Best for Ages 0-1 years

Dwell Studio Hand Puppets.
These super-cool puppets will liven up playtime or story time. We adore the owl, bunny, raccoon and moose in fun, mod fabrics that have lots of imagination. Collect them all for $21 each at dwellshop.com.

Fabric Ball Miniland.
Little ones love balls, and this fabric “world” features buildings, trees and a cute little car that your baby will love to explore. A soft, little bell is sewn inside to make it all the more fun to shake.
$20 at moolka.com.

Trix from Haba.
The colorful wood triangles are secured on an elastic band, so baby can twist and turn into a bright bloom, while developing grasping skills. Made in Germany of beech wood with a non-toxic finish. $9 at maukilo.com.

Stacking Quartet.
Encourage your baby’s obsession with stacking! Sure we love the classic stacking rings, but these adorable little teepees — a chick, mouse, man and house — add a fun twist to baby’s favorite game.
$22 at oompa.com.

Best for Ages 1-3 years

Brio Sorting Blocks.
We were immediately smitten by the glossy black box in this chic sorter — if only all toys looked this good. Of course what your little one will love is taking the blocks out and putting them back in.
$20 at oompa.com.

Wry Baby Stacking Tower.
These skyscraper stacking blocks have the funniest illustrations that parents will appreciate while their little tyke is playing with them Godzilla style.
$28 at wrybaby.com.

Pastel Toys.
These toys look precious, but they’re made from sturdy wood with non-toxic milk paint and real working wheels that will stand up to years of play. You’ll appreciate the heirloom quality and the fact that each toy is handmade by a not-for-profit organization that employs adults with special needs.
$25 at thesillywagon.com.

Hammer Ball Set.
It is so much fun to pound the balls and watch them slide down that your child will never know they are developing hand-eye coordination. We also love the contemporary bent-wood design.
$19 at amazon.com.

Best for Ages 3-5 years

PlanToys 50 Unit Blocks.
This most basic toy is an absolute must to encourage your child’s budding imagination. We picked this natural wood collection that is well-priced and large enough for a fun time solo or with friends.
$54 at babyearth.com.

Wood Forklift and Driver.
Building skyscrapers out of blocks is hard work, but this wood forklift — that really goes up and down — will help with the heavy lifting.
$35 at amazon.com.

Contemporary Dollhouse.
We’re particularly fond of the clean lines of this well-designed dollhouse. The simple structure is a perfect backdrop for imaginative play, and a movable staircase and sliding wall panels allow your child to adjust the interior design on a whim.
$125 at giggle.com.

ImagiPlay Snail Counter Puzzle.
Challenge your little one’s number skills and coordination with this colorful puzzle. Try not to help out too much and be sure to lavish them with plenty of applause when they finish.
$16 at uncommongoods.com.