As a private school consultant, I have the privilege of meeting many Manhattan, Brooklyn and Westchester families in their homes.  These are the toys and media that many of them tell me their children love:

Preschool and Kindergarten

Magna-Tiles 

The biggest set ever.  Get it with world figures for extra fun.

Apples to Apples

The game of hilarious comparisons.  Truly amusing.

Blokus

Game that develops spatial thinking, a good skill to have.

Spot It

Fun matching game.  If your child beats you, don’t blame me.

Elementary School

New Moon Girls Magazine

Unique, ad-free magazine and safe  social network for learning and creative self-expression.  Great alternative to Facebook.