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           As children grow, parents have a tougher time selecting gifts that

           satisfy the needs of both the child (fun) and the parents (education).

           These interesting toys will entertain older kids for hours while

           helping them learn, improve communication and expand their

           imaginations. And even adults can let loose and have fun.

           FUN FOR KIDS

           Build Your Own Robotic Reptile Kit. Assemble 130-piece set

           of robotic components. Three-foot cobra, Tyrannosaurus Rex or

           lizard moves when you touch the wireless remote. Control works up

           to 25 feet away. Requires one nine-volt and four AA batteries.

Ages eight and up. $39.95.* Hammacher Schlemmer, 800-543-3366, www.hammacher.com

Get Real Girl dolls emphasize action and adventure. Choose a

           soccer player, basketball player, backpacker, scuba diver or

           surfer. Accessories vary by doll, but all include passport journal,

           travel stamp, postcards, friendship bracelet, sports clothing, water

           bottle, hairbrush, sunglasses and digital video journal. Coordinated

           Web site offers on-line “adventures” to different countries and

           cultures. 11 1/2 inches high. Ages six and up. $19.95 to $24.99.

           Get Real Girl, 866-474-4747,

            LGB of America Cow Starter Set. Spark imagination with

           cow-motif train set that includes more than four feet of brass track,

           transformer, farm worker figures, cows and calves. Build farm

           theme with dwarf trees, pastures and ponds. Ages eight and up.

           $189 and up.

           LGB, 800-669-0607, www.lgb.com

            Mini Windowsill Garden. Growing things is always exciting.

           Paint the two pots and the handles of the three tools. Plant

           assorted seeds in soil provided. Watering can included. Ages

           seven and up. $14.   Creativity for Kids, 800-311-8684, ext. 3037,

           www.creativityforkids.com/home.html

            Power Zone Plus Notebook. Portable computer for preteen

           computing. 53 features, including word processing... language arts,

           math and trivia activities... and personal calendar. Download

           applications free from the company’s Web site. Requires four C

           batteries, or use its nine-volt AC adapter. Ages seven and up.

           $99.99. VTech Industries, 800-521-2010, www.vtechkids.com

            Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Jr., Board Game. 950

           questions about people, places and things. Categories include TV,

           sports, science and history.. Two or more players. Ages eight and

           up. $24.99. Pressman, 800-800-0298, www.pressman-toy.com

           FUN FOR ADULTS

            Claymania. Fast-action party game in which players have 45

           seconds to sculpt clay into an object. Teammates guess what you

           are making. Encourages creative skills, nonverbal communication

           and social development. Four or more players. Ages 10 and up.

           $17.99.  Gamewright, 800-638-7568, www.gamewright.com

            Ferris Wheel Challenge Set. 1,000-piece construction set

           includes different sized rods and connector pieces with instructions

           to build a three-foot-tall ferris wheel. Interesting decoration for

          home or office. Ages eight and up. $49.99.   K’Nex, 800-543-5639, www.knex.com

            Magnetic Poetry Kits. Hundreds of magnetized words,

           fragments and shapes. Create ongoing family fun by keeping the

           set on the fridge for composing spontaneous poetry, messages or

           stories. Choose from 30 different themed kits -- dogs, cats, sign

           language, Spanish, first words and more. Ages five and up. $9.95

           to $19.95 per kit.

           Magnetic Poetry, 800-370-7697, www.magneticpoetry.com

            Pop Smarts. Fast-paced party game. The emcee reads four

           clues, such as actors from the same movie or songs from the same

           band. Topics include TV, books, pot-pourri. Players compete to

           find the common thread. Ages 12 and up. $29.99.

           Endless Games, 201-386-9465, www.endlessgames.com

            Sea Serpent. Plush hand puppet is five feet long, with

           scaley-velour skin, red movable tongue, movable eyes, wings

           along the back and a long scaley tail. Ages three and up. $59.99.

           Folkmanis, 800-654-8922, www.folkmanis.com

            RocKit Robot. Build a working robot. Touch/sound sensor

           prevents it from rolling into walls or other hurdles. Ages 10 and up.

           $24.95.

           OWI, 800-638-1694, www.owirobot.com

            Spirit of America. Be the first to reach Washington, DC, by

           answering up to 1,500 trivia questions. 50 destination cards and

           game board showcasing the US. Ages 10 and up. $24.99.

           Funosophy, 800-454-5251, www.funosophy.com

           *Prices are manufacturers' suggested retail. Discounts may be

           available.