By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards
Color Sheen Metallic Colored Gel Pens, Set of 12
Make note taking or journaling a radiant and colorful affair. These metallic ink pens can write on both white and black paper and glide along the page. Made from acid-free ink. $12.95, ages 6+, Ooly.com
mediTATE
Build your child’s mental fitness through meditation stories and activities played through a multisensory, plush toy. Equipped with a child-friendly, Bluetooth speaker that, when connected to the audio library, delivers a magical experience of meditation, mindfulness and calm. $89.99, ages 4+, Miindfully.com
You Are a Social Detective!: Curriculum Guide Storybook
Introduce social and emotional learning through this storybook and its accompanying easy-to-use K-5 curriculum. Provides 10 fun, structured lesson plans. $59.99, ages 5-10, SocialThinking.com
Deter ’n’ Detangle Leave-In
Made with natural detangling herbs such as slippery elm, flaxseed, marshmallow root and native Australian tea tree oil, this conditioner will leave your kids’ hair feeling soft and manageable. $28 AUD, ages 3+, Eekoloks.com
National Geographic Epic Circuits Kit - 120 Projects
Young explorers can unlock the mysteries of electricity through more than 120 experiments and activities. Create songs with keyboard mode, fly a copter, build a sound system and more. Includes easy-to-follow instructions and vibrant illustrations. $69.99, ages 8+, Amazon.com
Lorena Morales
Sounds of Rain Sensory Tubes
Discover the power of rain pattern sounds to help children calm their energy with this captivating set. $21.99, ages 4+, Hand2Mind.com
SmartCheck from Children’s Tylenol
An easy-to-use otoscope device that attaches to most smartphones and allows caregivers to remotely capture and share recordings of their child’s eardrum(s) with a health care professional to check for a potential ear infection remotely. $79.99, ages 12 months+, Tylenol.com
Giiker Tic-Tac-Toe Bolt
A compact mini game console that offers three gameplay options: Infinite Tic-Tac-Toe, Memory Flash, Cover-Up Tic-Tac-Toe. Test your thinking skills against an AI opponent or engage in friendly matches with a friend. $39.99, ages 4+, Giiker.com
Inti St. Clair
ChatterTime Conversation Cards
Create moments of connection through answering playful conversation prompts. With six question categories, the cards let you explore all kinds of memories, favorites, dreams for the future and more. $22.99, ages 4+, PennyCake.com
Dreamland: Relax & Imagine
Offers nine soothing and enchanting songs to help kids unwind, plus a special guided relaxation exercise. Perfect for bedtime or quiet moments, this album makes it easy for kids and adults alike to breathe deeply, smile, imagine and dream. $15, JennCleary.com
Tricky Topic Books
Supports children and parents alike as they navigate common challenges and transitions, like starting preschool or moving away from screens. Each of the five books provides an easy-to-follow approach with real situations and real emotions. Each book also features a QR code that provides additional expert-backed, on-topic resources. $15/book, ages 1-5 years, LovEvery.com
Lorena Morales
Numberblocks Playing Cards
With a numbery twist on popular card games like Go Fish, Old Maid and more, these cards offer children lots of fun playing and learning with their favorite characters. These cards offer a playful and engaging way to practice early math skills. $9.99, ages 3+ years, Amazon.com
I Am Different, I am Great
Mei Mei loves school, but sometimes she feels a bit out of place. She speaks with an accent that makes her stand out from everyone else. When she tells Mommy her worries, Mei Mei finds that she’s more than just her voice. $14.99, ages 2-8 years, Amazon.com
Troomi Safe Smartphones for Kids
Provide kids with guardrails for the digital world. Features flexible safety controls that allow parents to customize their children’s phones based on individual needs. Give them everything they need, like apps for school, and nothing they don’t, like social media. $199.95, ages 6-16, Troomi.com
The Juice Learning for Families
An interactive learning platform that delivers engaging daily articles at your child’s reading level. Original content covers current events, science, technology and more. As readers use the platform, the reading algorithm dynamically adjusts your child’s reading level.
Price starts at $19.95/per month, ages 10-18, Families.TheJuiceLearning.com
Math Path Monster
Teamwork and math skills equal victory in this new cooperative game. Deep in the mountains, players stumble upon the Math Monster’s lair and must beat them in an epic race to the cave entrance. $19.99, ages 6+, Amazon.com
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