Imagine: Toys that promote creativity

Kid Culture features fun and educational books and toys for kids. Guess What I Am!

By Techno Source, $15.99

Appropriate for ages 3 and older

ToyTips Rating: A

Fun Score: A

Movement: B+

Thinking: A

Personality: A

Interaction: A

This is a twist on the classic guessing game that kept our testers entertained, interacting with other children and laughing.

Place your face through the space of the mystery card, transform into one of 30 silly characters, and let the masked player start asking questions to find out who you are. Roll the die to ask yes or no questions like “Do I play sports?” or “Do I have fur?”

The cards are easy for small hands to grasp and the game will heighten imaginative social interaction as children role-play as their characters. Game play provides turn-taking, social interaction and promotes creative-thinking skills.

Tip: The game pieces are character cards and so it was easily adapted to children who could not hold up their cards with “card buddies” (their peers who could hold their cards up for them).

Super Star Theater

By Lisa LeLeu Studios, Inc., $169.99

Appropriate for ages 3 and older

ToyTips Rating: A

Fun Score: A

Movement: A

Thinking: A

Personality: A

Interaction: A

For any child who enjoys imaginative play or performing, this stage can transform from a theater to a puppet show set, become a lemonade stand, then a grocery store or anything else a child can think of.

It is a fun platform for self-expression as children act, and it provides opportunities for socialization and friendships.

Children go on different adventures as they perform in a puppet show, act on the stage, manage a ticket booth or set up a snack stand.

They practice expressive language skills, both fine and gross motor skills, self-discovery, hand-eye coordination and confidence. Children build social skills by sharing acting moments with peers or encouraging parallel play with a friend.

Includes: Three Hand Puppets, Stage Curtains, Puppet Theater Panel, Light Up Marquee with Wipe-Off Pen, Microphone, Back Drop Scene, Comedy Play Script, Costume Idea Book, Admission Tickets, Popcorn Bags, Snack Price Pockets, Candy Pockets, Showtime Clock, Cast Photo Pockets, Six Show Theme Signs, Reflective Mirror, Accessory Pockets, Script Holder, Back Stage Door.

Tip: Ideal for classroom use, as a birthday party activity or for family gatherings.