The best toys for Christmas 2019

1. Maileg's King and Queen Mouse ($26 each)

A kid could start a whole world with one ­cuddly mouse, cat, rabbit, or piglet from Maileg. The Danish toymaker also sells clothing, furniture, and various baby critters. Buy it at Maileg.

2. Kettler CATMetal Digger ($350)

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"If you're willing to give up a sizable patch of grass, this superb digger will make your ­toddler happy as, well, a kid in dirt," per Fatherly. The rider's seat rotates 360 degrees, the treads roll, and the levers control a carbon-steel scoop that can easily handle gravel, sand, and snow. Buy it at Amazon.

3. Loog Mini Acoustic Guitar ($79)

It's never too soon to learn to play music, and Loog's mini three-string strummer is a legitimate instrument, with low action and perfect intonation.

It comes with flash cards for learning basic chords. Buy it at Loog Guitars.

4. Crazy Forts ($40)

With Crazy Forts, kids can "build out whatever they dream up," writes Rachel Rothman at Good Housekeeping, and expect it to outlast even their best pillow fort. Each kit comes with 25 plastic balls, 44 sticks, and several blueprints. A bed sheet or two completes the effect. Buy it at Amazon.

5. PlanToys Green Dollhouse ($250)

This posh furnished dwelling "fosters hours of open-ended imaginative play," writes Steven John at New York Magazine. Made of recycled hardwood, it features such eco-friendly details as a solar panel, a wind turbine, and bins for recyclables. PlanToys' 5-inch dolls are sold separately. Buy it at PlanToys.

Editor's note: Every week The Week's editors survey product reviews and articles in websites, newspapers, and magazines, to find cool and useful new items we think you'll like. We're now making it easier to purchase these selections through affiliate partnerships with certain retailers. The Week may get a share of the revenue from these purchases.