12 Amazing Toddler Toys of 2009

Puzzle Stacker

P'kolino

Our mom testers said: "We took it right out of the box and played. I like that my daughter has been gradually figuring out the puzzles."

Why we love it: This fabulous twist on traditional stackers offers your little one graduated tiers of developmental challenges. Each ring separates into two pieces, and these pieces can be mixed and matched together. Toddlers' puzzle-solving skills will be put to the test as they learn first to fit together and stack the pieces randomly and then progress to assembling matching colors and stacking in size order.

Chunky wooden construction makes these pieces easy for little hands to maneuver. The rich colors of this solid, natural wood toy make it an attractive gift that will sustain a little kid's interest through his second year and beyond.

Suggested retail price: $38.50 for 10 rings, $24.99 for six rings