best toys Archives - Page 2 of 3

February 29, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

These recent NAPPA Award winners are wonderful Easter and anytime gifts.

PEEPS EggMazing Egg Decorator

This whimsical bunny-shaped decorator holds and spins hard-boiled eggs. Using the included vibrantly colored, non-toxic markers, kids create custom, colorful Easter eggs without the mess. $27.99, ages 3+, heybuddyheypal.com

BIZYBOO Easter Hide ‘N’ Seek Busy Bags

A perfect mess-free, on-the-go and low-fuss companion. Using both written and visual prompts found on an attached card, children will have a blast prodding and shifting the beads around, seeking out the Easter objects. $9.99, ages 2+, vangotoys.com

Sprinx – My Bumpas Weighted Character

Helps promote a sense of security, reduce stress, improve sleep quality and create a calming effect. The weighted arms are perfectly sized to give realistic hugs and display unconditional love. The exterior is soft and comforting. $39.99, ages 3+, mybumpas.com

Buzz Buzz

Laurie Berkner’s got a pig on her head. Celebrate 25 years of her timeless classic album remastered for the whole family to enjoy. Sing along to all-time favorites. $9.99, ages 1-7, laurieberkner.com

Rubik’s Cube Retro Cube

Celebrate Rubik’s 50th anniversary with this collector’s edition. Displayed in a replica of the 1980s issue packaging, this blast to the past is decorated with the original Rubik’s Logo and classic-colored stickers. $14.99, ages 8+, amazon.com

stickers. $14.99, ages 8+, amazon.com

Ahhhhh

Andrew & Polly’s 6^th album empowers kids to take on tough stuff by helping them think, feel and sometimes even shout their way through challenges in an ever-changing world. Eleven awesome songs featuring smart and amusing lyrics. $9.99, entire family, andrewandpolly.com

PAW Patrol Basic Vehicles

Join the pups on action-packed missions with these new eco-conscious vehicles. Made from up to 85% recycled plastic, these vehicles are authentically detailed so you can recreate iconic scenes from the show. Enjoy endless PAWsome adventures with your favorite hero pup in their signature vehicle. $9.99, ages 3+, amazon.com

For more gift ideas visit nappaawards.com

October 29, 2023 by

We’re thrilled to chat with Bill Nichols and Peter Cmiel of Blip’s Toys, who have won NAPPA Awards several times.

Thank you for sharing your story with us and our readers.

1. Please tell us a little about your company’s mission.

Our mission is to offer innovative toys at reasonable prices. We think of ourselves as a speedboat among cruises ships as compared to the large toy companies, bringing new products into the market in a matter of months versus years. One example of this was the Zoom-o disc launcher. Back in the mid 2000’s we showed Target stores a working prototype in February and they loved it. The challenge was they wanted it in stores for summer that year! We challenged our operations team and we were able to build the tooling, complete production and ship it in under 90 days, making it in store by June. That item has sold millions to date and is still being sold today.

2. What made you want to start this company?

Bill: While working in the toy industry as a frustrated salesperson I saw many opportunities left unanswered. Very few companies actually listened to retailers’ needs so I thought what a great opportunity to actually listen and develop for actual opportunities on shelf. So, starting Blip allowed me to pursue new products and categories in the marketplace with instant support.

Peter: Prior to forming Blip, I worked as a toy inventor and became frustrated in getting manufacturers to bring my ideas to market. With the creation of Blip, I was able bring those ideas from concept to production and into the hands of consumers. Part of that process is not only seeing that item make it to the market, but being in control of the process to ensure that its outcomes match my original vision.

3. Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

Bill: I’ve been very Lucky. I had many mentors, in all areas, toy sales, design, retail merchandising, product development. It’s important to listen and play out of your comfort zone.

Peter: One of my key mentors was my first employer out of college. He was an ex-Tonka toys executive and introduced me to the complex toy world. When I first started, I asked him what my job description was and he said, “anything I don’t want to do”. Our main focus was toy inventors and were able to successfully license various products. My time spent with him was invaluable as he included me in all steps of the process. One of my favorite memories during that time was when we travelled to the London Toy show. It was my first toy show and trip overseas.

4. Best life advice you received growing up?

Bill: you get to choose every day, good day, or bad day when you start, choose good!

Peter: As it relates to one’s professional career, I was told people want to work with people they like. While simplistic, it helped me keep understand the benefit of working in a team and staying out of the politics and drama as much as possible.

5. How has parenthood changed you?

Bill: I have three adult children and one grandchild. The benefits of having children and being in the toy industry is invaluable. It forces you to use your own experiences when developing products. My 3 kids would give a very different answer, they would talk about how many of their toys went missing and never came back. “dad” was always watching how they played with them and then the ones they played with the most would disappear. Later they realized I was like “Sid” from Toy story and was always recreating / designing new toys from old.

Peter: I have two teens (16 & 18) and they provided a tremendous amount of insight into toy design at their various stages of their development. We spent a lot of time together playing with our new toys learning what works and what doesn’t. It was interesting to see what they gravitated towards and as a toy maker I tried not to influence them with things I brought home as I really wanted genuine feedback. In my experience kids want to please you and will tell you they like something if they think you do as well. My children were at a great age, 3 &5 when our big hit toy brand Squinkies came to market, and they were an instant hit with them! The industry had never seen a toy IN a capsule, so Squinkies was a pretty big innovation in the market. They loved the collectability aspect and their squishy tactile feel. And having all of our kids be able to play test it and give us feedback on the tiny characters was just invaluable.

6. When not working, where will we find you?

Bill: sadly, at retail walking thru ALL the aisles looking for new and innovative ways to merchandise. For total relaxation, boating with family on the lake.

Peter: I’m often in my shop tinkering with new ideas. My day is filled with meetings or emails leaving me with a desire to use my hands. I find it satisfying to build something tangible that has a purpose. Sometimes it’s a simple shelf system for the home or a crude mockup of a new toy idea that helps define a designs shape or scale. My background as an industrial designer laid the foundation of the various steps of product development, ideating, drawing, prototyping, etc. that I enjoy to this day with all my projects.

March 15, 2023 by

Learn to be unique with these NAPPA Award Winners. Lots of games and toys to help kids learn in new, exciting ways.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies

A unique children’s movement and play deck, featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4-8 years, shambhala.com

LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)

Writing is easier and more fun. Writing prompts give kids and adults clever topic suggestions and a tracking postcard keeps the pen pal momentum going. Replies from grandparents are quick because a perforated reply postcard is included with the child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5+, lollipost.com

Epic

Encourage kids to explore their interests & learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2-12 years, getepic.com

LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game

This is no ordinary scavenger hunt game. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties & classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative & stay active. $34.99, ages 3+, amazon.com

Bebi Toddlers

Educational games & puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines, written formulas, and rammed materials. It is fun to play games and those games affect our brains back – how to improve our logical thinking, fine motor skills, and such more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2-5 years, bebi.family

Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers

It’s jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschooler skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals, and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Kids can enjoy the original classic puzzles, turn the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin the columns to find the picture, or put the scattered parts in place. FREE, ages 2-4 years, apps.apple.com

bekids Reading

Engaging stories for young readers to learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful songs. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

bekids Coding

A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures, and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5-8 years, bekids.com

bekids Science

A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

February 14, 2023 by

Who said you always need technology to have? Check out these NAPPA Award Winners for loads of entertaining activities that don’t require a screen.

DISO Podcast

Share magical stories with your kids in the spirit of the golden days of radio. Available in English, Spanish and French. Narrated by professional actors. $3.99, ages 3+, podcasts.apple.com

Go Fish US History

Takes everyone’s favorite childhood card game and combines it with US History. No longer do you ask, “Any 4’s?” Now you ask, “any presidents?” Not do you have any kings but rather, “Do you have any Scientists, Authors, Sports Legends, Women in History? 11.99. ages 7+, KosoGames.com

Make-A-Fort Explorer Kit

You can make 5 of our Creations including forts, mazes, houses, and more. Let your imagination run wild and design your own. $94.99, ages 4+, makeafort.fun

Story Time Chess

Teaches chess to young children using silly stories, vibrant illustrations, custom chess pieces and a unique chessboard. No chess experience is required for parents or children. Makes learning to play simple and fun. $39.99, ages 3+, storytimechess.com

Dino Super Dome

Transform your little one’s playroom into a prehistoric playground. Dinosaurs roam all four walls of this play tent and they come to life with the lifelike roar button. Also includes 6 dino toys and LED lights with remote control. $44.99, ages 4-7, amazon.com

Scenties

Colorful accessories with a fun twist. The hair ties, headbands, scrunchies and face mask ear loops and mask bands are fragranced with playful scents like Cotton Candy and Vanilla Cupcake. Stretch ’em, sniff ’em, wear ’em, and share ’em. $8, ages 4-12, scenties.com

Freshwater Tank

Have you ever dreamed of making your freshwater aquarium? Now you can with this fun and educational board game. With 155 different freshwater fish and 100 incidents, see for yourself what fish you would want to have and how to take care of them. The goal of the game is to become the first person to create a compatible fish tank with 10 fish. $39.99, ages 6+, amazon.com

Bedtime Defenderz

Vigilant and fierce plush heroes that battle villains hiding in the dark. Help kids overcome bedtime fears. Comes with a comic book, a power band slap bracelet, and a glow-in-the-dark belt buckle to help kiddos feel safe and secure at night. $29.99, ages 3-7, bedtimedefenderz.com

April 28, 2022 by Elena Epstein

Building A Family Culture of Play

Watching a child build a fort with blocks or a whole imaginary world with sand buckets at the beach is a study in concentration and learning. Play is how kids learn – about the world, about their connection to other people and about themselves.

Giving kids the free time to play is critical for their development, and having different opportunities to play is also important. Outdoor adventures, pretend play, solo and group play all help cultivate different skills, including fine and gross motor development, cognitive and social-emotional learning skills.

We encourage parents to seek out opportunities to play with their kids. This shared time of doing something together just for fun builds lasting bonds and allows a safe space for open communication to grow.

At the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA Awards) we have a front row view of how important play is. We often hear from our parent toy and game evaluators how connected they felt to their children when playing a certain game and how happy they are to have discovered this new (and fun) way to interact with their child.

Kids Grow Through Play

Parents also often tell us that they can see their child’s growth in a variety of ways through play. They see empathy come through when their child gently cares for their cuddly stuffed animals, and they see enhanced concentration and social connection when playing a board game together as a family.

Our lives as parents are hectic. There is so much to do in the day – work, meal prep, school and other activities and just keeping our house together. Taking the time to come together as a family and play a game is one of the best ways to connect and for everyone to destress.

Play as a Family

Start a family tradition of game nights (or weekend mornings if that works better) for your family. Start it when your kids are toddlers and continue it through the teen years and adulthood. Seek out games and activities that you enjoy together as a family and make the time for it at least once a week. When you’re on vacation, take some games with you for in-between activities and after dinner. The goal is to create a consistent culture of fun.

While your kids are enhancing their strategic and critical thinking skills through these games, you’re building connections as a family and showing your kids that you genuinely enjoy their company – that’s a feeling they will carry with them always.

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA Awards), which has been celebrating the best in games and toys for more than 32 years.

February 11, 2021 by

While every day is a great day to show your love and appreciation for your kids, Valentine’s Day gives all of us a wonderful opportunity to express our feelings — and nothing says love more than kindness. At NAPPA Awards, we are celebrating kindness and positivity all year long by showcasing books, music and other great products that will bring joy and connection to your family and remind us that we need to be kind to ourselves, to each other, to our community and to our world.

Best for Mom

Let’s start with all the moms who always put everyone else first. We know this past year has not been easy, parenting through a pandemic, that’s why we love KindNotes. These beautiful jars of 31 handcrafted messages, enclosed in mini decorative envelopes, combine the charm of handwritten notes with positive affirmations perfect for a little pick-me up. Comes in a variety of designs and themes and can be customized. Starting at $34.95, kindnotes.com

And we think every mom deserves some quiet time to reflect and recharge. MamaZen Mindful Parenting App provides the perfect space to relieve stress, fatigue and anxiety using a combination of meditation, hypnotherapy and mindfulness . The 150 brief audio sessions (5-15 min) cover common topics among moms. 30-day free trial, then $14.99/month, mamazen.com

Spread Kindness Through Music

We know you’re going to love these recent NAPPA Award winners as much as we do. Music is such a wonderful source of well-being and the messages of kindness in these songs are universal and great for all ages.

Make it Happen!

Cheery, charming and energetic songs celebrate the simple joys of life, while also delivering positive messages of empowerment, courage and strength. Packed with lyrical wisdom centering on creating meaningful relationships and experiences. $9.99, staceypeasley.com

Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories

A heartfelt tribute album featuring classic songs performed by award winning artists. Highlights include the spirited Latin rhythms on Jaci Velasquez’s playful take of “You Can Never Go Down The Drain,” Jon Secada’s Spanish interpretation of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and actress/singer Rita Wilson, whose husband Tom Hanks wonderfully portrayed Fred Rogers in the movie, provides a tender rendition of “Sometimes People Are Good.” $10.95, thankyoumisterrogers.com

A Mind of Your Own

Featuring Nashville-based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, a Brooklyn-based, fiddle-playing child psychiatrist and an array of acclaimed Americana performers in a captivating and upbeat debut album filled with songs and skits touching on a variety of topics—making new friends, coping with failure, learning a new language, dealing with emotions and bullying. Invites listeners to think deeply on feelings and emotions that come with growing up, while focusing on resilience. $14.98, folkways.si.edu

Words to Inspire

Find a cozy nook and start reading together. Beautiful illustrations and words will inspire you to be in awe of nature and all the creatures around us. There is so much to be thankful for if we just take a look around and really notice.

Good Morning, Good Morning

The lyrical wordplay encourages children to explore their surroundings and notice the subtle sensations within their bodies, all while helping them develop their daily mindfulness practice. Written and illustrated by women of color and featuring diverse characters. $12, ages birth-4, bounlesblooms.com

The Mighty River

Celebrates the community we share through nature and the diverse animals and plants that call the river home. Includes beautiful illustrations, a wide array of information, ideas on how to protect our waterways and space to draw and describe river animals and scenes. $15, ages 2-8, years, beautifulworldbooks.com

Kindness Tales

A curated collection of children’s stories celebrating the timeless power of kindness to make the world a gentler, safer and even more loving place by author and highly-respected folklorist, Margaret Read MacDonald. $16.95, ages 6-10, augusthouse.com

The Book of Cultures

A 120-page picture book for young readers to discover the world, embrace its diversity and go on adventures near and far, all from the comfort of their home. Featuring 30 stories with buddies from different countries, followed by a 2-page activity snapshot on each culture. $35, ages 4-9, worldwidebuddies.com

Be Together

To teach our kids about their big feelings is a true gift. Sit together, talk and use these creative and colorful cards to enhance your child’s social emotional learning.

The Little Yogi Deck: Simple Yoga Practices to Help Kids Move Through Big Emotions

A colorful card deck featuring 48 simple yoga and mindfulness practices to help kids work through big emotions on and off the mat. Eight color-coded categories include anger, worry, excitement, sadness, joy, jealousy, shame and peace. Includes a practice booklet. $19.95, ages 5+, Shambhala.com

Mindful Moments: Guided Exercises and Mantras for Kids

Easy-to-follow guided exercises blending mindfulness meditation and empowering affirmations to build emotional intelligence and encourage kids to tap into the present moment and their unique strengths. Includes mindful tips booklet. $30, ages 2+, boundlessblooms.world

Imagine That

It is through play that kids learn about life. Give them a world filled with imagination, kindness, love and generosity.

Poppy the Kindness Unicorn & Pawley Bear

Join Poppy and Pawley on their journey filled with friendship, kindness, and lots of fun as they spread kindness through Sharewood Forest. $34.99, ages 3+, plushible.com

Care Bears: Love-A-Lot Bear

A group of huggable BFFs living that sweet caring life. Perfect for unlimited bear hugs and ready for you to take on your adventures of sharing and caring. Comes with a collectible Care Coin to spark on conversation and action on everyday acts of kindness. $14.99, ages 4+, Walmart.com

Sharewood Forest Friends

Enter a magical world filled with friendship and sharing. Each friend comes with an adorable outfit, pajama set and reusable packaging that unfolds into a unique playscape, where kindness grows as large as the mighty oak and spreads like wildflowers. $34.99, ages 2-4, sharewoodfriends.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

December 16, 2020 by

One of our favorite childhood memories is looking through toy catalogs and circling the ones we loved and hoped would arrive wrapped with a big bow. Flipping through the pages and dreaming about each item was a big part of the whole holiday experience – the anticipation of something wonderful. We want to give you that feeling again with our Jingle Holiday Gift Guide. We have been busy all year testing and evaluating to bring you this wonderful collection featuring more than 250 award-winning toys, games, books, family music and other unique finds. NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 30 years. This year’s selection includes products with positive messages of kindness, inclusion and community – products that celebrate diversity and uniqueness. This year, watching those smiles on our kids’ faces when they rip open their holiday gifts will be even more special. Happy Gifting!

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Gifts with a Positive Message
Unique finds, including items perfect for those who love cozy and warm
Toys to spark imagination
Products that are all about creativity
Outdoor Fun
Book, music and games

November 14, 2019 by

Looking for a holiday gift that will bring fun and fitness together, check out these award-winners.

Primo Foldable Lights

New dual-color, wide deck design and extra-large, wide integrated brakes. $79.99, 3+, www.globber.com

Crazy Bocce

A new take on the classic game with erratic bounces and rolls. $19.99, www.funsparks.com

Crazy Cart Shift

Features a simplified drift system, small, light frame and a speed control switch. $199.99, 6+, www.razor.com

Kid Trax CAT Shovel and Sift Dump Truck Activity Ride-0n

Push or ride this dump truck with realistic construction sounds. $35.99, 1-3, www.kidtraxtoys.com

E-Punk

Electric-powered mini bike. Compact and portable, perfect for rolling and trolling the neighborhood. $159.99, 8+, www.razor.com

The Globber One K E-Motion – E10

A fast electric scooter for urban explorers and a fun ride for teens and adults. $299.99, 14+, www.globber.com

Ezyroller Drifter X

Once you’ve mastered how to curve your way, back wheel design lets you “drift” on corners. $119, 6+, www.ezyroller.com

Free Wheelin’ Rider Sport Convertible Balance Bike

Start off as a 3-wheel push bike, then convert into a 2-wheel balance bike. $59.99, 1+, www.playmonster.com

Fold & Go Rally Racer

Parent-powered and folds in 3 easy steps. $59.99, 1.5- 4, www.simplay3.com

Wild Ones

Dino and Unicorn kick scooters designed to help new riders learn to balance and build motor skills. $34.99, 30+ months, www.razor.com

X-Power Dozer

Kids can plow through rocks, dirt, wood, snow and toys. $59.99, 6+, www.jakks.com

Turbo A Black Label

Kick your ride into high gear with this Razor electric scooter hitting speeds of up to 10 mph with up to 25 minutes of continuous riding. $129.99, 8+, www.walmart.com

DROP DOTS

Colorful bounce balls with a spiky texture. $8.99, 6+, www.kess.co

EzyRoller Drifter Pro X

Curve your way longer with X-series seat, accessories and drifting mechanism. $139, 10+, www.ezyroller.com

Kid Trax Rideamals Dino

Tot-sized triceratops featuring multiple types of interactive play: feed, pet, walk and ride. With a maximum speed of 1.5 MPH. $129, 18 months – 30 months, www.walmart.com

My First Workout

Kit comes with 8 essential pieces of exercise equipment to create your own home gym, along with educational videos to build skills. $149.95, 5-10, www.myfirstworkout.com

Teach My Yoga Mat Set – Hop and Learn

Encourage active learning through hopscotch and yoga. $9.99, 3+, www.teachmy.com

Ezyroller Pro X

Designed to carry more adult weight and allow for longer legs. $129, 10+, www.ezyroller.com

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

November 12, 2019 by

If you’re looking for toys that also teach, check out our Fun & Learning selection of award-winning toys and games.

Botzees

An augmented reality robotics kit that combines construction, coding and creativity. Kit contains 130 uniquely shaped, easy-to-grip blocks, plus 30 interactive augmented reality puzzles. $99.99, 4+, www.pai.technology

Moving Creations with K’nex

Learn to apply STEM principles just like an engineer using experiments and “Think Bigger” challenges. $39.99, 8-14, www.hand2mind.com

Novie

Train the Interactive robot to do more than 12 awesome tricks. $24.99, 6+, www.spinmaster.com

Coding Critters

Interactive pets that introduce critical thinking, problem-solving and STEM skills. $39.99, 4+, www.LearningResources.com

Remote-Control Gear-Bot

Create and control your robot by connecting any combination of gears, claws and heads to a motorized base. $49.99, 4+, www.lakeshorelearning.com

STEM at Play POWER!

A great introduction to electricity with easy-to-use snap circuits. $49.95, 8+, www.hand2mind.com

Osmo Little Genius Starter Kit

Combines hands-on play of Friedrich Froebel’s and Maria Montessori’s manipulatives with advanced computer vision for a personalized and highly engaging experience. $79, 3-5, www.playosomo.com

LeapBuilders ABC Smart House

Build, create and learn with this interactive 61-piece house-themed block set.$39.99, 2-5, www.leapfrog.com

Color Chemistry Arctic Lab

STEAM-infused, playful experiments exploring color, texture and temperature. $24.99, 7+, www.shop.crayola.com

Design & Drill Space Circuits

With 20 different space-themed missions, kids create circuits that really work. $49.9, 6+, www.educationalinsigts.com

LeapStart Go

Sleek, easy-to-carry stylus brings compatible books and activity sets to life and uses video to provide a deeper learning experience. $49.99, 4-8, www.leapfrog.com

Beaker Creatures Alien Experiment Lab

Mix up some fun with slime science, fizz science and more. $19.99, 5+, www.beakercreatures.com

Marbleocity 4-Bar Link

Use the hand crank or attach a motor (sold separately) to watch the marbles ascend and then flip-flop down again. $24.99, 9+, www.playmonster.com

Play Smart Preschool Workbook Series

Features fun-first activities specially designed to keep little ones entertained as they develop school-readiness skills. $6.99 – $12.99, 2-4, www.amazon.com

Smithsonian Planetarium Projector

Three disks feature 24 high-definition space images that you can project alongside the stars, planets, nebulae, moons, asteroids and other celestial bodies. $39.99, 8+, www.nsi-intonline.com

Just Add Egg

Add parts of an egg for multiple bio-organic experiments and art activities. $29.95, 8+, www.griddlygames.com

Little Songs, Big Science: Musical STEAM for Kids

Musical inquiry of STEAM, plus a full kids’ science curriculum connected to each song. $15, www.jeffandpaige.org

Canta las letras

Latin Grammy-winners present 38 bright and catchy songs to learn all about letters and letter sounds in Spanish. $15 CD, $8.99 digital, www.123andres.com

Techno Kids Stack & Spin Playland

Put together the base plates in any configuration, add the gears and play with your kid-powered machine. $23.99, 2+, www.tlji.com

Visit nappaawards for more gift ideas. #holidays

July 2, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Summer means outdoor fun and what’s better than water play! These NAPPA Award winners are perfect for hot summer days.

Baby Spring Float Splash Station

The Baby Spring Float Splash Station is a part of the SwimWays Swim Steps program, designed to provide a fun and secure first-time water experience for babies. It includes adorable whale and starfish interactive water toys that squirt and spray water. It also features a patented inner spring around the outside edge for added stability, removable sun canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection, soft mesh seat with secure leg holes and mesh sippy cup holder. $29.99, ages 9-24 months.

X-Shot Fast Fill

The X-SHOT Fast-Fill allows you to refill your blaster in 1 second and get back to the water blasting action long before your opponents. Just dunk, fill and close with rapid sealing technology. It shoots up to 30ft/10m and you can fill it anywhere, because a Fast-Fill is everything. Up Your Game this summer! $12.99, ages 5+

PAW Patrol Swim Trainer Life Jackets

The PAW Patrol Swim Trainer Life Jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices for kids. Permanent flotation in the arms and chest provide greater mobility and the out-of-reach adjustable back buckles are convenient for parents and more secure for kids. The life jackets feature soft fabric and fit most children weighing 30-50 pounds. Available in PAW Patrol 3-D Chase & Skye characters (Chase & Skye sold individually) and PAW Patrol non-3-D character graphics. $18.88-$24.99 each, fits most children weighing 30-50 pounds.

For more award winning products, visit nappaawards.com