Top 10 Toys Announced by Testing Council

Nov 24, 2005 • Early Learning, Middle School

Toys that combine technology and tradition are among the top playthings rated for 2006 by the Canadian Toy Testing Council, a non-profit group that, for more than 50 years, has assessed toys on the basis of design, function, durability and play value. The toys are tested by children who play with them for weeks, then help to rate them. The council also offers recommended books for preschoolers to pre-teens.

The best toys blend new technology with the basic characteristics of a great toy, especially for toddlers. Leigh Poirier, the council’s executive director, says the top 10 toys will all keep children entertained for hours.

Toy of the Year

Leapster L-Max Learning Game System by Leap Frog for ages four and up. It’s a hand-held computer system with a touch screen and stylus that runs various learning games. The system can also be hooked to a TV.

Top 10 Toys

1. Baby Gymtastics Play Wall by Fisher-Price for ages 6-18 months
2. Classic Rock & Bounce Pony by Radio Flyer for ages 9-24 months
3. Learning Connections Train by Leap Frog for ages 9 months and up
4. Lego Duplo Dragon Tower and Lego Duplo Knights’ Castle by Lego Canada for ages 3 years and up
5. Balloon Lagoon by Cranium Inc. for ages 4-7
6. Knights Empire Castle, Knights Tournament and Red Dragon by Playmobil Canada Inc. for ages 4 and up
7. Zoo Tycoon 2 by Microsoft Canada for ages 8 and up
8. Things . . . Humour in a Box by Outset Media for ages 8 and up
9. Books in a Cup Lime & Orange by Klutz for ages 8 and up
10. Tamagotchi Connection Version 2 by Bandai for ages 8 and up

For a complete listing of the recommended toys, visit the council’s website at www.toy-testing.org