Contina Bamboo Collection

(HaPe, $19)

Ease the enviro-guilt you feel about your plugged-in child's many, many electronic gadgets by introducing her to this earth-friendly (and quite beautiful) building set. In addition to being an abundant, all-natural material, the bamboo from which these waferlike pieces are crafted is sturdy yet incredibly lightweight. All 120 pieces are the same size and rectangular shape, which makes them ideal for playing a stacking game or arranging domino-style to later set a-tumble. They also lend themselves remarkably well to pattern making, so your child can let her artistic side run wild. And of course, there's always plain old construction—building a house or a horse can always be added to the agenda. It's the variety of uses, as well as the "Yay, green!" feeling you get, that make this uncommonly pretty set stand out. —Ages 2 and up

Short Stuffs

(Klutz, $17)

This, one of the latest entries in Klutz's genius Chicken Socks line for younger kids, is the easiest DIY art project we've seen. Yet the resulting customized stuffed animals are as polished as many store-bought versions. And all kids need do is take the cute patchwork bodies and stuff them with tiny pillows, then attach felt add-ons—ears, wings, tails, beaks—with Velcro. There are suggested designs, but feel free to veer into cryptozoology with monkey-bunnies or mouse-birds. (Should you tire of them, just switch the pieces around again.) —Ages 2 to 9

Imagine: Animal Doctor

(Ubisoft, for PC, $30)

This game, part of the amazingly detailed Imagine series for young girls, puts players in the shoes of a vet starting her practice. Kids diagnose, treat, and groom various animals—plus customize the office. —Ages 5 and up

Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue

(2K Games, for Nintendo Wii, $20)

Explore the savannah with Nick Jr.'s intrepid tyke, using the Wii remote to swim, drum, and paint stripes on a zebra. The developers tested the game with real kids, and it shows. —Ages 2 to 7

American Idol Encore

(Konami, for all consoles, $40)

Using a mic that monitors pitch, sing along with one of a roster of hit songs, then hear critiques from Randy, Simon, and Paula (or turn the blabbermouths off). —Ages 5 and up