Any toy that can teach my child important skills while keeping her entertained is a winner in my book. I was given this Storybook Station Activity Center from my mother for my youngest Megan and she hasn’t stopped playing with it since.

All she wants to do is sit on her playmat and push all the buttons to make sounds, look in the attached mirror at her pretty little face, play the driving game and try to mimic the animal sounds that the toy makes. This activity center teaches essential motor and cause-and-effect skills.

She gets so excited when she’s about to push the button, knowing that something will happen as a result. You can check this activity set out and others at babyscholars.com. This one goes for $41.95.