.ravensburger.us

Full Circle


Use spelling and critical thinking to inspire creativity and competition. $14.99, 8+, www.playmonster.com

Pick Me Up, Piggy!


Tell stories, remember where to find hidden farm friends, take turns and work cooperatively to win the game. $19.9, 3+, www.MindWare.com

Domino Maze


Thrills of a classic domino run with an added twist. $29.99, 8+, www.thinkfun.com

Catventures Game


Answer fun questions about cats and act out silly things they do. $24.00, 4+, www.petitcollage.com

My First Memory Game Ocean


Expand memory and object recognition skills while having fun. $9.99, 2+, www.tlji.com

SmartGames Smart Farmer


An engaging puzzle game where you help the Farmer separate the animals so they have their own areas on the farm. $22.99, 5+, www.smartgamesusa.com

Fish for Fish


Campers race against their friends to catch the most fish with their plastic “spear. $19.99, 4+, www.yulutoys.com

Invasion of the Cow Snatchers


Take control of your very own UFO to solve 60 magnetic challenges as you maneuver your way over and around farm obstacles. $29.99, 6+, www.thinkfun.com

Cheeky Butts


A hot potato style family game of spot and match. $14.99, 6+, www.bananagrams.com

Honeycombs Game


Connect your tiles by matching their symbols. Features three unique ways to play, each varying in speed and competitiveness. $19.99, 6+, www.honeycombsgame.com

KIC-Start – Kids in Conversation


A fun get-to-know-you card game with 150 conversation-starter questions great for kids and adults.
$19.95, www.contenderbrands.com

Our Family’s Race Across the U.S.A. Personalized Board Game


In a race across America’s coasts, move your piece along the colored tiles and cross the finish line first to win! $29.99, www.iseeme.com

Heads Talk Tails Walk


Can you hop like a frog while clucking like a chicken? Have a blast trying. $14.99, 3+, www.thinkfun.com

Orangutwang


How much can you hang before he goes twaaang? Take turns hanging fruit and jungle friends on the orangutan. $22.99, 4+, www.playmonster.com

 Jabuka


Quickly twist letters and transform words in this clever and fast-paced game. $20, 8+, www.jabukagames.com

3UP 3DOWN


A fast-paced discard game with a surprising finish. $9.99, 7+, www.ok2win.com

BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE


A matching game with an explosive twist. $14.99, 8+, www.ok2win.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards! #playlearnconnect 

Give your family the gift of music this holiday season!

Moove to the Moozika!

A playful collection of city-based adventure songs in both Spanish and English featuring an eclectic mix of styles – folk, jazz, samba, blues, ranchera, pop, Latin, rock, and house music. $14.99, www.moozika.com

Put Your Arms in the Air!

Get ready to sing, dance and expand your imagination. $12.00, www.amazon.com

 All I Do Is Hop by Grin Brigade

An eclectic and unpredictable mix of 29  songs featuring a blend of kid funk, blues, pop, rock, country, anthem and ballad. $14.98, www.songwizard.com

 CARNAVAL – Spanish Learning Songs

Embark on a musical celebration featuring merengue, calypso and soca to New Orleans brass, jazz and country,. $14.99, www.whistlefritz.com

The Power of Yet – Songs About Growth Mindset

Brings together upbeat songs about growth mindset in a singalong-friendly range. $15, www.curriculumrocks.com

Beneath the Cherry Tree

A whimsical musical tribute to the profound beauty of nature. $15, www.karestrongmusic.com

Everyone Grows: Children’s Songs for Mindfulness

Designed to help children pay attention to themselves, others and their surroundings. $15, www.liannebassin.com

Bubba & Boo

Multi-instrumentalist, Megan Schoenbohm, is an earthy, edgy, free-spirited songbird, who takes the audience on a mellifluous journey through themes of kindness, humanity, creativity and imagination. $15, www.musictimewithmegan.com

Earworm by Sean McCollough

Featuring 13 stick-in-your-head original and cover songs and guest artists such as Billy Jonas and Molly Ledford. $13; $9.49/digital, www.seanmccollough.com

Stripes with Platypus by Seanster and the Monsters

Full-length album with absurd, silly humor, as well as more heart-felt matters of childhood. $15.00, $9.99/digital, For Ages: www.store.cdbaby.com

Total Eclipse of the Rainbow

Positive, joyful, high-energy collection of songs that will enhance children’s learning and social development. $9.99, www.rainbowrockband.com

 

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards! #playlearnconnect 

 

We know how special Baby’s first holiday season is and we have lots of award-winning toys to spark imagination and build creativity for the special little one in your life.

Dimpl

5 vibrant silicone bubbles in varying sizes and colors provide a sensory adventure. $12.95, 6+ months, www.fatbraintoyco.com

Learn & Groove Shakin’ Colors Maracas

Includes three play modes that introduce colors, numbers and music in English and Spanish. $14.99. 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

Violet the Fawn Cuddle + Kind Doll

A stylish, handcrafted doll with a big impact. Each doll provides 10 meals to children in need. $70, www.ca.cuddleandkind.com

Lovevery Play Gym

Thoughtfully designed by child development experts to provide years of learning fun. $140, Birth-2 years, www.loveverybaby.com

Lovevery Play Kits

An innovative early childhood subscription learning program delivering staged-based developmental toys to your door. Starting at $36/per month, Birth-24 months, www.lovevery.com

 Lights & Stripes Zebra

Features upbeat music and playful sing-along songs. $14.9, Birth+, www.vtechkids.com

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Capture baby’s attention with spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors. $9.99, 6+ Months, www.target.com

Mirari myStorymaker

Create a story by pressing colorful icons from various sections such as “hero”, “adventure” and “happy ending.” $29.99, 12+ Months, www.amazon.com

Fisher Price Corn Popper Ride On

Forward and backward motion activates popping action. $24.99, 1-3, www.jakks.com

Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano

Flip the switch to go from piano tones to hearing fun sound effects. $29.99, 12+ Months, www.playmonster.com

Learn & Groove Dancing Panda

Shake, dance and spin around to the music while learning numbers and letters. $34.99, 9+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

 Kleynimals Toy Keys

Innovative stainless steel toy keys that are eco-friendly, non-toxic and American-made. Can be personalized. $35.00, Birth+, www.kleynimals.com

Tiny Love Magical Tales Black & White Gymini Deluxe

A chic black & white design with adjustable arches and musical melodies support the 7 developmental stages. $47.99, Birth-12 Months, www.tinylove.com

Butterfly Counting Pal

Buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. $17.99, Birth+, www.leapfrog.com

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Dance along to three fun melodies. $9.99, Birth+, www.sassybaby.com

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

Learn rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers with Scout or Violet. $14.99, 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

Spin & Chew Ring Rattle

Easy to grab featuring a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99, Birth+, www.sassybaby.com

 

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Includes Spanish, music and weather channels. $12.99, 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #giftguide #playlearnconnect

We know kids have the best sense of humor, so give them some laughs with these Wild & Wacky NAPPA Award winners.

Pop Pops Snotz Slime Slammer Hammer

Mashing, smashing fun featuring 60 collectible gross Snotz characters. $14.99, 4+, www.yulutoys.com

Zax

An ax-ellant, new soft foam game bringing the latest trend home in a fun and safe way. Sticks to any flat surface like walls or windows. $9.99, 4+, www.zing.toys

Slap Ninja

Fast-paced skill and action game, where you can play as the Ninja Master and use the HUGE Karate Chop SLAP to defend your precious coin or play as the student trying to tap the coin in the Ninja’s hand to defeat him. $19.99, 9+, www.jakks.com

Bananagrams The Furglars Game

A dice rolling family game that takes game night to a strange and mysterious place, where players take turns rolling an ever-changing quantity of dice hoping to capture Furgles. $14.99, 7+, www.bananagrams,com

Toilet Paper Blasters Sheet Storm

Rapid-fire pump action lets kids splatter the competition. $39.99, 8+, www.jakks.com

Chocolate Poop Maker

Get ready for some giggles and laughs with this reusable chocolate maker. $9.99, 6+, www.jakks.com

Hank’s Twisted Challenge

Twist, bend and turn your body in crazy ways while you race to get the ball off the end of the wire. $19.99, 6+, www.wickedcooltoys.com

Kids Against Maturity: Card Game for Kids and Humanity

A fun game with lots of  toilet humor for the whole family to enjoy. $32.99, 8+, www.amazon.com

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #playlearnconnect

We know it can be hard for parents to send their kids off to camp, but this time, you can go too. It may feel like it is way too early to be thinking about next year’s summer plans, but many popular camps start selling out as early as January! The sooner you plan, the better you can book, and the more fun you can have. Let’s look outside of the box, and outside the mainland, at these island getaway family adventure camps.

 

Photo credit: Makenna Sievertson

Camp Fox, Catalina Island

Catalina Island, only 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, is home to a plethora of family-friendly activities. Camp Fox, run by the YMCA of Glendale since 1926, hosts five camps jam-packed with adventure. Ignite your summer camp nostalgia at their three-day Labor Day Family Camp, a perfect getaway that attracts visitors from around the world. Hike up to Bible Peak, fish off the dock, challenge the ropes course and lead a song at the nightly campfire for a taste of what the island has to offer. The 2018 Family Camp had attendees ranging from 11 months to 86-years-old – Camp Fox really is fun for the whole family!

FB: @glendaleymca
Instagram: @camp_fox

 

Photo credit: Sandy Island Camp

Sandy Island

Sandy Island’s Overnight Camp for Families, hidden on the breathtaking Lake Winnipesaukee, is run by the YMCA of Greater Boston. Bring along your family and friends as you explore the surrounding woods, go tubing, learn glass blowing or try stand up paddle board yoga on the crystal blue waters. With five different activity programs for children ages 3-19, parents will have time to take a break and enjoy the fresh air. After your family crushes the competition in the Sandy Island Triathlon, make some new friends at the Talent Show and Sandy Dances. If you’re worried about the cost, the camp offers scholarships, so there’s nothing in your way of a weekend of excitement.

FB: @sandyislandcamp
Instagram: @sandyislandnh

Photo credit: Camp Abnaki

Camp Abnaki

Camp Abnaki is another YMCA Labor Day Camp packed full of island fun. Located on North Hero Island across from Alburg Dunes State Park, you can participate in the family programs or rent out the whole camp. Return to nature with a weekend in a cabin, try your hand at archery, get out on the water or just enjoy some downtime. For some extra special bonding, join Camp Abnaki for Father/Son weekend. Prices range from $75 – $95 for kids 5-15, and little ones 4-years-old and under are free. Check their website for the upcoming 2019 deadline, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Facebook: @campabnaki
Instagram: @ymcacampabnaki

Photo credit: Campers’ Paradise

Campers’ Paradise

Campers’ Paradise is a family owned, family-friendly, island destination. Sheltered by one of Minnesota’s many lakes, you and your family will be truly immersed in the summer camp experience. This unique campground boasts sugar-sand beaches, a fishing bridge, mini arcade and solar-heated washing amenities (so your kids can play in the dirt as much as they’d like). Although you may never want to leave the island, the local towns have tons of extra activities like amusement rides, pig races and music festivals. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a Bald Eagle flying over Lake Belle Taine!

For more inspiration for family fun, visit NAPPA Awards. #playlearnconnect

As you gather together with your family, put on some great tunes and sing and dance together. Music is one of the best ways to connect.

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays: Songs and Stories That Celebrate Global Light

A wonderful new album of 13 songs and a collection of stories and facts about how people around the world celebrate various holidays. $13.99, $9 digital, www.hunktabunkta.com

 Under the Tree

A unique and engaging compilation of holiday favorites, as well as new original winter songs. $10, www.staceypeasley.com

Run Along Home: Sing With Me

The whole family will want to sing and dance to these infectious and whimsical tunes by Tracy Newman. $14.99, www.RunAlongHome.com

Swamp Romp

Get ready for a Louisiana dance party with Cajun, Dixieland jazz, New Orleans R&B, brass band and Isleño original tunes. $10,www.johnetteandscott.com

Under the Big Umbrella by Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could

A Vibrant album celebrating individuality and kindness. Inspired by and written with students, teachers and families and enriched by a handful of classic pop songs that underscore the message. $14, www.bradyrymer.com

Songs in the Shade of the Cashew and Coconut Trees: Lullabies and Nursery Rhyme from West Africa and the Caribbean

An enchanting collection of 23 songs that pays homage to the cultural heritage and multilingual communities of West Africa and the Caribbean. $16.95, www.thesecretmountain.com

Ditto Kiddo by Stephen Michael Schwartz

Nine original songs – always with a child’s perspective and a grown-up’s sensibilities. $12.98, www.stephenmichaelschwartz.com

A Cheerful Little Earful

A jazz album for kids by a charming real-life singing fairy featuring a fun collection of songs. $12.99, www.dianapanton.com

 

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #playlearnconnect

 

Our gift giving series continues with more toys that build imagination.

Zoomigos

Pump up these cute animals and watch them go for hours of unplugged play. $14.99, 3+, www.educationalinsights.com

 Magical Castle Bed Tent

Now kids can rule the kingdom from the comfort of their own bed. $89.99, ages 3-8, www.lakeshorelearning.com

 Sweet Meadow Horse Stable

A modern farmhouse and a cozy abode for dolls and their equine friends. $79.00, 3+, www.kidkraft.com

Adventure Treehouse

Play and picnic for hours. $69.99, 3+, www.schleich-s.com

Disney Princess Style Collection Play Suitcase

Features real working wheels, a retractable handle and storage for included travel accessories.

$39.99, 3+, www.jakks.com

Latches & Doors Busy Board

Slide, press, twist or turn while learning numbers, letters and animal names. $24.99, 12 months-36 months, www.vtechkids.com

Disney Princess Ariel Music & Lights Vanity

Includes a vanity, Flounder jar with lid and foam pad, play perfume bottle, tiara, earrings, play curling iron, dinglehopper brush, comb and four bands. $59.99, 3+, www.target.com

 PLAYMOBIL Tiny Paws Pet Hotel

Set includes three figures, eight dogs, two birds, two doghouses, bench, seesaw, wheelbarrow, dog food, birdseed, and other accessories. $69.99, 4+, www.playmobil.us

 Rock Around Wobble Disk

Hold on tight for a rock, wobble and 360 degree spin adventure. $39.99, 2+, www.simplya3.com

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards.

Kids learn and grow through play. This holiday season, give the gift of imagination with these fun friends.

Disney Junior Minnie Walk & Dance Unicorn Feature Plush

Press Minnie’s hand to see Penelope dance. Attach Minnie’s hand to Penelope’s back and watch them walk together. $39.99, 3+, www.JustPlayProducts.com

Blaire Doll

2019 Girl of the Year is a Chef-in-training who loves to gather everyone for dinner. Comes with paperback book. $140, 8+, www.americangirl.com

Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets with Tempo Control

Move the mouth of your Baby Shark puppet to hear it “sing” the entire Baby Shark song. Available in 3 characters. $19.99, www.babyshark.wowwee.com

JoJo Siwa Singing JoJo Doll D.R.E.A.M.

Sporting her signature double bow, this 10-inch doll sings her newest hit song, “D.R.E.A.M.” $19.99, 6+, www.JustPlayProducts.com

Harry Potter Hedwig Interactive Creature

This owl makes 12 unique sounds and responds to sounds by turning her head. $19.99, 4+, www.jakks.com

 Playdate Ariel

She is beautiful and 32-inches tall. Lightweight and easy to carry around. $59.99, 3+, www.jakks.com

 Juno My Baby Elephant

With over 150 lifelike movements and sounds. $99.99, 5+, www.junomybabyelephant.com

#SNAPSTAR

Squad includes Lola, Aspen, Dawn, Yuki, Echo and Izzy. Use app to glam up your doll and share with friends on social. $14.47, 5+, www.snapstartworld.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidaygifts #giftguide #playlearnconnect

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