Horseplay for Little Equestrians

If your grandchild's request for a pony doesn't mesh with your investment plans, opt for these figures and playsets instead.

Each hand-painted, poseable Paradise Horse has a name and a detailed backstory. (Coriander, for instance, is a master jumper with a "spicy" personality.) Just as detailed are the equines' features: bright, expressive eyes, soft manes and tails, and mouths that open to chomp on accompanying carrots. Rider figures dressed in formal gear are also available, and with play sets and add-ons like jumps, barns, tack, and horse clothing, your grandchildren can create their own mini-version of a horse show with stable.

Price: Ponies and horses range from $40 to $50, riders $20, supply sets and jumps from $15 to $100
For ages: 5 and older
Available at: Paradise-Horses.com (Click “Online Store”)

Pony In My Pocket Lil' Home and Pony In My Pocket Fun N Play Diner

A bit funkier and more festive than an old barn, these pocket-size ponies are meant to horse around in purple and pink “Lil' Homes” with convertible roofs. Each plastic house comes with three different ponies; the houses can be vertically stacked to create a tiny pony complex. A Fun N Play Diner is also available for when those ponies need to get out of the (crowded) house.

Price: Pony In My Pocket Lil’ Home, $6, Fun N Play Diner, $10
For ages: 4 to 9 years old
Available at: Fun N Play Diner available here, Lil' Homes available here.

My Little Pony Ponyville Rollerskate Party Cake with Pinkie Pie Pony

After 25 years on the market, the multicolored My Little Ponies are free from a human domain and live on their own in Ponyville. They attend magic tea parties, visit each other in balloon houses, and party in cake-shaped roller rinks like this one. This Rollerskate Party Cake comes with the "Pinkie Pie" pony figure, along with a scooter, party hat, and four roller skates. Ponies zoom around the party palace and take teacup rides. When it’s time to say good-bye, Pinkie Pie and her party accoutrements can be packed up within the set.