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

Frog/Duck Mix & Match Stacking Toy

By Holgate, $16

Appropriate for ages 1 and older

Toy Tips: A

Fun: A

Movement: A

Thinking: A

Personality: B

Social Interaction: B

This three-piece wooden block set features a frog on one side of the blocks and a duck on the other. The blocks can be stacked upon each other for mix-and-matching fun. The bright graphics provide an introduction to matching and colors while stimulating vision.

Pieces are easy for small hands to grasp; our toddler testers with special needs were easily able to hold onto the pieces. Moving the pieces encourages use of fine-motor skills, tactile exploration, hand/eye coordination and focusing abilities.

Tip: Ideal for a preschool classroom or Montessori-based learning.

Propeller Power

By LEGO Systems, Inc, $19.99

Appropriate for ages 7 and older

Toy Tips: A

Fun: A

Movement: A

Thinking: A

Personality: B

Social Interaction: A

Build a harrier jet, helicopter or propeller plane with this construction kit, which has 247 pieces. Details include a propeller that spins and landing gear that can be lowered. Our testers found the LEGO pieces easy to connect and their constructions stayed together even as kids played roughly with them. Illustrated instructions are clear and easy to follow, and they provide practice in following detailed sequences. Building models helps to develop skills in spatial relations and logical reasoning.