A Smart Girl’s Guide: Race and Inclusion
Give kids the tools and techniques to gain racial fluency, normalize the conversation around race,
question biases and take positive action individually and collectively. Tips, quizzes, questions and challenges provide practical ways for readers to learn and implement the concepts right away. $12.99, ages 10+.
Magna-Tiles: Animal Series
These distinctive animals are ready for your child’s next adventure in creativity and learning. Match animals to their footprints and build new and exciting environments. The figures are compatible with all Magna-Tiles sets and with fun new characters, colors and patterns. $39.99, ages 3+.
Math Sprint: The Mental Math Game
This educational board game for kids boosts addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. $29.97, ages 7+.
Design & Drill Bolt Buddies First Responders
Use the kid-friendly power drill to snap the pieces together, then race into endless pretend-play fun with a fire truck, police motorcycle or rescue helicopter. The sustainable packaging transforms into a reusable play set, which becomes part of the playtime experience and features color-in graphics that spark kids’ creativity. $21.99-$39.99, ages 3+.
The Imagine Neighborhood Podcast
Each episode tells an original, fantastical and hilarious story, but it also tackles the big feelings that come with growing up. Through the use of metaphor, the series explores topics such as fear, frustration and responsibility, as well as real-life serious issues, including race and diversity, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and cyberbullying. Free, ages 5-8.
Spanish for Kids: La Música
Pack your bags for a musical adventure around the world. Join María and a playful group of peers as they embark on a fun-filled journey from Spain to Latin America. Dance to lively Spanish melodies, explore vibrant places and meet a colorful cast of characters. $12.99, ages 1-10.
Discovery: Rocks and Gems
Learn how various rocks and gems are formed and their uses. Use the six rock and gem samples to get your collection started. This fun learning kit features a slide-out tray printed with rock names and a poster for young collectors to categorize their finds. From sparkling gemstones to molten lava, this introduction to the world of rocks and gems is a must-have item for any future geologist. $17.99, ages 6-8.
Super Mario Aquabeads Creation Cube Set
Place the beads on the provided templates, spray with water and watch as the beads magically fuse together to create Super Mario art. Using the included design pegs, your child can attach the bead design to the base to act out scenes. The creation kit includes more than 2,500 solid, jewel and star beads in 30 vibrant colors. $39.99, ages 4+.
Cry Babies Goodnight Starry Sky
This Cry Babies toy makes realistic baby sounds and cries light-up LED tears when you remove its pacifier. Press her belly; she’ll turn any room into a magical starry night sky by projecting a moon and stars design. Kids can also fall asleep to the sounds of five different lullabies that play more than 10 minutes of soothing music. $19.99, ages 18 months+.
Elena Epstein is the director of the National Parenting Product Awards. For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com.
