Holiday Gift Guide for Kids Shopping for kids on your “nice” list? Here are some of the season’s best new toys, kid-tested and parent-approved. Find complete lists of toys, games, books and more at www.SanDiegoFamily.com/for-the-kids/ kid-tested-toy-review.
Code & Learn Space Ship $39.99; 5+ TheLearningJourney.com Introduce kids to basic programming and coding in a fun way! Great STEM activity for parents and kids to do together. Find more STEM toys and games at www.sandiegofamily.com/kid-tested-toy-review.
Stephanie’s Sports Arena $44.99; 6+ Shop.Lego.com Awesome Lego set features a tennis court with a moving ball and a basketball hoop with shooting function. Includes a taco bar, floodlights, two mini dolls and more. “My daughter spent hours playing with this set,” says mom Sara.
Grand Department Store Gift Set $129.95; 6+ CalicoCritters.com The Grand Department Store and dress designer, Stella Hopscotch Rabbit, are highlights of the popular Calico Critters new “Town” series. Beautiful details, a balcony, custom windows, a revolving door and working manual elevator inspire imaginative play.
Playskool Friends Sesame Street Let’s Dance Elmo $39.99; 18 mos.+ HasbroToyShop.com Elmo encourages healthy activity as he dances with kids to “Elmo’s World” and other songs. His heart lights up to the beat while he swings his arms, tilts his head and shakes his hips.
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24 • SanDiegofamily.com • December 2018
Go-with-Me ABC Backpack $29.99; 3+ LeapFrog.com Practice writing with Mr. Pencil—one of seven activities to choose from. Wear like a backpack for on-the-go learning and play. “It fits well on my granddaughter’s lap when we’re in the car,” says Sandy.
Disney Junior Doc McStuffins Pet Rescue Mobile $49.99; 3+ JustPlayProducts.com Equipped with play medical tools, an electronic EKG reader and talking stethoscope, kids love taking care of Doc’s pet friend Oliver (included), checking his heartbeat and diagnosing boo-boos with a light-up X-ray.