K.M.
Hi A.,
I always start with the Oppenheim Toy Awards http://www.toyportfolio.com/
Once you find an awesome toy, it can be kind of a pain to find it in stores. But I've had some pretty good luck if I have a list of 5 or so that look cool and that are pretty big brand names.
Other than that, books, play-doh, and art supplies are good standbys.
-K.