Today's Parent reveals Top Toys for 2009

Today's Parent has the inside scoop from the toughest toy critics - the

Canadian kids of our toy-testing program.

TORONTO , Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Today's Parent revealed the Top Toys for 2009, toys which have been approved by the toughest critics of all - kids - at a press conference today in Toronto .

Not only will the Today's Parent Top Toys guide help alleviate the stress of holiday shopping, but it will ease parents' worries about toy safety. For the third year in a row, Today's Parent has sent all infant, toddler and preschool toys to the McMaster University Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory in Hamilton for lead testing. The labs have confirmed that all of our Top Toys for these age groups are lead-free. Today's Parent is committed to providing our readers with an excellent selection of toys that offer both kid-tested appeal as well as lasting and safe fun.

This year the Today's Parent toy testing program had 136 volunteer families. Together they tested more than 1,000 samples of approximately 200 different toys. Each family, kids and parents, submitted reviews on the toys to Toy Editor Marcia MacQuarrie. The feedback and reviews helped Marcia choose the Top Toys of 2009.

The 2009 Top Toys are available in the November issue of Today's Parent, currently on newsstands, and at www.todaysparent.com.

    
    2009 Top Toys

    INFANT & TODDLER

    Dandelion Organic Toys (Re-Think It, $12 and up)
    Explore 'n Grow Busy Ball Popper (Hasbro/Playskool, $35)
    Island Stroller Set (Tiny Love, $25)
    Lightning McQeen Activity Ride-On; Princess Ride-On (Kiddieland, $37)
    My Soft World Farm (Edushape, $25)
    My Pal Scout (LeapFrog, $25)
    Natural Skwish (Manhattan Toy, $18)
    Smart Snacks Trail Mix & Match (Learning Resources, $20)
    Tag Junior Book Pal (LeapFrog, $40)

    PRESCHOOL

    Crazy Forts (Crazy Forts, $50)
    Matchbox Mega Rig Pirate Ship (Mattel, $69)
    Pretend & Play Birthday Set (Learning Resources, $33)
    Rocket Race (Tactic, $30)
    Shopping Cart (Melissa & Doug, $60)
    Sprig Toys: Eco Trucks - Dump Truck ; Front Loader ; Excavator (3
    different models) (Sprig Toys, $20)
    Superstructs Pinklets: The Fairy Garden (Waba Fun, $45)
    Text & Learn (LeapFrog, $25)
    Tree Blocks (Tree Blocks, $29)

    SCHOOL-AGE

    ArtLab Motorcycle Studio (SmartLab, $26)
    Lego Track Turbo RC (Lego, $50)
    Six (FoxMind, $20)
    Too Many Monkeys (Gamewright, $13)
    Villa Paletti (Wiggles 3D, $29)

    PRETEEN

    Art Nouveau (Djeco, $34)
    Bop It! (Milton Bradley, $30)
    Cosmic Cows (Playroom Entertainment, $25)
    Jishaku (RSV Productions Inc., $25)
    Polar Derby (Gamewright, $18)
    Portrayal (Braincog, $40)
    Say Anything (North Star Games, $30)
    Yamslam (Blue Orange Games, $25)
    Yikerz! (Wiggles 3D $20)
    

About Today's Parent:

As Canada's No.1 parenting magazine, Today's Parent is committed to helping parents build happy, healthy families. Speaking to moms and dads of children from birth to 14, articles tackle the complete range of parenting issues, including health, education and behaviour. Todaysparent.com is Canada's leading family website, covering topics from preconception to teen. It provides a variety of interactive web tools and features, plus a vibrant forum community. Visit www.todaysparent.com.

For further information: or to book interviews contact: Lisa Dunn Wedmann, [phone] or [email protected]