12 Amazing Toddler Toys of 2009

Smart E. Bear

Kids Preferred

Our mom testers said: "I love how you can customize this bear, and we were so excited that we could do it in Spanish."

Why we love it: A perfect toy for techie moms and dads! Connect snuggly Smart E. Bear to your computer, navigate to www.smartebear.com, and choose downloadable content from over 8000 songs and stories and 30 games. Purchase ready-made "playdates" or pick and choose your own combinations of songs, stories and more. (PC users will find the product easy to set up for your child.) And once disconnected, this fuzzy, durable friend acts as a cute speaker toddlers to tote around. Our test families found Smart E. entertaining, without being too annoying or loud.

For families interested in bilingual toys, there are also foreign language options, which feature Smart E. Bear reading and speaking in either English or Spanish. Parents can also buy expansion packs in Chinese and French. Individual songs are available in Japanese, German, and Italian, too. For those parents excited about toys with customizable content and connectivity, this is a product that has endless use.

(Mac users beware: while Smart E. Bear is Macintosh compatible, it is not easy to be get initially connected. Customer service was extremely helpful in resolving the problems, but it did take some time).

Suggested retail price: $59.99