Parents are always at a disadvantage when it comes to toys, because when a toy becomes “hot,” everyone wants one. Arguing by parents does not matter, even if the new toy is a plastic gimmick that is sure to break within thirty minutes of play. But sometimes, hot toys have real value. These educational toys – such as Rubik’s Cube or Webkinz – don’t bill themselves as learning toys…. That would be the end of coolness! Rather, learning opportunities are embedded in the puzzles and the daily adventures that the toy promotes. As a parent, I am constantly surprised how truly great toys become popular – the difference is that their value is deeper than the social buzz from the playground. Unfortunately, we often only can make these distinctions in retrospect.