Top DVD Gifts for Preschoolers - 2008

In The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, Larry and his friends Mr. Lunt and Pa Grape star as Elliot, Sedgewick and George - three busboys who find out what it means to be a true hero. The movie was originally released in theaters, and the DVD is now available and contains a wealth of bonus features that are educational and fun. Kids can learn to draw some of the characters from the movie, and there are also features that focus on helping kids understand the moral of the movie. Rated G, this movie is great for kids ages 2+

*Kids might also enjoy the Pirates Who Don't Do Anything 2-Sided Puzzle (Compare Prices).

The Disney Fairies finally make their debut in Tinker Bell, a story about Disney's precocious fairy and how she came to Pixie Hollow, located in Never Land. With gorgeous animation and fun characters, this movie is a dream come true for kids. Rated G. Recommended for ages 2+.

*Disney has an incredible line of Disney Fairies toys available, including a good sized Tinker Bell doll (Compare Prices) for young girls, or a Tinker Bell Styling Head (Compare Prices) that allows kids to do their favorite fairy's hair. For even more magic, take a look at the fabulous Home Tree Playset (Compare Prices), or the whimsical kitchen set called the Disney Fairies Cafe (Compare Prices).

Based on the popular children's book by Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who! tells the story of Horton, an elephant who is "faithful one hundred percent." Horton's story has delighted children for over 50 years, and now the loyal elephant stars in his own beautifully animated movie. Horton Hears a Who is a movie that the whole family can enjoy together. Rated G. Ages 2+. (This DVD will be released on December 9, 2008)

*The classic Horton Hears a Who! story book makes an excellent companion to the DVD gift. Also, little kids would get a kick out of the Horton Hears a Who! finger puppets (Compare Prices), and there are Horton stuffed animals (Compare Prices) as well (Even a 40 inch plush Horton (Compare Prices), if you're wanting a BIG gift).

Sesame Street characters take on roles from Alice in Wonderland when Abby Cadabby falls asleep and follows the Red Rabbit (Elmo) down a hole. Can Abby find her magic wand and get back to Sesame Street, or will the Grouch of Hearts' (Oscar) mean antics keep her there forever? NR. Ages 2-5.

*An Abby Cadabby doll (Compare Prices) would also delight her preschooler fans!

This Sleeping Beauty edition presents the animated classic digitally restored with enhanced picture and sound. In addition, the film is expanded so that the picture shows details that were not visible in previous versions. The bonus features provide further insight into the original film, including information about the music and the animation. Rated G. Ages 3+. (This DVD is available for a limited time only, so don't wait if you want to add this to your family collection, or you may end up paying double.)

*To go along with this release, Disney introduced the Magic Fairy Lights Sleeping Beauty Doll (Compare Prices) and a Magic Wand Horse (Compare Prices).

In this fanciful Dora DVD featuring the new voice of Dora, Caitlin Sanchez, Dora and her friends discover that a beautiful snow princess has been locked in a tower by a witch and needs their help. Dora encourages viewers at home to join in as she crosses the ocean, passes the snowy hills, and travels though a cave in order to get to the tower and save la princessa. Recommended for ages 2-5. NR.

*For an extra special princess gift, check out the line of Dora Saves the Snow Princess dolls (Buy Direct) and the Prance & Fly Pegasus (Compare Prices).

Featuring Pierce Brosnan as narrator, The Great Discovery is the first feature-length Thomas & Friends movie! Thomas the Tank Engine is happily going about his duties on the Island of Sodor, when he gets lost in the mountains and discovers the long forgotten town of Great Waterton. Excited by Thomas' discovery, Sir Topham Hatt, controller of the railway, orders that the town will be fully restored for the great Sodor Day celebration. Rated G. Ages 2-5.

*You can also get the Thomas and Friends Wooden Railway - Great Discovery Set (Compare Prices) which features places from the movie and the new train, Stanley.

Adam Pascal, Tony-nominated Broadway star, narrates Tale of the Mighty Knights, as royal knights Uniqua and Tyrone do mighty deeds in service to their King (Pablo). Set to a rock opera soundtrack, the knights visit Goblin Land, Fairyland, and finally Dragon Mountain, where they face a mighty baby dragon (Adam Pascal). This double-length feature is clever and hilarious -- a must own for Backyardigans fans young and old. NR. Ages 2-6.

* Backyardigans toys and books are available in abundance, but kids seem to really enjoy the Backyardigans: Sing-Along Music Maker (Compare Prices) (listed on the About toy guide's Top 10 Educational Toys list) or the set of Backyardigans Beanie Babies (Compare Prices).

In the double-length Go Diego Go! adventure, Moonlight Rescue, Diego and his friends discover the magical journey that baby sea turtles take as they hatch from their eggs and make their way to the ocean. But, just as the sea turtles are struggling their way to the water, a mishap occurs that could put their little lives in jeopardy. Kids can help Deigo save the sea turtles as they play, dance, and sing along with him. NR. Ideal for preschoolers.

*Again, Diego has an extensive toy line, but a couple of products that stand out are the Rescue Adventures Diego doll (Compare Prices) and the Talking Rescue Center Playset (Compare Prices).

Strawberry Shortcake and horses, what more could a little girl dream of? The characters have a new look in this movie; they are a little more mature, trendy, and grown up, but the story is still geared toward young girls. Strawberry and her friends learn about the importance of friendship and listening to direction as they spend time out west. NR. Great for ages 3-7.

*Kids can continue the country fun with the Country Fun - Berry Picnic Day Playset (Compare Prices) and Bouncin' Berry Ride Car (Compare Prices).