To quote John Waters, “If you go home with somebody, and they don’t have any books, don’t fuck ’em!”

The best long-wear makeup for keeping it all on while getting it on.

Including basic Kegel weights, vibrating exercisers, and smart devices that give biofeedback via apps.

From L.O.L. Surprise to a ride-on Vespa for toddlers.

From a monster that eats a child’s fears to a weaving loom they hold in their lap.

A sampling of some of the Strategist’s best toys and gear for kids.

We asked toy experts for the hottest toys of 2021.

Including foam pogo sticks, a backyard roller coaster, and the world’s largest bubbles.

Today’s Lego builder may be tomorrow’s city planner.

Including a wooden robot for little kids, a mini basketball catapult, and a kit for building a banana keyboard.

Nice-looking, good for child development, and better for the planet.

Including Skyrocket Blume dolls, L.O.L. Surprise!, Frozen 2, and more.

Plus side-sleeper pillows, essential white T-shirts, and more.

Including L.O.L. Surprise, Blume dolls, Star Wars, and more.

That’ll appeal to adults, too.

Including a lightsaber one reviewer says they “wish I could duel with it, but I like it too much as a collector’s piece to risk damaging the blade!”

You don’t have to spend $700 on eBay for Bizzy Bubs … yet.

Plus a universally flattering red lipstick, a cooling fan, and more.

“Quote me on this: 2019 will be the year of the narwhal.”

“The children at my daughter’s birthday descended on this thing like a band of wild hyenas.”

Forget the stress ball — it’s the best desk toy I’ve ever had.

If Maurizio Cattelan designed a cat toy.

Never step on a rogue Lego again.

Personal fountains and cozy hideaways for cats, backpacks and tether balls for dogs.

You still have time to get them a pony for Christmas.

For future doctors, veterinarians, surgeons, and EMTs.

Kids love Fingerlings, but are they good for learning?

For those looking to diversify their interactive pet collection.

My 5-year-old liked the tactical aspect of their moving parts; my 8-year-old liked the promise of being able to share their films on social media.

Including surfer Kelly Slater’s go-to protein powder, some Baggies-like lounge pants, and a Black-made shea butter.

We talked to over 40 experts to bring you the absolute best toys for kids, ages 1 to 10.

According to sex educators, adult store owners, and certified sex therapists.

Everything else I buy is organic — why not the most intimate?

Sourced with the help of child psychologists, grandparents, and the occasional celebrity.

An age where you can find independence — and go crazy with Post-its.

Sourced with the help of child therapists, child-yoga teachers, and tech-columnist dads.

Play therapists, discerning parents, toy experts, and a 10-year-old Mensa member direct us toward the best toys for fun and learning.

Child therapists, discerning parents, and tween whisperers weigh in.

With input from child therapists, toy historians, and Instagram parents.

From a crystal-growing kit approved by a child therapist to the old-school Yahtzee mastered by Sarah Jessica Parker’s daughter.