The Best BIG Toys

Sometimes you need to find that one grand, special gift that says it all. Last year, even though the girls received plenty of big-gish stuff from us and from Santa, the clear winner was the perfect pink Cadillac Escalade battery-powered car that Grandma and Grandpa surprised them with! It was a showstopper, and nearly a year later, it's one of their most played-with toys!

Rainbow Balloon, $35: This colorful balloon can be used as a decoration, as a play structure, or even as a laundry basket!

Wonder Jet, $199: This ride-on flight simulator comes with an instrument panel, jet sound effects, and tons of realistic sound effects. It even turns 360 degrees on a steel base.

6-in-1 Towncenter Playhouse, $399.99: This won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio award, and with good reason. Kids will enjoy hours of pretend play with this elaborate toy, which features a gas station, a repair shop, a retail store, a mail slot, a cafe, and sports wall with toys and games! And like all Little Tikes products, its very durable!

Spiro Hop, $169: Part seesaw, part spinner, this ride-on toy is pure genius. A great way for kids to burn off some energy!

Pretty Bakery Stand, $99: Their are lots of toy store stands out there, but this is the prettiest I've seen. If I could squeeze it into our already overcrowded playroom, I would! It can even be personalized! Add some accessories, like pretty fabric baked goods or baking tools, to make it extra special. For a sleeker look that would work for girls and boys, this wooden version from Land of Nod is attractive and versatile, $199.

Oversized Sports Equipment: This kick croquet set features a massive ball and extra large wickets for over-the-top fun, $29.98. Also fun, a massive outdoor bowling set, $34.98, and giant inflatable sports balls, $14.99.

Log Cabin Playhouse, $299: I'm not exactly the rustic type, but I find this earthy playhouse, with its pine planks and red felt room, to be absolutely adorable for both boys and girls.

Joki Hanging Crow's Nest, $119.98: A comfy, cool spot for lounging and swaying, this makes a great addition to any playroom. I wish it came in pink!

Inflatable Ice Rink, $39.98: A toy with big impact and a small price tag! Lola picked this out of a catalog, and I hated to break her heart by telling her that an outdoor ice rink is impossible in Florida! Her northern cousins might like this!

Giant Archiquest Cardboard Blocks, $79.98: Finally, oversized cardboard blocks that aren't hideous. These amazingly detailed, large-scale building blocks give free reign to your young architect's imagination.

Austrian Sandbox, $199: My father-in-law once said that every child needs a sandbox, and I couldn't agree more. I love that this one blends in with a backyard, and that it has a roof for sun protection that cranks down to protect the sand when not in use.

Roller Coaster Ride-On, $129.99: My girls played with this constantly at a recent school fall festival, and it's easy to see why. This little car really picks up some speed as it veers down its plastic track.

Drum Kit, $189: If you can tolerate it, this is a guaranteed kid-pleaser, but don't get it for someone else's child unless you really don't want them speaking to you ever again!

Full Size Foosball, $399: If you are lucky enough to have the space for this, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and great fun for family gatherings.

Jumbo Buidling Blocks, $99.99: These massive lego-like blocks can be used to create anything your child imagines, from a fort to a prehistoric creature. Or you might prefer this deluxe set of natural wooden blocks in their own, personalized cart, $84.99. Plus, through Nov. 25, Back to Basics Toys offers free shipping when you spend $75, and percentage discounts on purchases over $75 when you use the code 3DEALS.