Gift Guide 07

D
r. To
y
Dr. Toy’s
Holiday
Gift Guide
100 BEST
Children's Products
Dr. Toy’s 100
Best Children’s
Products for
Let’s
2007
Toys, books, software, games, puzzles, audio and video, and much more...
Dr. Toy makes product selections based
on the following criteria:
• safety
• innovation
• design and durability
• age appropriateness
• long lasting play value
• cultural and ethnic diversity
• good transition from home to school
• educational value and learning skills
• creativity
• improves understanding of the community and the world (socially responsible)
• good value for price, and,
• just plain fun!
Dr. Toy’s Tips For Keeping Toys Safe & Clean
• Watch for small parts, sharp edges, loose ties, or
other possible dangers for small children under the
age of 3.
• Be sure products are labeled non-toxic.
• Cover exposed electric sockets.
• Toys handled frequently by infants and toddlers
should be cleaned and disinfected or when soiled,
to prevent the spread of germs.
• Follow these steps for washable, colorfast toys:
1. Wash toys with soapy water, then rinse thoroughly
2. Clean toys with a solution of 3/4 cup household
bleach in 1 gallon of water. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. Rinse completely and dry.
For more tips on disinfecting with household bleach,
contact: www.Clorox.Com
Smart Toys +
Smart Play =
Smart Kids!
About Dr. Toy
Dr. Toy, Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D.,
Director of the Institute for Childhood
Resources, San Francisco, produces an
annual holiday guide, "100 Best Children’s
Products," is a expert in child development, author of Dr. Toy’s Smart
Play/Smart Toys and Toys for a Lifetime,
a frequent writer of articles, consultant,
and speaker about toys, children’s products, play and parenting issues.
Dr. Toy’s Guide (www. drtoy.com) was
the first site to provide toy information
on the internet.
Dr. Toy's Tips on Selecting Toys and
Other Children's Products
Before shopping observe child at play. Gather a list of possible products from
Dr. Toy’s Holiday Guide: "100 Best Children’s Products" and from Dr.Toy’s Guide:
web site (drtoy.com). Ask for suggestions from sitter, grandparents, teacher and
other parents. Notice store and product ads. Check your child’s "Wish List" and
current needs. As you examine a potential purchase, ask yourself...
1. Is the toy safe? Any potential hazards? Is the product too small?
Any sharp edges or loose ties? Is it nontoxic? Durable? Will it take
rough treatment? Does it meet Consumer Product Safety Standards?
Is there a guarantee on the product? What is the return policy?
2. Is the product fun? A toy or children's product is supposed to
entertain the child. It should amuse, delight, excite, and be enjoyable.
3. Is the product appropriate? Is this toy or product significant now?
Does it fit the child's age, skills, and abilities? Will it hold interest?
Will child use the product happily?
4. Is the product well designed? Is it easy to use? Does it look good?
Feel good? Is the product versatile? Is there more than one use for the
product?
5. Is the product durable? Will it be something that will last a long
time? Children play hard and subject their toys to a lot of abuse and wear.
6. Is the product appealing to the child? Does it offer an opportunity
for fun, to learn, and to think? Does it help him/her learn about living
environment? Is the toy or product inviting?
7. Will the product help the child expand creativity? With the right
products the child can expand his or her imagination in art, crafts,
drama, hobbies, language, reading, music and physical movement.
8. Will the toy frustrate or challenge the child? Does the toy offer
something new to learn, to practice, or try? Will the child know how to
use the product? Or, will it be too difficult to use without adult assistance?
9.Does the product match the package and the package match the
product? If the toy does not match ads or packaging it can be disappointing. Is age-grading clear?
10. Will the toy help nurture childhood? Does the product help the
child express emotions, experience concern for others, practice positive
social interaction? Does it provide value to his or her childhood? Or,
are there any violent, sexist, or other negative aspects to the product?
11. What will the toy teach? Does it help expand positive selfesteem, values, understanding, and cultural awareness? Does it offer
practice in skill building? Eye/hand coordination? Fine and large motor
skills? Communication? Does it educate the child about the environment? Community? World? History? Computers? Other skills?
12. Can the product be cleaned and reused? If it is not washable, can
it be cleaned in some practical way?
13. Can I afford this toy? Does the price match the value?
DrToy.com - Page 2
Say “Toy” around the world!
Afrikaans : Speelgoed
Albanian : Lodra grazie
Arabic : Lu'ba
Armenian : Jaghalik
Assyrian : Thal Yadei
Bangla : Khelna
Bosnian : Igrachka
Croatian : Igrachka
Czech : Hracka
Cantonese : Wan Gee
Mandarin : Wan Ju
Danish : Legetoej
Dutch : Speelgoed
Egyptian : Lu'ba
English : TOY
Estonian : Mänguasi
Farsi : Samanie Bazi Atfal
Finnish : Leluja
Flemish : Speeltje
French : Jouet
German : Spielzeug
Greek : Pehnithi
Haitian Creole : Jwet
Hawaiian : Mea pa'ani
Hebrew : Tza'a'tzu'a
Hindi : Khilona
Hungarian : Játék
Icelandic : Leikfang
Indonesian : Mainan
Iranian/Farsi : Asbabe Bazie
Irish : Bréagán
Italian : Giocattoli
Japanese : Omocha
Korean : Jang Nan Gam
Macedonian : Igracka
Malay : Barang permainan
kanakMalayalam : Kalippattam
Maltese : Gugarell
Marathi : Khelane
Nederlands : Speelgoed
Norwegian : Leke
Ovambo : Okai Ma Kokudana
Papiamentu : Kos Di Hunga
Polish : Zabawka
Portuguese : Brinquedo
Romanian : Jucarie
Russian : Igrushka
Slovenian : Igracha
Spanish : Juguete
Surinam : Pre sani
Swedish : Leksak
Tagalog : Laruan
Tamil : Bommai
Telugu : Bomma
Thai : Khong-len'
Turkish : Oyuncak
Ukrainian : Igrashka
Vietnamese : Do choi
Dr. Toy’s Suggested Smart Toys to Assist Your Child in Learning & Fun
1. b. dazzle Teachers Scramble Squares® Ages 4-12 $8.95
800-809-4242 www.b-dazzle.com
Teachers honored by 9 piece puzzle, easy to play, hard to solve for all ages. Nine 4” x 4”
pieces perhaps world’s most challenging puzzle. Puzzles teach patience, perseverance, fine
motor skills, critical thinking, mental agility, stimulating entertainment with panel of fascinating facts trivia question and hidden answer.
2. Briarpatch Newton's Apples Ages 7-12 $24.99
800-232-7427 www.briarpatch.com
Make gravity your friend by strategically moving apple crates and all your apples to roll to
the bottom row of inclined, three dimensional game board. Red and green apples placed on
“crates” at top of elevated game board. Moving apple crates and discover Newton’s “law of
gravity”. Game rules, game board, 8 apples and 16 apple crates. Lots of family fun.
3. Educational Insights GeoSafari® Talking Microscope Ages 5-12 $29.99
800-995-4436 www.educationalinsights.com
Get up-close view of 12 fascinating bugs and cool facts. Test knowledge of critter in fun quiz
games. 5x focusing magnifier light for easy viewing, Talking Microscope plus interactive
slides. Requires three C batteries (not included).
4. Folkmanis Galapagos Tortoise Puppet Ages 3-12 $40
800-654-8922 www.folkmanis.com
Special, realistic educational puppet delights your young explorer. Super-soft sculpted fabric
body, vinyl shell makes puppet as awesome as massive, ancient ancestors. Learn about tortoises and Galapagos Islands. Easily manipulated body pulled fully into shell or extended out to
explore the world.
5. Learning Resources Jump 'n' Jam Jungle™ Talking Floor Mat Ages 3-5 $34.95
800-222-3909 www.learningresources.com
Interactive electronic mat jump-starts active learning for 1 to 6 players.Teaches colors,
shapes, animal sounds, strengthens gross motor skills, deductive reasoning abilities. Fun
sound effects, music enhance games. Tabletop or floor play. Durable vinyl wipes clean.
Requires 4 AA batteries (not included)
6. MEGA Brands Brian the Brain Ages 8-12 $99.99
800-465-6342 www.megabrands.com
Self-contained animatronic artificial intelligence neural life form with attitude! Unique electronic toy educates, stimulates and interacts. Encyclopedia from Britannica® Voice recognition software, many games and much more.
7. MGA Entertainment Little Tikes Play Smarter™ Cook 'n Learn Kitchen $99.99
Ages 3-12 888-222-4685 www.mgae.com
Amazing kitchen offers interactive play modes. Free Play -children play as each food is recognized or Learning mode, child prompted to instructions on recipe cards. Teaches colors,
shapes, numbers, letters, directions, sorting, measuring with accessories, ingredients and
utensils Requires 2 “AA” batteries (not included).
8. Tangle Toys Baby Tangle Ages 6-12 mos, $9.99
888-829-3808 www.tangletoys.com
Safe, sturdy, built to last, colorful, tactile toy stimulates all senses. Four rattle sections,
plus warm inviting shapes, captivates attention. Baby play to take along anywhere.
DrToy.com - Page 3
DR. TOY’S 100 BEST CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS FOR 2007
Selected by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
#
Company
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
Action Products
ALEX
Alpha Spectrum
American Animation
Around the World
Aurora World
b. dazzle
Blue Orange Games
Brain Party
Braincandy
Breyer/Reeves Intl
Briarpatch
Canadian Group
Carrera
Carson Optical
Center Enterprises
Chicco
Colorforms/University
ComfyWare
Corolle
Curious Toys
Duncan Toys
DuneCraft
East West Press
Education Outdoors
Educational Insights
Engino.Net
ETA/Cuisenaire
Family Games
FamilyStories
Fanny's Play House
Fat Brain Toy
Fisher-Price/Mattel
FLOAM
Folkmanis
Free Spirit Pub.
Gemini Kaleidoscopes
Goldberger Doll
Green Baby
HABA
Milton Bradley
Hasbro
I Can Do That Games
Idea Storm Products
Infantino
Intellinitiative Game
Jandie Jams Music
Kid Galaxy
Kids II
Kimbo
Product Type Top 10
Age
I Dig Bugs Beetle's Nest TY 4
8-12
Color A Messenger Bag AC 7
7-12
In the Company of Wild Butterflies DV 3
5-12
Patrick Henry DV 2
8-12
Around the World BG ES SR TR
8-12
Learn with Me-Activity Frog ES PL TY 1
6 mos-3
Teachers Scramble Squares ES NO PZ TR 2 4-12
Bendomino BG ES TR TY 5
5-12
MathMosis Music CD ES ML
3-12
Touch My World AE CP ES SR TR DV 3
6 mos-4 yrs
My Dream Horse AC CP 7
8-12
Newton's Apples BG ES 5
7-12
CONNECT'EM CP NO PZ TY 8
12-12
Highway Patrol HO TY 1
9-12
zPix Digital Microscope AC CP ES HO 2
8-12
Ready2Learn Mask Kit AC CP CS ES FP
3-12
Ducati Grand Prix TY
2-7
Very Hungry Caterpillar AC CP NO TR TY 7 3-5
Adventure in Numberland CD EG ES SW
3-5
Interactive Lia AE DO FP PL TR TY 1
3-5
Curious DragonBonz CO CP FP 1
4-7
Throw & Tell Talking Flying Disc AE OP 1 6-12
Desert Hothouse AC CP ES NO SC SR TY 4 4-12
Jadyn & Magic Bubble BO CD ES ML SR 6 6-12
CAMP BG ES OP SR TR
3-12
GeoSafari Talking Microscope ES TY 2
5-12
Simple & Complex Machine CO 2
8-12
Citysteps Growing Things TY 1
3-5
Silly Stix ES GE OP 5
6-12
My Two Homes AC AE BO CP SR 4
3-12
Down Syndrome Dolls DO SR
3-12
Dado Cubes AC CO CP ES TY
3-10
I Can Play Guitar EG ES ML 3
6-8
FLOAM Picture Frame Kit AC CO CP FP 7 5-12
Galapagos Tortoise Puppet CP FP PU SR 4 3-12
Be the Boss of Your Pain BO 4
8-12
Carousel Musical Kaleidoscope CP ES ML 7 3-12
19" Mommy's Baby DO 3
3-7
Green Baby DVD CP ES ML SR DV 3
0-7
Land of Dragons Puzzle Game CP PZ TY
2-5
Game of Life Twists & Turns BG 5
9-12
Playskool Tonka Wheel Pals TY
9 mos-3
Cat in the Hat AE AP BG FP TY 7
4-8
Yamodo BG CP ES SR TY 5
9-12
My First Color Puzzle CP ES PZ TY
1-3
Word Sweep BG ES 5
10-12
Listen in Addition BO CD ES ML TR 6
4-8
Scoop 'n' Shoot R/C Basketball AE EL GE 6-12
Bright Starts Baby's PlayPlace AE ML
0-2
Catch a Brain Wave AE CD ES ML 8
4-9
Price
$19.99
$19.99
$29.95
$19.95
$26.99
$29.99
$8.95
$15.95
$15.95
$14.98
$15.00
$24.99
$24.99
$79.99
$99.00
$11.95
$59.99
$9.99
$19.99
$90.00
$34.00
$9.99
$14.99
$19.95
$24.99
$29.99
$60.00
$49.95
$29.99
$17.95
$25.00
$24.95
$99.99
$9.99
$40.00
$19.95
$15.00
$25.00
$19.99
$60.00
$34.99
$39.99
$19.99
$16.95
$12.99
$29.99
$16.99
$40.00
$79.99
$14.95
Phone
800-772-2846
800-666-2539
800-543-3764
866-401-4376
206-605-3012
888-287-6722
800-809-4242
415-252-0372
877-220-6284
866-725-9070
800-444-4775
800-232-7427
416-746-3388
609-409-8510
800-967-8427
800-542-2214
877-424-4226
800-347-4818
866-372-6639
800-668-4846
212-674-1400
800-232-3474
800-306-4168
310-545-3730
989-493-0436
800-995-4436
357821960
800-445-5985
info@family...
800-367-9692
516-822-3752
800-590-5987
800-432-5437
800-668-4846
800-654-8922
800-735-7323
800-999-8700
800-452-3655
866-515-2229
800-468-6873
888-836-7025
800-327-8264
510-326-0058
443-255-4792
800-840-4916
866-752-9807
800-391-2278
800-816-1135
800-230-8190
800-631-2187
Website
apii.com
alextoys.com
bullfrogfilms.com
americananimationstudios
aroundtheworldgames.com
auroragift.com
b-dazzle.com
blueorangegames.com
mathmosis.com
braincandykids.com
breyerhorses.com
briarpatch.com
carrera-toys.com
carsonoptical.com
centerenterprises.com
chiccousa.com
ugames.com
comfyland.com
corolle.com
curioustoys.com
yo-yo.com
dunecraft.com
eastwestdiscovery.com
campboardgame.com
educationalinsights.com
engino.net
etacuisenaire.com
familygamesamerica.com
familystories.org
fannysplayhouseinc.com
FatBrainToys.com
icanplayguitar.net; mattel.cm
floamit.com
folkmanis.com
freespirit.com
geminikaleidoscopes.com
goldbergerdoll.com
GreenBaby.ca
habausa.com
hasbro.com
hasbro.com
icandothatgames.com
yamodo.com
infantino.com
wordsweep.com
kidcleveronline.com
kidgalaxy.com
kidsii.com
kimboed.com
KEY TO PRODUCT TYPE
AC = arts and crafts
AE = active
AT = audio tape
BG = board game
BO = book
CD = CD
CG = card game
CO = construction
CP = creative
CR = computer-related
DH = doll house
DO = doll
DV = DVD
EG = electronic game
EL = electronic product
EQ = equipment
ES = educational
FP = fantasy play
GE = game
HO = hobby
ML = musical
DrToy.com - Page 4
NO = novelty
OP = outdoor play
PL = plush
PU = puppet
PZ = puzzle
SC = novelty
SR = socially responsible
ST = stamp
SW = software
TR = travel
TS = transportation
TY = toy
VG = video game
VT = video tape
DR. TOY’S 100 BEST CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS FOR 2007
Selected by Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D. (Dr. Toy)
#
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
Company
Product Type Top 10
Age
Price
K'NEX
10 Model Speed Machine CO TY 8
5-7
$9.99
Learning Materials
Dwellings 1 & 2 CO CP ES TR 2
5-12
$19.99
Learning Resources
Jump 'n' Jam Jungle Mat EG ES TY 8
3-5
$34.95
LEGO Systems
Ultimate Building Set CO CP ES NO SR 1 4-12
$24.99
Little Laureate
My World Gallery CD ES DV 6
6 mos-2 yrs $34.95
Living Folklore
Funny Bone Logic AE CS ES ML SR DV 6 3-5
$19.95
Magic Maestro Music Peter & the Wolf CD ML 6
6-8
$16.98
Maple Landmark
Natural Classic School Bus CP FP SR TS 4 3-5
$41.00
MEGA Brands
Brian the Brain CP EG ES NO TY 3
8-12
$99.99
MGA
Little Tikes Kitchen CP FP 8
3-12
$99.99
Mic-O-Mic
Shield Finger Guard SR 4
0-12
$9.99
Morning Star Games Slap Wacky! BG CG ES TR TY
7-12
$11.99
Nikko/Erector
Speed Play Robot AE CO CP ES FP ML 1 7-12
$129.00
North American Bear My Own Monsters PL SR TY 4
3-5
$16.00
Northstar Games
Wits & Wagers BG TY
10-12
$16.95
Ohio Art
Betty Spaghetty CP DO FP 1
4-11
$19.99
Okiedog
Cheeky Chick OP TR TY 1
12-24 mos $59.95
One Wee World
One Wee World Celebrates Mexico DV 6
2-7
$19.95
Oregon Scientific
SmartGlobe Junior EG ES TY 4
3-12
$49.99
Parents® by Battat
Kitty Keyboard CP ML TY 3
2-5
$30.00
Patch Products
What's Yours Like? BG CP ES 5
10-12
$24.99
Path to Math & ReadingPath to Math Kit BG ES TR TY 2
6-12
$20.00
Peaceable Kingdom
Alphabet Match Up Game CG ES
3-8
$12.95
Pictoria Records
Ballad of Phineas McBoof CD FP ML TR
5-11
$15.00
Plastic Play
i-gami AC CO CP ES
7-12
$7.99
Playhut
6 in 1 Action Zone AE CP FP OP TR 8
3-5
$24.99
Playmobil
Hospital CO CP ES FP TY 4
4-12
$159.99
Poppo Brands
Poppo BG CG CP ES SR TR TY
3-8
$24.95
Red Note Records
Bebop Your Best! CD ML SR 6
5-10
$15.00
Rose Art/Mega Brands smART Easel AC CP ES TR TY
4-12
$39.99
Sababa Toys
Dragonology: The Game BG 5
8-12
$35.00
Scientific Explorer
My First Airplane Kit CP ES SC SR 7
6-10
$19.99
Shelcore Toys
Groove 'N Go Music Maker CP ML TY 3
12-36 mos $19.99
SmartLab Toys
Fashion Studio AC AE BO CP CS DO FP 7 7-12
$19.99
Smarty Pants
Rap-n-Rhyme CD AE CD CP ES ML TR 6 3-5
$12.99
Sound Advice
NoteNiks Respect Our Earth ES SR SW 3
5-10
$19.95
Spin Master
Aqua Dots Super Studio AC AE CO CP HO 74-7
$24.99
Start Smarter Video
Dance with Ballerina Jen AE ES FP VT DV 83-8
$14.99
Step2
Doorway Playhouse FP TY 8
18 mos-5
$59.99
Steps4Kids
Write Their ABCs ES DV 6
4-7
$19.99
Tangle Toys
Baby Tangle TR TY 8
6-12 mos
$9.99
Tinker Minds
Aerobloks by Tinker Minds AE CD CO CP 8 4-8
$109.95
Placemat-Mexico! AC CP ES NO TR 2
3-12
$12.99
Tot Talk
4-7
$3.99
We Both Read BO 2
Treasure Bay
University Games
Lego Tic Tac Toe AE GE TR 5
6-7
$14.99
VTech
Whiz Kid Learning System EG ES 3
3-6
$49.99
Wild Republic
Paint & Plant AC AE CP OP SR 7
9-12
$18.00
Magic School Bus Series CP ES HO SR 2
5-12
$19.99
Young Scientists
8-12
$24.95
RUKSHUK BG CG CO CP ES SR TR 5
Zabazoo
$16.99
Musical Verses Collection BO CD ML SR 6 1 mos-12
Zoppa Records
Phone
800-822-5639
800-693-7164
800-222-3909
800-422-5346
630-922-5488
928-925-3109
866-432-7624
800-421-4223
800-465-6342
888-222-4685
877-642-6642
888-304-4264
800-776-4556
800-682-3427
301-313-0448
800-641-6226
800-631-1272
818-284-4711
949-608-2848
800-247-6144
800-524-4263
650-348-6284
877-444-5195
800-289-6923
866-543-4264
888-752-9488
800-752-9662
978-969-3011
800-824-2980
800-465-6342
646-638-1240
800-900-1182
732-764-9000
800-722-6657
888-893-7323
800-522-3774
800-622-8339
800-793-4970
800-347-8372
760-635-3501
888-829-3808
877-237-6256
800-380-3913
800-476-6416
800-347-4818
800-521-2010
800-800-9678
800-964-1320
877-528-5252
503-774-6258
Rank Categorys
1–
2–
3–
4–
Best Toys
Best Educational Products
Best Software/CD-ROM/High-Tech Products
Best Socially Responsible Products
5–
6–
7–
8–
Best Games
Best Audio/Video Tape/CDs
Best Creative Products
Best Active Products
DrToy.com - Page 5
Website
knex.com
learningmaterialswork.com
learningresources.com
lego.com
littlelaureate.com
funnybonelogic.com
magicmaestromusic.com
maplelandmark.com
megabrands.com
mgae.com
micamericas.com
morningstargames.com
erectorusa.com
makemyownmonster.com
northstargames.com
world-of-toys.com
okiedog.com
oneweeworld.com
www2.oregonscientific.com
parents.com
patchproducts.com
[email protected]
pkpress.com
doctornoize.com
i-gami.com
playhut.com
playmobil.com
poppo.com
redgrammer.com
megabrands.com
sababatoys.com
scientificexplorer.com
shelcore.com
smartlabtoys.com
smartypantslearning.com
noteniks.net
spinmaster.com
startsmarter.com
step2.com
steps4kids.com
tangletoys.com
aerobloks.com
tottalk.com
webothread.com
ugames.com
vtechkids.com
wildrepublic.com
kidsciencekits.com
rukshuk.com
zoppa.com
Dr. Toy’s Ten Tips on Use of
Smart Play/Smart Toys for
Learning and Fun
After school, weekends, and vacation time provide balance and well-being so
important for children. Parents are encouraged to carefully select products for
playtime. Find time to play games, solve puzzles, do creative and constructive projects, and read. Planning positive, enjoyable, informal activities make a critical difference in school success and provide more balance and less stress.
1. Be sure your child's toys, games, and other playthings are easily accessible and
stored in easy to locate boxes and shelves.
2. Limit TV until creative projects have been enjoyed, homework and chores have
been completed, and some time has been spent outdoors.
3. Active play is important to children who have been in school all day. Active play
offers exercise and opportunities to release stress.
4. Schedule activities your child can look forward to, particularly ones that offer
accomplishment - like swimming, music lessons, or other creative pursuits.
5. Set aside social time with other children outside of school. Schedule time for
informal get-togethers to help children with inter-personal skills.
6. Don't forget to read to your child. Make “read-aloud” a family daily activity.
7. Encourage imaginative play with puppets and other creative objects.
8. Guide your child toward hobbies like creative pursuits and academic projects,
especially those in biology, geography, math, nature, and science.
9. Help your child become more independent by learning how to take care of
personal needs like homework and personal grooming.
10. Manage playtime for a balanced and varied play experiences of physical
activity, creativity, and educational opportunities.
Children need plenty of time to nurture their creative experiences, to unwind from
pressures, to do homework, and to be able to focus attention on what needs to be
accomplished. This requires juggling, patience, and planning as children learn how
to effectively manage their time. Learning to balance activities and scheduling is
important preparation for school,
work, and the lifetime that lies
ahead.
DrToy.com - Page 6
Selected “Smart Toys”
for Skill-Building
• Active play - Learning
Resources Jump 'n' Jam
Jungle™ Talking Floor Mat
$34.95 (Ages 3-5) 800-2223909 ww.learningresources.com
• Critical thinking - MEGA
Brands Brian the Brain $99.99
(Ages 8-12) 800-465-6342
www.megabrands.com
• Language Development Folkmanis Galapagos Tortoise
Puppet $40 (Ages 3-12) 800654-8922 www.folkmanis.com
• Learning Skills - Educational
Insights GeoSafari® Talking
Microscope $29.99 (Ages 5-12)
800-995-4436 www.educationalinsights.com
• Logical Thinking Briarpatch Newton's Apples
$24.99 (Ages 7-12) 800-2327427 www.briarpatch.com
• Mental Skills - b. dazzle
Teachers Scramble Squares®
$8.95 (Ages 4-12) 800-8094242 www.b-dazzle.com
• Tactile Stimulation - Tangle
Toys Baby Tangle $9.99 (Ages
6-12 mos) 888-829-3808
www.tangletoys.com
• Technological Play - MGA
Entertainment Little Tikes
Play Smarter™ Cook 'n Learn
Kitchen $99.99 (Ages 3-12)
888-222-4685 www.mgae.com
r. To
y
SMART TOYS FOR SMART PLAY
Dr. Toy's “100 Best Children’s Products for 2007” Award
Report –Smart Toys for Back to School & After-School and Holiday Gifts
D
SMART TOYS FOR SMART PLAY
100 BEST
Children's Products
The list of new, quality, developmentally appropriate items includes Toys, Videos, Audio CDs,
DVDs, Games, Books, and Socially Responsible, High Tech, Active, and Educational Products.
The list of new, quality, developmentally appropriate items
includes Toys, Videos, Audio CDs, DVDs, Games, Books, and
Socially Responsible, High Tech, Active, and Educational Products.
“Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children's Products for 2007" was developed by noted child development authority, Stevanne Auerbach,
Ph.D. (a.k.a. Dr. Toy) as a service to consumers who desire to purchase safe, affordable, educationally oriented, and stimulating toys
and products for children. “As a childhood
specialist for over 36 years,” says Dr. Toy,
Director of the Institute for Childhood
Resources, founded in San Francisco in
1975, “I have seen the continuous, essential need for more year-round resources for
consumers to identify and choose the most
appropriate, safe and engaging learning and developmental products
for all children.
The report, “Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children’s Products for 2007,”
is being released according to Dr. Toy to “encourage parents and
teachers to focus on the value of play as essential to the learning
process.” She adds, “Smart play products selected from 100 companies across the U.S.A., Canada, Cyprus, Germany, and
other countries provide children with exciting new learning tools to help them do better in school, and also provide more constructive activities after school.” Dr.
Auerbach believes “parents and grandparents need help
to get a head start locating new, diversified products that
children will enjoy while increasing skills, complimenting instruction, and expanding creativity.” The product
selection is balanced among large and small companies,
and ranges from low-tech to high-tech for “hours of constructive,
educational, and stimulating fun.” “Children learn best through
play,” says Dr. Auerbach, “and these smart toys and products
encourage children to maximize their potential.” “Back-to-school is
a good time to ‘take stock’ and do an inventory of what your child
is playing with, what is not used, and what toys are needed next for
the child’s ongoing development,” adds Dr. Toy. “Our Guide offers
excellent ideas for choosing new products for after school play and
the holidays ahead.”
“Dr. Toy's 100 Best” were carefully chosen from among thousands reviewed at toy fairs, in catalogs, and many other sources, and
by using the extensive criteria she has developed over many years.
Among the criteria used are: safety, age-appropriateness, design,
durability, lasting play value, cultural and ethnic diversity, good
transition from home to school, educational value, learning skills,
creativity, improvement in the understanding of the community and
the world, good value for price, and, naturally, fun.
Examples of the aspects of smart play of these outstanding
smart toys and products and the companies recognized by these special awards include:
Active Play - Play Smarter Cook ‘N Learn Kitchen (Little Tikes
MGA) Baby Tangle (Tangle Toys) Lil Explorer (Playhut) Doorway
Playhouse (Step 2) Jump n Jam Talking Floor Mat (Learning
Resources) Catch a Brain Wave Fitness Fun (Kimbo Educational).
Creativity/Music &Art - Paint and Plant (Wild Republic) Carousel
Musical Kaleidoscope (Gemini Kaleidoscopes) My First Airplane
Kit (Scientific Explorer) My Dream Horse Pour and Mold
(Breyer/Reeves) Ready2Learn™ Mask Kit (Center Enterprises)
Puzzles & Logical Thinking Games - Teachers Scramble
Squares® puzzle (b.dazzle); Newton’s Apples (Briarpatch), Game
of Life (Hasbro/Milton Bradley) Bendomino (Blue Orange Games)
Learning/Math & Reading Readiness - Adventure in Numberland
Software (Comfyware) We Both Read (Treasure Bay)
Language & Mental Development - Write Their ABC’s
(Steps4Kids) GeoSafari Talking Microscope (Educational Insights)
Word Sweep (Intellinitiative Game)
Construction Play - Simple and Complex Machines (Engino) Dado
Cubes (Fat Brain Toy) Dwellings (Learning Materials Workshop)
Dexterity & Technology- Brian the Brain (MGA Entertainment)
Social &Dramatic Play - Kitty Keyboard (Parents by Battat) Art Lab
Fashion Studio (Smart Lab Toys)
Socially Responsible Products - Galapagos Tortoise
Puppet (Folkmanis) Natural Classic School bus( Maple
Landmark) Be the Boss of Your Pain (Free Spirit Press)
Hospital (Playmobil) My Own Monsters (North
American Bear) My Two Homes (Family Stories)
Downs Syndrome Doll (Fanny’s Playhouse) In the
Company of Wild Butterflies (Alpha Spectrum
Productions)
Ten Best Toys - Ultimate LEGO® Building Set (Lego Systems)
Cheeky Chick (Okie Dog) DragonBonz (Curious Toys) Citysteps™
Growing Things Dramatic Play Kit (ETA/Cuisenaire) Highway
Patrol (Carrera of America) Erector Speed Play Robot
(Nikko/Erector USA) Interactive Lia (Corolle) Betty Spaghetty
(Ohio Art) Throw & Tell Talking Flying Disc (Duncan Toys) and
Activity Frog (Aurora World).
Dr. Toy selects special categories including: Ten Best Toys, Best
Active Products, Audio and Video Tapes, Creative Products,
Educational Products, Games, Socially Responsible Products, and
Software/CDs/High Tech Products. Winning products are manufactured by new and established small and large companies from
around the world including: Alex, b.dazzle, Battat/Parents
Magazine, Briarpatch, Corolle Dolls, Educational Insights, Engino,
Fanny’s Playhouse, Folkmanis, Gamewright, HABA, Hasbro,
KNEX, Learning Resources, LEGO
Systems, Mega Brands, Maple Landmark,
MGA Entertainment, Mic-o-Mic Americas,
Ohio Art, Patch Products, Playhut,
Playmobil, Spinmaster, Step 2, Tangle
Toys, Wild Republic, Young Scientists
Club, Zabazoo, and many others.
DrToy.com - Page 7
SMART PLAY SMART TOY
Books to Guide Search For The Right Toy
See www.
EducationalInsights.com
For more information or to
order books,
www.BarnesAndNoble.com
The book is now available
in Greek, Hebrew, Korean,
Spanish and Thai. For
more information, see
drtoy.com, www.patakis.gr
“Many people think play is trivial, but it isn't,” said
Dr. Toy. “Play is vital for the developing mind
because it allows children to extend their imagination, resourcefulness, social interaction, problemsolving skills and resilience."
The book helps parents navigate the thousands of
toy and play options available, offers tips on how to
evaluate toy safety, and provides 160 activities that
enhance PQ. In addition, it identifies gender-specific and age-appropriate toys, important craft sup
ing to Jim Whitney, President of Educational
Insights, “Effective play produces a well-rounded
child, ready to take on further learning
challenges. We are very pleased to be
involved in spreading the very popular
and practical advice for which Dr. Toy is so well
known.”
Dr. Toy provides
practical ideas to
enhance playtime, for all
children from
baby to older
children.
• Dr. Stevanne
Auerbach really
understands
children, play
and
Michael B.
Rothenberg,M.D.
• Auerbach
applies her scientific,but not
preachy expertise to that
challenge. She
relies as much
on common
sense and parenting insight
as on scholarly
For copies of "Smart Play/Smart Toys" contact:
www.EducationalInsights.com or call 800 995 4436 or see :
www.Toys4Minds.com or www.BarnesAndNoble.com.
The book is now available in Greek, Hebrew, Korean,
Spanish and Thai.
toys. This book
is a wonderful
resource for
parents, teachers and everyone who works
and plays with
children...
research to suggest toys ranging from
brooms and
plastic cups to
books and
watercolors to
amuse,
stimulate, and
activate
children.
Kathryn
Carpenter
Booklist,
American Library
Association
• Dr. Toy’s
Smart Play
Smart Toys is a
great guide for
anyone searching for the right
toy for creative
play, building
developmental
skills or for just
plain fun. It’s
easy to use and
well organized.
Invaluable!
Alice Bergman
West Side Kids
(ASTRA member),
N.Y. C.
“Toys+Play = Smart Kids”