Kid Culture features fun and educational books and toys for kids.

World Grand Prix Lightning McQueen Deluxe Kit by RIDEMAKERZ, $39.99

Ages 4 and older

Toy Tips: A

Fun: A

Thinking: A

Personality: B

Social Interaction: B+

This customized vehicle comes complete with everything from tires to rims to trick out your own car. There are three models to choose from (Disney Pixar Cars 2 World Grand Prix Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile. We tested then McQueen deluxe kit. This set includes one World Grand Prix Lightning McQueen Body, four tires, four rims, four Lightning Boltz rims, one hood scoop, one turbo engine, two Flamin’ Side Pipes, two chrome side pipes, one silver spoiler and one decal sheet. Additional parts are sold separately, but are not really needed.)

Placing the features on the body of the car stimulates fine motor movement, concentration and thinking skills. Play inspires self-expression through the creation of a personal and customized car to call your own.

Testers’ Tip: Fun activity to do with mom and dad. Some kids may need help putting this together. If you saw the “Cars 2” movie, kids may act out scenes they know or recognize with their vehicle. If not, it makes a great play car anyway they like it.

Tetris Link by Techno Source, $24.99

Ages 6 and older

Toy Tips: A

Fun: A

Movement: A

Thinking: A

Personality: B+

Social Interaction: B+

For video gamers that are familiar with Tetris, this strategy game brings Tetris play to the tabletop. Players take turns rolling the die and dropping Tetriminos (the iconic Tetris playing pieces) into the tower. The object of the game is to link Tetriminos of the same color to earn points, while blocking opponents from scoring. But, players can lose points for any holes that are left in the game tower. Players track their points in real-time with the built-in scoring markers. When the tower is full, the player with the highest score wins the game.

Testers’ Tip: The average play time is about 20 minutes. For children who are working on patience and concentration skills, this is a game for family play that enhances social interaction and thinking skills.

— Recommendations from Marianne M. Szymanski, publisher of www.toytips.com, Toy Tips Magazine and co-author of “Toy Tips: A Parent’s Essential Guide to Smart Toy Choices.”

Marianne Szymanski’s gift giving tips

• Buy extra batteries for battery-operated toys and install them before wrapping.

• When choosing craft toys, read the box first, then include any extra supplies you may need to buy in addition to the kit.

• Train sets are fun, but make sure you have a dedicated area in your home to set it up … often!

• Board games are meant for family fun. Bend the rules to include all ages of family members and keep one game near the kitchen table for impromptu after dinner entertainment.

• Online shopping can offer free shipping deals. Take advantage of that, but buy early in case something does not arrive on time.

• Parents of newborns to preschoolers, purchase a No. 0 or No. 1 screwdriver. This is the size required for those tiny battery compartments that many toys dedicated to this age range have.

Marianne Szymanski’s gift giving “Toy Tips”

• Buy extra batteries for battery-operated toys and install them before wrapping.

• When choosing craft toys, read the box first, then include any extra supplies you may need to buy in addition to the kit.

• Train sets are fun, but make sure you have a dedicated area in your home to set it up … often!

• Board games are meant for family fun. Bend the rules to include all ages of family members and keep one game near the kitchen table for impromptu after dinner entertainment.

• Online shopping can offer free shipping deals. Take advantage of that, but buy early in case something does not arrive on time.

• Parents of newborns to preschoolers, purchase a number 0 or number 1 screwdriver. This is the size required for those tiny battery compartments, which many toys dedicated to this age range have.