Wow. Make that a double Wow. The new Leapfrog Tag Reading system is incredible. Truly unbelievable. Much to our total surprise, Leapfrog sent the starter Tag "touch reading system" to us last week. The Leapfrog Tag, geared for children ages 4-9 is totally appropriate for our Mackenzie, a very verbal preschooler at almost age 3. We’ve never seen her take to a toy or learning to read in such an immediate and excited manner. Honestly, as parents, we both felt like watching her use the Tag was like literally WATCHING the learning right before our very eyes. The Tag looks like a giant pen and basically has a tiny optical reader – which looks like a penpoint. This talking pen enables children to read books and play games and answer questions, and play games throughout the stories. This toy fosters independence and a love of reading – along with helping kids learn to read. I’ve always loved Leapfrog’s toys, but this learning system goes above and beyond ANY expectations I’d have ever imagined. If your child has an early interest in reading – or you are trying to foster that skill, I encourage you to run and buy this product now or put it on your holiday gift list. The initial kit comes with 1 book but you can buy additional stories to go along with your Tag pen for $14. Titles include favorite characters like Diego or Disney Princess – along with classics like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. For more information, click here. Price: $50

Check out this line of eco friendly toys I discovered on the web! The line of Sprig Toy Adventure vehicles are not only eco-friendly, they are totally cool. Made from bio-composite material derived from recycled wood and reclaimed plastic, they are totally kid-powered. This Discover Rig converts from a walking toy to a push toy and doesn’t need any batteries. I’m digging the idea of an eco-friendly toy with no batteries – cause not only will you save money and help the environment – Mom and Dad will be spared the insanity caused by the ringing, beeping and musical chaos of plastic battery powered toys! For more information, click here. Price: $58

I’ve always been a fan of Kaloo, a celeb favorite as well, so I was thrilled when they announced Kaloo Naturel. These beautiful plushes are now made of 100% organic fibers and are still machine washable! If your child is like mine, it goes everywhere and having the convenience of machine washing and drying without worrying about it being ruined, is important! For more information, click here. Price: $54

Like any preschooler, Kenzie loves cupcakes so this toy is a hit. Thanks to Jakks Pacific and Walmart for letting us review this little girl Cupcake Maker which is being touted as one of Walmart’s 12 Toys of Christmas. A perfect gift for the girl who has it all that just might need to whip up and ice their own personal cupcake. You can imagine Kenzie had a field day with this one. At age 3, my parental supervision and direction was paramount for success. However, it is no secret to those who already know me that I apparently lack the Domestic Diva gene. My tip for all you future cupcake chefs would be to read the directions carefully unlike me! Should be very easy – add water and stir the mix, microwave cupcake mix to cook, whip up icing in a bowl, and then ice your divine treat using the Gourmet Cupcake Maker.On our first batch, I cooked the "ICING" instead of the cake mix in the microwave. The results were a disaster although Kenzie was so excited with my "cooked" icing the first time she even ate as much of this hard flat plastic type cupcake as was humanly possible. My results did not curb her enthusiasm, but she suggested Daddy try to help us with the next batch at which point I realized my idiotic mistake. Once we did it the right way, Mackenzie was delighted! And today for her 3rd Birthday, she’d prefer we’d make 24 individual cupcakes in the microwave with her cupcake kit and ice them with her Gourmet cupcake maker than do it the old fashioned way.A great stocking stuffer would be the cupcake refills for only $12. Flavors include red velvet, chocolate, yellow, and cinnamon sugar; the frostings are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cream cheese flavored. And the cupcakes really do taste delicious! For more information, click here. Price: $25