Spotz
by Zizzle, $25

For ages: 6 and up

What it is: You can make little buttons with the pictures of your choice, which can be worn alone, or put on a keychain or purse using kits sold separately. Requires three AAA batteries (not included).

What’s cool about it: It comes with a lot of pictures to choose from, or you can use pictures from magazines or elsewhere.

What’s not so cool: According to our kids, this toy had no problems.

What the kid testers said: “This toy can be really fun,” and “I like the way they look.”


Girl Crush Jewelry Maker
by Spin Master, $25

For ages: 6 and up

What it is: A kit for aspiring jewelry designers. Includes jewelry box, “shimmer wand” and two wand tips, earring posts and post locks, four ring straps, two zipper pulls, two bracelet straps, two barrettes, three necklaces, one adhesive-backed sheet of “gems,” three pendant clips, four sheets of foam jewelry pieces, and 16 metallic foil sheets. Requires two AAA batteries (not included).

What’s cool about it: Girls in our test enjoyed making different jewelry items.

What’s not so cool: Our testers had no complaints.

What the kid testers said: “Pretty neat.” “You can choose different designs.”


Color Explosion Glow Board
by Crayola, $20

For ages: 6 and up

What it is: Make your drawings glow. Use the included markers to create drawings on two layers for a 3-D effect. Requires three AA batteries (not included).

What’s cool about it: Lets kids who like to draw add an extra twist to their work.

What’s not so cool: Light is not very bright.

What the kid testers said: “This is a very easy toy. Not many patterns.” “You can’t do a lot with this.”