It can be confusing and overwhelming to find just the right toy for children on your list. The NAPPA (National Parenting Product Awards) awards honor the best family products in the industry. Here are the NAPPA toys for December 2020, along with some great suggestions from Kiddlestix in Tulsa.

Robo Wunderkind Explorer Prime Kit

Robotics kits that empower children as young as 5 to learn to code through the joy of play. Young inventors can build their own robots and gadgets, customize them with LEGO™, and program them through the intuitive apps. $249, ages 5-14, https://robowunderkind.com

Songs Across the Pond

This transatlantic alliance, pairing of the acclaimed American kids musician and standout UK family music maker, results in a thoroughly triumphant partnership – a hooky, sunny 60s-flavored rock ‘n’ roll collection that the whole family will enjoy. $13.99, http://www.bradyrymer.com/songsacrossthepond

Jeepers Peepers ® The “Ask and Answer” Question Game Party Pack

Am I a monkey? A hamburger? An astronaut? A car? That’s the question on everyone’s mind – or glasses. A hilarious family game with 208 cards, 12 pairs of glasses, spinner, bingo chips and game ideas. $59.85, ages 6+, https://www.superduperinc.com/products/view.aspx?pid=JP10&s=jeepers-peepers-party-pack

Pinkfong Baby Shark Dancing DJ

Boogie to the beat with Dance Detection Technology. When you move and groove, the Baby Shark will dance with you! Plays 7 fun songs and popular remixes, plus three interactive games. $39.99, ages 2+, https://babyshark.wowwee.com

Under-The-Sea Mermaid Palace

Splash into an undersea adventure with exciting play spaces built in, including a royal throne, slides, clamshell bed, seashell vanity, working gate and swing. $49.99, ages 3 – 8, https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/

Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink

Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children’s entertainers, this picture book is best sung aloud! A timeless anthem of love and inclusion. $17.99, ages 3-7, https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/565716/sharon-lois-and-brams-skinnamarink-by-sharon-hampson-lois-lilienstein-and-bram-morrison-with-randi-hampson-illustrated-by-qin-leng/

Band Together

Duck is a solo act, but in this delightful book he learns all about the joys of friendship. $14.99, ages 4-8, https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/band-together

Insulated Sportee Bottle

Made for active toddlers, offers chilled drinking with a big kid look, featuring an insulated base to keep drinks cool and easy-grip sides. $13.99, https://www.tommeetippee.com/en-us/product/insulated-sportee?sku=549108

Ripclear Kid’s Shield

Makers of the advanced protective film for outdoor sports eyewear have launched a new children’s face shield designed to provide extra protection from the COVID-19 virus. Available in pink bunny and panda and lined with 3/4″ foam around the forehead to reduce pressure points, and held in place with a soft elastic headband. Has received medical device certification from the FDA. $19.99/5 pack, ages 4-9, https://ripclear.com/childrens-face-shield

The Monkey Mind Meditation Deck

Help children become more present, confident, and capable of handling difficult emotions. This vibrant deck offers 30 simple practices to explore the transformative power of mindfulness in a playful way. $17.95, ages 4+, https://www.shambhala.com/the-monkey-mind-meditation-deck.html

All the Ladies

A new collection of songs focused on gender equality, female empowerment & breaking glass ceilings. Written by Joanie Leeds and produced, recorded and performed entirely by women. $10, ages 5-8, http://www.joanieleeds.com

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson

From Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Award winner Renée Watson comes the first book in a young middle grade series about Ryan Hart, a girl who is pure spirit, kindness and sunshine. $16.99, ages 7-10, https://www.amazon.com/Ways-Make-Sunshine-Ren%C3%A9e-Watson/dp/154760056X/

Hello Amigo / Hello Friend

A fun, bouncy bilingual song from 123 Andrés’ Grammy Award-winning album, now brought to life in a whole new way that’s perfect for story time sharing. $8.99, ages 1- 6, http://www.123andres.com/product/hola-amigo-book/

Imagine That! The Sesame Street Music of Joe Raposo & Jeff Moss

Broadway/TV actress Rena Strober is joined by friends Jason Alexander, French Stewart and the DOTZ blind children’s choir to celebrate the classic music from Sesame Street. $9.99 (Digital Album) $14.99 (CD), A portion of all sales goes to Guide Dogs of America & Gavin’s Groupies, http://www.renastrober.bandcamp.com

Just Add Fruits & Veggies

This cool STEAM kit will deliver hours of exploration, creativity, learning and enjoyment. With more than 20 science and art activities – all involving what’s already in your kitchen. $22.95, ages 8+, https://www.griddlygames.com/product/just-add-fruits-veggies/

Roybi Robot

A sleek, adorable robot with lots of things to share. Designed to provide personalized education based on your child’s individual learning pace and interests with over 500 lessons, including language learning, basic STEM, stories, games and songs. $199.95, ages 3+, https://roybirobot.com

Go Go Bird

An intelligent flying bird that’s a perfect mix of traditional R/C and today’s trending drone toys. You can challenge your friends to a race, perform aerial tricks, or see who can land in the most unique places using its intuitive remote control. $49.99, ages 8+, https://www.amazon.com/Zing-Go-Bird-Starting-Outdoors/dp/B08DL4HPB6

Burger Academy

Introduces families to the basic concepts of coding while providing a great game to play. Featuring a picnic aesthetic, visual instructions and chunky foam burger-themed components serve both visual and hands-on learners. $15.00, ages 8+, https://shop.ultrapro.com/products/burgeracademy?_pos=1&_sid=e0f147556&_ss=r

Local Hot-seller Suggestions from Kiddlestix

All of the products below are available at Kiddlestix, 3815 S. Harvard, www.kiddlestixtoys.com

InnyBin

A 2020 Toy of the Year Finalist, InnyBin is a unique shape-exploration experience with six chunky, textured blocks that kids push through elastic bands around a cube. Sparks curiosity and exploration. Infants & toddlers, Fat Brain Toys

Air Fort by Kaplan Early Learning Company

All you need is a box fan and you have a fort! Easy up and down.

No pillows, no sheets, no mess! Ages 3+, Kaplan Early Learning Company

Tonies

The toniebox is a speaker that plays music and stories depending on which Tonie character you place on top. Each box comes with a “creative tonie” that you can add up to 90 minutes of content. Ages 3

Robots in Motion by Learning Resources

These robots really twist, turn, and move! Kids can design and build the STEM robots of their dreams with Gears! Gears! Gears! Robots in Motion. Ages 5-9

Froggit

Guide your frogs across the pond and block other players from doing the same. The first player to get their entire frog family to the other side wins the game. Flexible thinking, clever planning and the chance to thwart your opponents make this a fun and exciting game! Ages 6+, Smart Toys and Games

Elena Epstein is the Director of the NAPPA Awards