Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., is really into playing with toys -- hence her nickname, Dr. Toy.
Auerbach has been tracking trends in the toy business for more than 30 years, so when she raves about a toy, parents can feel good about buying it for their kids. Her picks are ones kids want to play with, not toss in the corner of the room where they will sit gathering dust.
Auerbach recently released her list of the best classic toys for 2012, which she likes for their simplicity and the open-ended, creative play they inspire:
Alex Toys Read All About Me Activity Book ($18): This kit, which includes markers, colored paper, sequins and more, gives children the tools to make a scrapbook about their lives. There's even a little family tree page, so your kid can spend time talking to you, grandparents and other relatives to find out more about family history.
B. Dazzle Diggin' Dinos Scramble Squares 9 Piece Puzzle ($10): This isn't just a simple picture of a Brachiosaurus, Parasaurolophus, Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. It's a challenging puzzle in which a user only succeeds if the squares are arranged in a way that a complete picture can be seen from all directions.
DuneCraft Fairy Triad Garden Kit ($20): Kids can create a fairy wonderland garden and grow lobelia, thyme, clover and evening star (popular plant varieties with the fairies of the world). This is a fun way to explore an enchanting topic in a hands-on way.
K'NEX Classics 30 Model Building Set ($23): There are more than 300 pieces in this kit, along with suggestions on how kids can build a truck, helicopter, dune buggy and more. Or kids can use their awesome imagination to create other things that go.
Maranda Enterprises Eternas ($30): There's enough of a challenge in this 3-D strategy game to keep adults interested on game night, too.
