Best Toy Guide · The review desk

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324
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Researched, not hands-on tested. Our reviews draw on published product details and editorial comparisons. Retailer ratings are separately labeled.

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324 product reviews · Showing 12

Gift ages 1012
ASTRO BOT — PlayStation 5: photograph of the linked Amazon edition.

ASTRO BOT — PlayStation 5

Sony Interactive Entertainment

A solo platformer that can still have a watching partner

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The household expects two children to control characters at the same time.

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Gift ages 712

A jewel puzzle for filling the last awkward gap

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One player solves at a time; keep the small pieces on a tray while traveling. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.

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Gift ages 812

One set of shapes, three ways to puzzle

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The harder layouts suit persistent puzzlers; a younger sibling may need help setting up. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.

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Gift ages 712

A cat puzzle about the order of the moves

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Cats stay in their starting positions; this is a rule-based puzzle rather than a free-play pet set. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.

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Gift ages 612

Travel-sized logic that needs a place for the pieces

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You need a group game or an activity with no loose parts.

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Gift ages 612

A shape puzzle with a second rule to remember

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Correct shapes can still be wrong if the symbols do not alternate. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.

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Gift ages 612

A clear squirrel goal with a less obvious route

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Loose acorns need careful packing; the hardest challenges require substantial trial and error. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.

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Gift ages 712

Different animals, different ways to move

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Rabbits jump while foxes slide; learning that distinction comes before solving harder cards. Start with an easier challenge; the top difficulty is not a promise of independent play at the minimum age.

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