From “Frozen” toys to pet robot dinosaurs, the slew of new toys released released this year is hard to keep up with. To find out which ones are really worth buying, Parents magazine editors – with the help of kids and parents – tested all the new playthings for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and grade-school age kids that they could get their hands on. They reveal the 58 best toys of 2014 in their November issue.
“Our search for the best toys began last winter and lasted all through the summer,” says Parents magazine entertainment editor Jessica Hartshorn. “We secured early samples of new toys and either tested them in our office with kids or mailed them to families to test. The editors did a fair amount of testing as well, making sure the toys behave as they’re supposed to. We want toys that are genuinely fun and worth the money, and try to find toys that have a new twist of some sort. We tested hundreds to come up with our list!”We highlight some of our favorite picks here:
Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch
Who needs the Apple Watch? This electronic watch for kids gives them plenty to do. Between playing games and taking pictures and videos, there’s enough on this gadget to keep them busy. $59,99, vtechkids.com
Sign Language Alphabet
Kids learn things so quickly. Teaching them a new language when they’re young has lifelong benefits. These wooden block set turns learning the American sign language into a fun game. On one side is the letter and on the other side is the sign for the letter, so kids can test each other – and you! – both ways. $21,99, Fat Brain Toys
Sesame Street Let’s Imagine Elmo
Elmo continues to win over kids year after year and this year’s reincarnation is Let’s Imagine Elmo. Elmo takes on a different role depending on what hat he’s wearing. If your child puts the pirate hat on Elmo, he acts like a pirate. The cowboy hat makes him sound like someone from the wild wild west. There are four interactive modes with songs, games and actions. $39,99, Target
Radio Flyer Cyclone
Designed for kids ages three to seven, the Radio Flyer Cyclone lets kids zoom and spin around, all powered by their arms. This self-powered toy lets them do 360 degree spins and go in reverse. $59.99, radioflyer.com
Wooden Stack & Count Parking Garage
If you’re tight on space, you’ll appreciate that this parking garage toy is built up and not out. But besides being compact and fun, it’s also a helpful learning tool: the colors help reinforce counting. Don’t you love it when toys sneak a teaching moment in there? $20, Melissa and Doug
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