Best Bets 2008 - The Canadian Toy Testing Council


2008 Best Bet Awards

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

SNEEZY WIND CHIMES #95033 TOLO 0 - 9 months

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

BUSY BALL POPPER #06104 PLAYSKOOL 9-36 months
*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

CREANIMAUX STACKING GAME # DJ06311 DJECO 18-36 months

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

DANNY'S DIVING ADVENTURE #04010 WOW TOYS 18 months- 5 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

KATIE CAMPER'S HOLIDAY FRIENDS #01060 WOW TOYS 18 months and up

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

CORRESPO! #2392660201 ÎLOT 307 2 to 7 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER #3005 MEGA BLOKS 3-5 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

FROGGY BOOGIE #2309 BLUE ORANGE GAMES 3-5 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

GALAPAGOS TORTOISE PUPPET #2572 FOLKMANIS INC. 3 years+

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.


GROOVY GIRLS POSEABLES #118720,30,40,50,60,70 MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY 3 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

GROOVY GIRLS WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT #118850 MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY 3 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

INTERACTIVE LIA #K6755-0 COROLLE 3 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

LET'S GET READY VANITY #K4182 FISHER-PRICE CANADA 3-7 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.



MY REAL DIGITAL CAMERA #602634 LITTLE TIKES COMPANY 3 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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

PLANET HEROES #L3770-L3773 FISHER-PRICE CANADA 3-6 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

PLANET HEROES TURBO SHUTTLE #L4810 FISHER-PRICE CANADA 3-6 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

SEEK & FIND LET'S GO TO THE CITY/TAKE ME TO THE CARNIVAL #ISBN 160082040-9/1-7 CRANIUM 3 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

STAGE PUPPETS (6 VARIOUS) 2563 FOLKMANIS INC. 3 years+

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

SUPER CRAFT CADDY #20453/20452 PLAYSKOOL 3-7 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

TIMBER BLOCKS, SOFT & STURDY #763200 STEP 2 CORPORATION 3-4 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

ZOOBIES #ZP103 & various ZOOBIES LLC. 3-7 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

CHICKEN SOCKS PAPER FLOWERS ISBN-10 1-59174-443-1 KLUTZ 4 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

MEGA RIG SHARK SHIP! #K9947 MATTEL CANADA INC. 4 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

PLAYMOBIL CLINIC #4404 PLAYMOBIL CANADA INC. 4 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

PLAYMOBIL JET PLANE #4310 PLAYMOBIL CANADA INC. 4 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

THOMAS MAKING TRACKS GAME #BP08118 BRIARPATCH 4 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

EARTH DRAGON PUPPET 2560 FOLKMANIS INC. 5 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

SUDOKU JR. 4X4 #082604 THINK FUN 5-7 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

THE CURSE OF THE RUBY RHINO ISBN-978-1-932812-72-5 GAMEWRIGHT 6 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

TRIPLE TRIUMPH ISBN 1-600-82097-2 CRANIUM 6 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

BUTTERFLY MOBILE 1002 CREATIVITY FOR KIDS 7 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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 results.

GEMLOK 0108 PYWACKET COMPANY 7 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

LEGO CREATOR HOUSE 4956 LEGO CANADA INC. 7-12 years

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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!

FLEECE AND FLOWER PICTURE #1208 CREATIVITY FOR KIDS 8 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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.

BIG LEAGUE HOCKEY MANAGER #00107 BLM GAMES INC. 10 years +

*BEST BET AWARD 2008* 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! NOTE: Additional roster sheets and money can be downloaded from the website www.bigleaguemanager.com


© 2007 Canadian Toy Testing Council