Every November the Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC) releases a list of the best toys for all ages. Here are the top toys and books for babies and toddlers. The best toys this year offer great value for the money. They all provide countless hours of fun and experiential learning. For a complete list of winning toys for all ages consult the CTTC website. For the latest list (November, 2010) read Best Baby & Toddler Toys 2011.
Songs 'n Smiles Sillytown by Fisher Price
It is selling for about $50 and is designed for the 6 to 18 month age group. The Songs 'n Smiles Sillytown toy won first place for a battery operated toy in any age group. Babies will have fun in Sillytown learning about cause and effect. If they grab or push various things on this structure they are rewarded with 16 different songs and sounds. This brightly colored toy will improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Explore 'N Grow Tumble 'N Twirl Top by Playskool/Hasbro
It is selling for about $25 and is designed for babies over 8 months. This toy does not require batteries. It is the child's action that creates all the fun. The child pushes on the plunger and causes brightly colored balls to spin around faster and faster until they eventually pop out of the toy's mouth. The baby will scramble to retrieve them and begin all over again.
Light Up Learning Camera by V-Tech
This is the least expensive toy on the list, it sells for between $10 and $15 and is intended for toddlers over 9 months old. This toy is great for role play, as it is a child's first camera. When a button is pushed, there are sounds and exclamations like "Great Picture". There are settings that help the toddler learn the numbers 1 to 10 and article names.
Sand and Water Transportation Station by Step 2 (model 790300)
It is selling for about $50 and is intended for children over 2. This divided sand and water table includes funnels, train cars, boats, a spinner and paddle wheel. It even has a removable cover for clean up time. It is sure to provide hours and hours of entertainment. In addition to valuable pretend play, kids will have a great time learning about the properties of water and sand as the scoop and pour.
Top Books For Babies
Dance Baby Dance by Andrea Spalding (Orca Book Publishers, 2009). This picture book combines flowing poetry with beautiful photographs of babies with their family and friends.
Saffy by Paola Opa (l Simply Read Books, 2008). Saffy is the story of an adorable giraffe who is struggling with independence. The reader feels the emotions of Saffy and her mother as she tries to reach the leaves high in the trees.
The list published by the Canadian Toy Testing Counci l offers great ideas for holiday shopping. Toys can be purchased with the confidence that they will be safe and entertaining. Parents should use the CRTC guide for buying the best children's toys, whether buying a baby gift or getting a new toy their own child.
If you found this article useful, read Best Car Booster Seats - Car Safety for Young Children.
Linda Wongkee - Linda is an online and print author. She writes about travel and education, her two passions!!
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