TOTY-ShoppingGuide.indd

Guide to
HOLIDAY
SHOPPING
Featuring the toy industry’s top picks for the
2013 TOY OF THE YEAR AWARDS
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SUPPORT THE TOY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
The Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) believes that every child, regardless of circumstance,
deserves the right to play. Unfortunately for many kids, the natural wonder of play is
often elusive. TIF works year-round to put toys in the hands of children living in poverty,
suffering from chronic illness, rescued from crisis situations, or living with the stress of
having a parent in the military.
Foundation partners and programs include:
Boys And Girls Clubs Of America Military Services
Play Comforts
More than 100,000 toys have been distributed to the children of U.S. soldiers on active duty
and stationed at the bases with the highest deployment rates.
CASA for Children
Announcing a new national partnership aimed at making play possible for foster children
across the country and connecting them with their court-appointed volunteer advocates.
The Toy Bank
More than 9 million new toys worth over $70 million have been collected from toy
manufacturers and distributed to kids in need around the world.
Play Connects
An annual initiative that awards up to three $10,000 grants to community organizations
nominated by members of the Toy Industry Association.
To find out how you can help, visit
toyindustryfoundation.org
WHAT’S THIS SEASON’S
HOTTEST NEW TOY?
Experts agree that the perfect choice of a “hot” toy for your
child is one that has been carefully selected for his or her
age, personality and interests. From classic toys with a high-
tech twist to games that build active bodies and active
minds, you’ll find tons of inspiration among the 2013 Toy of
the Year (TOTY) finalists featured in this Guide and on the
toyawards.org website.
Each finalist in 11 different categories has been selected
from hundreds of products nominated by the world’s
top toy companies. You’re sure to find some inspiring giftgiving suggestions that will bring a smile to the face of
every child—no matter how old—on your list!
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TOY BUYING TIPS
Pick age-appropriate toys with these tips from the Toy Industry Association:
0- 6 MONTHS
3-6 YEARS
6-12 MONTHS
6-9 YEARS
Masters of make-believe, kindergartners like to act
out grown-up roles and use costumes and props to
bring their imagination to life. Materials for arts and
crafts are also popular with this age-group.
Babies can’t yet grasp objects, so they tend to use their
ears and eyes to experience play. Go for toys that make
noise or have high-contrast, black-and-white, or brightly
colored images.
Play that requires strategy and skill—such as board
games, tabletop sports and age-appropriate sporting
equipment—are perfect picks for school-age children.
Fashion dolls and action figures also help them to
explore grown up worlds.
As they’re mastering their motor skills, babies that can sit
up enjoy toys they can bang, stack, put in and take out,
and open and shut. Once they start moving, find toys that
move along with them.
1-2 YEARS
9-12 YEARS
Fueled by curiosity and wonder, incredibly active toddlers
need toys for physical play–walking, climbing, pushing,
and riding. Imaginative and educational toys are also
highly beneficial.
Pre-teens begin to develop hobbies and enjoy crafts,
model kits, magic sets, construction sets, science kits
and jigsaw puzzles.
2-3 YEARS
Older toddlers enjoy toys for active play such as jumping,
climbing and throwing. And with good hand and finger
coordination, arts and crafts, puppets, blocks, and simple
puzzles make great choices.
Visit toyinfo.org for additional shopping and toy safety tips, play guides and more.
PLAY IT SAFE
1.
Check and follow age guidance and other safety
information on packaging.
2.
Avoid toys with small parts (or pieces that separate or
can be broken off) for children under age three (3) and
children who mouth toys.
3.
Inspect toys at the store, looking for sturdy parts and
tightly secured joints.
4.
Read instructions for assembly and use. Complete and
return warranty cards (which are also used if a recall
is issued).
5.
Remove and discard all packaging from a toy before
giving it to a baby or small child.
6.
Separate toys to ensure that younger children cannot
access toys that are too old and potentially unsafe
for them.
7.
Supervise children when they play. Remind
caregivers, including grandparents, of play-related
safety concerns.
8.
Check toys every three months to determine
their safety.
9.
Exercise caution when buying toys at flea markets
and second-hand shops as these vendors may not
be monitoring for recalled products. Shop at a retailer
you know and trust.
10. When replacing a battery in a toy, carefully re-engage
the locking mechanism of the battery compartment.
Immediately discard old batteries.
ACTIVITY
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
BLINGLES™ BLING STUDIO
by Moose Toys | www.myblingles.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $19.99
The Blingles™ Bling Studio gives you everything you need to add “bling,” sparkle and shine to your
accessories! The Bling Studio comes with a gem pen, transfer slides, and glue roll, so that you can create
designs using pre-set patterns or design your own.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
CAKE POPS BY BAKERELLA ULTIMATE CAKE POPS SET
by SRM Entertainment, Ltd. | www.srmentertainment.com/bakerella/ | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $24.99
The Ultimate Cake Pops Set makes it easy to create adorable cake pops with some of Bakerella’s favorite
designs. Crumble your cake, mix with frosting and mold it in an assortment of shapes using the items in this
set. Just shape, dip, decorate and display your creations to become a (cake) pop star.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DIGITAL LIGHT DESIGNER
by Crayola | www.crayola.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $49.99
Crayola’s revolutionary Digital Light Designer includes a digital light stylus for children to create art with
colored LED’s on a 360 degree domed drawing surface. Three different modes let kids create dynamic freehand drawings, activate amazing animations and have hours of fun playing interactive drawing games.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® FRIENDS
by The LEGO Group | www.lego.com/friends | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $5.99–$69.99
One of the most researched and exciting launches in company history, the storied adventures of 5 girls who
live, work and play in Heartlake City give girls an exciting new way to engage with LEGO® play.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LITEBRIX™
by Cra-z-Art® | www.cra-z-art.com | Ages 6–12 | MSRP: $20.00–$99.99
CRA-Z-ART’s LITE BRIX™ is an exciting new activity toy and innovative building system that combines
traditional brick building construction with the magic of light-up bricks and connectors, allowing kids to build
an entire light-up city.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
MONSTER HIGH® CREATE-A-MONSTER DESIGN LAB
by Mattel, Inc. | www.monsterhigh.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $39.99
Monster High® fans love designing and sharing unique monster creations via user-generated content.
Now, with the Monster High® Create-A-Monster Design Lab, select a torso, limbs and head from the
Create-A-Monster kit, place the parts in the Design Lab, and apply decorative “skins,” to make endless ghoul
combinations.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SYMPHONY IN B.™
by B. toys by Battat | www.justb-byou.com | Ages 3–13 | MSRP: $49.99
Choose up to six instruments to put in the orchestra pit and hear them play together, and then switch them
out to hear the musical transformation of millions of musical combinations! Lights display the different
sections of the orchestra and the shape-sorter feature teaches shapes and colors!
Vote online at toyawards.org
BOY
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
AIR HOGS BATTLE TRACKER™
by Spin Master Ltd. | www.airhogs.com | Ages 10+ | MSRP: $99.99
Brings true physical battle play right into your home! Engage in an interactive battle between the disc firing
heli and the missile firing robot, have the turret track attack the helicopter automatically or manually, or fly
the heli into position and shoot up to seven rapid-fire discs to claim victory!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
HEXBUG® WARRIORS BATTLING ROBOTS BATTLE STADIUM
by Innovation First International | www.hexbug.com/warriors | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $29.99
HEXBUG® Warriors Battling Robots use the physics of vibration to compete against opponents in Battle
Stadiums and Arenas. Kids customize these fighters, equipping them with removable snap-on armor. Warriors
have shock sensors that activate Match Mode. Lights go from green to red, until it stops, deactivates, and only
one Warrior is left standing.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
HOT WHEELS® BALLISTIKS™
by Mattel, Inc. | www.hotwheels.com | Ages 4+ | MSRP: $5.99
Hot Wheels® gets a round transformation with Ballistiks™ vehicles. For the first time, Hot Wheels® goes
from vehicle to “spherical,” for never-before possible 1:64 scale stunts. With a quick fold and tuck, Ballistiks™
transform from a vehicle to a ball that can be rolled rapidly or launched through the air.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® NINJAGO
by The LEGO Group | www.lego.com/ninjago | Ages 12+ | MSRP: $4.99–$119.99
LEGO® Ninjago tells the story of 4 young Ninjas who are working to master the art of Spinjitzu in order
to save the world from the evil Lord Garmadon and his skeleton army. This hybrid play theme combines
traditional LEGO themes with a social gaming experience that mirrors the art of Ninja spinning to defeat the
enemies.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
NERF N-STRIKE ELITE HAIL-FIRE BLASTER
by Hasbro, Inc. | www.hasbro.com/nerf | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $39.99
Boasting an unprecedented capacity for up to 144 darts, the HAIL-FIRE blaster unleashes N-STRIKE ELITE darts,
traveling up to 75 feet. The HAIL-FIRE blaster features a revolving clip carousel with slots for eight clips. The
HAIL-FIRE blaster features semi-automatic motorized blasting.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SKYLANDERS GIANTS™
by Activision Publishing, Inc. | www.skylanders.com/giants | Ages 10+ | MSRP: $74.99
Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure™—
merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have
“brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES SHELLRAISER
by Playmates Toys | www.playmatestoys.com | Ages 4+ | MSRP: $29.99
The Shellraiser delivers all the power needed for the Turtles to hit the road together and take command. Up to
eight Core Action Figures can fit inside. The Shellraiser includes a spring loaded cannon and a side door that
sends kids’ favorite heroes in a half shell flying out with 360 degree Ninja flip-kicking action.
Vote online at toyawards.org
e-CONNECTED
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ANIMAL PLANET WILDLANDS
by Nukotoys | http://www.nukotoys.com/games/wildlands | Ages 10+ | MSRP: $99.99
Animal Planet Wildlands is an innovative 3D animal adventure game. Players can collect the full set of 60
trading cards called ‘Nuko’ that magically come to life within the game. Each animal card will allow them to
explore a world where they can interact with other animals, create herds or packs, discover hidden items and
race against other animals.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FURBY
Hasbro, Inc. | www.furby.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $59.99
FURBY, an evolved, interactive friend with ‘a mind of its own’ and a personality that is shaped based on how
it is treated. Feed it, speak to it, tickle it or play music for it – the personality of each FURBY is shaped by
these experiences. Emotional and unpredictable, FURBY will let kids know how it feels through a series of
animations displayed in its expressive LCD eyes.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
KURIO7
by Techno Source | www.KurioWorld.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $149.99
Kurio7 is the ultimate Android™ tablet for families™ with kids: a full-featured Android 4.0, Wi-Fi-enabled
tablet parents can use and hand over to kids. Parents create up to 8 different profiles easily, controlling
internet, app access, time control, and can give age-appropriate access to each family member. Drop-safe
bumper included.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® LIFE OF GEORGE
by The LEGO Group | www.lego.com/legogames | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $29.99
LEGO® Life of George is the world’s first interactive game combining LEGO bricks with a mobile device!
Players follow George around the world as he challenges players with a series of fun, timed building tasks.
Build as fast as possible, capture the creation with your iPhone/iPod or Android device camera to track score
on building skills and advance through the game..
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SKYLANDERS GIANTS™
by Activision Publishing, Inc. | www.skylanders.com/giants | Ages 10+ | MSRP: $74.99
Skylanders Giants builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure™—
merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have
“brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SPHERO®
by Orbotix | www.gosphero.com | Ages 13+ | MSRP: $129.99
Sphero is the world’s first robotic ball that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing from your smartphone or
tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, hold Sphero in your hand to use it as a
controller for on-screen gameplay, learn basic programming, and even explore augmented reality.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
STORYBOTS™ STARRING YOU® STORYBOOKS
by JibJab Media Inc. | www.storybots.com | Ages 2–6 | MSRP: $3.99/month
StoryBots Starring You® StoryBooks utilize award-winning Starring You® technology. Kids’ faces and names
are the center stories on the iPad, creating a meaningful educational experience for parents and kids!
Beautiful artwork, engaging animations and unique sound effects bring the stories to life and put the kid
stars in some very unusual circumstances.
Vote online at toyawards.org
EDUCATIONAL
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
INNOTAB® 2
by VTech Electronics North America, LLC | www.vtechkids.com | Ages 3–9 | MSRP: $79.99
The new InnoTab® 2 is a multi-media tablet with a 5” touch screen that keeps kids entertained and engaged
while they learn. This sleek and durable toy comes equipped with a new rotatable camera, tilt sensor, photo
viewer, video player, MP3 music player, e-reader, art studio, microphone and more. Now kids can enjoy e-books,
music, photos and videos on-the-go just like mom and dad!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEAPPAD2™
by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. | www.leapfrog.com/leappad2 | Ages 3–9 | MSRP: $99.99
LeapPad2™ is the next generation of LeapPad. LeapPad2 opens a world of learning, creativity and exploration
through its growing library of hundreds of games, apps, music, videos and more. It includes front-and-back
cameras and video recorders, 4GB of memory and a faster processor, all housed in a durable, kid-friendly
design.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEAPSTERGS™
by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. | www.leapfrog.com/leappad2 | Ages 3–9 | MSRP: $69.99
LeapsterGS™ is the newest addition to the award-winning Leapster® family. This revolutionary new gaming
handheld offers fast-action gameplay packed with rich learning in a sleek and kid-tough design. LeapsterGS
keeps kids engaged with updated features including motion-based play, a built-in camera and video recorder,
kid-friendly controls, and a large library of educational entertainment.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® ARCHITECTURE
by The LEGO Group | architecture.lego.com | Ages 12+ | MSRP: $29.99–$69.99
Geared towards adult and more advanced builders, LEGO® Architecture offers LEGO® display replicas of some
of the world’s most celebrated landmarks and architectural gems.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ROLL & PLAY™
by ThinkFun, Inc. | www.thinkfun.com | Ages 18 months+ | MSRP: $19.99
The first game ever designed for toddlers, Roll & Play™ is hours of get-up-and-move fun! Toddlers adore the
soft, plush cube, and parents love seeing their little learners exercise their minds and motor skills through
active play. Actions like “Do a silly dance” and “Tickle your knees” make players literally wiggle with delight!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SPECTACULAR SCIENCE
by Thames & Kosmos | www.thamesandkosmos.com | Ages 12+ | MSRP: $89.90
Do-It-Yourself Science Show: Amaze your audience with 25 awesome chemistry demonstrations! Includes
professional quality lab equipment, special cue cards with stage directions and helpful hints, and a 64-page,
full-color, comic book style manual with details on how to perform and explain the phenomena at work.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ZINGO® SIGHT WORDS
by ThinkFun, Inc. | www.thinkfun.com | Grades Pre-K–1 | MSRP: $19.99
Zingo® Sight Words is a fun, interactive game that teaches reading skills through fast-paced play! Early
readers learn to recognize and read some of the most common, fundamental words in the English language.
Learning and mastering them is key to becoming a successful, fluent reader - doing it through play makes
learning fun!
Vote online at toyawards.org
GAME
OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DISNEY JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES - NEVER LAND CHALLENGE GAME
by Wonder Forge, Inc. | www.wonderforge.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $19.99
Join Jake and the Never Land Pirates for a high-spirited adventure! Grab your pirate gear and crawl, tiptoe,
and jump through the vine archways to earn gold doubloons. Each turn offers a chance to prove your playful
pirate skills. Collect more coins than Captain Hook to win!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DON’T ROCK THE BOAT™
by Patch Prodcuts | www.patchproducts.com | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $9.99–$14.99
Don’t Rock the Boat™ involves balancing peg-legged pirate penguins on a topsy-turvy boat. Imagine the
suspense of plotting your move, knowing that where you set your pirate penguin could cause the boat to
topple and all the penguins to go tumbling overboard.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FIBBER™
by Spin Master Ltd. | www.spinmastergames.com | Ages 7+ | MSRP: $15.99
Did you see a Ghost? Or are you fibbing? In Fibber, kids play picture cards in order, and then tell everyone what
they’re playing. Don’t get caught fibbing, or your nose will grow! Shortest nose wins the game! With Fibber,
it’s not what you play, it’s what you say!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
PERPLEXUS™ EPIC
by PlaSmart, Inc. | www.perplexus.net | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $29.99
Perplexus™ Epic is the most challenging of the Perplexus family of 3D marble maze games. Players guide a
small steel ball throughout an intricate track inside a large, transparent sphere. Unlike traditional, flat-surface
mazes, Perplexus Epic challenges players with 125 paths and dozens of barriers to overcome. In addition to
providing hours of intriguing entertainment.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SKYLANDERS GIANTS™
by Activision Publishing, Inc. | www.skylanders.com/giants | Ages 10+ | MSRP: $74.99
Skylanders Giants™ builds upon the breakthrough fundamentals of the Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure™—
merging the physical and virtual realms with an innovative line of cross-platform toy figures that have
“brains,” which players everywhere can magically bring to life in the world of Skylands.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SPOT IT JR. ANIMALS
by Blue Orange Games | www.blueorangegames.com/spotit-junior.php | Ages 4+ | MSRP: $9.99
With six adorable animals on each card, Spot it! Jr. Animals is the ideal matching game. Little ones will love
matching over 30 colorful animals and making all their sounds! Spot it! Jr. is a fun way to sharpen kids’
cognitive processing and visual perception skills.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
THE SNEAKY, SNACKY SQUIRREL GAME™
by Educational Insights | www.educationalinsights.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $21.99
Spin the spinner and use the Squirrel Squeezers to select the matching acorn from the board-game box, filling
your log with tasty acorns first and you win! This preschool game develops color identification, matching and
sorting skills, strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and pre-handwriting skills.
Vote online at toyawards.org
GIRL
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DISNEY PRINCESS CINDERELLA MAGIC LIGHTS DRESS
by Creative Designs International (CDI), a division of JAKKS Pacific | www.jakks.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $34.99
Girls can celebrate the magic of Cinderella firsthand by transforming into their favorite Disney Princess with
the Cinderella Magic Lights Dress. The stunning blue dress features silver trim and motion-activated lights
that illuminate the dress, creating an enchanting effect as she dances and twirls!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DOC MCSTUFFINS “TIME FOR YOUR CHECK-UP” DOLL
by Just Play | www.justplaytoys.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $39.99
Based on the new Disney Junior animated series, the Doc McStuffins “Time For Your Check-Up” Doll comes to
life with all of Doc’s healing powers. Accompanied by her best friend Lambie, this doll talks and sings while
using her tools to listen to her best friend Lambie’s heart beat, and more.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FURBY
by Hasbro, Inc. | www.furby.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $59.99
FURBY, an evolved, interactive friend with ‘a mind of its own’ and a personality that is shaped based on how
it is treated. Feed it, speak to it, tickle it or play music for it – the personality of each FURBY is shaped by
these experiences. Emotional and unpredictable, FURBY will let kids know how it feels through a series of
animations displayed in its expressive LCD eyes.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FURREAL FRIENDS BABY BUTTERSCOTCH, MY MAGICAL SHOW PONY
by Hasbro, Inc. | www.furrealfriends.com | Ages 4+ | MSRP: $119.99
Baby Butterscotch pony comes to life via animated facial expressions and lifelike pony sounds. Baby
Butterscotch pony responds to you by moving her head, blinking her eyes, moving her ears and letting out
a sweet whinny to show her excitement. This pet comes to life with her animated expressions and lifelike
sounds.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LA DEE DA™
by Spin Master Ltd. | www.ladeeda.com | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $19.99
La Dee Da™ is an outrageous fashion label created by a talented teen, Dee and BFFs. Whether it’s shakeup
makeup, fierce outfits, or crazy purple curls, Dee and her friends go for the bold. La Dee Da invites girls to
create, imagine, and express themselves through fashion play.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® FRIENDS
by The LEGO Group | www.lego.com/friends | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $5.99–$69.99
One of the most researched and exciting launches in LEGO® history, the storied adventures of five girls who
live, work and play in Heartlake City give girls an exciting new way to engage with LEGO® play.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
MONSTER HIGH® HIGH SCHOOL
by Mattel, Inc. | www.monsterhigh.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $79.99
The two-story Monster High® High School playset features the most recognizable rooms from the animated
entertainment including the mad science classroom, creepateria and casketball court. Included stickers let
girls personalize the coffin-shaped lockers or transform the creepateria for the school dance.
Vote online at toyawards.org
INFANT / TODDLER
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ALPHABET ACTIVITY CUBE™
by VTech Electronics North America, LLC | www.vtechkids.com | Ages 9–36 months | MSRP: $49.99
Alphabet Activity Cube™ is the perfect electronic learning toy that lets little ones play, discover and learn.
This educational electronic cube builds developmental skills such as letter recognition, motor skills, number
recognition, practice with numbers and teaching cause and effect relationships.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
CRUISE & GROOVE BALLAPALOOZA™
by Fisher-Price, Inc. | www.fisher-price.com | Ages 6–36 months | MSRP: $69.99
Featuring dancing lights and a brand-new beat, this ballapalooza gets baby movin,’ groovin,’ and growin’!
Sitting babies can drop balls onto the ramps and watch them race down the chutes. Crawlers can drop and
chase balls. There’s even more fun when little ones are ready to stand and cruise.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® DUPLO CREATIVE SORTER
by The LEGO Group | www.lego.com/DUPLO | Ages 1.5+ | MSRP: $19.99
This fun build-and-store bucket introduces children to LEGO® DUPLO building, through an assortment of 23
color-coded basic and rounded bricks. Three 3 corresponding blue, yellow and red sorting plate lids double as
simple building instructions to create a parrot, an elephant and a giraffe.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ROCKTIVITY WALK ‘N ROLL RIDER
by PLAYSKOOL | www.playskool.com | Ages 9 months+ | MSRP: $44.99
“Walkin’ on the Sun” and other fun digitally re-created pop tunes encourage little ones as they cruise along
with this brightly colored walker. When baby stops moving, the music stops too, so little ones will want to
keep on walking!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ROLL & PLAY™
by ThinkFun, Inc. | www.thinkfun.com | Ages 18 months+ | MSRP: $19.99
The first game ever designed for toddlers, Roll & Play™ is hours of get-up-and-move fun! Toddlers adore the
soft, plush cube, and parents love seeing their little learners exercise their minds and motor skills through
active play. Actions like “Do a silly dance” and “Tickle your knees” make players literally wiggle with delight!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
TRANQUIL TURTLE™
by Cloud b | www.cloudb.com | Ages 0+ | MSRP: $48.95
This gentle turtle combines both sight and sound features in one soft, soothing character. Glowing in a
relaxing aquamarine color, the shell projects a magical underwater light effect with a gentle wave motion,
and plays soothing sounds of ocean waves. The effect provides a calm and relaxing environment, giving
children a peaceful night’s sleep.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
WOOFER™
by B. toys by Battat | www.justb-byou.com | Ages 2–6 | MSRP: $24.99
Meet Woofer, ready to play a ruff riff in one of three modes: acoustic, electric or hound dog. Eight musical
buttons play C to C chords, while guitar strings play chord progressions or pre-recorded songs…and a
whammy bone lets you make any song your own. That’s a hound dog.
Vote online at toyawards.org
INNOVATIVE
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
4D CITYSCAPE HISTORY TIME PUZZLE
by 4D Cityscape, Inc. | www.4DCityscape.com | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $29.99–$39.99
4D Cityscape takes puzzle design to new levels! Layers 1 and 2 assemble together like a jigsaw puzzle forming
a geographical city map. A third layer adds the 4th Dimension of time, taking builders through history by
locating and placing buildings into the puzzle floor in chronological order, as if history is happening before
your eyes.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DIGITAL LIGHT DESIGNER
by Crayola | www.crayola.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $49.99
Crayola’s revolutionary Digital Light Designer includes a digital light stylus for children to create art with
colored LED’s on a 360 degree domed drawing surface. Three different modes let kids create dynamic freehand drawings, activate amazing animations and have hours of fun playing interactive drawing games.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FURBY
by Hasbro, Inc. | www.furby.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $59.99
FURBY, an evolved, interactive friend with ‘a mind of its own’ and a personality that is shaped based on how
it is treated. Feed it, speak to it, tickle it or play music for it – the personality of each FURBY is shaped by
these experiences. Emotional and unpredictable, FURBY will let kids know how it feels through a series of
animations displayed in its expressive LCD eyes.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ILLUMIVOR MECHA-SHARK
by Skyrocket Toys | www.Illumivor.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $89.99
The Illumivor Mecha-Shark is a glowing, radio-controlled predator with animated chomping teeth, a smooth
moving tail and ominous sound effects. These mechanized carnivores really come to life in the DARK, when
they appear to be swiftly swimming across the floor. Illumivor Sharks measure 18 inches and are controlled by
a cool Shark Fin Controller.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEAPPAD2™
by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. | www.leapfrog.com/leappad2 | Ages 3–9 | MSRP: $99.99
LeapPad2™ is the next generation of LeapPad, opens a world of learning, creativity and exploration through its
growing library of hundreds of games, apps, music, videos and more. It includes front-and-back cameras and
video recorders, 4GB of memory and a faster processor, all housed in a durable, kid-friendly design.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FOOTBALL
by Hasbro, Inc. | www.hasbro.com/nerf | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $19.99
No sunlight? No problem. Put on the FIRE FRAMES eyewear and turn on the switch to see this awesome
football soar. Set includes one FIREVISION SPORTS football and two pairs of FIRE FRAMES eyewear.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SWISH™
by ThinkFun, Inc. | www.thinkfun.com | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $12.99
Swish is a spatial card game that challenges players to mentally flip and rotate cards to make matches, or
“Swishes”. Swishes are made by layering as few as two or as many as 12 transparent cards so that balls “swish
into a hoop of the same color.
Vote online at toyawards.org
OUTDOOR
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FUZE WHEEL WRITER
by Skyrocket Toys | www.fuzebikefx.com | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $19.99
The Fuze Wheel Writer displays high-tech light effects on bike wheels as kids ride. Mount directly to the
spokes of almost any bike, and as the wheels spin, the super-bright computer-controlled LEDs flash on and off
to create over a dozen different images and patterns – including a real working speedometer
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LITTLE TIKES® COZY COUPLE GO BUBBLES
by Imperial Toy | www.imperialtoy.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $29.99
Hours of continuous bubble blowing fun! Streams of Super Miracle Bubbles will flow as little roadsters give
their kid-powered ride a squeeze and go! Children will have hours of continuous bubble blowing fun as they
engage in active outdoor play, imagination, adventure and the development of their motor skills!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
NAT GEO WILD™ ANTEATER BUG VAC™
by Uncle Milton Industries | www.unclemilton.com | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $29.99
It may look like a real anteater but this toy is really a motorized vacuum that easily and safely suctions up
bugs just like an Anteater. It’s a great way to collect and observe all kinds of bugs with just the touch of a
button; it even has a removable belly so you can view the bugs you collect up close!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
NERF FIREVISION SPORTS FOOTBALL
by Hasbro, Inc. | www.hasbro.com/nerf | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $19.99
No sunlight? No problem. Put on the FIRE FRAMES eyewear and turn on the switch to see this awesome
football soar. Set includes one FIREVISION SPORTS football and two pairs of FIRE FRAMES eyewear.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
RAZOR® FLASHRIDER™ 360
by Razor USA LLC | www.razor.com | Ages 6+ | MSRP: $129.99
Razor® put their flashy spin on the classic three-wheeler with this cool ride that spins, drifts and sparks.
Engage the Spark Bar while riding for “explosive” action that will light up your neighborhood.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
THE ORIGINAL BIG WHEEL
by Kids Only, Inc., a division of JAKKS Pacific, Inc. | www.kidsonlytoys.com | Ages 3–8 | MSRP: $59.99
Celebrating more than 40 years of being the “King of the Sidewalk,” the Original Big Wheel is back. Made in
America, the Original Big Wheel features a 16” front wheel, a three-position “Grow with Me Seat” to fit kids
ages three to eight years old, sturdy plastic construction and low center of gravity for fun and safe riding.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
YBIKE EXPLORER
by National Sporting Goods | www.ybikeusa.com | Ages 5–10 | MSRP: $199.99
YBIKE USA introduces its new Explorer, a sleekly designed 3-wheeled Go-Kart that promotes physical activity,
balance, coordination, and exploration! Featuring rear wheel precision steering, eco-friendly kid pedal power,
and sturdy, puncture proof tires, this great kart makes riding on and off pavement a breeze.
Vote online at toyawards.org
PRESCHOOL
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
CHUGGINGTON DIE-CAST RAILWAY WILSON AND THE WILD RIDE DELUXE ACTION PLAYSET
by TOMY | www.stackyourtrack.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $59.99
Budding engineers can build tall, spiraling layouts with Chuggington’s Die-Cast Railway. Featuring a
revolutionary track system engineered for height, stability and durability, Wilson’s Wild Ride Playset lets little
conductors build a spiral more than 2 feet tall!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DISNEY PRINCESS SONGS PALACE BY LITTLE PEOPLE®
by Fisher-Price, Inc. | www.fisher-price.com | Ages 1.5–5 | MSRP: $49.99
This detailed, interactive playset brings Disney Princess characters to life in a special way! Place any Disney
Princess figure on a special location on the magical palace dance floor and it recognizes that specific character
by responding with her name, character phrases and a song from her movie.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
DOC MCSTUFFINS “TIME FOR YOUR CHECK-UP” DOLL
by Just Play | www.justplaytoys.com | Ages 3+ | MSRP: $39.99
Based on the new Disney Junior animated series, the Doc McStuffins “Time For Your Check-Up” Doll comes to
life with all of Doc’s healing powers. Accompanied by her best friend Lambie, this doll talks and sings while
using her tools to listen to her best friend Lambie’s heart beat, and more.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEAPPAD2™
by LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. | www.leapfrog.com/leappad2 | Ages 3–9 | MSRP: $99.99
LeapPad2™ is the next generation of LeapPad. LeapPad2 opens a world of learning, creativity and exploration
through its growing library of hundreds of games, apps, music, videos and more. It includes front-and-back
cameras and video recorders, 4GB of memory and a faster processor, all housed in a durable, kid-friendly
design.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SERVIN’ SURPRISES™ KITCHEN & TABLE
by Fisher-Price, Inc. | www.Fisher-Price.com | Ages 2+ | MSRP: $79.99
The Servin’ Surprises™ Kitchen & Table is a kitchen AND a table in one! The “magic” serving tray recognizes
the food kids are serving with songs and different phrases like “Who wants pizza?” or “Mmmm, cookies!”
Songs to teach kids about manners and clean up. All place settings and food pieces store right inside the
table!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SWITCH & GO DINOS™
by VTech Electronics North America, LLC | www.vtechkids.com | Ages 3–8 | MSRP: $15.99–$49.99
Brings together two of boys’ favorite toys – dinosaurs and vehicles – to create a unique 2-in-1 play experience.
Each comes equipped with an LCD screen for customized animation, dinosaur and vehicle sound effects and
educational dinosaur facts. Each uniquely transforms, providing two dynamic toys for the price of one.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
SYMPHONY IN B.™
by B. toys by Battat | www.justb-byou.com | Ages 3–13 | MSRP: $49.99
Choose up to six instruments to put in the orchestra pit and hear them play together, and then switch them
out to hear the musical transformation of millions of musical combinations! Lights display the different
sections of the orchestra and the shape-sorter feature teaches shapes and colors!
Vote online at toyawards.org
SPECIALTY
TOY OF THE YEAR
THIS TOY IS FOR:
4D CITYSCAPE HISTORY TIME PUZZLE
by 4D Cityscape, Inc. | www.4DCityscape.com | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $29.99–$39.99
4D Cityscape takes puzzle design to new levels! Layers 1 and 2 assemble together like a jigsaw puzzle forming
a geographical city map. A third layer adds the 4th Dimension of time, taking builders through history by
locating and placing buildings into the puzzle floor in chronological order, as if history is happening before
your eyes.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
ALL DUCT OUT™
by ALEX Toys | www.alextoys.com | Ages 7+ | MSRP: $27.95
WOW… Duct tape fashions! Just tear, stick and wear: Make belts, jewelry, headbands, glasses, a purse and
more. Templates and stencil make it easy! Includes eight rolls of duct tape, three templates, precut fabric, four
earring hooks, four jump rings, brooch pin, two belt rings, two plastic chains, hole punch, stencil, two stretchy
loops, non-stick paper and easy instructions.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FASHION ANGELS COLOR ROX HAIR CHOX™
by Fashion Angels Enterprises™ | www.fashionangels.com | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $11.99
Fashion Angels Color Rox Hair Chox™ kit includes five temporary hair color “Chox” in easy to grip holders.
Hair Chox can be applied dry for a subtle effect or to wet hair for ultra-bold color. Hair Chox work in almost
all types of hair and won’t rub off on your clothing, but the color easily washes out with your next shampoo!
Bonus: There is an easy-to-use hair beading activity included with this kit.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
FASTRACK
by Blue Orange Games | www.blueorangegames.com/fastrack.php | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $19.99
A disc-shooting speed game filled with non-stop thrills and sporty action. Using only one hand and the elastic
band, your goal is to fire all 10 discs through the tiny slot to the other side of the track. Ride the fine line
between speed and accuracy to win!
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LEGO® ARCHITECTURE
by The LEGO Group | architecture.LEGO.com | Ages 12+ | MSRP: $29.99–$69.99
Geared towards adult and more advanced builders, LEGO® Architecture offers LEGO display replicas of some
of the world’s most celebrated landmarks and architectural gems.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
LOOPDEDOO® KIT
by Ann Williams | www.loopdedoos.com | Ages 8+ | MSRP: $34.99
Design your own friendship bracelets and make them in minutes with the new Loopdedoo® spinning loom.
It’s fast, easy and fun. Just wrap your threads around the Loopdedoo® hooks, turn the knob, guide the thread
and minutes later you’re done! Make beautiful bracelets necklaces, anklets, belts and more in minutes, or
make them with friends for hours.
THIS TOY IS FOR:
PLAYMOBIL E-RANGERS HEADQUARTERS
by Playmobile | www.playmobilusa.com | Ages 7–12 | MSRP: $129.99
Equipped with a spotlight to help illuminate the surrounding terrain, knockout cannon to disable enemy
vehicles, and a functional solar fan module, this galactic headquarters is filled with top-notch technology.
Kids can oversee operations in the Playmobil E-Rangers command center using the and protect all the red
Energy Crystals.
Vote online at toyawards.org
VOTE
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January 13, 2013
www.toyawards.org
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