As a mom of three boys (6, 4,and 2), I’ve seen a lot of books, toys and trinkets come into the house over the last few years. I’ve sold or donated action figures galore. I’ve tossed broken bits of plastic toys and recycled dozens of plot-less, pointless books.

Some items, though, have withstood the test of time and earned their place of honor in the playroom closet. Here, I present to you my (unsponsored and unbiased) list of favorites that inspire creativity, imagination and/or problem solving in kids — the picky mom’s guide to gift giving, if you will.

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