As the holiday season approaches the quest for the ‘hottest’ toys heats up. But with hundreds of products saturating the market, how does a parent determine a ‘hot’ toy from a not so hot toy?
According to Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS), the ‘hottest’ toys and games have always been those items that, along with safety and durability, draw children back to them on a repeat basis, not being tossed aside until a child outgrows them.
“It is with these criteria in mind that the retail members of NETS recognize a select a number of products each year, presenting them with a ‘Gold Star Award’ for exceptional play value,” explained Dianne Mattice, owner of The Rocking Horse Toy Store in Owen Sound ON and President of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS), a network of Canadian-owned specialty toy stores and their suppliers, working together to provide a superior source of quality toys within their communities.
Each year’s Gold Star Award selections are, to a large degree, determined by parent feedback. Gold Stars may be awarded to both a new product or one that has been on the market for some time and proved to be ‘tried and true’. In either case, the Gold Star Award designation offers reassurance to parents. When purchasing a Gold Star Award product they can count on taking home a toy or game that other parents have already praised for its quality and the endless hours of playtime provided.
This year, Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS) has awarded a Gold Star to the following products –
AIR POGO JUMPER
So easy and so fun! Kids simply step onto the platform, grip the ball with their feet and start bouncing! They’ll jump up and down, bounce up and spin, leap and bound across the room. There’s no stopping kids once they’ve mastered the basics. Not only is it great fun but it also builds strength, endurance, coordination and balance. The rugged, inflatable ball nestles inside a tough polymer platform and can be used indoors and out. Up to 160 lbs.
Ages 6+
Suggested Retail Price $27.99
FOLDING TRAMPOLINE
A jumpin’ good way to burn some energy! This junior trampoline features an easy-grip handle, a tough, padded waterproof mat and a steel frame construction to jump safely, indoors or out. Easy disassembly for storage.
Ages 3+
Suggested Retail Price $89.99
PLUS PLUS MIDI (100 piece set)
- Minimalist plastic construction toys with maximum design potential.
- Intuitive construction, children know just what to do!
- Easy-glide interlocking function; no significant force needed; versatile use
- Build flat in 2 dimensions or up in 3 dimensions.
- Special texture exterior; rubbery-feel to each piece.
- Colourful creations hold together well for display.
- Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, black, white pieces.
- 100 large Plus-Plus pieces, each approximately 2 x 1.25 inches.
- High quality plastic construction.
- Precision crafted in Denmark.
- Fun for a wide ranges of ages.
Ages 3+
Suggested Retail Price $34.99
NADA
There is always a match until…Nada! Scoop up the dice and let ‘em roll. Quick! Scan the array for matching symbols between the orange and white dice. The first to call a match collects all the dice showing that symbol. No matches? No problem! It’s another chance to win. Shout “Nada!” to snatch up all the dice. But speak too soon and you’ll pay the price. This dice game has 3 play variations. Think sharp and act fast to match, snatch, and win!
Ages 7+
Players – 2 to 4
Suggested Retail Price $18.99
LOTTIE DOLLS
Lottie is a feisty character; she can stand on her own two feet and whilst she occasionally makes mistakes, she learns from them. Lottie loves adventure and the outdoors and has fun with the simplest of things; she loves using her imagination and when she’s not outdoors she loves crafting new things, reading, or practicing her dance. Doll Characteristics –• 7 inches (18 cm) in height.
• Ball socket shoulders.
• Ball socket hips joints, legs are removable.
• ‘Click click’ knees meaning they are bendable.
• The head is also on a ball socket meaning it can move from side to side. Lottie’s unique height of 7 inches (18 cm) has been based on the fact that fashion dolls have been on the market for over 50 years and were initially targeted at 10 to 12 year-olds, with a doll height of 11.5 to 12 inches. In contrast, Lottie is measured to suit the height of the current average age of fashion doll users which is 6 years of age; meaning that she is ideally ‘clutchable’.
Ages 3+
Suggested Retail Price $19.99
OOPS IMAGINATION PUZZLE
These 8-piece wooden, magnetic themed puzzles help develop shape and colour recognition in addition to motor skills.
Size: 20.5 cm x 20 cm x 3.5 cm
Ages 12 months +
Suggested Retail Price $14.99
HAPE MASTER WORKBENCH
Little builders with big ideas can work right at this professional-looking station.
Shelves and storage keep all their tools and supplies within easy reach. Fine Motor Skills: Promotes dexterity, hand/eye coordination, and manipulation.
Problem Solving: Introduces logic, matching, spatial relationships, critical thinking, and an understanding of cause and effect.
Imagination & Creativity: Encourages imitative and imaginary play; promotes fantasy story telling, role playing, and creativity.
Product size — L: 21.65, W: 11.06, H: 31.77 inch
Main Materials Wood, Water based paint, PA, PP, ABS
Ages 3+
Suggested Retail Price $119.99
STARRY NIGHT BY KIDZAW
The Starry Night would have been just another landscape if it were not for van Gogh’s swirling layered brush strokes that make the painting come alive. The Starry Night Master Kitz includes all the tools your child needs to create their own Starry Night masterpieces as well as instructional learning materials to deepen their understanding of the original painting. Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions make creating and learning fun!
Ages 5+
Suggested Retail Price $29.99
KENDAMA
A classic toss and catch game from Japan with endless tricks to learn and master. Solid wood construction. Measures 7″ tall. Assorted colours.
Ages 3+
Suggested Retail Price $14.99
LEONARDO DA VINCI CATAPULT
Catapults were first invented in Greek and Roman times, however Leonardo da Vinci redesigned the catapult around 1485, and used the spring-like energy in bent wood to give power to the swing arm. This working model, based on his drawings in the Codex Atlanticus, is made of natural untreated wood, and easy to make in an hour or two.
It will fire objects (soft clay included) over 20 feet. The pieces are pre-cut and pegged for strength, making and elegant historical model that would even please Leonardo!
Built kit is 10″ by 5″ by 15″.
Ages 12+
Suggested Retail Price $14.99
MARUSENKO SPHERE
The hottest new thing in the 3D logic puzzle world! With five different levels of difficulty the Marusenko Sphere is great for children and adults alike. There are nine different moves that can be made in an effort to solve the puzzles.
Ages 8+
Suggested Retail Price $26.99
COLOURED SAND RAINBOW FISH
You don’t even have to be near water! From the depths of the sea come bright and fabulous fish! Use the special peeling tool and 12 vividly coloured sands to transform simple drawings into magnificent works of marine art!
Ages 6+
Suggested Retail Price $19.99
For further information on Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS), including a complete listing of all retail members go to www.neighbourhoodtoystores.ca
