When I was neck-deep in the toy industry full time, it was this time of year that I was asked this question by parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents: “What are the Hottest Holiday Toys?” I always wanted to make sure I recommended good toys to my friends, family and readers of my blog because I wanted them to trust me. I also didn’t want their kids to hate me if they received a toy that broke two days after they played with it. Or two hours.
Here’s a list I always looked to and a list you can trust as well when you’re doing your Holiday toy shopping. It’s The National Parenting Center who have released their 23rd annual Holiday Seal of Approval report. Their report consists of toys that have been tested for two months by parents and children at their test centers.
There’s a number of factors that go into the reviews such as design, stimulation, price, age appropriateness and more.
I’m excited to see several toys that I’ve personally reviewed and or worked with the companies that created them on this list. Congratulations on taking the time and effort to create outstanding toys!
Holiday Toys 2013
New Technologies Category
Zoomer – we have Zoomer and we love him 🙂 Recommended for ages 5 and up
Spy Gear Sonic Distractor by Spin Master – we have these too and several other spy gear items. Love them! Recommended for ages 8 and up.
LeapPad Ultra – LeapFrog knows what they’re doing when it comes to kids tablets. And yes,they got it right again! Recommended for ages 4 to 9.
Also included on the New Technologies list were:
Kits & Crafts
Twinkle Top Treehouse Playset – Recommended for ages 5 and up
That’s Gross Science Lab – Recommended for ages 8 and up
Sweet Treats Jewelry – Recommended for ages 6 and up
Crayola Marker Maker – We played with this at the New York Toy Fair. SO much fun! Recommended for ages and up (and up and up 😉 )
Also included on the Kits & Crafts list were:
Building and Construction Toys
Heartlake High LEGO Friends – Recommended for ages 6 to 12
SmartLab Toys Demolition Lab Triple Blast Warehouse
Also included on the Building and Construction Toys list were:
LEGO Chima 70008 Gorzans Gorilla Striker
Toys, Puzzles, Dolls & More
Switch & Go Dinos Blister the Velociraptor – We had a lot of fun in the VTech booth at the Toy Fair and are BIG fans of the Switch & Go Dinos. They’re well made and are a dream toy for dino fans or vehicle fans. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.
PopStars! Stage by Playmobil – A friend of mine has this and her kids LOVE it. (So does she.) From the lights, volume control and fun little rock stars – it’s just a fun and very well made toy. Recommended for ages 4 to 10.
Large Play Set at the Zoo by HABA – Can I just say I love this company? Okay, I love this company. Recommended for ages 1 and up.
Billy Beats Dancing Piano – Recommended for ages 1 and up
Also included on the Toys, Dolls, Puzzles and More list were:
VTech 2-in-1 Shop and Cook Playset
Educational Insights Dino Construction Company “Wrecker” The T-Rex Skid Loader
Fisher-Price I-Jig Interactive Electronic Puzzle System
To see the rest of the toys that made it on the Holiday Seal of Approval list, visit the website HERE. Did any of these toys catch your eye for your kids? Or have they already put them on their wish list?
