The Noise on Toys 2010 Holiday Hit List The Noise on Toys 2010 Holiday Hit List
Just in time for holiday shopping, here's a quick sampling of our 2010 award toys. From classic to hi tech, and infants to teens, there's something for everyone on your list.
Infants & Toddlers
Twinkle Twinkle Little Scout/Violet (0m+, LeapFrog, $19.99)
Soft and cuddly with a gentle pulsing light, and 10-20 minutes of classical lullaby music or calming sounds. A perfect snuggle toy and nighttime mood-setter to help baby – or an older sibling, relax and fall asleep.
Tug Boat (6m+, Green Toys, $14.95)
A boat that pours… In the bath, at the wading pool, or on the beach, this "tug jug" is loaded with kid-appeal. A favourite with toddlers and preschoolers alike.
Preschool
IN A MERMAID TALE - MERLIAH™ DOLL (3+, Mattel, $19.99)
Colour changes, transforming clothes and a great theme. No wonder this mermaid/teen doll was the favourite Barbie tested this year.
Budkins (3+, Le Toy Van, $11.99 and up)
Made from natural materials and wearing real fabric outfits, these delightful characters were a mega hit on their own, or populating one of the Budkins play sets – many even migrated to other play worlds (from different manufacturers).
MobiGo Touch Learning System (3+, VTech, $69.99)
The touch screen on this handheld electronic game is easy to use, and well-suited to enhancing preschool skills like tracing. The pop-up screen was both a WOW, and a smart way to keep the screen propped at a comfortable viewing angle.
Lalaloopsy Dolls (4+, MGA Entertainment, $29.99)
With its plastic ringlets and button eyes, this is a quirky-looking doll. But, it's got kid-appeal - our testers REALLY loved it.
School Age
Fantastic Foil Art (5+, Elmer's Go Loco, $11.99)
One of the best and most unique new craft kits in a long while. Easy to do, spectacular results, an unbelievable price and tons of supplies to keep the fun going for many play sessions.
Perplexus (6+, PlaSmart, $24.99)
The incredible thing about this cleverly enclosed marble maze is that it appeals to so many different people. Puzzle lovers or not, both kids and adults find themselves picking this up any time they have an extra minute to spare.
LEGO Games (5+ to 8+, LEGO, starting at $12.99)
A new game every time you play. The bricks let you re-configure the physical game, but it's your brain that thinks up new rules to change how the game is played. Great concept, and a very versatile toy. Our testers' favourites: Minnotaurus, Harry Potter's Hogwarts and Lava Dragon.
Teens & Tweens
Hot Wheels Stealth Rides (8+, Mattel, $29.99)
WOW factor plus! These new mini RC vehicles fold flat to fit in your back pocket. Way fun, way cool.
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Scrabble Flash (8+, Radica/Hasbro, $34.99)
Arrange the letters to make words. The smart cubes track your time and beep when you make a word. And, when time's up, they not only show you how many words you made, they'll also let you know how many words you could have made.
Paper Jamz Instant Rock Star Guitar (8+, Wow Wee, $29.99)
Appeals on two levels. Pre-recorded songs and a "paper"-thin, lightweight instrument let you fantasize the rock star gig. But the toy is also well-designed for some serious musical exploration.
Forbidden Island (10+, Gamewright, $17.99)
A different kind of game experience. Yes, it's a really good co-operative game, which itself is unusual for this age group. But what makes it truly outstanding, is how it successfully evokes a sense of urgency that helps make the encroaching waves seem almost real.