Top DVD Gifts for Preschoolers (2009)

Tinker Bell’s greatest adventure yet takes place in Autumn, as the fairies are on the mainland changing the colors of the leaves, tending to pumpkin patches, and helping geese fly south for the winter. The rare Blue Moon will rise, and when its light passes through the magical Fall Scepter that Tinker Bell has been summoned to create, Pixie Hollow’s supply of pixie dust will be restored. But when Tinker Bell accidentally puts all of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, she must venture out across the sea on a secret quest to set things right. This new movie in the Disney Fairies series will delight little girls, and there is a wealth of corresponding merchandise now in toy stores as well.

The Backyardigans is one of the best shows for preschoolers ever made, and the full-length features based on the film have been second to none. Like Tale of the Mighty Knights and Super Secret Super Spy, Robot Repairman is pure greatness for preschoolers. The tale about robot repairman Austin and his battle with an army of robots on a rampage is set to a rockin' roller disco soundtrack that kids will love and parents will adore as well. Very cute movie for boys or girls.

Last year, the new Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! animated movie was featured on the top DVD picks list for preschoolers. This year, Warner Bros. presents the original animated cartoon on Blu-ray. The animated classic follows the book and is shorter than the movie version. Kids will love the bright colors and the endearing elephant who will do anything to protect his new friends. For a great holiday or birthday gift, combine the Blu-ray movie with a copy of the inspiring Horton Hears a Who book by Dr. Seuss.

It's Daisy's birthday, and Donald has gotten her an extra special present -- a cuckoo clock with a beautiful cuckoo bird who makes a wonderful sound every hour. But when the cuckoo bird flies away before the big party, Mickey and Donald have to go after the bird. They follow Cuckoo down a long slide and into an odd land like nothing they've seen before. Preschoolers will be entranced by this twist on a classic story which features their favorite Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters.

This sweet Strawberry Shortcake DVD came out in February, but if your preschooler little girl doesn't have it yet, the movie makes a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer. Featuring two fairy tale stories, Strawberry and the gang turn into princess and beautiful fairies who teach a fairly obvious lesson about being a friend. The first CG animated Strawberry Shortcake DVD, Sky's the Limit also came out this year and is a big landmark for the series. However, while the characters are cute, they all sounded the same in the movie and the storyline was seriously lacking. Still, the DVD is popular with little girls and could possibly make a good gift as well. You can also find SS toys in most toy stores.

Kids absolutely went crazy for this series of Wubbzy episodes the week they aired on TV. Both boys and girls alike adored the Wubb girls and watching Wubbzy get his big break on Wubb Idol. The DVD features all

Thomas and his friends star in their first ever computer animated film in this feature-length Thomas & Friends adventure. Hear Thomas' real voice for the first time as he puffs around the Island of Sodor, desperately trying to help a new friend. The story begins when Thomas discovers an old engine named Hiro hiding out on the island. Hiro's story fascinates Thomas, and Thomas vows to help the old timer become like new again. Despite many obstacles and constant mocking from Speeding Spencer, Thomas does his best to keep Hiro secret and help his new friend. Of course, there are a myriad of Thomas & Friends toys available to go along with the DVD for a more elaborate themed gift.

This new double-length Dora adventure continues the story of Dora and the Snow Princess as her special Crystal lead Dora to a new friend, Allie. Preschoolers will learn about colors, Spanish words and more in this exciting adventure as Dora helps Allie save her home, the Crystal Kingdom, from the greedy king who wanted all of the colorful crystals for himself. As Dora and her new friend search for each missing crystal in the set that gives the Crystal Kingdom color, they overcome problems and challenges along the way, and everyone learns about the importance of sharing and determination.

Preschoolers love their good friend Tad, and through other Leapfrog learning DVDs, he has helped them get ready for school by learning about letters, words, math and more. Now, Tad helps kids learn even more as he and Lily go through the classroom and learn about what school is all about. No need to be nervous for school with friends like Tad and Lily to help you out.

Lots of great Barney DVDs come out every year, but this new title has a special subject that is perfect for the holidays. Barney fans will be delighted as they learn about families -- moms, dads, grandmas, cousins...-- and the love that families share all through the year. The DVD is great for teaching preschoolers about family members and relationships.