The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) is releasing its newest winners from the Children's Product competition. NAPPA is a go-to source for parents looking for quality products, and their list of winners includes some great innovative toys and other products. I've included a very partial list here. Feel free to check out the rest of the products on the NAPPA site.
GOLD Winners
CATEGORY: Toys
3D Puzzle La Tour Eiffel, Ravensburger/Grand Communications, Tweens & Teens: 9 - 15 years Fun for the Entire Family, $25.99Why we like it: Ooh la la, Paris in a puzzle! Piece together the famous landmark – puzzle style! Ideal for kids who have mastered flat puzzles and want an incremental challenge. Flat and hinged plastic pieces are all numbered and have arrows to indicate placement so it can be easily and methodically erected in an afternoon.
• Mantel-worthy. This puzzle is a fun pastime and the final product is a displayable three-dimensional piece of art.
• Sturdy structure. Three puzzle sections are each divided with a plastic base that give the structure added stability and lends architectural authenticity to the pride of Paris.
• Build-by-number. Numbered pieces guide children to build from the ground up making an overwhelming task not only do-able, but enjoyable.
“I thought this was going to be an overwhelming task, but the numbers and arrows made it so easy to do – we had our whole family helping!” Mother of two
BUY IT
BabbaBox by BabbaCo, BabbaCo, Preschool and Kindergarten: 3 - 5 years, $29.99 per month or $299 for a 12-month subscription
Why we like it: Ready for fun all in one…box! Once a month, your mail carrier will deliver a gift box of fun that lasts all month long. Themed box includes an art project, book, exploring activity and access to an app. The prep work is done for you - just answer the door when it arrives!
• Pampers the parents. Comes with a special gift just for moms and dads.
• 1, 3 or 12. Send a one-time gift or for three months or a full year of fun!
• Precious time, not prep time. Helps families connect while giving them all the tools so they don’t have to create and compile them on their own.
BUY IT
DC Universe Super Heroes The Batcave, LEGO Systems Inc, Early Elementary: 6 - 8 years Tweens & Teens: 9 - 15 years, $69.99
Why we like it: “To the Batcave!” all you Batman-LEGO fans! This set masterfully combines two obsessions: to build the Batcave and surrender your imagination to the Caped Crusader. This detailed LEGO rendition includes the iconic red phone and a transforming changing station for the Bruce-Batman switch. The Dark Knight zips around on the Batcycle while Bane bores into imagination in his spinning drill tank. Two-expressioned characters included are Batman, Robin and Poison Ivy while Bruce Wayne and Bane maintain their stare.
• Bruce does exist! This set comes with the elusive Bruce Wayne character not found in other LEGO sets.
• Caped Crusaders have capes! Cloth capes enrobe Batman and Robin as they fight the evil Bane and Poison Ivy.
• Slick design. Front and back printing on the characters, detailed hair and redesigned Batcycle renews this classic with modern flair.
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CATEGORY: Games
FitzIt, Gamewright, Tweens & Teens: 9 - 15 years Fun for the Entire Family, $9.99
Why we like it: What comes in a box, fits inside a blender, and will make you laugh? Name an object that fits the attributes on your cards and then play them to the grid. Use your creativity and you’re fit to win!
• Compact size goes everywhere.
• Play with any number of players – great for big groups
• Lots of content
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GameChanger, Identity Games International USA, Preschool and Kindergarten: 3 - 5 years Early Elementary: 6 - 8 years Tweens & Teens: 9 - 15 years Fun for the Entire Family, $59.99
Why we like it: Specifically designed for use with an iPad, different game boards and play scenarios come alive with animation and sound. Easily download the free app, and it teaches you how to play. Never the same game twice!
• Learn facts through video clips and questions
• Even the parts of the game board that aren’t on the iPad come to life
• Some aspects of ipad play are just plain fun
BUY IT
IOTA, Gamewright, Early Elementary: 6 - 8 years Tweens & Teens: 9 - 15 years Fun for the Entire Family, $7.99
Why we like it: Add little-bitty cards to a grid, making sure that color, shape and number are either all the same or all different across the line. As the grid expands, so do the possibilities. Pocket-sized, go-along game; easy to play on any table anywhere.
Quote: (43-year-old woman) “Can I take this home with me? I want this game.”
• Entire game fits in the palm of your hand
• Sophisticated play pattern engages all ages
• Takes only 20 minutes to play, but you’ll want to play again
BUY IT
CATEGORY: Books
All Kinds of Kisses, Hachette Book Group, Preschool and Kindergarten: 3 - 5 years, $17.99
Why we like it: Farm animals give their babies kisses in this lullaby that wishes little ones sweet dreams. Written and illustrated by Nancy Tafuri. BUY IT
All the Awake Animals, Hachette Book Group, Ages 3 to 6, $16.99
Why we like it: A lullaby of animals, in alphabetical order, sets the stage for slumber in this sweet story that’s packed full of information to be enjoyed for many nights and years. Written by Crescent Dragonwagon, illustrated by David McPhail. BUY IT
Andrew Drew and Drew by Barney Saltzberg, Abrams Books, Toddlers: 18 months - 2 years Preschool and Kindergarten: 3 - 5 years Early Elementary: 6 - 8 years, $15.95
Why we like it: Through a series of folds and unfolds, readers will follow along as Andrew doodles and noodles. Andrew’s lines lead to his imaginings. The illustrations are realistic and childlike. Charming and delightful. Written by Barney Saltzburg; Abrams Appleseed, 2012; $15.95; www.abramsbooks.com. Ages 18 months and up. BUY IT