Best Bet 2004 - The Canadian Toy Testing Council

Lotty Ladybird, Deluxe Soft Playmat & Gym

Mamas & Papas
Ages 0 +

Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set

Duplo Team Construction, Lego Ville

#4688

Lego Canada Inc.
Ages 2-4

Triple Hit Baseball

Fisher-Price Canada Inc.
Ages 3 +

Smart House Sounds Like Home (Happy Family)

Mattel Canada Inc.
Ages 3 +

Brendam Docks Electronic Playset, Thomas & Friends

Learning Curve
Ages 3 +

Zoboomafoo Animal Alphabet

Brighter Child/Learning Company
Ages 3-5

Tummy Ache

#BG12

Orchard Toys/Pierre Belvedere
Ages 3-8

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Yummy good! This simple game for two to four players invites kids to fill up their empty place mat setting with five food cards--drink, dessert, meat, starch and vegetable--all in the proper spot. Players take turns drawing a food card from top of the 30-card deck. If it's a healthy choice, the player can add it to the corresponding spot on the place setting. But watch out--tummy ache cards showing food in various stages of contamination or decomposition may be drawn. Everyone yells out "Tummy Ache!" Players can trade their tummy ache cards for healthy food cards if drawn; the winner is the first to fill their place setting with healthy foods. This game is all "luck of the draw" so younger and older children can play with equal advantage. An entertaining game that can be played in five to ten minutes.

ISBN #1-888-439-89-0

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Hair-raising fun! Kids adore this fast-paced, kooky card game for two to six players with its wigged-out theme. Each game has 60 cards and is designed to be played in 12 minutes. Players must discard matching cards from their seven-card hands--all at the same time. If players cannot find a matching pair, they must pull a card from the draw deck until they get a match. Players then race against each other to be the first to discard all their cards and yell "Wig Out!" Both older and younger children love the whimsical illustrations on the cards and the free-for-all play of this game.

Blue Orange Games
Ages 6 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Colour coordinated! This brightly coloured, attractive wooden board game for two to six players looks simple but requires strategy to meet the goal of acquiring the most jewels. Game pieces are comprised of covers over the coloured pegs. Players must roll the die and then find two matching colours, continuing until one player takes the last jewel from the crown; the player who has the most jewels wins. A twist in game play lets any of the players know where matching jewels might be--including another player's stash. Kids enjoy using memory and strategy skills--and love the "you can cheat" rule!

Sim City 4 Deluxe Edition

Electronic Arts
Ages 8 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Sim-ply sensational! This two-disc computer software package for Windows is a hit with junior city planners. Children enjoy creating a city of their own or interacting with multiple cities. Players create buildings, develop transportation systems, sculpt landscapes and even take control of vehicles operating in the city. The fun begins when players must deal with unexpected events like train derailments, tornadoes and even UFO invasions. Players love the realistic graphics featured in this complex game, which can captivate adults too. NOTE: Some violence.

Pin/Out of the Box
Ages 8 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

How will you stack up? This beautifully designed wooden game for two players combines the strategy of checkers and chess--with a 3-D twist. Players must stack the wooden pieces in turn; the one who places the most disc-shaped roundels on top of their stacks wins. However, opponents can use blocker pieces to block play, so children must learn to keep track and revise strategy. The rules are easy to follow and each game takes about 15 to 35 minutes to play. This excellent family game has classic styling and develops critical thinking skills.

Cranium Inc.
Ages 8 +

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Guess what I'm thinking! Kids love the creativity involved with this game for three to six players. Each game includes 300 cards, scoring tiles, six score cases, timer and clay. Children act, sculpt and provide clues so that other players can try to guess what they are thinking before time is up. The timer has a secret pad where the answer is written; closing the cover on the pad starts the timer, which is then passed to the next player for guessing. The first player to collect 16 scoring tiles wins and yells out, "Conga!" This hilarious game is great family fun. NOTE: 3 "AA" batteries required (not included); no volume control.

Euro Games/Filosofia
Ages 8+

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Way of the dragon! This unique board game for two to six players requires kids to use stones and planks--and their brains--to build a bridge across the delta to reach the village and win the golden dragon. Game play occurs in rounds, and each player gets to plan and choose their moves. However, even the most carefully laid plans can be spoiled by opponents. The game features an attractive design, interesting Asian theme and excellent instructions. Children find this game easy to play, and have fun while developing planning, estimating, and strategy skills. A great game with lasting appeal.

#ISBN 1-888-439-06-8

Harry Potter Motorized Hogwarts Express

Lego Canada Inc.
Ages 8-12

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Next stop: Hogsmeade! Harry Potter fans love building and playing with this model of the Hogwarts Express, which runs on an electric track and makes soft but realistic steam train sounds as it travels. The 760-piece set constructs a three-car train which can run both backwards and forwards plus a model of Hogsmeade. On its own, this set has the train tracks running in a circle, but the tracks can be reconfigured if children have other Harry Potter construction sets, so the Hogwarts Express can go from one place to another. This set also includes four figures. The train does take up a lot of room once built, but kids are enchanted by the results.

Cranium Inc.
Ages 8-14

***BEST BET AWARD 2005***

Hot Zigity! Kids can’t get enough of his fast-paced card game for two to four players. Each set of 80 cool-looking transparent cards challenges players to make card sets in their hands comprised of musical instruments, spelled words, addition to 11, or a puzzle, so the game is imaginative. Meanwhile, players must deal with action cards played by opponents, so the game is strategic. The first player to discard all of his or her cards is the winner; a game takes about 10 to 15 minutes to play. The well-designed cards are made of durable transparent plastic laminate, and store in a secure metal box. Perfect for travel or the cottage.


2005 Best Bet Awards

The toys are listed according to age. All award winners are of equal value.

Lotty Ladybird, Deluxe Soft Playmat & Gym #663488700239 Mamas & Papas Ages 0 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Play mat pal! This beautifully designed, well constructed play mat in the round shape of a friendly ladybug keeps infants occupied for hours. The cuddly soft play mat features a bright red cushioned base with coloured circle patches and rounded feet with crinkle and rattle sounds. One ladybug antenna squeaks while the other plays music; the play mat also has a crossbar overhang with six cute dangling play toys. This play mat provides loads of stimulation for little ones. Great for travel; machine washable. NOTE: This is a play mat, not a sleeping mat. Parents should keep an eye on children who are starting to roll.

Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter Set #80445 Leap Frog Ages 2-4

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* A, B, C me play and learn! This English alphabet teaching toy features a battery-operated talking magnetic base and one sample of each letter of the alphabet. Children place a letter on the base and then press the letter to hear about its pronunciation and use. Pressing a music symbol results in a little song about the letter. Kids like the catchy music and enjoy having this activity stay placed on the refrigerator for repeat play. They also like to sing with, and dance to, this toy's music. NOTE: 3 "AAA" batteries required. 2 levels of volume. On/off switch included.


Duplo Team Construction, Lego Ville #4688 Lego Canada Inc. Ages 2-4

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Construction zone! This 24-piece building set pleases little construction workers who want to get busy. Each set includes two toy trucks, accessories and two worker figures. The loader can fill the dump truck with plastic brick pieces and supplies, while the two workers use the wrench and wheelbarrow. The construction area is kept safe by little toy pylons and barricades. This fun set inspires lots of imaginative play. The construction theme--and the trucks--are a hit.

Lila #25052-0 Corolle Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Baby love! This lovely little doll looks just like a real baby, and sounds like one too. Children are captivated by this gorgeous doll, who babbles when her hand is pressed and laughs when her tummy is tickled. When little mommies lie the doll down on her tummy, she will cry. This soft, lightweight doll comes with a soother, bib, hat, toy bear and bottle. When children hold the bottle to the baby's lips, the doll makes a sucking sound. Children love this engaging doll, and will take her everywhere to enjoy hours of play. NOTE: 3 "AAA" batteries required. On/off switch is located on back of doll.


Triple Hit Baseball #B6312-0910 Fisher-Price Canada Inc. Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* What a hit! Kids really do progress from "beginner" to "pro" with this battery-operated batting trainer. The unit offers three modes of play where balls are stationery (T-ball), automatically pop-up (rookie), or pop out (pro). This set includes a plastic bat and four balls, and provides hours of concentrated play. Children have fun as they improve and are proud of their achievements. Terrific active outdoors play. NOTE: 4 "D" batteries required (not included). Auto on/of switch included.


Smart House Sounds Like Home (Happy Family) #c7538 Mattel Canada Inc. Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* I'm home, everybody! Kids adore the many realistic sounds of this talking doll house. The doorbell rings, the front door opens and children hear the rain falling outside; the toy microwave door opens and children hear, "Dinner's ready!". The baby's room plays a lullaby while the bathroom features the sound of running water in a shower. Each doll house also comes with three small dolls and doll furniture. The house is large enough to accommodate Barbies and compact enough to fold up and put away neatly. This well designed doll house inspires hours of imaginative play. NOTE: 3 "AAA" batteries required (not included).


Brendam Docks Electronic Playset, Thomas & Friends #9671476511 Learning Curve Ages 3 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Boat, crane and trains! Kids adore this portable electronic track and train set, which features the popular Thomas theme and lots of loading and transport action. This set includes track and three vehicles: Duck Engine, Bulstrode the Barge and a barrel car. While most of the set is plastic, the engine and barrel car are made of die-cast metal. When laid out, the track creates an oval with a working drawbridge on one side. Children love pressing the lighthouse or crossing gates to hear sounds as they play. The carrying handle is part of the docks, and Cranky the Crane is motorized for pick-up and delivery of cargo. Everything stores away with the handle raised. This set inspires hours of imaginative play for all young train fans. NOTE: 5 "AA" batteries required (included). Not compatible with wooden railway system.
Zoboomafoo Animal Alphabet ISBN 0-7630-7105-6 Brighter Child/Learning Company Ages 3-5

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Animal exploration! Kids love the activities on this CD-ROM featuring eight different games that combine animals with numbers and letters. Children can learn animal facts, animal sounds, counting, letters and more with games like Animal Mix-Ups, Alphabet Noodles, Zobooland Jumble, etc. Different levels are available for players to explore and learn about animals of the world along the way. Zoboo, Chris and Martin act as guides, but children unfamiliar with the TV show enjoy this software as much as fans of the series. Printable animal flash cards also included. NOTE: Playable on both Windows and Macintosh systems.
Tummy Ache #BG12 Orchard Toys/Pierre Belvedere Ages 3-8

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Yummy good! This simple game for two to four players invites kids to fill up their empty place mat setting with five food cards--drink, dessert, meat, starch and vegetable--all in the proper spot. Players take turns drawing a food card from top of the 30-card deck. If it's a healthy choice, the player can add it to the corresponding spot on the place setting. But watch out--tummy ache cards showing food in various stages of contamination or decomposition may be drawn. Everyone yells out "Tummy Ache!" Players can trade their tummy ache cards for healthy food cards if drawn; the winner is the first to fill their place setting with healthy foods. This game is all "luck of the draw" so younger and older children can play with equal advantage. An entertaining game that can be played in five to ten minutes.


Wig Out! ISBN #1-888-439-89-0 Gamewright Ages 4 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Hair-raising fun! Kids adore this fast-paced, kooky card game for two to six players with its wigged-out theme. Each game has 60 cards and is designed to be played in 12 minutes. Players must discard matching cards from their seven-card hands--all at the same time. If players cannot find a matching pair, they must pull a card from the draw deck until they get a match. Players then race against each other to be the first to discard all their cards and yell "Wig Out!" Both older and younger children love the whimsical illustrations on the cards and the free-for-all play of this game.

Maask #00120 Blue Orange Games Ages 6 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Colour coordinated! This brightly coloured, attractive wooden board game for two to six players looks simple but requires strategy to meet the goal of acquiring the most jewels. Game pieces are comprised of covers over the coloured pegs. Players must roll the die and then find two matching colours, continuing until one player takes the last jewel from the crown; the player who has the most jewels wins. A twist in game play lets any of the players know where matching jewels might be--including another player's stash. Kids enjoy using memory and strategy skills--and love the "you can cheat" rule!


Sim City 4 Deluxe Edition ISBN 0-7845-3611-2 Electronic Arts Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Sim-ply sensational! This two-disc computer software package for Windows is a hit with junior city planners. Children enjoy creating a city of their own or interacting with multiple cities. Players create buildings, develop transportation systems, sculpt landscapes and even take control of vehicles operating in the city. The fun begins when players must deal with unexpected events like train derailments, tornadoes and even UFO invasions. Players love the realistic graphics featured in this complex game, which can captivate adults too. NOTE: Some violence.

Columns ISBN 1-932359-12-5 Pin/Out of the Box Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* How will you stack up? This beautifully designed wooden game for two players combines the strategy of checkers and chess--with a 3-D twist. Players must stack the wooden pieces in turn; the one who places the most disc-shaped roundels on top of their stacks wins. However, opponents can use blocker pieces to block play, so children must learn to keep track and revise strategy. The rules are easy to follow and each game takes about 15 to 35 minutes to play. This excellent family game has classic styling and develops critical thinking skills.

Conga ISBN 1-893028-34-8 Cranium Inc. Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Guess what I'm thinking! Kids love the creativity involved with this game for three to six players. Each game includes 300 cards, scoring tiles, six score cases, timer and clay. Children act, sculpt and provide clues so that other players can try to guess what they are thinking before time is up. The timer has a secret pad where the answer is written; closing the cover on the pad starts the timer, which is then passed to the next player for guessing. The first player to collect 16 scoring tiles wins and yells out, "Conga!" This hilarious game is great family fun. NOTE: 3 "AA" batteries required (not included); no volume control.

Dragon Delta #EDG2565 Euro Games/Filosofia Ages 8+

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Way of the dragon! This unique board game for two to six players requires kids to use stones and planks--and their brains--to build a bridge across the delta to reach the village and win the golden dragon. Game play occurs in rounds, and each player gets to plan and choose their moves. However, even the most carefully laid plans can be spoiled by opponents. The game features an attractive design, interesting Asian theme and excellent instructions. Children find this game easy to play, and have fun while developing planning, estimating, and strategy skills. A great game with lasting appeal.

Kit & Caboodle #ISBN 1-888-439-06-8 Gamewright Ages 8 +

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Nice dice! This simple, compact game for one to three players challenges kids to use their brain power and match up mammals, birds, reptiles, insects--and some of their attributes--with a roll of the dice. The six dice have pictures instead of letters and are thrown yahtzee style, but players must choose if they want to match an egg (for example) with a bird, an insect or a reptile symbol shown on the dice. The classification crossovers are all part of the fun. A scoring pad and pencils are included to record points; strategy is involved when children decide which combinations will result in the most points. Each game takes about 20 to 30 minutes to play. Great travel game!

Harry Potter Motorized Hogwarts Express #10132 Lego Canada Inc. Ages 8-12

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Next stop: Hogsmeade! Harry Potter fans love building and playing with this model of the Hogwarts Express, which runs on an electric track and makes soft but realistic steam train sounds as it travels. The 760-piece set constructs a three-car train which can run both backwards and forwards plus a model of Hogsmeade. On its own, this set has the train tracks running in a circle, but the tracks can be reconfigured if children have other Harry Potter construction sets, so the Hogwarts Express can go from one place to another. This set also includes four figures. The train does take up a lot of room once built, but kids are enchanted by the results.

Zigity #ISBN 1-893028-49-6 Cranium Inc. Ages 8-14

*BEST BET AWARD 2005* Hot Zigity! Kids can’t get enough of his fast-paced card game for two to four players. Each set of 80 cool-looking transparent cards challenges players to make card sets in their hands comprised of musical instruments, spelled words, addition to 11, or a puzzle, so the game is imaginative. Meanwhile, players must deal with action cards played by opponents, so the game is strategic. The first player to discard all of his or her cards is the winner; a game takes about 10 to 15 minutes to play. The well-designed cards are made of durable transparent plastic laminate, and store in a secure metal box. Perfect for travel or the cottage.


© 2004 Canadian Toy Testing Council