Kidsday: Rating holiday toys

Echo Smartpen and Notebook (Livescribe; livescribe.com)

I am evaluating the Echo pen and notebook. This pen can write, record and replay whatever you need to remember. The packaging created interest, and it made you want to explore further. The best aspect of this pen is that whatever you write can be downloaded to your computer. It works well with multiple operating systems. I recommend this for high school and college students and even for professionals. The only downfall is that you have to use their notepad. I am putting the Echo pen on my shopping list, and I am planning to give it to my dad for Christmas.

Ages: 11 and older

Rating: 5 of 5

Make Friends with Melissa & Doug (melissaanddoug.com)

We checked out a few different toys from the company Melissa & Doug, and we recommend them to younger kids who like to pretend and also make things.

We played with the Bella Butterfly Tea Set and thought it was fun. Ava wrote: "I thought the toy was fun, but it would be better with pretend food. What I like about the toy is that it has bright colors. This toy is good because it can't break. It is cool because the pitcher can pour out real water. This is a great toy because it helps kids play together. I like this toy because it helps you share."

We also tested the wooden mailbox, a play dollhouse and Whittle World little people (so cute!). Together, they make a colorful wooden play set.

Ages: 6 and younger

Rating: 4 of 5

-- Ava Ciolli, Amileah Fahmy and Anna Jolivert, Kidsday Reporters

Make Your Own Crafts Kit (Kiwi Crate; kiwicrate.com)

I think younger kids will love the Kiwi Crate craft kit. The pieces are all included, and they are easy and fun to put together. They are durable and so much fun to use over and over again.

Ages: 5 and younger

Rating: 4 of 5

-- Anna Jolivert, Kidsday Reporter

CLASS OF THE WEEK: Kate Gallego's fourth-grade class,% ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON REGIONAL SCHOOL, Bellmore