Walk into any toy store and it's easy to be overwhelmed by all the selection. The Canadian Toy Testing Council has unveiled the toys judged the best by some very tough critics -kids just like yours.
This year, 1,000 kids tested 400 toys. The kids decide which toys are hot and which are not.
The Fisher Price Songs N Smiles Sillytown is the battery-powered toy of the year.
Other toys for ages two and up: the Sand and Water Transportation station along with Wedgits Starter Activity Tote. Lee Richmond of Kaboodles Toy Store says she loves Wedgits.
"It's a building toy for little guys and you can build in many different three dimensional angles," she said.
Wedgits On Wheels was also a big hit. Kid testers pointed out that more than one child could play.
"Somebody added it on and then I added it on," demonstrated one little guy.
A company called Creative Education Canada is tops when it comes to dress up
"It's not a costume outfit, it's something to actually play in," Richmond said. "And the quality is really good so they can take lots of stress."
Creative Education Canada also makes safe foam swords.
When it comes to games, Curious George and Dr. Seuss Games got high ratings. The Dr. Seuss Memory Game for ages three and up is an award winner. The card game Too Many Monkeys is fun and fast for six year olds
Yamslam is popular with kids eight and up. While Monopoly City 3D is a best bet for 10 and older.
Playmobil is always a hit. This year the Research Submarine topped the ratings along with the Vet Operating Room.
"A three year old plays with it completely differently than a six year old plays with it," Richmond said.
Klutz is one company to look for the creative kid on your list. How to Draw Funny and Paper Beads are Best Bet award winners.
Creative children nine and up loved the Djeco Fashion Workshop which uses felts and the Abstract Workshop which uses pastels.
You'll find the full ratings of hundreds of toys at the Canadian Toy Testing Council website. They are listed by age of the child and also alphabetically.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
