The Season's Best Toys

For the 16th year running, Parenting magazine has conducted its "Toy of the Year" review.

Editors checked out thousands of new offerings, looking for those that were developmentally appropriate, innovative, durable, and safe. TThey handed over 800 of the most promising ones to the best judges of all: kids and their parents, who weighed in on each toy's fun factor.

Here are just some of "Parenting'"s top 40:

Birth To 18 Months

• Magical Magnet Stacker - Four soft magnetic disks that stack and twist. Unexpected finds - a woolly texture, a mirror and crinkly sounds. Machine-washable.Available at Mommy & Me, 888-463-6559, www.mommyandme.com Cost: $13
• LeapStart Learning Table - In music mode, the flick of a switch or push of a button produces pleasing tunes - from jazz to bluegrass. In learning mode, little ones explore such concepts as open/close, up/down, and on/off, as well as shapes, colors, numbers, and the alphabet. Two volume levels; requires three AA batteries. Available at: LeapFrog, 800-701-5327, www.leapfrog.com
  Cost: $40

• On the Move Hospital - Is there a doctor in the house? Your child can really make the rounds with this backpack that opens to reveal a two-story hospital, play figures, an ambulance, a stretcher, and other accessories. Available at: Lego, 800-835-4386, www.lego.com
  Cost: $20
• Easy Store Sand and Water Table - Two of kids' favorite playthings - sand and water - come together in this 56- by 29- by 19-inch toy. Turn a paddle wheel and the resulting current propels the two included boats. The table can convert to an art-activity station with built-in storage cubbies: Just drain the water and fold it in half. Minimal assembly required.
  Available at: Little Tikes, 800-321-0183, www.littletikes.com
  Cost: $60

• Tuff Stuff Stereo CD Player - This durable player comes with many extras, including a karaoke microphone and a CD with two versions of 24 kid classics - one vocal, one instrumental. It also has anti-skip protection, a kid-proof lock on the storage drawer and the player, a switch to limit the volume, and a headphone jack. Requires four C batteries.Available at: Fisher-Price/KIDdesigns, 888-867-8697, www.kiddirect.com
  Cost: $70
• Cranium Cariboo - In this game of luck, preschoolers work together to open a jewel chest by finding hidden treasure - brightly colored balls located under panels that must be unlocked with a key. Along the way, they'll brush up on their ABC's, numbers, shapes, and colors.
  Available at Cranium, 877-272-6486, www.playcranium.com
  Cost: 17

• KG Racer Automites
  Proof that good things come in small packages, this pint-size remote-controlled car even spins and pops wheelies. Requires three 9V batteries.
  Available at: Kid Galaxy, 866-547-2237, www.kidgalaxy.com
  Cost: $15
• Kawasaki Folding Keyboard - A fully functional, 32-tone keyboard slides apart and folds into a four-by-four-by-six-inch cube that attaches to a belt -or backpack. Features multiple instrument sounds, rhythms, tempos, and background beats. A headphone jack makes it perfect for travel. Requires four AA batteries. Available at: DSI Toys, 888-365-9988, www.dsitoys.com
  Cost: $25
• Scream Machine – With this ultra-engineered update on the classic Big Wheel, little daredevils can go for a spin, literally. The rubber front tire provides traction; the plastic rear wheels allow for spectacular skids. Adjustable seat and steel frame; assembly required. Available at: Razor, 866-467-2967, www.razor.com.
  Cost: $99

• Extreme Moto-X Cycle - It takes practice and skill to master this remote-controlled two-wheeler with a rider that can perform headstands on the handlebars. A gyrostabilizer allows for flips and other amazing feats. Splurgeworthy. Requires one 9V battery, one TMH Flexpak rechargeable battery, and a charger; 65-foot range. $65; charger. Available at: Tyco/Mattel, 800-524-8697, www.tycorc.com
  Cost: $30
• Dirt Dawg - Off-road or on, this cross between an oversize scooter and a skateboard delivers freewheeling adventure. It's equipped with rubber tires and handlebar-mounted front and rear brakes. Assembly required. Available at: Diggler, 888-934-4453, www.diggler.com
  Cost: $150