Best Bet 2004 - The Canadian Toy Testing Council

Play Centre Playground
LITTLE TIKES COMPANY,
Ages 3 +

Radio Control Car
Model 69238
CHICCO,
Ages 2 +

Ergo Soft Colored Pencils (Regular, Aquarell, Jumbo)
Model #156SB12,
STAEDTLER-MARS LTD.,
Ages 3 +

The Any Day Autograph Book
ISBN 1-57054-954-0,
KLUTZ INC.,
Ages 6 +

GAMEBOY ADVANCE: Rescue Heroes Billy Blazes
ISBN 0-78492002,
VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES,
Ages 6+

Chopper
Model #3589,
LEGO CANADA INC.,
Ages 3+

Developlay Activity Center
Model #7 35259 00243,
TINY LOVE,
Ages 3 - 24 mos

Itty Bitty Beading Bugs
Model #201310, MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY,
Ages 18 - 36 mos

Sing & Spin Bugs
Model #97327, LEARNING CURVE TOYS,
Ages 6 mos +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Spinning tunes! This adorable infant toy is loved by children of all ages. Children become attached to the cute spinning bugs as they spin and dance to the tune of "Ring Around the Rosie". The toy encourages interaction between children of various ages, but is also great for babies to play with on their own. NOTE: Requires 3 AA batteries.

Leap Start Learning Table
Model 10005,
LEAP FROG
Ages 6 mos +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Jazz enthusiasts enjoy this musical activity table that provides hours of fun for young musicians of all ages. This sturdy, brightly coloured table with detachable legs plays fantastic songs, makes real instrument sounds and keeps children’s attention with lots of things to spin, roll, slide, open and close. A flip of the centre “page” changes modes between learning and music. Toddlers are introduced to the alphabet, counting, shapes, colours and instrument sounds and love pulling themselves up to stand at the sturdy table. Detachable legs are easily removed for floor play. NOTE: On/off switch and volume control is under the table. Requires 3 AA batteries.

Phonics Tiles
Model 42400,
NEUROSMITH
Ages 3 - 6 yrs

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Phonics fun! This educational toy helps children discover and explore letters and the sounds they make. Included are the 26 letters of the alphabet in magnetic tile form, and a mat that can be placed on the floor, hung on a door handle or hung on the wall. There are four modes of play: Song, Game, Explore and Learn. Children place the magnetic tiles on the mat to hear letter sounds, names or build real and/or made-up words. A real hit with kids. NOTE: Requires 4 AA batteries; fully portable for take-along fun.

Cranium, Édition Québécoise
Model #028128,
CRANIUM INC.,
Ages 14 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Céline Dion, poutine and "Rock et belles oreilles" are just a few of the many Québécois facts in this fast-paced Francophone board game. Questions are from the categories of "Vocabu Ver" (word puzzles and spelling), "Etoile montante" (acting or singing), "Chat d'oeuvre" (drawing and modelling) and "Creuse ciboulot" (facts and figures). Although some of the questions are more easily recognized by older players, teens find they can play on their own. Game requires a minimum of two teams of two or more players.

Gobblet! Junior
Model #00110,
BLUE ORANGE GAMES,
Ages 5 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Great gobbling fun! This is a wonderful strategy game that is fun for the whole family. The game is played with the same rules as Tic Tac Toe, with the added twist of being able to "gobble" up opponents' pieces and move your pieces on the board. Children's skills improve with each game played, as new strategies are formed, adding to the enjoyment of the game. The game pieces and board are constructed of solid wood for long-lasting durability. For 2 players.

Octiles - An Amazing Race
Model #76020,
OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING INC.,
Ages 8 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Plot your path in this appealing strategy race. The well-made wooden game includes board, 18 tiles and 20 wooden coloured "runners" or pegs as well as a rules booklet. Players try to cross the board to the "finishing circles" by creating paths from moveable tiles on the board. Players switch a tile on the board with the "switch tile" to help them along. As players gain experience, strategies are developed. Can also be played as a solitaire version and puzzle challenges. For 2 to 4 players.

Picnic
Model #11024,
TACTIC,
Ages 2 - 4 yrs

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Everyone loves a picnic! Little picnickers are wowed by this first board game for the younger set. The fast-paced game is fun and easy to play. Players roll a large die to try and get one of each four ingredients while taking turns to complete their picnic. The first player to get all their treats wins and the game starts over again. Children enjoy the bright colours, easy to mange pieces and the simple rules. Parents enjoy this durable game, fun concept and gentle introduction to winning and losing. For 2 to 4 players.

Quadtria - An Ancient Mystery
Model #801,
OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING INC.,
Ages 8 +

Safari
Model #01198,
TACTIC,
Ages 4 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Jungle fun with animal friends! This well-made board game includes a large, four-piece colourful puzzle board, 24 sturdy wooden animals consisting of four each of lions, zebras, hippos, chimpanzees, giraffes and elephants, one explorer figure, six trees, one die and four player boards. Little explorers proceed around the board collecting one of each animal. Some animals are hiding underneath trees while others may require a drink at the pond. The first player to collect all six jungle animals wins. For 2 to 4 players.

Similarius
Model #26012 60010,
OUTSET MEDIA,
Ages 7 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

A truly bilingual game! Children have lots of fun drawing the hilarious members of the Peapod family from memory. The game comes with 55 cards showing drawings of the Peapod family. Players have one minute to memorize two to five faces depending on the difficulty level selected. Each player must draw the mystery person using their own drawing reminder board and washable marker. The boards provide reminder clues to aid in the drawing. Players collect points for each correctly drawn facial characteristic. The player with the most points wins. Alternate rules are provided for various age groups. For 2 to 4 players.

Telepaths
Model #250126009,
OUTSET MEDIA,
Ages 8 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

Telepathic strategy! Partners advance across the board when the same words for each card are written down by both players. The game includes 330 game cards, game board, writing pads, pencils, four pawns, a custom die and a 30-second timer. Both children and adults have lots of fun and laughter while playing this trilingual game. A fun variation on "matching wits". For 4 players and up. NOTE: Ability to read and write is a must.

Baby Born Miniworld House and Doll sets
Models 766381,268,299,312,275,
ZAPF Creations,
Ages 3 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

House of wonder! This ten room foldable house with lots of storage space is provided in move-in condition. Add babies, clothes and various furniture and accessories (sets sold separately) to this well-designed house, which culminates into lots of fun, imaginary play and hours of entertainment. The detail of the house and doll sets is absolutely beautiful and with so many sets to choose from, this set is a pint-sized decorators' dream come true!

Sweet Sounds Home
Model #B1831,
FISHER-PRICE CANADA INC.,
Ages 12 mos - 4 yrs

***BEST BET AWARD 2004***

The fun sounds of a happy home! This bright, colourful house opens up to reveal an array of rooms and accessories offering hours of entertainment for little ones. From teaching cause and effect, building hand-eye coordination or stimulating imaginative play, this house offers something fun for babies, toddlers and young children alike. Kids love the multitude of sounds found throughout the house, such as the flushing toilet, ringing telephone and talking baby, which together with the colourful design truly make this house a home. NOTE: Requires 3 AA batteries.

Best Bet Awards 2004



Active Play
Play Centre Playground LITTLE TIKES COMPANY, Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* This play centre playground is the best play structure ever - according to children! Strong sturdy plastic and extreme stability are all trademarks of Little Tikes, but this structure goes above and beyond expected quality. Children play on this set every time they are in the backyard - rain or shine, snow or even -30 degrees Celsius weather! Kids find it fun to go out and swing, climb and have many great adventures. NOTE: Extensive adult assembly required.

Radio Control Car Model 69238 CHICCO, Ages 2 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Junior rally drivers, get ready to roll! This car has an easy-to-use remote control that snaps into the top of the car for easy carrying. The car has a cute friendly face as does the remote control, providing hours of racing fun! While frequent battery changes are required if used on carpet, it runs well on smooth surfaces. NOTE: Requires 6 AA batteries.

Arts & Crafts
Ergo Soft Colored Pencils (Regular, Aquarell, Jumbo) Model #156SB12, STAEDTLER-MARS LTD., Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* No rolling off tables with these beautiful ergonomic pencil crayons! The various sets of coloured pencils all contain good basic colours and are easy to hold and grip. The bright and bold colours, combined with the added bonus of leads that do not break, make for a fabulous set that comes contained in a reusable plastic case which also acts as a pencil stand. A big hit with artists of all ages!

The Any Day Autograph Book ISBN 1-57054-954-0, KLUTZ INC., Ages 6 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Sign here! This sturdy, colourful autograph book gives a new take on collecting autographs. Each page has a different suggestion on creative ways to collect autographs with a cool four-colour pen. Children especially like the "foot-o-graphs"! This is definitely an any day toy!

Computer Software & Games
GAMEBOY ADVANCE: Rescue Heroes Billy Blazes ISBN 0-78492002, VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES, Ages 6+

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Billy Blazes saves the day! Players help Billy put out fires and rescue victims while playing this hand-held game software. With four different rescue missions, each with two levels of play and two vehicle settings, children enjoy maneuvering their rescue hero through the city and surrounding areas, collecting the various tools and gadgets needed to rescue people, fight fires and save the day.

Construction Toys
Chopper Model #3589, LEGO CANADA INC., Ages 3+

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Fly high with this very cool chopper (helicopter) which is both fun to build and fun to play with! The 23-piece set from the Explore series includes three intelligent blocks that connect to the chopper and provide different sounds based on how the toy is held. Build the chopper using the box or your imagination as a guide. Once one of the intelligent blocks are connected, children are a button press away from flying high above the ground or deep beneath the sea during play. Children are amazed and captivated during both the construction and play-time with their own personal variations of the chopper. NOTE: Requires 3 AAA batteries.

Developmental Toys
Developlay Activity Center Model #7 35259 00243, TINY LOVE, Ages 3 - 24 mos

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Double-sided fun! Bright colours and interesting shapes attract baby and toddler to this centre which provides 20 stimulating and entertaining activities, including spinning, pulling, pushing, "peek-a-boo door" and music (three instruments which can be played individually or as an orchestra) among others. This toy is double-sided - one side is geared toward three-to-nine-month-olds and the other side targets the nine-to-24-month age range. It can be placed in a crib (includes crib attachment) or on a flat surface using the four feet which can be flipped to support the side children are playing with. Children especially enjoy the music buttons and are very entertained by the numerous activities. A very durable and easy-to-clean toy. NOTE: Requires 3 AA batteries.
Itty Bitty Beading Bugs Model #201310, MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY, Ages 18 - 36 mos

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Itty bitty creativity! A beautiful, brightly coloured beading toy with endless possibilities. Children bead on the plastic tubes provided or see where their imaginations take them. This is a fun spin on a classic activity that younger children really enjoy.
Sing & Spin Bugs Model #97327, LEARNING CURVE TOYS, Ages 6 mos +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Spinning tunes! This adorable infant toy is loved by children of all ages. Children become attached to the cute spinning bugs as they spin and dance to the tune of "Ring Around the Rosie". The toy encourages interaction between children of various ages, but is also great for babies to play with on their own. NOTE: Requires 3 AA batteries.

Educational Toys
Leap Start Learning Table Model 10005, LEAP FROG Ages 6 mos +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Jazz enthusiasts enjoy this musical activity table that provides hours of fun for young musicians of all ages. This sturdy, brightly coloured table with detachable legs plays fantastic songs, makes real instrument sounds and keeps children’s attention with lots of things to spin, roll, slide, open and close. A flip of the centre “page” changes modes between learning and music. Toddlers are introduced to the alphabet, counting, shapes, colours and instrument sounds and love pulling themselves up to stand at the sturdy table. Detachable legs are easily removed for floor play. NOTE: On/off switch and volume control is under the table. Requires 3 AA batteries.

Phonics Tiles Model 42400, NEUROSMITH Ages 3 - 6 yrs

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Phonics fun! This educational toy helps children discover and explore letters and the sounds they make. Included are the 26 letters of the alphabet in magnetic tile form, and a mat that can be placed on the floor, hung on a door handle or hung on the wall. There are four modes of play: Song, Game, Explore and Learn. Children place the magnetic tiles on the mat to hear letter sounds, names or build real and/or made-up words. A real hit with kids. NOTE: Requires 4 AA batteries; fully portable for take-along fun.

Games
Cranium, Édition Québécoise Model #028128, CRANIUM INC., Ages 14 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Céline Dion, poutine and "Rock et belles oreilles" are just a few of the many Québécois facts in this fast-paced Francophone board game. Questions are from the categories of "Vocabu Ver" (word puzzles and spelling), "Etoile montante" (acting or singing), "Chat d'oeuvre" (drawing and modelling) and "Creuse ciboulot" (facts and figures). Although some of the questions are more easily recognized by older players, teens find they can play on their own. Game requires a minimum of two teams of two or more players.

Gobblet! Junior Model #00110, BLUE ORANGE GAMES, Ages 5 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Great gobbling fun! This is a wonderful strategy game that is fun for the whole family. The game is played with the same rules as Tic Tac Toe, with the added twist of being able to "gobble" up opponents' pieces and move your pieces on the board. Children's skills improve with each game played, as new strategies are formed, adding to the enjoyment of the game. The game pieces and board are constructed of solid wood for long-lasting durability. For 2 players.

Octiles - An Amazing Race Model #76020, OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING INC., Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Plot your path in this appealing strategy race. The well-made wooden game includes board, 18 tiles and 20 wooden coloured "runners" or pegs as well as a rules booklet. Players try to cross the board to the "finishing circles" by creating paths from moveable tiles on the board. Players switch a tile on the board with the "switch tile" to help them along. As players gain experience, strategies are developed. Can also be played as a solitaire version and puzzle challenges. For 2 to 4 players.

Picnic Model #11024, TACTIC, Ages 2 - 4 yrs

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Everyone loves a picnic! Little picnickers are wowed by this first board game for the younger set. The fast-paced game is fun and easy to play. Players roll a large die to try and get one of each four ingredients while taking turns to complete their picnic. The first player to get all their treats wins and the game starts over again. Children enjoy the bright colours, easy to mange pieces and the simple rules. Parents enjoy this durable game, fun concept and gentle introduction to winning and losing. For 2 to 4 players.

Quadtria - An Ancient Mystery Model #801, OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING INC., Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Quick strategy for quick fun! This is a habit-forming strategy game which is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. The very well made wood board is grooved to allow players to make moves, to form their triangle, in the opponents' quadrant. This is a quick game with clear easy-to-understand rules which children enjoy playing. It is so quick and addictive that many players play for the best three out of five. Even normally squabbling siblings play this together! For 2 players.

Safari Model #01198, TACTIC, Ages 4 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Jungle fun with animal friends! This well-made board game includes a large, four-piece colourful puzzle board, 24 sturdy wooden animals consisting of four each of lions, zebras, hippos, chimpanzees, giraffes and elephants, one explorer figure, six trees, one die and four player boards. Little explorers proceed around the board collecting one of each animal. Some animals are hiding underneath trees while others may require a drink at the pond. The first player to collect all six jungle animals wins. For 2 to 4 players.

Similarius Model #26012 60010, OUTSET MEDIA, Ages 7 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* A truly bilingual game! Children have lots of fun drawing the hilarious members of the Peapod family from memory. The game comes with 55 cards showing drawings of the Peapod family. Players have one minute to memorize two to five faces depending on the difficulty level selected. Each player must draw the mystery person using their own drawing reminder board and washable marker. The boards provide reminder clues to aid in the drawing. Players collect points for each correctly drawn facial characteristic. The player with the most points wins. Alternate rules are provided for various age groups. For 2 to 4 players.

Telepaths Model #250126009, OUTSET MEDIA, Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* Telepathic strategy! Partners advance across the board when the same words for each card are written down by both players. The game includes 330 game cards, game board, writing pads, pencils, four pawns, a custom die and a 30-second timer. Both children and adults have lots of fun and laughter while playing this trilingual game. A fun variation on "matching wits". For 4 players and up. NOTE: Ability to read and write is a must.

Imaginative Play

Baby Born Miniworld House and Doll sets Models 766381,268,299,312,275, ZAPF Creations, Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* House of wonder! This ten room foldable house with lots of storage space is provided in move-in condition. Add babies, clothes and various furniture and accessories (sets sold separately) to this well-designed house, which culminates into lots of fun, imaginary play and hours of entertainment. The detail of the house and doll sets is absolutely beautiful and with so many sets to choose from, this set is a pint-sized decorators' dream come true!

Sweet Sounds Home Model #B1831, FISHER-PRICE CANADA INC., Ages 12 mos - 4 yrs

*BEST BET AWARD 2004* The fun sounds of a happy home! This bright, colourful house opens up to reveal an array of rooms and accessories offering hours of entertainment for little ones. From teaching cause and effect, building hand-eye coordination or stimulating imaginative play, this house offers something fun for babies, toddlers and young children alike. Kids love the multitude of sounds found throughout the house, such as the flushing toilet, ringing telephone and talking baby, which together with the colourful design truly make this house a home. NOTE: Requires 3 AA batteries.