Children learn a lot about the world by imitating us—and by “us,” we mean anyone who’s even a little older than they are. It isn’t until a few decades later, when they have children and a mortgage of their own, that they discover that being a grown-up isn’t everything they’d thought it would be. Before that harsh reality sets in, though, they want everything we have, just in a smaller size. This week we take a look at a number of toys that can introduce even the littlest kids to the essence of adulthood (minus the credit cards).

Alphaberry (B. Toys)
Let’s say up front that B. Toys produces some of the most fun, engaging—and beautiful—toys on the market. And the Alphaberry is no exception.  Looking pretty much like a smartphone, this easy-to-hold toy is a great way to introduce very young kids to the alphabet. And while it’s battery operated (3 AAA, included), the electronics are mercifully sparse. Push any of the 26 letter buttons on the front of the device and the letter appears on the small screen and is read aloud. That’s it. Press the large button on the side to play one of four versions of the ABC song. Spin the wheel to change the color of the backlit screen. There’s also a volume control and auto shutoff. For ages 18 months to 5 years, about $18-20. http://www.mybtoys.com/

Okideoke (B. Toys)
It looks like a microphone but it’s more of a mini karaoke machine. There are only a few buttons, each of which is large enough (and far enough from the others) to be easily operated by a toddler. One button toggles between eight pre-recorded, familiar songs, which kids can speed up or slow down. Another allows kids to record themselves and play it back, and the last one amplifies small voices—loud enough to make it fun for the kids, but not so loud that you’ll want to take it away and give it to Goodwill. Runs on 3 AAA batteries, included. For ages 18 months to 5 years, about $15-25. http://www.mybtoys.com/

Elemenosqueeze (B. Toys)
These blocks are a delight. One for each letter, each sports a unique, sculpted image of an appropriately-named animal. They come in a variety of shapes: columns, arches, blocks, pyramids, and more and are made from colorful—but not annoyingly so—recycled materials. They’re also easy to handle, stackable, bathtub safe, chewable (BPA-free), and soft enough to fall on or throw at someone (not that you would ever let your child do that) without causing any pain. For ages 6 months to 3 years, about $25.50).

Hear Me and See Me (B. Toys)
We love these interactive cloth books. Hear Me features wonderfully illustrated pages that squeak, click, rattle, and crinkle. See Me’s just-as-attractive pages let babies play “peek-a-boo, I see you” with bunnies, chickens, and elephants. No removable pieces and soy-based inks make these books safe for kids 6 months and up.

Brush-On, Peel-Off nail polish (Worx Toys)
In case you missed it when it first came out in the 1980s, Brush-On, Peel-Off nail polish is back. Paint it on and it still dries quickly and is easy to peel off without nail polish remover. But to better appease today’s environmentally conscious parents, the formula is child-safe, and the container is spill-proof. Comes in 10 colors and sells for $4 in stores or on line. http://bo-po.com/