I had some fun magnetic toys as a kid–of the draw a mustache or find your way out of a maze variety, but none of them could compare with this great Sea Life Magnetic Toy from Anatex. It looks fantastic, so I have no doubt that children will be drawn to it. Its take along design makes it perfect for keeping kids busy in the car or on the go. Two wands allow for two children to play–or for one child to cultivate his or her skills with two hands. You can purchase one of these for $59.87 at 1888toys.com.

The Dashboard Driving Activity Wall Panel by Anatex has a key and ignition, steering wheel and horn, gearshift, speedometer and a pretend window with an open road ahead. All you have to do is pull up a comfortable chair and your child is on his way.

All children want to get a hold of the steering wheel. One day I drew a picture much like the one for the Dashboard Driving Activity Wall Panel on poster board and taped it to the wall. It didn’t have working instruments but I improvised. I used a cardboard roll from a Christmas wrap and taped it to the chair as a gear shift. I think I cut out a steering wheel from cardboard also and attached it to something my kids could pretend to steer. My three children took turns being the driver. We set up more chairs for a passenger seat and back seat, and whomever was driving pretended to be a taxi driver. We placed a stereo radio by the steering wheel and played music. It was fun!

With all the extras and sounds, I’m sure this Dashboard Driving Activity Wall Panel will really help your child to imagine he is behind the wheel. If you get in the “car” with him you’ll really enjoy listening to his imagination.

This toy is designed for ages 3 and up, and measures 23.5″ x 27″ x 2.” Purchase one for $149.87 at 1888toys.com.

If you’ve ever had more than one toddler in the room you know that they don’t understand the concept of “sharing.” So don’t be too hard on your two year old when he grabs his favorite “toy du jour” from his playmate. Our children are continually developing social skills. As they grow older, they’ll be in the right time and place in their development to accept others within their immediate circle of play.

That’s why I like this Circle of Fun Activity Table by Anatex. There’s an activity for everyone. If you have a group of children, you can even make a game of it by ringing a bell or switching the lights off and on to signal that it’s time to try another game on the table. You might prepare them for the move before hand by asking them, “Which puzzle are  you going to play with next?”

The Circle of Fun includes seven award winning toys: Magnetic Circle Express, Abacus, Gear Panel, Pathfinder, Fun Fruits, and Sculpture Mazes. The table measures 48″ diameter x 12″ H. The puzzle benches can also be separated for individual play.

The Circle of Fun Activity Table by Anatex costs $349.99 at BabyAnt.com