Don't call this a toy - the ClickStart computer introduces your pumpkins to many essential computing basics, such as QWERTY key placement, screen navigation and mousing, unlike many other big companies that use alphabetical placement. Imagine how confusing that's going to be when they graduate to a PC or Mac.

ClickStart hooks up wirelessly to the TV so the screen acts as the monitor and the software teaches many school skills, including letters, phonics, numbers, colors, counting, and shapes in entertaining games, led by a green dog named Scout. When I was playing...I mean, Nicole (pictured above) Dora the Explorer, we were picking up some basic Spanish vocabulary while competing to match the most shapes. If only they had this for Advanced Algebra.

Play Learning Carnival with your child and you'll forget they're learning word building and logic. (All additional titles are $19.99.)

Geared to 3-6 year olds, it's my choice for a first computer.
$59.99 at Leapfrog andAmazon.