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What can you do? Which toy to buy? Where can you turn?

Happily, the Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC) has some answers for you.

LOOK IN THE BOOK

You've already taken a solid step in the right direction by using this book, the Canadian Toy Testing Council's annual TOY REPORT, as a resource for your toy purchasing decisions. Every fall, the CTTC publishes the results of its year-round toy evaluations in the information-packed TOY REPORT, which provides descriptive, analytical comments on all the toys tested. Each listing includes the name of the toy and its manufacturer, model number, price range, CTTC rating ("One Star", "Two Stars", "Three Stars", "Novelty" or "Not Recommended"), CTTC recommended age range, and a capsule commentary explaining the principal strengths and weaknesses of the toy. This year, the 1999 TOY REPORT focuses on new toys and has undergone design and chapter changes to make the book even easier to use.

THREE STARS, TOP RATING

For conscientious consumers, the Canadian Toy Testing Council's "Three Star" ratings point the way to quality toys kids like most. "Three Star" ratings represent the Council's highest recommendation, and are awarded to toys distinguished by excellence in design, function, durability and play value. From all of the toys tested that earn a "Three Star" rating during any given year, CTTC then selects "Best Bets"--the top toys of the year!

The Canadian Toy Testing Council also recognizes exceptional toys by giving an "Award of Excellence" or "Toy of the Year" award to a toy manufacturer that has consistently developed and produced "Three Star" toys. These toys are usually part of a theme or line of outstanding toys. Past winners have included Crayola®, Playmobil®, Klutz®, and LEGO® products, among others.

The Council's picks for "Best Bet" toys, "Award of Excellence"/"Toy of the Year" are announced each year in October, at a gala press conference. The CTTC also continues to keep pace with our rapidly changing times by acknowledging new toys that parents want to know about, such as the best computer software for children available on the market.

Any toy manufacturer whose product receives a "Three Star" rating is invited to display a special "Three Star" seal on that toy's packaging. In addition, any manufacturer who receives a "Best Bet" or "Award of Excellence"/"Toy of the Year" has the opportunity to display a special CTTC seal. (Each company pays a modest fee if it chooses to participate and display a seal, and those funds directly support CTTC's ongoing testing initiatives.) So, when you see a package with a golden "Seal of Approval" from CTTC's "Star Program", you'll know you've found a good toy, because the Canadian Toy Testing Council has already checked it out for you!

PARTNERSHIP DECALS

Even when you know what you want, quality toys are sometimes hard to find. That's why the Canadian Toy Testing Council participates in an ongoing "Partnership Program" with select retailers committed to excellence and quality play. Look for the CTTC's "Partnership Program" decal--another special golden seal--displayed in a store's window; it's a reliable sign that will help direct you to good toys. If you're not sure if one of CTTC's retailer partners is located near you, check the back of the TOY REPORT. There, you'll find a list of the names, addresses and telephone numbers of retailers who are current members of the program.

CYBERSPACE CHOICES

Today's consumers are just as likely to use a computer to "surf the net" for information on good toys as well as visit quality toy stores. The Canadian Toy Testing Council provides information at its site at http://www.toy-testing.org. You're also likely to run across some other toy evaluation individuals and organizations when using computer search engines.

Surfing the World Wide Web will doubtless turn up many other interesting sites on toys. Some of these sites may be more interested in selling products to you than helping you make informed purchasing decisions. With a wealth of international information now available at your fingertips, it's comforting to know that the Canadian Toy Testing Council has been working for over 45 years to make toy choices easier for Canadian consumers.

Remember that birthday toy you wanted to buy? Throughout the CTTC testing process, as children play, some toys stand out as being ideal for birthday gifts or travelling purposes. Each year, the TOY REPORT tells you which ones they are. Look under the listing for the helpful symbols--automobile and wrapped gift--to highlight toys that are best suited for travel and/or birthday gifts.

Plus, the next time you step into a store and are faced with a confusion of choices, remember that the Canadian Toy Testing Council has done your homework for you. Keep your eyes open for good toys bearing CTTC's "Star Program" seal, and our other "Seals of Approval".