What’s Keeping Kids (and Their Parents) Happy Right Now? These 18 Picks Stand Out

Putting thousands of children’s books at their fingertips, the Amazon Kindle is the ultimate reading device for kids. With a long battery life, a lightweight design and a glare-free display, it makes it easier than ever for kids to go on extended reading journeys. It even has parental controls so you can manage your kid's content and access.

TEST RESULTS: “I liked that it encouraged reading,” said a GH parenting editor whose daughter started downloading and reading a bunch of books right away. Other parents appreciated the e-reader’s travel-friendly and waterproof design, with one calling it “easy to bring around with us” (it’s much simpler to transport than a stack of books!).

For sports and everyday wear, these Nike sneakers help cushion kids’ feet and offer support. The upper is a breathable mesh material with reinforcement around the toes, sides and heels for durability. You can choose from a wide range of colors and sizes, including half sizes.

TEST RESULTS: Kids of all ages loved wearing them, and parents gave them perfect scores in their feedback. They fit well, were easy to put on and held up to rugged use. “My kid felt like he could run faster in these sneakers,” one mom told us, and another said, “The sneakers are really nice-looking – not clunky, and they go with all his outfits.”

Not your typical toothpaste, Boka combines orange and vanilla flavors with ingredients including aloe vera (for soothing), green tea (for the antioxidants it contains) and xylitol (to fight bacteria). It also has nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), a fluoride alternative used to help strengthen tooth enamel.

TEST RESULTS: Parents were truly amazed. “We have tried so many different kids’ toothpastes, and this one is a standout,” one said. “My daughter loves the flavor, consistency and texture and how her mouth and teeth feel after she uses it. I was impressed by the packaging and the incredible enthusiasm my kiddo had for the toothpaste.” Another highlighted the fact that the flavor was “neutral and not overpowering.”

Gentler than adult soaps yet effective at cleansing skin, this Aveeno Kids wash has a tear-free formula with oat extract for moisturization and a subtle fresh scent. It’s designed specifically for kids’ developing skin and is meant to be used on both body and face.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s lead chemist praised the gel-like formula and the fact that it was sudsy yet gentle. “It doesn’t irritate my children’s skin and has a great lather,” one mom said. “I liked that this was gently scented so it was not overpowering; it’s great when the kids smell nice after a bath.” Parents also said the slim bottle was easy to store and that dispensing the product worked smoothly.

Neutrogena’s stick lets parents glide sunscreen on kids rather than rubbing in a liquid version. Zinc oxide (the active ingredient) absorbs, reflects and scatters UV rays, and it’s broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 60+ — excellent sun protection. The container is easy to take on the go.

TEST RESULTS: Parents raved about the easy application and gave it top ratings, saying it was less messy than lotions and sprays. In fact, they said kids enjoyed putting it on themselves. “It doesn’t feel super heavy or greasy on skin,” one noted. “It gets absorbed quickly and nicely.” Our chemists also confirmed that it was easier to spread than similar formulas they’d tried.

This applicator from Boon has a sponge top that dispenses and rubs in sunscreen comfortably and evenly. It holds 3 oz and has both a twist cap closure and a top cap to keep it secure on the go. And when it’s time to clean the applicator, the silicone bottle is dishwasher safe.

TEST RESULTS: GH’s Beauty Lab director tested this using a UV camera and said it provided ample coverage, adding, “It distributed SPF evenly and covered a large area of skin faster than regular hand application.” Parents called it a convenient size for throwing in a beach bag and said it was easy to use. They also confirmed that the sponge was comfortable to rub on skin.

Yoto brings stories, music and learning to life with an electronic audio player (i.e., no screens needed!). It’s easy to use, with audio cards that can be inserted into the player that parents can purchase based on kids’ ages and interests. Some cards are from kid-favorite franchises, while others are unique to the brand.

TEST RESULTS: Parents gave it five stars across the board, with some even noting that they liked it better than other audio players. “My son absolutely loves the Yoto!" one raved. "The cards and images that come up are so fun, and he loves watching the new ones come up each time." Lab analysts found the compatible app to be intuitive and downloading more cards to be a breeze.

Lingokids is an app for kids aged 2 to 8 that follows what it calls a “Playlearning” method. Interactive activities including games, puzzles, songs, tutorials and more are offered, with a variety of content types aimed at helping kids develop academic and life skills.

TEST RESULTS: Parents said it was different from other apps, especially because it was a great combination of fun and educational. They said their kids were able to navigate it independently and that it gave them peace of mind as parents. With it, “I know when I give my kids the iPad, they are looking at appropriate content and educational content,” one parent said.

Helping kids and teens learn finances through using their own money, Greenlight includes a debit card and an investing platform, both of which allow parents full control. Parents can deposit money for their kids (including as payment for chores and allowance) while setting spending limits.

TEST RESULTS: “The app works great,” one parent user told us. “I like that I can give kids money they can save and have a checking account they can use with a debit card.” Parents also appreciated that their kids could earn interest rather than just having their money sitting in a piggy bank.

Nugget is best known for its its play couch, but its newer creation — round foam cushions that nest into an ottoman — takes play to the next level for kids 3 and up. It comes with four pieces, each with a removable cover that’s machine washable.

TEST RESULTS: Parents were shocked by how many ways their kids used this, including for both active and imaginative play. “They loved being creative with the pieces and building things,” said one dad. “They also used this in other unexpected ways: Most recently they put a blanket over it, pretended it was a dining table and served dinner.”

This fun-filled gadget from Nex turns screen time into active play thanks to a built-in camera with motion-tracking technology. Kids can participate in more than 40 games and complete challenges by jumping, dancing and moving their bodies — no controllers and no sitting still.

TEST RESULTS: “Nex Playground is next-level in gaming! It gets families up and moving together, which is so different from traditional video games,” said one parent. Our tech experts also liked that the Nex platform runs offline and is portable, with all motion-tracking occurring locally on the device.

Bad weather doesn’t have to mean being bored indoors: This wooden play gym lets little kids stay active and entertained from the comfort of their own homes. The Avenlur gym comes with a climbing wall, a slide, a swing, a rope ladder and more, and it can grow with kids thanks to adjustable height settings.

TEST RESULTS: Testers gave it high praise and said the assembly was well worth the time spent. “I liked that this product offered a wide range of play options,” one said. “This was great for indoor play on rainy days.” She also said the materials seemed sturdy and durable.

Perfect to pack in lunchboxes and take as an on-the-go snack, these organic whole-milk yogurt pouches from Stonyfield are a favorite for busy families. The yogurt is made with a blend of real fruits and veggies (including apple, blueberry and carrot) and it delivers natural sweetness without added sugar.

TEST RESULTS: Both parents and kids adored these pouches, praising the yogurt’s smooth, creamy texture and well-rounded flavor. “We buy these weekly now, and my daughter loves them,” one parent said. “It’s one of the few snacks that make everyone happy from a nutrition standpoint and a taste standpoint!"

These soft-baked breakfast bars from Yumi make hectic mornings a little easier – they are ideal for grabbing when you’re short on time. Unlike some breakfast options that are loaded with refined sugars, these bars contain 0 grams of sugar and are made with oats and a blend of eight vegetables to fuel growing bodies with essential nutrients.

TEST RESULTS: Most kids enjoyed the taste, and parents loved having a healthier take on a typically sugar-filled snack. “Seeing my son enjoy this makes me so happy,” one mother gushed. Others highlighted the taste and texture, with one calling the bar “sweet without being overpowering” and another saying it was “moist without being sticky.”

Put more fun into breakfast with this adorable Bluey-themed pancake-making kit from Whiskware. The set includes two silicone pancake molds (shaped like Bluey and Bingo) along with a four-cup batter mixer that takes the mess out of pancake prep. Just add your ingredients to the mixer, then shake well and squeeze the batter directly into a hot pan – no mixing bowl or ladle needed.

TEST RESULTS: It was a hit with parents and kids, especially those who loved Bluey. “The pancake art turned out well both times we used it,” one parent said. “Our 5-year-old and 2-year-old loved to help us cook with it.” Testers also liked that the kit was dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and that it was simple to store.

A gummy vitamin you can feel good about, this dual-purpose multivitamin and probiotic option from Olly is formulated for active kids, combining essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, D, E and zinc with probiotics to support healthy tummies.

TEST RESULTS: Our nutrition expert was impressed because it offers a tasty way to avoid juggling multiple supplements: The all-in-one gummy covers the basics for kids in a single step. More important, she noted, this product is NSF Contents Certified, meaning it has undergone rigorous third-party testing and meets high standards for quality, safety and label accuracy.

An alternative to gummy vitamins, this chewable option from Hiya is a balanced multivitamin that offers a combination of 15 essential vitamins and minerals to support growing kids. It’s sold via a monthly subscription and comes with sticker personalization to keep things fun.

TEST RESULTS: The director of GH’s Nutrition Lab appreciates that this chewable option has no artificial dyes or added sugar. And because the dose is just one chewable a day, parents will find it an easy addition to their kids’ routine. The brand has extensive third-party testing done for heavy metals and other contaminants.

A healthier alternative to typical kids” hydration drinks, Zarbee’s electrolyte pouches deliver essential nutrients for dehydration in a convenient, kid-friendly format. Each pouch contains a mix of sodium, potassium, zinc and probiotics without added colors, dyes or high-fructose corn syrup. Flavors include Strawberry Lemonade and Lemon Lime.

TEST RESULTS: Our Nutrition Lab experts highlight the single-serve format as a smart departure from oversize hydration jugs that often need to be tossed within two days. One staffer said these pouches were a game changer when her daughter came down with the stomach flu.