My HomeTown
Pint-size city planners stack ten cardboard "building" blocks high or arrange and rearrange them on the 30-by-36-inch play mat. Nest them inside one another to store the entire village in its own case. ($25, WJ Fantasy, 800-222-7529, www.wjfantasy.com)

Squeeze-Me Music Soft Bongos
The littlest musicians can march to their own beat while playing these squishable drums. Electronic sensors produce beautiful - and realistic - sounds. Three AA batteries required. ($25, Rising Stars, 317-566-8778, www.risingstarstoys.com)

Home Improvements Workshop
On one side is a tool center with a screwdriver, hammer, wrench, vise, and utility light; on the other, the exterior of a cottage that needs some fixing up. Kids can screw on the shutters and window box, repair the picket fence, and attach the garden fau cet - then do it all over again. Assembly and three AA batteries for the light required. ($50, Little Tikes, 800-321-0183, www.littletikes.com)

RC Dump Truck
Oversize and easy to operate, this big rig is loads of fun. Fill the bed to the brink, drive across the room, then dump out all of the contents - manually or by remote. Requires one 9-volt and six D batteries. ($70, Battat, 800-822-8828, www.battat-toys.com)

Tumbling Tots
Toddlers relish being physical, whether it's running, climbing, or jumping. They're also improving fine motor skills and starting to enjoy pretend play. Toys they like:

• Tricycles, balls, and backyard gyms
• Toys that can be pulled or pushed
• Large building blocks
• Arts and crafts materials like crayons and play dough
• Puzzles and other shape sorters
• Dress-up clothes, kitchen sets, and dolls