Product Picks

We can't tell you how many times the earlier version of this toy has come to our rescue—even well after our own kids have outgrown it. Boasting a colorful design and engaging music, the new Poppin' Park Elefun Busy Ball Popper captivates toddlers and younger kids (and even some dads). Gather the balls, put them in the elephan's trunk, and then press start to send the balls spinning, then ultimately popping up and out into the room. The balls are big enough that choking isn't a concern. The package includes the ball popper assembly, five plastic balls and four "D" batteries.

Another treasure from author, illustrator, and all-around advocate for children's innate creativity and intelligence, Shel Silverstein. Published posthumously more than a decade after his untimely death, "Everything on It" is a wonderful collection of his poems and drawings. Ostensibly written for kids, this is one of those books that you'll constantly turn to because you'll enjoy it as much as--and maybe more than--any of your youngsters.

Great photos are a part of every family’s life—and there isn't a better value than this Nikon. Even though it’s loaded with features—a high-powered optical zoom (the only kind that matters) and built-in image stabilization (it keeps shots steady even when your hands aren’t)--the camera is easy to use. We like the movie mode that lets it double as a high-def camcorder, and the face detection technology that can tell when someone smiles (it takes the picture) or blinkjs (advises reshooting).

Your kids love playing Angry Birds on your cell phone or iPad, but you don't love them staring at a screen for hours. This activity play set adds a tactile element to the traditional gameplay, and brings it into your living room. The set comes with three Angry Bird characters, four green pigs, a slingshot-style launcher, 14 building blocks kids use to form structures, and playing cards. Kids will have fun building the structure before someone launches an Angry Bird and knocks it--and the pigs-down.