Top Toys of 2007/2008 List's The Canadian Toy Testing Council 2008 Best Bet Award Winners: SNEEZY WIND CHIMES Age Group: 0 - 9 months CTTC Says:   Music to a baby’s ears!  This colourful and appealing dragon is a sure hit!  The dragon has crinkly wings, three soft sounding hanging wind chimes, a star and two cute little bees.  It hangs almost anywhere with the included Velcro strap and it is small enough for a purse or a diaper bag when Mom or Dad is on the run.  A wonderfully entertaining toy which keeps babies amused and encourages them to reach and grab. Available at:    BUSY BALL POPPER Age Group: 9-36 months CTTC Says:   Poppin' good fun!  This set includes five colourful balls and an air-driven launcher.  When children put the balls into the clear launcher and press the big red button, carnival music plays as the balls travel though the launcher.  When the balls reach the top, some may pop out onto the tray while others fly high up into the air.  Children are captivated by this action-filled set, and enthusiastically chase the balls so they can repeat this rollicking entertainment again and again.  A great active toy for individual or group play. NOTE:  Requires 4 D batteries.  The unit has a 45 second auto shut off. Available at:  Toys "R" Us CREANIMAUX STACKING GAME Age Group: 18-36 months CTTC Says:   Jump into the world of animals and odd looking creatures!  With this building set containing 52 colourful wooden pieces, children eagerly begin assembling the animals.  They can copy the animals on the box or they can let their imaginations run wild to create strange and wonderful creatures never before seen!  A quality set with endless possibilities! Available at:  DANNY'S DIVING ADVENTURE Age Group: 18 months- 5 years CTTC Says:   Danny is a little diving boat which comes complete with a boy and a girl, a dolphin and a springboard.  Children can play with Danny on land but he is at his best in the bathtub.  Danny, the girl and the boy float well and the dolphin happily bobs along.  There is a springboard so divers can leap into the water and Danny’s front end makes a wonderful waterspout.  This is sure to be the most popular boat in the bathtub! Available at:  KATIE CAMPER'S HOLIDAY FRIENDS Age Group: 18 months and  up CTTC Says:   Let’s go camping! Children adore this bright and colourful camper with its highly detailed accessories and friction-powered wheels. The set includes a camper with a magnetically attached trailer, a tent, a dog with a dish and blanket, a girl and boy, a BBQ, a picnic bench and two pieces of luggage. Children eagerly set up camp, cook meals, and feed and walk the dog. When it's time to move on, they pack the camping gear and head off to their next location. Most of all, they love the friction-powered wheels which send the camper flying off to its destination with stunning results. Available at:  Grand River Toy CORRESPO! Age Group: 2 to 7 years CTTC Says:   Expand your child’s mind!  This first card game includes 54 number cards with large, legible numbers and corresponding number dots.  It also includes 54 picture cards with colourful, recognizable drawings.  The rules vary for five fun games according to your child’s age and ability level.  The games encourage language, counting, matching and memory skills.  It comes in a sturdy box tough enough to withstand repeated use.  An excellent game which will truly grow with your child. Available at:  ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER Age Group: 3-5 years CTTC Says:   This 44 piece building set includes unique and realistic pieces to create three different animal rescue center headquarters.  Once built, the accessories become great props for wild animal adventures with Diego. The completed structures are sturdy enough to withstand prolonged play.  A wonderful set to add a little adventure to your toddler’s day! Available at:  Toys "R" Us FROGGY BOOGIE Age Group: 3-5 years CTTC Says:   A hopping good time! This fun wooden game, for two to six players, includes colourful frogs, lily pads and colour-coded dice. Each player takes a turn rolling the dice to select a frog and an eye. If the eye sees, you must stay where you are but if the eye can’t see, the player can keep jumping around the pond. The first one all the way around is the winner. An excellent first memory game for your child! Available at:  Grand River Toy GALAPAGOS TORTOISE PUPPET Age Group: 3 years+ CTTC Says:   Slow and steady wins the race!  This realistic-looking tortoise puppet features a head and feet which can be retracted into its shell.  Even the smallest puppeteers can make this puppet come alive.  Children of all ages love this tortoise because they can make it work all by themselves.  A perfect playmate for young children. Available at:  GROOVY GIRLS POSEABLES Age Group: 3 years + CTTC Says:   Feeling groovy?  These fabulous new versions of the original Groovy Girls dolls now have bendable arms, legs and stylish new clothes!  Dolls are easy to bend to fit on furniture or sit on their own.  The Groovy Girls always look their best dressed in the latest new fashions which are easy to take on and off.  Children are thrilled with the soft, cuddly new characters! Available at:  Oh Toy GROOVY GIRLS WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT Age Group: 3 years + CTTC Says:   Cruising Groovy Girl style in this eye-catching catamaran! There is room for two to sit, a sail for tacking, two storage compartments and two life jackets. When everything is prepared, lunch and gear stored in the handy compartments, the Groovy Girls are ready for the day! However, before stepping into the boat, they must put on their life jackets so that everyone has a safe and happy boat ride! Children are thrilled with this set and parents are pleased that boat safety is reinforced during play. A captivating and entertaining set for playtime with friends! Available at:  INTERACTIVE LIA Age Group: 3 years + CTTC Says:   This adorable baby doll interacts with children in four different languages. Turn her on and she will talk, giggle, cry, drink from her bottle, eat from her spoon and even use her potty (no liquid is involved, only sound), all in French. Put one of the three included bracelets on her arm and she will do the same in English, Spanish or Italian. A wonderful doll who is ready to be loved in any language. NOTE: Requires 3 AAA batteries. Available at:  LET'S GET READY VANITY Age Group: 3-7 years CTTC Says:   It's party time! This vanity table set features a Dora styling head along with a large mirror, three theme cards, a blow dryer, a curling iron, a crimper, a brush, and various smaller accessories. With a press of the button, Dora comes alive. She suggests various hairstyles appropriate for the upcoming event and when the hair utensils are removed from the base, they make realistic sounds. Place one of the theme cards into the picture frame and Dora describes the party pictured in the frame. Young Dora fans are absolutely thrilled with this set - there's so much to do and the opportunities for imaginary play are endless! NOTE: Requires 3AAA batteries. Available at:  Toys "R" Us MY REAL DIGITAL CAMERA Age Group: 3 years + CTTC Says:   Say Cheese! This easy-to-use and very durable digital camera is just the thing for your little photographer. The camera features a dual viewfinder so children can use both eyes to find that perfect shot, a digital screen and a flash which can be turned off. The camera is easy to hold and although getting a clear picture takes a little practice, young children successfully produce images of the same quality as pictures from a camera phone. A USB cord is also included so that the pictures can be downloaded to a home computer. This sturdy, long-lasting camera is a hit with both children and parents! NOTE: Requires 4 AAA batteries Available at:  PLANET HEROES Age Group: 3-6 years CTTC Says:   Ready to save the Planet? Professor Darkness and his two sidekicks Photon and Neutron are out to take over the universe, but have no fear because the Planet Heroes will save us all. These preschool friendly action figures (sold separately) have a space theme which children love. The characters are bright and colourful (even the bad guy) and each one comes with a DVD so that children can watch these new characters come to life on the television screen. Professor Darkness lights up and each of the Planet Heroes has a unique function to use in the battle to save the Universe. Non-stop action and adventure in space without leaving the playroom. NOTE: Professor Black Hole includes 3 button cell batteries. Available at:  Toys "R" Us PLANET HEROES TURBO SHUTTLE Age Group: 3-6 years CTTC Says:   Get ready to blast off into outer space! This colourful space shuttle is just what the Planet Heroes (sold separately) need to save the universe. The set includes a large spaceship with two smaller detachable space shuttles and a DVD introduces children to the shuttle and characters. The space ship has bright rotating turbo thrusters and includes cool sound effects. Preschoolers love flying this spaceship high above the planets, singing the catchy theme song and saving the planet all before nap time! NOTE: Requires 4AA batteries. Available at:  SEEK & FIND LET'S GO TO THE CITY/TAKE ME TO THE CARNIVAL Age Group: 3 years + CTTC Says:   A great new spin on a traditional puzzle! These colourful 24-piece puzzle games are worth seeking out. When the puzzle is built, players take turns drawing a game card and finding the item on the card. Two levels of cards are included: one for younger players with easy to find items or clues, and one for older players with more difficult challenges. A dry erase marker is also included so that players can circle their finds. An educational and entertaining game for all! Available at:  STAGE PUPPETS (6 VARIOUS) Age Group: 3 years+ CTTC Says:   All the world’s a stage, so let your imagination run wild! These beautiful stage puppets (sold separately) are exquisitely detailed and just the right size for little arms. Each puppet has a wonderful expression, realistic colouring and a story on the tag to spark your child’s imagination. When they are ready to perform, children dream up all sorts of plays and stories to entertain friends and family. There is fun to be had with these attractive puppets and when the show is over, they are soft enough to hug and cuddle! Available at:  SUPER CRAFT CADDY Age Group: 3-7 years CTTC Says:   This wonderful set includes eight containers of Play-Doh, 20 accessories, a play mat, and a caddy for storing the many pieces. The set also includes stained glass frames for making Play-Doh pictures, sand art bottles, scissors, bead molds, a rolling pin and a pick-up stick. The mat is divided into four different play areas and it’s large enough for several children to play at once. An excellent activity for quiet, creative playtime. ALLERGY NOTE: Contains wheat. Available at:  TIMBER BLOCKS, SOFT & STURDY Age Group: 3-4 years CTTC Says:   The 28 building blocks in this set look like wood but are made of a soft, light foam and arrive in a reusable bag for easy clean up. The blocks stay together well and are tough enough to stand on. Since they are so light, no one gets hurt when a tower falls down or a block is accidentally thrown. Children spend many happy hours building castles, barns, towers or whatever their young hearts desire. Good old-fashioned creative fun! Available at:  ZOOBIES Age Group: 3-7 years CTTC Says:   Have you ever cuddled a cheetah? Here’s your chance. These friendly stuffed toys feature unusual animals which double as a pillow or a blanket. When everything is done-up tight, children have a fun little friend. Open the first zipper and the friend becomes a pillow. Open the second zipper and you find a cuddly blanket. A soft and friendly addition to any child’s room. NOTE: Blankets are machine washable. Animals are surface washable only. Available at:  CHICKEN SOCKS PAPER FLOWERS Age Group: 4 years + CTTC Says:   Flower Power! This set includes 72 different petals, twelve leaves, eight stems, eight collars, punch-outs, stickers and well-written instructions. The wide varieties of brightly coloured petals are all pre-cut and no gluing or cutting is required. Children are thrilled that they can create these colourful flowers all by themselves. This easy craft is an ideal activity for a birthday party. Available at:  Grand River Toy MEGA RIG SHARK SHIP! Age Group: 4 years + CTTC Says:   Climb on board for a great adventure at sea! This 28-piece set can be used to create 40 different ships, all of which float in water or even drive on land when wheels are added. The set also contains detailed pieces including a shark which opens and closes its mouth, a diver, a captain, a working harpoon, a crane attachment and a shark cage. This set is a hit with children; the pieces are easy to put together and take apart and the possibilities for imaginary play, particularly in water, are endless! Available at:  Toys "R" Us PLAYMOBIL CLINIC Age Group: 4 years + CTTC Says:   First class medical care for all! This amazing, detailed two-story hospital includes a working front door and elevator, a children’s playroom, a nursery, a reception area, two hospital rooms and an operating room. The set also includes eight figures and accessories for hours of imaginative play. The set is so large and so detailed that two or even three children can happily pass the day away in an imaginary world. A wonderful set with endless possibilities. NOTE: The set requires two to three hours of adult assembly before use. Available at:  PLAYMOBIL JET PLANE Age Group: 4 years + CTTC Says:   Let your imagination fly! This 62 cm long plane has everything a frequent flyer needs to travel the world. The top of the plane opens to reveal a pilot, a flight attendant, two passengers, seating for five and even a tiny washroom complete with a sink with faucet, a toilet and a toilet paper roll. Children have hours of fun loading and unloading the cargo hold, making sure everything is just right in the cabin and flying off to far away lands. This set is easy to assemble and is sure to please the most discriminating flyer. Available at:  THOMAS MAKING TRACKS GAME Age Group: 4 years + CTTC Says:   Thomas and friends are on the move! This board game for two to four players includes four engine playing pieces, a spinner and 72-pieces of track. Players take turns spinning the spinner and building a track by placing the pieces indicated by the spinner on their section of the board. Once their tracks are complete, players use the spinner to travel down their tracks. The first player to reach the centre wins the game. Winning the game requires both luck and skill and it offers enough variety to keep children interested without being too complex. This game is a sure hit with Thomas fans! Available at:  EARTH DRAGON PUPPET Age Group: 5 years + CTTC Says:   Puppet wizard, conjure me up a dragon! This realistic looking dragon puppet is exquisitely detailed and the material so soft it could be used as a stuffed animal. Children love the soft textures and imaginary play this friendly fellow has to offer. NOTE: This wonderful super sized puppet is best suited to older puppeteers due to its amazing size Available at:  SUDOKU JR. 4X4 Age Group: 5-7 years CTTC Says:   Sudoku fun for the younger set! This 4x4 grid version of Sudoku comes in a well-designed travel case and includes 48 challenge cards which progress gradually through four levels of difficulty. Children develop number, pattern, logic and strategic thinking skills! This solitary self-contained game is ideal for traveling and provides an excellent introduction to the world of number puzzles. NOTE: Although the concept is the same, this game is not challenging enough for those already familiar with the traditional 9x9 version of Sudoku. Available at:  THE CURSE OF THE RUBY RHINO Age Group: 6 years + CTTC Says:   This dice game for two to five challenges players to break the curse of the Ruby Rhino. Players start the game with equal numbers of worthless coins. They take turns rolling a pair of dice and following the instructions in an attempt to get rid of their coins and take possession of the Ruby Rhino. The first player to hold nothing but the Rhino wins the round. This is an excellent family game because age and experience don’t determine the winner - it’s all in the dice! Available at:  Grand River Toy, Oh Toy TRIPLE TRIUMPH Age Group: 6 years + CTTC Says:   A pile of fun! This 3D game for two to four, challenges players of all ages to match and stack three-sided pieces according to colour. Each piece is designed with green and purple sides. On their turn, a player draws three pieces from a bag. The player must then place as many of their pieces as they can on the board so that the colours on all sides match the colours on the sides of any bordering pieces. They can also place pieces on top of other pieces forming a pyramid shape. Play continues until all of the pieces have been played or until no one can add to the board. One point is scored for each matching side and the player with the most points wins the game. Excitement, fun and laughter for the whole family with this fast-paced, strategic game! Available at:  Toys "R" Us BUTTERFLY MOBILE Age Group: 7 years + CTTC Says:   Let your imagination soar! This wooden butterfly mobile awaits your child’s creative touch! The kit includes fabric paint, rhinestones, a design marker, sparkle accent paint, a sponge brush, pompoms, chenille antennae and a flower shaped pull cord. Young crafters add their special touches to the butterfly and proudly display their completed mobile which flaps its wings when the cord is pulled. A quality craft kit which produces excellent res Available at:  Toys "R" Us, Grand River Toy, Oh Toy GEMLOK Age Group: 7 years + CTTC Says:   This game includes a grid board with some spaces marked by coloured numbered gems, two dice which feature directional arrows and a gemlock side, rather than numbers, and four sets of eight pawns. The goal of the game is to place the pawns on the coloured squares with the highest numerical value. Each player starts with eight pawns. Players roll the dice and move one of their pawns as indicated by the dice. If a gemlock is rolled, the player must lock one of their gems and leave it where it is for the rest of the game. Players continue to move their pawns and bump other players' pawns out of the way until all of one player’s pawns are gemlocked or until one player decides that the game should be over. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner. The rules may seem complex at first glance, but families quickly master this game with a Gem theme. A unique and strategic game for the whole family. Available at:  LEGO CREATOR HOUSE Age Group: 7-12 years CTTC Says:   Build your own dream home! This 731-piece set includes all the necessary materials to build three model homes from the detailed directions. Girls, boys and even children with little interest in construction enjoy building homes with this set. The completed models have removable roofs and are durable enough for play. A great building set for budding architects! Available at:  Lego FLEECE AND FLOWER PICTURE Age Group: 8 years + CTTC Says:   This quick and simple no-sew craft kit makes a funky fleece flower shaped pillow with a spot for a favorite photo right in the middle. The set includes a 30 cm pillow, two precut fleece pieces and satin ribbon, 20 fabric flowers and 12 tiny sequin flowers. Young girls love decorating the pillow and proudly displaying the finished product. An excellent kit which produces spectacular results. Available at:  Grand River Toy BIG LEAGUE HOCKEY MANAGER Age Group: 10 years + CTTC Says:   A hockey lover’s dream! In this bilingual board game (French and English) with a Monopoly feel, players take on the role of General Manager of a hockey team. Each player selects their starting line-up: a goalie, two defensemen and three forwards. Players must build and manage their teams, negotiate salaries and trades and win matches against other players' teams. The game is quite complex and initially, regular references to the instructions are required; however, after a few times, children find the game straightforward. The game has many realistic details and young hockey fans are thrilled with this game! Available at:  The Canadian Toy Testing Council 2008 Toy of the year: KIDIZOOM CAMERA Age Group Ages 3+ CTTC Says:   For your little shutter bug! A durable digital camera designed with children in mind. Drop it-step on it-toss it! No matter what, it keeps on working and working! With an LED screen and a dual viewfinder for photos or videos, this camera is a true gem. Fully loaded with games, an editing option to add borders, silly features and sound to their photos. Once the masterpieces are complete, they can be reviewed on the LED screen, shown on your television or downloaded to your computer. This versatile and amazing camera offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to the world of photography! NOTE: Requires 4AA batteries. Not compatible with MAC systems without iphoto. Available at:  The Canadian Toy Testing Council 2007 Toy of the year: FLY PENTOP COMPUTER, FLY THROUGH SPELLING and FLY JOURNAL by LEAP FROG CTTC Says:   Learning has never been this exciting! Children and parents are amazed by the potential of this smart, pen shaped mini-computer. Just draw a calculator and you’re ready for math; draw a keyboard, and you are ready to play your favourite music; or, write a message, and the pen will read it back to you. There are games, music making programs, puzzles, a calculator mode, a task scheduler, and many more exciting activities. The pen comes with detailed directions, a case and a pad of the dot-matrix paper required by the pen (additional paper can be purchased separately). Additional cartridges (sold separately) can be purchased to enhance the pen. A fabulous way to add enjoyment to learning! NOTE: Requires 1 AAA battery. Available at:  Toys "R" Us Tricia Myers Top Ten Picks: Tricia Myers Top Ten Picks: "Top toys of the year as rated by parents and toy testers." 1.  Fisher-Price I Can Play Guitar by Fisher Price Tricia Myers says:   ", I Can Play Guitar features a computerized ax that jacks into the TV. Kids hone their chops through 3 games, some that teach real guitar fingering. Then, plugged into the TV or not, they can switch to jam session mode to unleash face-melting solos." Available at:  eBay.ca 2.  Hasbro Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage Playhouse by Hasbro Tricia Myers says:   "its like a house your little princess can call her own" Available at: 3.  Spinmaster Air Hogs Battling Havoc R/C Helicopters by Spinmaster Tricia Myers says:   "This should be fin for the boy on your list" Available at: eBay.ca 4.  Hasbro The Game of Life Twists & Turns by Hasbro Games Tricia Myers says:   "In the updated Twists and Turns version, players travel down four paths of life , pick modern careers and use plastic in lieu of cash. At the end of the game, an electronic LifePod calculates the value of each player's material assets and experience and converts them into Life Points. The player with the most points — as opposed to money — wins." Available at:  Toys "R" Us 5.  Hasbro Playskool Honeybee Hop by Hasbro Tricia Myers says:   "We know it sounds simple: kids leap over Honeybee Hop's revolving arm each time it swings their way." Available at: 6.  Step2 Extreme Coaster by Step2 Tricia Myers says:   "The gravity-powered Extreme Coaster turns backyards into mini amusement parks  To play, kids push the easy-entry car to the top of the ramp, climb aboard, then zip down 9 feet of track — and beyond. ." Available at: 7.  LEGO Trade Federation MTT by LEGO Tricia Myers says:   "The Star Wars Trade Federation MTT has more pieces — some 1,300 in all — than Jabba the Hutt has chins. The massive armored transporter houses battle 'droids, an extra vehicle, and hidden cubbies that are handy for surprising the enemy during battles." Available at:  Toys "R" Us, Lego, eBay.ca 8.  Fisher-Price Smart Cycle by Fisher Price Tricia Myers says:   "Cross a stationary bike with a TV game console, and what do you get? Smart Cycle, the latest spin on the trend of toys that get kids active. Preschoolers pedal to move their character between counting, matching, and other games, or use their leg power to control, say, the speed of their race car on a track. "" Available at:  Toys "R" Us, eBay.ca 9.  Jakks EyeClops Bionic Eye by Jakks Tricia Myers says:   "The EyeClops Bionic Eye looks as if it came straight out of a fifties sci-fi film — but its special effects are way cooler. Our mad scientists plugged the eye into their TVs, then held the orb next to various objects to view them at 200x magnification on the screen." Available at: eBay.ca 10.  Puppy Grows And Knows Your Name Poodle by Fisher Price Tricia Myers says:   "Puppy Grows and Knows Your Name never needs to be walked or chased off the sofa. The plush interactive canine does, however, speak (as well as bark), sing songs, and wag her tail. But the tester-favorite feature was how she grows: literally both taller and longer over a period of days. Proud pet owners can simply hit her reset button to watch her grow again and again." Available at: eBay.ca

Select Toy Stores

	The Bay Toy Store Profile: Shop The Bay for their large selection of Toys including Action Figures, Arts & Crafts, Board Games, Dolls & Toys, Educational, Electronic Toys, Nintendo® Wii, Preschool, Ride-On and Sports Goods. Their Toys brands include Hasbro, Lego, Ganz, Mattel, Vtech, Fisher-Price, Mega Bloks, Leapster, Step 2, LeapFrog, Irwin and many more. The Bay is the department store division of Hbc. The Bay offers quality merchandise at mid-to-upper price points accompanied by traditional department store services. Committed to delivering excellent value and consistent, reliable service. Canadian Shipping Details:  Free In-Store Delivery available to any Bay, Home Outfitters or Zellers store. They also offer Flat Rate Canada Post and DHL Shipping options.  Notes: