Trumpy's
Train
BRIO Corporation
The bright, cute design of this toddler train set was instantly appealing to both our little testers and their grown-up chaperones at our testing centers. The obvious attention to detail and sturdy craftsmanship paid off with magnets that feature just the right amount of attraction and sturdy wheels that keep rolling no matter what type of banging, tossing or smashing a toddler can dish out. The Brio line carries with it a recognizable level of quality, and Trumpy's Train was no exception in the eyes of our testers.
Recommended
Age: 1
and Up
Retail Price: $40.00
Steer
& Stroll Trike
Radio Flyer, Inc.
Everyone loves to be mobile. No matter what your age there is nothing like being on the open road with the wind in your hair. It’s no wonder then that even our littlest testers loved hopping on board the Steer & Stroll Trike, because even if their legs didn't quite have the peddling thing down, Mom was right behind, not only pushing but steering as well. The ringing bell was a big hit, no surprise there. The adjustable seat and removable cargo bag, perfect for snacks and other goodies, was a nice standard feature. The bright blue, red and yellow colors appealed to both young and old.
Recommended Age: 1 to 5 Retail Price: $60.00
Cosmo
Vet Kit
Toys "R" Us, Inc.
With the proliferation of action oriented games, here is an alternative for parents looking for a toy that recognizes their child's imaginative and nurturing side. This veterinarian kit has everything your child will need to assume the role of a great animal healer. Their first patient, which is included, is a soft cuddly dog who comes with his own carrying case. All the tools are here for making a diagnosis, patching up the patient and sending him home with a clean bill of health. Parents loved watching their children play with and care for their little animal friends.
Recommended
Age: 3
and Up
Retail Price: $29.99
There have been dolls that cry, dolls that drink from
bottles, even dolls that wet themselves, all of these dolls have been designed
to heighten the interactive play level for the child.
Baby Annabelle takes this concept to a whole new level with sound and
motion sensors that allow Annabelle to respond to the actions of your child,
such as singing or rocking, more than ever before.
The realistic feel and sounds such as her cries, burping or sucking
enthralled little mommies who sang, rocked and cared for Baby Annabelle like
their mommies did with them.
Recommended
Age: 3
to 12 Retail Price: $59.99
Li'l
Pet
Hospital
Kenn Viselman presents
One of the cuddliest plush pets you'll ever see has turned up in need of your child's loving care. With Li'l Pet Hospital, your child will instantly become companion and caregiver. Our parent testers were touched as they watched their little ones care for these sick animals. The attached miniature storybook explains how each pet was hurt. There is a small bandage that may cover stitches (no blood) so that your child can really get into the spirit of being doctor or nurse. The dolls are absolutely adorable, sweet and huggable.
Recommended Age: 3 and Up Retail Price: $20.00
Disney
Toddler Princesses
Playmates Toys, Inc.
Children have always loved playing with dolls that look like babies or Barbie, but here is a twist that our young testers really responded to, Disney character dolls who are the same age as they are. Whether it's Belle before she became Beauty, or Cinderella before those nasty step-sisters, there was a whole new level of excitement about playing with these dolls. The dolls are wonderful representations with dazzlingly large eyes that entranced our testers. Each doll comes with an accessory kit to round out the Disney experience. Each piece works well to enhance the experience of playing with their very own princess friend.
Recommended
Age: 4
and up
Retail Price: $17.99
Home
Depot Electronic Workbench
Toys "R" Us, Inc.
It takes a big man with big tools to tackle big projects. With that in mind Home Depot has affixed its name to a top-notch building/playset that will empower your little man in big ways. There are tools aplenty but what really got our testers buzzing was the talking peg board. Each time a tool is taken or replaced its name is said aloud. The Bench Saw, Drill and toy phone for those important clients who need to reach you at work, were favorites. The included bird house is a very satisfying project that actually snaps together, but looks like a home made creation.
Recommended
Age: 4
and Up
Retail Price: $59.99
Interactive
Princess Belle
Playmates Toys, Inc.
Fairytales do come true, and they can happen to you. That is if you bring home this interactive Princess Belle. The star of Beauty and the Beast will almost magically interact with your child and visiting friends from the castle. There are very cool accessories like a talking mirror, an interactive map and other talking characters from the movie. As she was on the big screen, Belle is a real beauty and our testers loved being able to change her outfits. There is lots of great play value here but what is most impressive is that even with her great bells and whistles, Belle can be played with just like any other doll, by tapping into your child's imagination.
Recommended
Age: 4
and up
Retail Price: $44.99
The
Touch
Anthony Innovations, Inc.
This fabulously innovative game was a huge hit with testers young and old. The ingenious, eye-catching design is just a part of the appeal of The Touch. This game really shines as a fantastic tactile play experience. The object of the game is to reach into the center dome and blindly feel around for unique pieces, such as a pyramid, a hamburger, a football and more. This game is terrific whether you are playing with a friend or as teams in a larger group. A brilliant design element is the window with the automatic light bulb, which allows others to see your fingers wildly grabbing and feeling the pieces hidden from your view all before the timer runs out. Great game, great fun.
Recommended
Age: 5
and Up Retail Price: $39.99
K'Nex
Downhill Thrill
K'Nex Industries, Inc.
What could be more fun than strapping yourself to a sled and hurtling at breakneck speed down a ramp, through a hoop and crashing to the ground? Why building a surrogate K'Nex racer to do it for you of course. This easy to build K'Nex set is designed for quick construction and maximum playability, a mission that was achieved with great success according to our testers. As with all K'Nex ventures there is no right or wrong way to build, but by following their suggestions, you can construct a daredevil racing ramp and the daredevil with the guts to take the perilous plunge. This one is a load of fun, for a very good price.
Recommended
Age: 8
and Up
Retail Price: $19.99
Family
USAopoly
Celebrating the ties that bind, this wonderful board game will become a family favorite at reunions, holidays, or just simple evenings at home. As play progresses players pull generic photo cards and are asked to recall moments like a summer trip, a holiday gathering, a relative that has passed away. As memories are revealed other players are encouraged to embellish or to play their "Your Not Telling The Whole Story" cards, which is when things really get fun! This thought provoking, often enriching game is really more of a journey, one that you will experience together as a family.
Recommended Age: 8 and Up Retail Price: $29.95
Old
Century Baseball
Front
Porch Classics
When we say that the gorgeous old-fashioned design of Old Century Baseball will absolutely amaze you, prepare yourself, we're not kidding. The eye-catching design of an old-time stadium will bring a flood of memories rushing back. While the look may be old fashioned, the game play is anything but which speaks to the very broad age appeal that this game has. The pinball style of play is fun and offers a thoroughly enjoyable competitive experience. The large, solid feeling of the set contributed to the positive feedback we heard, as our testers told us that the high price tag was reflective of the quality of this game set. This is a game your family will enjoy playing with for hours on end.
Recommended
Age: 8
and Up
Retail Price: $129.95
Glass
& Wood Game Collection
Toys "R" Us, Inc.
Is your game closet loaded with broken game boxes, scattered checkers pieces and missing bishops? This very attractive set will find its way out of the closet and into a place where you'll want to show it off. Inside the lined wooded drawer are all the pieces you'll need to play Chess, Backgammon, Cribbage and Checkers. The removable smoked glass top compliments the glass chess pieces for a very appealing design. One note of caution, the checkers pieces are small and should not be left within a toddlers reach as they can be a choking hazard. Having this attractive set in your play room will certainly spark a family game night or two.
Recommended
Age: 8
and Up
Retail Price: $29.99
Think you know all your American Holidays?
Beyond Memorial & Labor Day you may be surprised to learn what you
don't know. Don't fret, because
after a few lively games of Holiday USA you will be a regular holiday historian.
This game covers all holidays celebrated by the many cultures living in
the
Recommended
Age: 8
and Up
Retail Price: $24.95
K'Nex
Electronic
K'Nex Industries, Inc.
Pinball is cool, K'Nex is cool, put them together and you've got one very hot product. The logic may elude you, but this dazzling new K'Nex toy will not escape your children. Like being given the keys to a candy shop, our testers tore into this set with zeal. Building your very own electronic Pinball and Smash Ball game was the best of all possible worlds as far as our testers were concerned. This is not a replacement for the veritable pinball games of our youth, but the marriage of K'Nex building and pinball action brought a great level of pride and enthusiasm. The best part of the process is what K'Nex always brings to the table, the ability to customize to your heart's content.
Recommended
Age: 10
and Up
Retail Price: $89.99
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Last Update: August 16, 2002
Holiday