It’s not too early to be planning ahead for summer. This Beach Towel with Tumbler Competition Game by Haba can also double as a rainy day activity right in your own living room. It comes with six plastic tumblers, two plastic pegs, one foam die, towel, and instructions - because I have no idea how you play this game - but it looks fun and easy. Of course, the towel is machine washable and tumble dry. Visit KangarooBoo.com to view this item, priced at $19.98 (on sale from $40).

I was so excited to find this puzzle today while browsing through the GoingApe.com website. I’ve been looking for an aid to help my 4 year old son learn to tie his shoes, and haven’t found anything I like. This Shoe Lacing Activity Puzzle by Melissa & Doug is perfect. The puzzle is fashioned out of wood and looks like a high top sneaker. The shoe measures 8.75″ x 5″ x 3.75″, which is the perfect size to help a child learn to tie his shoes.The wood is smooth and sanded, so it’s safe for your child to play with (like all of Melissa & Doug’s products).

Recommended for ages 3 and up, you can purchase the Shoe Lacing Activity Puzzle on sale for $8.27 (reg. $11.02) at GoingApe.com.

This is a great alternative to those flimsy puzzle boxes that get stepped on and torn so badly that they’re rendered useless in no time.  This Barnyard Floor Puzzle by Crocodile Creek comes with its own Carrying Case, perfect for storing and for taking along on trips and visits.

he reusable travel and storage case measures 20×30 inches and holds 34 jumbo-sized puzzle pieces. You can purchase one (or more) for $20.50 at HannaAndersson.com. You might be tempted to use this fun carrying case for other uses: a sleepover case, your favorite photos, or even a treasure box for your child’s favorite items.

Since he was 2, my son has been in love with the “I Spy” series of books by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick. It’s great for developing comprehension and memory skills. He has collected them all, and is now graduating to the “I Spy” games. Last year, for Christmas, he received both the “I Spy” Preschool Game and the “I Spy” Memory Game.

This is the first time I’ve seen the I Spy Private Eye game, made by Briarpatch. It is also a memory game, in the vein of all of the other “I Spy” products. This one, however, includes picture cubes and a timer. Players have 30 seconds to memorize the images on nine picture cubes. Then they pick a card, and find the images that match the cube.

Although the manufacturer says this game is for ages 5 and up, I think my son, who’s 4 1/2, might find it under our Christmas tree this year. You can find it at amazon.com, where it costs $16.99.

My 4 year old son is just starting to get into playing board games, having received his first one, Candyland. In my quest to find more entertaining board games for him to play, I stumbled upon The Picnic Game by eeBoo. This unique game is for ages 3 and up and features a real picnic blanket upon which to play (my son would love this game for that feature alone!)

The game focuses on developing decision making and categorization skills. Each player spins for his plate, has to wait for dessert, and has to battle ants who cause you to lose a turn. It is designed for 2 to 4 players. I’m going to purchase this game for my son as a Christmas gift for just $13.95 at GeniusBabies.com.