Best Kids DVDs in 2012

The 2012 National Parenting Publications Awards results are in and we've awarded the year's best products for children, providing busy parents with this year's sure-bet holiday gift guide.

These Gold Award-winners have been carefully tested, evaluated-and played with-by expert judges and kid testers alike. They were chosen for their entertainment and educational value, as well as their quality and ability to withstand hours of play.

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Best Books and Magazines in 2012

, Best Apps and Digital Games in 2012

Chloe's Closet: Super Best Friends

NCircleEntertainment, 2012; 60 min.; $9.99; ncircleentertainment.com. Ages 2 to 7.

Smart, fun and imaginative play bring Chloe and her friends closer when outfits in her magical closet transform them into heroes.

Chuggington's: Wilson and the Ice Cream Fair; Traintastic Adventures; and Brewster's Little Helper

Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2012; 62 min.; $14.98; anchorbayentertainment.com. Ages 3 to 6.

What better way to "train" impressionable preschoolers in responsibility than with adorable little trains? These three outstanding DVDs offer lessons in teamwork, patience, paying attention, overcoming fear and self-acceptance.

Pocoyo: Fun and Games

NCircleEntertainment, 2012; 90 min.; $12.99; ncircleentertainment.com. Ages 2 to 7.

Line-drawn characters will make children laugh out loud while they learn about good sportsmanship.

The Adventures of Chuck and Friends: Monster Rally

Shout! Factory/Hasbro, 2012; 110 min.; $12.99; hasbro.com. Ages 3 to 6.

Like preschoolers, Chuck the little dump truck and his vehicle friends run into trouble sometimes.

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!: Ocean Commotion

NCircleEntertainment, 2012; 60 min.; $9.99; ncircleentertainment.com. Ages 3 to 6.

Though storybook-traditional in his appearance, this is a new Cat. Well-behaved and thoughtful, he leads kids on an innovative journey of discovery and science in short, digestible episodes.

The Gruffalo

NCircleEntertainment, 2011; 40 min.; $9.99; ncircleentertainment.com. Ages 3 to 6.

In a complex and beautifully produced story, a mouse uses its wits to outsmart predators. This is a great how-to-deal-with-monsters tale for those who fear them. A bit scary for some of the younger folks.

WordWorld: To The Rescue

NCircleEntertainment, 2012; 60 min.; $9.99; ncircleentertainment.com. Ages 2 to 7.

Simple story lines built around engaging word characters help kids memorize spellings and absorb word recognition.

The Magic School Bus: Blast Off! From Sea to Space (3-DVD set); Field Trip Fun and Games (3-DVD set)

The New Video Group, 2012; 270 min.; $24.95 for each DVD set; newvideo.com. Ages 5 to 10.

Renowned for making science accessible to young minds, the Emmy-winning Magic School Bus travels to destinations no one can visit in real life.

Worlds Together: East Africa, West Africa and Ethiopia

Master Communications, 2012; 25 minutes each; $29.95 each; asiaforkids.com. Ages 5 to 12.

This set helps parents introduce children to the nations of the world. Maps orient the viewer to scenery so striking that it instantly generates interest.