Toys by category from age 3 TOY REPORT 2013

YEARS● ANS Active Play JUNGLE CROQUET It’s a jungle out there! This croquet game comes with six colourful wickets shaped like cute little jungle animals, as well as four mallets, ALEX four balls, and six stakes. The game can be played indoors or out, and it 88J comes with easy-to-follow instructions for anyone who hasn’t played croquet before. While testers have a lot of fun with this active engaging 3 + toy, parents note that the bases are susceptible to breaking. It's also difficult to place the wickets in the bases.

OGODISK - MEZO Who needs racquets? Now you can use hand-held foam sports disks with elastic nylon centres (like mini-trampolines). This playset includes a OGOSPORT (PLASMART) bouncy ball and two disks. Players can use the disks to bounce the ball SK001 back and forth or over a net. Disks can also be tossed like Frisbees. The disks are 39 centimetres (15 inches) in diameter and float on water, 3 + so they're great to take camping or to the beach. Testers have come up with many ways to play with the disks, with and without a variety of balls. Even adults get in on the fun. Parents say that this activity is great for developing coordination and promotes active outdoor play. It can be played alone or with someone else.

OUTDOOR COLOURED Go bubble crazy with this exciting outdoor toy! The bubble machine BUBBLES MACHINE comes with three coloured bubble bottles (but will also work with regular CRAYOLA CANADA bubble mix). The machine has nine rotating wands that send a continuous stream of colourful bubbles floating into the air. Great for 55-3458 summer camps, birthday parties and backyard parties, this machine can entertain lots of kids at once. Testers are able to turn the machine on 3 + and off by themselves, but adults should probably help pour in the bubble liquid. Requires four "C" batteries.

SLAP SHOTZ This toy includes two well-designed, hand-held blades of recycled plastic and a foam ball designed for indoor hockey. Young testers find STORTZ & ASSOCIATES the blades easier to use than traditional hockey sticks. Even children (STORTZ & ASSOICATES INC.) with little or no hockey experience easily pick up the required skill. WSBLUE, WSRED Parents appreciate the fact that the foam ball is safe for indoor use and the game encourages active play and improves hand–eye coordination. 3 + Most testers play goalie on goalie, taking shots on each other. Practising with handheld blades may even improve the wrist flick in budding hockey players.

SPOONER BOARDS: This "board trainer" simulates board sports, such as skateboarding, FREESTYLE (24") snowboarding and surfing. They toy is designed to develop skills like SPOONER INC. (STORTZ & balance, core strength and coordination. The curved board is strong and ASSOCIATES INC.) solid and has raised edges and a gripping surface for feet. It can be used indoors or outside. The Spooner Board website has lots of ideas FR24 for tricks using the board, but most 3-year-old testers prefer to simply sit and spin and not use the toy very much. The 61 centimetre (24”) board 3 + is designed for kids less than 1.2 metres (4 feet) tall, but it has no weight restrictions.

SQUEEZE ROCKET PARTY Squeeze the ball and your little foam rocket darts go flying! This party PACK pack comes with 2 squeeze balls and 10 colourful darts. Easy to use, PLASMART, INC. this toy appeals to a wide range of ages. Testers have lots of fun playing with it and showing it to their friends. The lightweight rockets can fly for quite a distance but are soft enough to not hurt or break anything, so this game can be played inside or out. 3 +

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 1 of 14 Active Play STOMP ROCKET JR. GLOW Stomp on an air press to send a foam rocket shooting into the air! This lightweight rocket launcher can be aimed in any direction and creates D & L COMPANY (PLASMART an active, social game with immediate kid appeal. Because of the large INC.) distance rockets can travel, outdoor play is best – and it's a great way for kids to burn off energy. Our testers love jumping on the launch pad to send the rocket soaring. The launcher is easy to assemble and 3 + comes with four glow-in-the dark rockets. Great for birthday parties.

Arts & Crafts ARTIST ON THE GO KIT For the budding artist, this environmentally friendly kit comes with a cotton carrying case, 12 soy-based crayons, 4 stencils, 2 pencils, a ruler BEGIN AGAIN (STORTZ & and a drawing pad. Easy to carry, with everything included, this kit can ASSOCIATES INC.) also be used in the car, in restaurants or at the cottage. Parents love BAA1101 how the materials spark creativity without much need for adult assistance, though some children may need help sharpening the 3 + pencils. Some may prefer to substitute their own crayons for the soy ones.

CARS: LIGHTENING Punch out 12 laminated cardboard cars from the spiral-bound activity MCQUEEN BUILD & RACE book. Decorate the cars with the reusable stickers, snap on some KLUTZ INC. (SCHOLASTIC interchangeable wheels, and start the race! The book includes a CANADA) description of the various cars (Mater, Sally, Lightning McQueen, etc.); a fold-out, double-sided racing map; and a pop-up garage to store the cars. Testers have fun putting the cars together and racing them, although they prefer doing it on the floor because the map does not 3 + come out of the book or lie flat. They really like how well the plastic wheels roll around. Everything stores nicely in the book, so this toy is great for trips.

CLOTHESPIN FARM Grow your own fun with this farm craft. Young crafters can use clothespins to create a farmer and his wife, a cow, a sheep, and a ALEX chicken. The kit comes with 10 clothespins, 52 stickers, 35 colourful 1511 cardboard shapes, a glue stick, and illustrated instructions. Pieces for each person and animal are individually packaged, so they're easy to 3 + find. Testers find it easy to assemble the characters. They love how quick and engaging the craft is, and they're happy with the end results. Several create imaginative farm scenarios after completing the craft.

MY FIRST CREATIVE Create and display your own dinosaur art! With this collage craft, you COLLAGE: DINOS peel off different parts of the picture to reveal a sticky surface, and then ORB FACTORY you apply decorations – mini pompom balls, sparkles and foam bits – to create a colourful little dinosaur. Match colours and textures; no glue 65621 required. The frame folds down afterward for a polished finish. Easy to set up, this kit comes with all the supplies needed for three dinosaur 3 + pictures, plus plenty of extras. Pictures take about 30 minutes to complete and can be wall-mounted for display.The dinosaur theme appeals to both boy and girl testers. Parents note that this craft is an age-appropriate way to practise fine motor skills. With all the little bits, some parents prefer to do the craft outdoors.

MY FIRST CREATIVE Create and display your own princess art! With this collage craft, you COLLAGE: PRINCESS peel off different parts of the picture to reveal a sticky surface, and then ORB FACTORY you apply decorations – mini pompom balls, sparkles and foam bits – to create colourful princesses. No glue is needed. The frame folds down 64853 afterward for a polished finish. Easy to set up, this kit comes with all the supplies needed for three princess pictures, including four foil sheets, 3 - 5 yrs plus plenty of extras. The princess theme really appeals to girl testers. They love this craft and like to decide whether to match the colour suggestions or make their own decisions about where to place the decorations. Younger testers (ages 3 to 4) may need help to complete the craft. With all the glitter, some parents prefer to do the craft outdoors.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 2 of 14 Arts & Crafts PIKO: CUPCAKE STAND Fun and yummy! This popular, cute toy includes a pretty wooden WOODEN BLOCKS cupcake stand (simple assembly) and 16 painted wooden cupcakes and BO-JEUX TOYS INC. other treats in a variety of shapes. Children can arrange cupcakes on the stand either by matching the shape or by matching the numbers 0245 painted on the bottom of each treat with the corresponding number on the stand. The cupcakes show great detail. Testers use these treats not 3 + only for sorting and arranging, but also for many doll tea parties and other imaginative play. The stand comes apart easily for storage. Canadian-made toy.

PLAY DRAW CREATE: This attractive, eco-friendly princess art activity booklet contains PRINCESSES magnetic dry-erase pages, four dry-erase markers and two sheets of INNOVATIVE KIDS (THOMAS magnets, all self-stored and ready for creative fun. The booklet has a ALLEN & SON) great, innovative design and offers lots of variety. The activity appeals to little girl testers who like princesses. Cute magnets stimulate creative, IK-1036 imaginative play. Families find it works best as a tabletop activity so that testers can set the magnets aside and draw on the dry-erase board. 3 + Since it is so nice and compact, testers take it to places like restaurants and the doctor's office.

PLAY DRAW CREATE: TRUCKS Create your own trucks and adventures! This activity booklet has magnetic dry-erase pages and comes with four dry-erase markers and INNOVATIVE KIDS (THOMAS two sheets of magnetic pieces – all self-stored and ready for creative ALLEN & SON) fun. With its great, innovative design, the booklet offers lots of variety and entertainment value. It is especially popular with young boys and is handy for travel (or a trip to the doctor's office). Parents like it because it 3 + stimulates creative, imaginative play. Although the booklet stands up appropriately for play, the magnets do crease when bent and may get lost.

PLAY-DOH CANDY CYCLONE Make Play-Doh candy with this brightly coloured playset. Load Play-Doh into the candy machine, crank the handle, and watch gumballs roll down HASBRO CANADA INC. the ramp. Moulds can be used to create licorice, lollipops and other 39640 candy treats. Some testers require assistance using the machine crank and stampers and may need help making the right sized Play-Doh log to 3 + feed into the machine. Still, testers enjoy playing with this playset and like the colours and theme. Parents appreciate the self-storage case and note playset parts are easy to clean.

PLAY-DOH: BUSTER THE With this Buster the Power Crane Play-Doh set, children can press, cut POWER CRANE and roll out building blocks, I-beams, pipes and other construction HASBRO CANADA INC. materials. The toy comes with a variety of tools and gadgets, including a wrecking ball, all of which store neatly on the truck. Testers love the 49365 brick- and concrete-coloured Play-doh and the realistic truck design. The truck has sound effects (but no volume control). The toy is just as 3 + much fun without playing the sounds, too. In addition to playing with the Play-doh, testers play separately with the truck and enjoy taking it apart and putting it back together. The toy offers versatility and sustained play value. Requires two "AA" batteries.

PLAY-DOH: PRETTIEST If you love princesses and Play-Doh, this pretty-in-pink castle playset is PRINCESS CASTLE for you! You can fashion dresses and accessories for Cinderella, Belle HASBRO CANADA INC. and Aurora. The princess figurines fit into moulds, and then you can make dresses to go around them. Another mould creates a Play-Doh A0038 prince ready to whisk them around the dance floor (if only he would stand up!). Or use the press at the top of the castle to squeeze out 3 + Rapunzel's long hair (a definite favourite with younger testers). Easy to use and very popular with our testers, this playset encourages imagination and creativity.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 3 of 14 Arts & Crafts TUTTI FRUTTI: CUPCAKES This attractive kit comes with scented moulding dough in three mixable "flavours": strawberry, chocolate and vanilla. Children can use the BO-JEUX TOYS INC. plastic hand press and plunger with changeable parts to make cupcakes 14805 and decorate them. The kit also includes several paper cupcake liners, which are very popular with testers. The soft-textured dough holds up 3 + well and can be rehydrated with water if it dries out. Testers love crafting little cupcakes and sharing them with their toys, friends, and family at tea parties. Parents say the toy helps develop fine motor skills and imagination. And they appreciate the plastic work mat, which prevents dough from sticking to tabletops.

TUTTI FRUTTI: HAMBURGERS Do you want fries with that? This kit includes moulds and utensils, as well as soft and pliable dough. Dough can be mixed together to form BO-JEUX TOYS INC. new colours, and clay can be rehydrated with water if it dries out. The 14809 dough is strongly scented, an aspect that some testing families enjoy and others find overwhelming. Testers enjoy playing with it, though, and 3 + play with it on multiple occasions without it drying up. Parents note that the toy promotes imagination and the development of fine motor skills. However, accessories are flimsy and small, even for testers’ hands. Some of the moulds are not related to the hamburger theme (strawberry and fish, for example). Testers are unable to produce what is shown on the box with the materials provided.

TUTTI FRUTTI: MODELING KIT If you want your clay dough to smell like fruit, then this is the kit for you. It comes with nine plastic tools, including presses, cutters, knives and BO-JEUX TOYS INC. scissors. The mouldable clay can be mixed together to form new 14812 colours. It is played with by testers on multiple occasions without drying up, but if it ever does dry up, it can be rehydrated with water. The clay is 3 + strongly scented, an aspect that may not appeal to everybody. Testers enjoy playing with it, though. Parents like this activity because it promotes imagination and the development of fine motor skills.

TUTTI FRUTTI: PARTY BUCKET This party kit comes with moulding clay and various presses and moulds. This dough comes in five colours and is strongly scented, which BO-JEUX TOYS INC. some testing families don't mind. Testers enjoy playing with it, despite 00325 the strong scent, and they play with it on multiple occasions without it drying out. Testers also find that the dough does not stick to things or 3 + crumble. It can also be mixed together to form new colours and can be rehydrated with water if it does dry out. Parents note that the toy promotes imagination and the development of fine motor skills.

Bath, Sand & Water BATHTUB BALL This popular bathtub toy comes with two sharks, a deep-sea diver and an octopus, all made of natural rubber. The toys can be stored in a big BEGIN AGAIN (STORTZ & rubber ball that has large holes for easy drainage. The individual toys ASSOCIATES INC.) also drain easily. It is easy to carry around, and our testers had lots of BAH1101 fun playing with it in lakes, pools and bathtubs. The toy is also durable and environmentally friendly. 3 +

Construction Toys ED CREATOR DAVINCI Budding engineers and inventors love these innovative plastic building BLOCK - GEAR blocks. The blocks have non-repelling, rotating magnets, which our EDTOY CO. (MANHATTAN TOY) testers use to click, twist and connect pieces into imaginative creations. The box provides lots of ideas for things to build: rocket ships, towers, 800940 trains, cars, spacecraft and machines. Children learn about magnets and gears while their imagination and creativity are being stimulated. 3 + Parents describe this toy as "ingenious" and "brilliant" and report no frustration during play. Testers appreciate the variety of pieces, which come in different shapes, sizes and colours. The toy has lots of creative play value.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 4 of 14 Construction Toys ED CREATOR: DAVINCI Spark your imagination with these innovative plastic building blocks. AUTOMOBILE The blocks have non-repelling, rotating magnets that allow children to MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY click, twist and connect pieces to create their own cars. The box provides lots of ideas for easy-to-build cars. Testers enjoy assembling 800920 the cars and find that the wheels roll nicely. Testing families note that cars may fall apart during play, so the real fun is in designing and 3 - 5 yrs building new cars.

MAGNAMOBILES: MagnaMobiles are innovative little vehicles in so many ways. Kids can BULLDOZER, HELICOPTER put pieces together to create one vehicle and later on take them apart to MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY create another. Blocks and pieces easily click and rotate into place, held together by little magnets. Eleven MagnaMobiles are available (all sold 800700/800760 separately); most parts are interchangeable. Testers enjoy playing with the bulldozer and the helicopter. 3 +

MAGNAMOBILES: DUMP The dumptruck is one of MagnaMobiles' inventive little vehicles which TRUCK use rotating magnets to hold their pieces together. Kids can put pieces MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY together and take them apart to create new and inventive vehicles. Blocks and pieces easily click and rotate. There are 11 different 800720 MagnaMobiles available, all of which are sold separately but whose parts of mostly interchangeable. While testers enjoyed playing with the 3 + MagnaMobiles, the dumptruck's joint broke on a couple of samples.

SUPERMAXI: MAGNETIC TOY This magnetic construction playset comes with 36 long and short plastic (SUPERSIZE) rods with magnetic ends, as well as 30 metal balls that can be used as PLASTWOOD joints. Testers use their own imagination, or take inspiration from the pictures on the box, to make various constructions. With lots of room for 0103 imagination and creativity, testers enjoy playing with the colourful, durable rods and attempting designs of increasing complexity. Testers 3 + are proud of the constructions they built, although some frustration may arise if structures fall over. Parental assistance can reduce frustration, especially with younger testers. Families would like a sturdier storage case, especially for those rascally metal balls.

TRYRON: NEW MAGNETIC This construction toy comes with 49 magnets and 20 plastic magnetic SYSTEM (CLASSIC + PINK) connectors in red, blue, green, yellow and white. Children can explore PLASTWOOD (ACTIVE PLAY and discover on their own, and the unique shapes encourage creativity. TOYS AND GAMES) In addition, the pictures on the package suggest things to build, which is helpful because no instructions are provided.Parents like how this toy 0581 stimulates creativity and helps develop fine motor skills, and the magnets hold together well. Testers are proud of the structures they 3 + make and can complete as many projects as they like with little or no help. Note that some ideas shown on the box require more pieces than come in one kit.

Dolls, Houses, & Accessories BABY ALIVE: BABY WANNA This cute little doll can walk all by herself! Press on her tummy and WALK she’ll walk and talk. Testers sometimes hold her hands to "help" her, but HASBRO CANADA INC. she is fairly stable by herself on most floor surfaces. Adored especially by little girl testers who like to play mommy or big sister, this doll is 98859 played with and talked to with sustained interest. One little tester lines up her other dolls and proudly shows them how Baby Alive is learning to 3 + walk. Parents note that this is a very girly toy that comes with lots of pink (but no volume control). Taller testers may not find it easy to crouch down to hold Baby Alive’s hands while she walks. Requires four "AA" batteries.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 5 of 14 Dolls, Houses, & Accessories CINDERELLA SWIRLING For Disney princess fans, this Cinderella doll twinkles in her glittery blue LIGHTS ball gown. Press on her necklace, and her dress lights up and loud MATTEL CANADA INC. music plays. Little girl testers love Cinderella's pretty dress and necklace and wish they could change her clothes. The doll also comes X3960 with a tiara and "glass" slippers. Testers enjoy playing with her and re- creating the story of her transformation and her trip to the prince’s ball. 3 + Although testers find it difficult to position her because of the large battery pack under her skirt, she fits nicely in the Cinderella carriage (sold separately). Requires two "AA" batteries.

CINDERELLA TRANSFORMING Nearly every little girl knows the story of how Cinderella’s fairy PUMPKIN CARRIAGE godmother magically transforms a pumpkin into a carriage that’s ready MATTEL CANADA INC. to whisk Cinderella off to the ball. Recreate this magic by turning a large pumpkin into a carriage. Lift the pumpkin to pop up the carriage wheels, X2847 pull the cord to reveal the carriage, and attach the cord as reins to a white horse. And by re-covering the carriage and turning down the 3 + wheels, you turn the carriage back into a pumpkin again. Although small testers may need help turning the carriage back into a pumpkin, they enjoy the transformation, as well as imaginative play with the carriage and horse. Testers like how the horse can be unhitched from the carriage and be played with separately, but when they want it to stay attached to the carriage, it doesn't always do so, and the bridle doesn't stay fastened. Cinderella doll (sold separately) fits well into the carriage.

DISNEY'S BRAVE: MERIDA & Fans of the Pixar movie "Brave" love this Merida doll and her black ANGUS DOLL SET horse Angus. Testers love Merida’s long red hair, the detail on her dress MATTEL CANADA INC. and shoes, and the removable saddle for Angus, although many wish she had a bow and arrow accessory. Testers play with the toys by re- V1815 creating scenes from the movie or making up their own stories. Even those who have not seen the movie still enjoy the toy and create 3 + imaginative interactions between the two toys. While Merida can sit on the horse, she easily falls off, something that several testers find frustrating. Some testing families report that the hair from the horse’s tail falls out (especially if brushed).

FISHER-PRICE: DOCTOR This cute, interactive doll talks, and you are her doctor. She invites you MOMMY to help her feel better with the tools in your doctor’s bag. She says, “I MATTEL CANADA INC. feel yucky.” Her forehead glows to indicate a fever. “Make it better,” she says. Use your plastic thermometer, syringe, tongue depressor, reflex X1028 hammer, medicine bottle, Band-Aid, and stethoscope to examine and treat her. She says “aaahh” for the tongue depressor and giggles when 3 + the reflex hammer makes her knee kick out. Testers enjoy playing and interacting with her, and they also like all the little items in the medicine kit, all of which function well. Parents note that playing with this toy helps children understand what and how doctors treat patients. The diagnostic pieces fit into a pink plastic carrying case, which may be a bit difficult to open and close. Doll requires three "AA" batteries; stethoscope requires one AG 13 button cell battery.

GROOVY GIRLS: MAD FOR Young children are attracted to the stylish Groovy Girls toy line. This MODULAR DINING SET, dining set makes a colourful addition to a Groovy Girls' home, but the DARLING DÉCOR curved booth seats do not allow the dolls to sit down properly: our ACCESSORY SET & 3 DOLLS testers find that their dolls simply slide off or flop over. Testers are also MANHATTAN TOY COMPANY confused by the mushroom-shaped table. They think the dining set looks cute, but they don't really incorporate it into their play. 147510, 147520

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December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 6 of 14 Games 4 FIRST GAMES The two game boards have one game on each side, giving a total of four games and multiple challenges. Game pieces include a coloured RAVENSBURGER GERMANY die, 20 coloured flowers, 24 picture cards, and 6 pawns for moving (PIERRE BELVEDERE) around the board. All games are based on chance, so older and 22185(1) younger children can play together. Our testers have fun while learning to take turns, roll dice, match items and count. Parents appreciate the 3 + gender-neutral, attractive colours, simple rules and quick game play (10–15 minutes).

BUG OUT This game comes with 36 round and 36 square bug cards that players place around the floor and table. Round cards are scattered, and square OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING cards are dealt to players. The object of the game is for players to run INC. around covering round bugs with the corresponding square. The first to 4200 match all of his or her cards yells "Bug Out!" Young testers enjoy running around and like the cute pictures on the cards, although some 3 - 5 yrs of the bugs look similar and younger children may make mistakes. A compact game, it’s easy to take and travel with, although cards are rather thin and not very durable. Game time is short and works best with two to three players.

CACHE-CACHE ANIMAUX Guess the hidden animal! This French-language discovery game comes with 18 photo cards and a frame with 8 flaps. Slide a photo card into the RAVENSBURGER GERMANY frame and try to guess the hidden animal by opening the least number (PIERRE BELVEDERE) of flaps. To make the game more challenging, add a cutout to obscure 244133 part of the photo. If you're still having trouble guessing the animal, use the hint cards. These cards give clues, such as the animal's habitat, 3 + characteristics and food. Parents like this game because it makes it fun to learn French vocabulary, and it also develops concentration and observation skills. Highly recommended for French immersion students.

DR. SEUSS FUN MACHINE The Cat in the Hat now has an app! Combining a classic tabletop game GAME TITLES with the modern appeal of apps, this game merges the best of both WONDERFORGE worlds. Kids use 32 physical game tiles to play with this free app that can be downloaded on an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. While each 01078 aspect (tiles and app) can be played with separately, testers find that the best way to play with this toy is to use them together in the three 3 + game versions that are provided. Testers love the wacky Dr. Seuss illustrations and enjoy the quick, interactive games.

ELEPHANT'S TRUNK This amusing and colourful game for young children comes with four cute, little suitcases. Players attempt to pack the suitcases with tokens GAMEWRIGHT representing hats, socks, shirts, and so on. Children need only to be 121711-59751-P able to count to two to play. Since this is entirely a game of chance, younger testers are not at a disadvantage. Testers are entertained by 3 - 7 yrs this game, which they find quick and easy to play. Parents appreciate how the game helps children master colour and order. Materials are of good quality, and the little suitcases are easy to open. Games take 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

FEED THE WOOZLE Feed the hungry Woozle some mud meatballs and booger chili. The stand-up cardboard character with the huge mouth is waiting patiently PEACEABLE KINGDOM across the room while you and your buddies use a spinner and die to GMK2 see how many snacks he should get. Balance the snacks on the spoon and walk over to feed him. Older players are given challenges, such as 3 - 6 yrs turning around or hopping while delivering the snacks. Testers have lots of fun, and parents love the cooperative aspect of play. The game is great for multiple ages, and testers develop skills such as coordination, counting, and taking turns. Play time is about 15 minutes, and two to five players can play. A tremendous hit.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 7 of 14 Games FINGERTIPS This attractive card game has cards in the shape of hands, with little pictures of animals on the finger tips. Instruction cards explain three WIGGLES 3D INCORPORATED games: (1) Hide and Seek, a memory game; (2) Mad Rush, a matching race; and (3) Hot Dog, a game similar to dominos. Finger Tips is a good introduction to card games, and no reading is required for play. Our 3 + testers all love it. They especially like the unique card shape and the cute animal pictures. Various difficulty levels give these cards play value for multiple ages. Parents appreciate the multi-racial hands.

GOODNIGHT MOON MY Learning the alphabet with a bunny can be fun! This game for up to four WORLD ABC GAME players is based on the popular children’s book "Goodnight Moon." The BRIARPATCH game has five ways to play and comes with 26 pairs of cards. For each pair, a letter on one card matches up with a related picture on another. BP05106 The matching pair fits together like a jigasw puzzle. Testers have fun with this shape matching, and at the same time they're learning to 3 - 5 yrs recognize letters. Because this game is good for reading preparation, it is popular with testing families whose children are learning to read and sound out words. The durable cards are a good size for little hands. Testing families note that all the letters but "n" are uppercase.

MAMAS AND BABIES Do you know how mama animals take care of their babies? Let's find MEMORY MATCH out! This toy set for young children comes with a board book and 20 INNOVATIVE KIDS (THOMAS corresponding memory match cards with cute pictures of animal ALLEN & SON) mothers and babies. The story in the board book is appealing to tester tots and adds to the game’s appeal. Little hands find the sturdy cards easy to hold and turn over. The eco-friendly ink used for the colours is popular with parents, but some tester tots find the colours slightly dull 3 + and repetitive. The set comes with a nice carrying case.

NUMBERS IN NATURE Count the animals! Young children can learn while they're having fun. MEMORY MATCH This toy set comes with a board book and 20 memory match cards with INNOVATIVE KIDS (THOMAS cute animal pictures. Little testers enjoy playing a memory game or ALLEN & SON) matching the cards to pages in the book. The sturdy cards are easy for little hands to hold and flip. Olders testers prefer playing with the cards, while their younger siblings find the board book appealing. The eco- friendly inks are popular with parents, but some tester tots find the 3 - 4 yrs colours slightly dull and repetetive. The set comes with a nice carrying case.

SEEDS FOR THE BIRDS Help Mama Bird feed her three little ones – and try to keep the squirrels from stealing all the seeds. This cooperative game comes with a PEACEABLE KINGDOM colourful game board, 16 cards and 15 seeds. Testers have lots of fun GMC1 playing the game and find it easy to learn. Parents like it because children can develop their social skills and simple cooperative 3 + strategies, with no reading required. Testers can set up the game board and play it by themselves. The game is for two to four players and takes 10 to 15 minutes.

SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG Snuggle up for some fun! This cute cooperative matching game has 24 brightly coloured cardboard bugs, three grey stinkbugs, a die and a PEACEABLE KINGDOM game board with a built-in spinner. The goal is to tuck all the colourful GMK1 bugs under the rug before the three stink bugs claim it. Three levels of play help kids recognize shapes and colours, distinguish big and little, 3 - 6 yrs and practise counting. Our testers enjoy using the die and the spinner and like the cute little bugs. Parents love the cooperative aspect, with everyone working together to get all the little bugs tucked safely away. Games take about 15 minutes for two to four players.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 8 of 14 Games SPOT IT! JUNIOR ANIMALS This versatile game has lots of easy-to-learn play variations for hours of fun. Circular box-set includes 31 cards, each with pictures of 6 different BLUE ORANGE GAMES animals. The sizes of animals vary from one card to another and any 00414 two cards have exactly one animal in common. In one of 3 play variations, players reveal one card, then another. Whoever spots the 3 - 5 yrs animal in common collects the first card, then another card is revealed. Players develop matching and observation skills. A very popular, well- received game, it is easily portable and comes with a compact and durable storage tin.

SPURTLE TURTLE In this cute matching game, players press the turtle’s back and he spurts out 20 tokens. Players then race to find matching pairs. Colouful PATCH tokens have pictures of little sea creatures. Testers also use the tokens 6652 without the turtle to play regular memory matching games. Testing families find lots of play value with this game. All tokens can be stored in 3 - 6 yrs the turtle. Games are quick to play, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. No batteries are required.

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS: This cute board game promotes positive behaviour and kind deeds. The LEARN TO SHARE game comes with four familiar storybook characters (Brother Bear, PATCH Sister Bear, Lizzy, Cousin Freddie), a die, 16 "get in trouble" cards, and 16 "do something nice" cards. An easy-to-assemble little treehouse 7206 goes in the middle of the board. When it's your turn to move your bear, you roll the die down the treehouse slide – more fun than simply tossing 3 + it. While young testers may need an adult to read them the cards, they enjoy hearing what the cards say and appreciate the easy-to- understand instructions. Parents like the game because it offers opportunities to discuss sharing and doing nice things. The game takes 20 to 30 minutes.

TREASURE HUNT This shape-matching game has five varieties of play, including matching, pretend adventure, and checkers. The games can be enjoyed BEGIN AGAIN (STORTZ & by a variety of ages; since most games are based on chance, older ASSOCIATES INC.) testers do not have an advantage. However, families find the BAI1101 instructions difficult to understand, and play value is not sustained. Muted colours and cardboard pieces are not very appealing to young 3 + testers. Parents like the fact that the game is made with environmentally friendly materials, and the gameboard has a handy Velcro pocket to keep all 65 pieces together.

WILLY'S WIGGLY WEB Hey, team! Lets rescue these bugs! This is an engaging, cooperative skill-building game for preschoolers. Players work together to cut 10 PEACEABLE KINGDOM little cardboard bugs free from a paper web before the spider falls down GMK3 onto the platform. Kids practise using scissors and following simple directions on 30 cards, such as "cut 3 times and pass scissors to the 3 - 6 yrs left." Testing families love the cooperative aspect of the game, with everyone working together and no winners or losers. Testers, especially 3-year-olds, are excited about using the kid-safe scissors, although several families use their own (sharper) pair. The game is quick to play, taking about 15 minutes for two to five players. It has a cute design and is made of durable materials. The game comes with 50 webs, and the manufacturer's website says that free refills are available.

Imaginative Play AFRICAN ELEPHANT FAMILY: This set has realistic-looking animals: adult male and female elephants, MALE, FEMALE & CALF as well as a little calf. Testers enjoy incorporating the animals in play SCHLEICH with other toy animals and people that they have. Parents note that the toy is quiet and does not require batteries, which they appreciate. The 14656 elephants are durable and compact and stimulate imaginative play.

3 +

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 9 of 14 Imaginative Play CARS: SUPER SPEEDWAY This speedway is based on the popular Disney/Pixar movie "Cars". It MICRO DRIFTERS features a motorized car launcher and an extra-wide track so that MATTEL CANADA INC. multiple cars can race at once. The Playset includes a Lightning McQueen Micro Drifters vehicle – other vehicles must be purchased W7171 separately if kids want to race. It's easy to snap together this speedway, and testers like the nice design and great attention to detail. Smooth 3 + edges and bright colours make this an attractive, safe and sturdy toy. A motorized launcher spits cars out and they race around the speedway (the wheels don’t actually move, so cars won’t work on other surfaces). The theme of this toy and the tiny size of the cars are highly attractive to testers. Requires three "C" batteries.

CHUGGINGTON STORM All aboard for a stormy ride! Based on the popular Chuggington train MAKER: WILSON'S WILD RIDE cartoon episode "Wilson and the Wild Wind," this sturdy traintrack set TOMY (PRE-SCHOOL) allows little train conductors to build elevated, winding tracks for Wilson the little red engine to zoom through. Set up the storm maker along the LC54220 track and Wilson will trigger cool storm sound effects as he passes through. Instructions show four examples of track layouts, but testers 3 + use their imagination to come up with their own layouts. Pieces fit easily together and can be stacked up to 0.6 metres (2 feet) high. The set can connect to other Chuggington die-cast train sets (sold separately).

FAIRY BLOSSOM DRESS & This beautifully detailed fairy outfit is sure to appeal to little fairy-lovers. ROSE GARLAND HALO Decorated with rosettes and trimmed with glitter, the dress has a CREATIVE EDUCATION OF stretchy bodice and layers of sheer fabric and tulle for the skirt. CANADA Attached soft wings can float behind or be held with elastic finger loops. The matching Rose Garden halo is a ring of pretty pink rosettes with 31485/11320 ribbons and beads. Testers love the dress and the wings, although they need help in putting it on, and some find the stitching itchy. The fit is a 3 + little small.

FRIENDSHIP EXPRESS TRAIN All aboard! This popular set comes with a motorized train, a railroad + SWEETIE BELLE ICE CREAM wagon, a seven-piece track, and a My Little Pony called Pinkie Pie. Set TRUCK up the track as a horse shoe or a straight line and watch the pretty little HASBRO CANADA INC. train go on a trip. The train has an on/off switch (but not an auto shut- off) and is set in motion by pushing the smoke stack. The train will also 35891 & 37378 run along the floor, whether wood, tile or carpet. Several testers prefer this, since placing the train on the tracks by themselves can be a bit 3 - 6 yrs tricky. Girls especially love the colours and theme and integrate the pony into play with other toys, or they invite other toys to go for a ride on the train. The ice cream car (sold separately) attaches to the train. It comes with a squirrel, a Sweetie Belle pony, some treats, an ice cream scoop, a map, and two tickets. Some younger testers find the train tippy. Parents find the track easy to assemble and disassemble.

LEATHERBACK TURTLE This large, beautifully crafted, soft turtle puppet has a moveable mouth PUPPET and flippers. Very realistic looking, this puppet appeals to both boy and FOLKMANIS, INC. girl testers and is made of excellent quality materials. Testers use it as both a puppet and a stuffed animal. The turtle engages a wide age 11FM013 range of testers and is fun to play with. Parents note that the toy comes with interesting facts about this endangered animal, which increases the 3 + educational value and contributes to imaginative play.

LITTLE HANDS: WOODLAND These cute, well-made plush little animals are very popular with testers CREATURE PUPPETS who like puppets. Families tested puppet bears (brown and polar), a FOLKMANIS, INC. racoon, a hare and a chipmunk. Attractive and cuddly, puppets are easy for little hands to manipulate. Testers engage in imaginative play, creating interactions between puppets or between a puppet and other toys. Lightweight and easily portable, these puppets often accompany 3 + testers and their families on trips and car rides. Puppets come packaging-free, but each has a little tag with facts and information about the animal.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 10 of 14 Imaginative Play MOSHI MONSTERS: BIZARRE Moshi Monsters are little bots that vibrate, run around, and bump into BAZAAR each other. This playset comes with a little habitat of buildings, INNOVATION FIRST mushrooms and grass that you can construct for your Moshi Monsters. INTERNATIONAL For collectors, this habitat can be connected to others. Testers find the design appealing and colourful, and the bots have cute, funny little 620-2406 faces. They are easy to turn on and off and move well, despite being very noisy. Parents note that the habitat materials are flimsy, and 3 + younger testers find it hard to rearrange the parts. There are not enough accessories to create a maze for the bots, and the toy lacks appeal for sustained or creative play. When bots fall over, they don’t get up on their own, and testers quickly lose interest in righting them. Requires one AG 13 button battery.

MY BBQ TROLLEY Fire up the grill and have your own BBQ party. This durable toy also includes utensils that can be tucked into the BBQ for easy storage. PIERRE BELVEDERE INC. Young testers love playing with the switches that turn on the glowing (PIERRE BELVEDERE) "fire" and the sizzle sounds. Parents note that the colours and height of 53309 this toy appeal mostly to younger testers as well. The propane tank comes with poison and danger decals, which might confuse children 3 - 6 yrs because it's on a safe toy. This easy-to-assemble toy is a companion for the PlayGo tent. Requires three "AA" batteries.

PLAYSKOOL HEROES: In this Spider-Man playset, the superhero can climb up and down the SPIDER-MAN STUNT CITY wall and spin down a pole. He can swing on his web line, hang upside HASBRO CANADA INC. down, and drive through the door on his motorcycle. A press button activates lights, sounds, and Spider-Man catch phrases. The toy also 37934 includes a comic book, "The Lizard’s Lost Treasure." Testers love this toy’s theme and the many included activities. The playset folds up and 3 - 6 yrs has a built-in carrying handle, so it's nicely portable. Requires two "AA" batteries.

RESCUE BOTS MOBILE Transformers to the rescue! This toy comes with an Optimus Prime HEADQUARTERS PLAYSET transformer truck and a Cody Burns fireman, as well as a large firetruck HASBRO CANADA INC. that converts into rescue headquarters. Testers enjoy this sturdy interactive toy. They like the siren sounds, flashing red lights and truck 98644 noises – and parents appreciate the fact that the volume is not too loud. Simple to operate, the toy has a lot of potential for imaginative play. 3 - 5 yrs Requires two "AA" batteries.

THE CLUBHOUSE No need to drive out to the woods to go camping! Children can set up their own little dome tent at home. The Clubhouse comes with plastic PIERRE BELVEDERE INC. camping tools (axe, knife, mallet, spade) and a lantern that can also be (PIERRE BELVEDERE) used as a flashlight. Testing families note that the colourful tent is easy 53001 to assemble, move and store. And it's just the right height for kids to sit in. The adaptable lantern is especially popular with testers, but 3 + sometimes it doesn't function properly. Requires two "AA" batteries for the lantern.

THE PRINCESS AND THE Based on the new animated Barbie movie, "The Princess and the POPSTAR: TORI Popstar," this attractive doll easily transforms from a princess to a pop MATTEL CANADA INC. star. Tug on a string to change her skirt, adjust her hairstyle, and your princess is ready for the stage. Press on her necklace and she’ll sing X8753 into her mic. Appealing to little girl testers who like Barbie, this doll functions well. Testers incorporate her into play with other toys and 3 + enjoy the upbeat music she sings. Requires 4 button cell AG 13 batteries.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 11 of 14 Imaginative Play THOMAS & FRIENDS: TAKE N All aboard! In this interactive Thomas the Train playset, a magnet pulls PLAY - THE GREAT QUARRY Thomas up a quarry hill. When he comes down the other side, he CLIMB triggers a saw, which "cuts" a piece of rock that drops into a waiting MATTEL CANADA INC. freight car below. When he gets to the bottom of the hill, Thomas can then back up on a turntable, hook up with the freight car, and complete W3226 the loop. Tracks can also be linked in with other die-cast Thomas sets. Testers enjoy the magnet-pull function and also use other toy cars on 3 + the track. Parents note that although it’s easy to assemble and the track folds up, this toy is not really "take-and-play" as advertised, since it does not transport with ease and can come apart. But testers find it easy to put together and take apart without adult assistance. No batteries required.

WORLD OF NATURE: This petting zoo play kit comes with three cute baby animals (rabbit, CHILDREN'S ZOO SCENARY sheep, goat), a six-piece fence, a food dish and a log. Testers like the PACK (FARM LIFE) detailed, realistic-looking animals and accessories. The set comes with SCHLEICH a tiny notepad that testers can use to comment on the animals and their feeding habits.Testers engage with this quiet, imaginative toy, often 41814 incorporating animals in play with other toys. Testers also enjoy linking and unlinking the fence. Parents appreciate the realism of the animal 3 + scene.

Interactive Electronics APP CRAYON STYLUS FOR This cute stylus allows children to interact with touchscreen devices KIDS while practising the correct way to hold a pen, pencil or crayon. The DANO2 (STORTZ & stylus is compatible with iPad, iPhone, and any touchscreen. A variety ASSOCIATES INC.) of free and educational apps work well with the stylus, such as Sky Writers, App Crayons, Lego, Mole Mash, Color Studio, Printing D2APP Alphabet, Battleship, Lorax Garden, Backyard Hockey, Dragon Vale and Tap Fish. Testers find that the wide rubber tip does not work for all 3 + apps. Parents note that this makes the stylus better suited to larger touchscreen devices, like an iPad. The stylus is great for practising drawing letters. Parents appreciate the triangular shape, which prevents the app crayon from rolling off the table.

BRAWLIN' BUDDIES: JOHN This large WWE toy encourages boys to get in on the action. Hit his CENA chest and he says "Time for a throwback" or another of 10 signature MATTEL CANADA INC. John Cena phrases. Durable and soft, this toy is designed to be tossed, flipped, thrown and hit – he’ll even make grunts and impact sounds W8015 when hit. Testers find the toy quite funny, although most are not familiar with wrestling. Some parents do not appreciate the fighting theme and 3 + think that the toy encourages violence and hitting. Parents also noted a lack of educational or productive play value. Requires 3 button cell AG 13 batteries, which are difficult to access and change.

COGSLEY Why not have fun with a colourful robot while learning some manners? Cogsley's little plastic backpack contains 31 activity tokens, including all VTECH ELECTRONICS the letters of the alphabet. Drop a token into the slot between his CANADA LTD. eyebrows and twist his nose or ears to see what happens. His eyes 80-135000 move, his mouth lights up, and he prompts you with a learning actvity. The LCD screen also illustrates the activity. Testers find it easy to use 3 - 6 yrs this toy all by themselves. The on/off switch is a large light-up button on top of the robot's head, perfect for little hands. It can also be easily bumped, causing the robot to start talking again. While testers enjoy his chatter, some don't need all the verbal instructions. Some also find that his reaction time can be slower than they expect. The robot comes with a two-volume control. Requires four "AA" batteries.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 12 of 14 Interactive Electronics INNO TAB 2 This popular and durable electronic toy is a touchscreen tablet. It has a built-in camera that can take videos. It comes with a nice variety of VTECH ELECTRONICS functions and games, including music, picture apps, and an e-reader. CANADA LTD. Additional functions can be added by purchasing cartridges or 19205 downloading apps. Functions are easy for testers to understand without instruction or adult assistance. The tablet can be personalized so that 3 - 7 yrs up to four users can log in. The gender-neutral colours appeal to both boy and girl testers. The tablet includes built-in storage for the stylus, with an extra one included in case one gets misplaced. Tablet requires four "AA" batteries and one CR2032 backup battery.

LEAPFROG TOUCH MAGIC: This small, lightweight, red plastic guitar plays multiple songs, and the ROCKIN' GUITAR/MA GUITARE faster you "strum" the faster the music plays. Touch buttons add great ROCK sound effects like applause, drum rolls and rock slides. The guitar is LEAPFROG slim and completely flat – all buttons are touch buttons. Easy to use and hold, this guitar even can even be strung around the neck of stand-up 80213 performances. A great way to get kids moving, dancing and singing, this was a very popular toy with testers. Parents appreciate the volume 3 + adjuster. Requires three "AAA" batteries.

LEAPPAD2 EXPLORER Interact with this tablet’s touch screen. Or use the stylus to draw and write! This updated version of the popular LeapFrog learning tablet lets LEAP FROG kids use front and back cameras, game cartridges, and a wide variety of 326610 downloadable apps. The durable plastic tablet can hold e-books, videos, music, games and more. It comes with 4 GB of memory and five apps. 3 + Parents like it because it encourages creativity and learning and can grow with the child’s ability. Our testers have so much fun with it they may not realize how much they're learning. Requires four "AA" batteries.

SWITCH & GO DINOS: BROK Brok the Brachiosaurus is a 2-in-1 toy that easily transforms from a car THE BRACHIOSAURUS carrier to a dinosaur in a few simple steps. In the dinosaur mode, Brok VTECH ELECTRONICS has an LCD screen on his face that animates his eye. Button controls CANADA LTD. get him talking, making sound effects, stomping his feet and even rearing up. In the car mode, testers pull a lever and the car races off along the floor and launches a Pterodactyl into the air. Testers love the variety of activities and the 80+ wild sounds and easily understood 3 - 6 yrs phrases. Lots of lights and motion engage testers and inspire imaginative play. Parents appreciate the three-level volume control. Requires four "AA" batteries.

SWITCH & GO DINOS: SPAN Span the Spinosaurus is a 2-in-1 toy that easily transforms from a THE SPINOSAURUS dinosaur into a fighter jet in a few simple steps. In the dinosaur mode, VTECH ELECTRONICS Brok has an LCD screen on his face that animates his eye. Button CANADA LTD. controls make him roar and chomp on feeding discs. In the airplane mode, the jet launches food disks or rescues the included baby dino 80-132200 with a rescue lift. The LCD screen features a pilot. Testers love the variety of activities and the 70+ wild sounds and easily understand the 3 - 8 yrs phrases. Lots of lights and motion engage testers and inspire imaginative play. Some parts of the toy are difficult to move, and the jaw of the dinosaur broke for two testing families. Requires two "AA" batteries.

December 06, 2012 © Canadian Toy Testing Council 2012 Page 13 of 14 Science & Discovery PRIMARY SCIENCE: CATCH 'N' Get a closer view of nature with this bug-catching net! Once you’ve VIEW caught something, attach the base to the handle and prop up the net LEARNING RESOURCES like a tent, for easy viewing.Testers have fun catching frogs, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers and other bugs with this toy. Parents like this toy LER 2778 because it encourages new forms of play and gets kids exploring nature. Not all testers have instant success, but they learn to be patient, 3 + stealthy and quiet and are very proud of what they manage to capture. Some testers want to keep their newly discovered pets. This toy is great to take camping or to the cottage. Note: The netting can tear on branches.

Winner of Children's Choice Award A good choice for a birthday gift, rated at *** and (Top 10 Toys) priced under $25 A good choice for a travel toy, rated at *** and compact Winner of Best Bet Award This toy requires batteries

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