That’s A Wrap

Running from one birthday party to the next? We chatted
with toy aficionados who sell, study and test playthings (for a living!) about their
top gift picks. From tots to tweens, we’ve got you covered.

Newborn

THE NEW TOY RECOMMENDS Silly Stripes Gift Set by Gund Baby

Give tiny ones a sense of
security! The machine-washable plush set (oh-so huggable) includes a teether, a wrist or ankle
rattle and a super soft blankie. Choose from a frog, monkey or duck.

$29.99, thenewtoy.com

TOYS “R”US
RECOMMENDS Activity Spiral Stroller Toy
– Made With Love by Mamas & Papas

A must-have accessory, with dangling toys, to keep little ones grinning—easily
attaches to strollers, infant carriers and cribs. Additional features such as rattles or squeakers will provide a fun twist to
traveling and time at home.

$24.99, toysrus.com

Ages 3

STATE
NEWS RECOMMENDS Citiblocs 100-pc Set

Encourage a little eco-fun with
these high quality wooden blocks, cut from certified renewable forests in New Zealand, which will inspire
both traditional and modern design. No glue, snaps, connectors or magnets
required.

$23.98, 212-831-8010

THE NEW
TOY
RECOMMENDS Trunki Stickers by Melissa
and Doug

Have kids pack (and ride on) the adorable Trunki—for family
travels both near and far. The customizable5400_Trunki_TERRANCE_Closed.jpg suitcase (thanks to the stickers) is the perfect storage solution for playthings. Designed to
meet airline carry-on requirements, the Trunki glides on wheels and has a slick
shoulder strap for easy handling.

$34.99, thenewtoy.com

Ages 5-7

eBEANSTALK RECOMMENDS Morphibians Explorer by Kid Galaxy

Not your average remote-controlled car. The Morphibians Explorer moves by land and water, thanks to the vehicle’s
powerful four-wheel drive. Great for indoors, outdoors, puddles and pools—kids
will love the 4×4 turf-digging tires and the wake-forming paddle.

$32.99, ebeanstalk.com

STATE NEWS RECOMMENDS Pencil Toppers (4-Pack) by Kachooz

The whimsical Kachooz are tiny fuzzy creatures that sit happily atop your No 2’s. Spin the
pencil and watch their hair frizz into silly shapes.

$15.98, 212-831-8010

Ages 8-10

eBEANSTALK RECOMMENDS the ReCon Programmable Rover by SmartLab Toys

Where
play meets learning, the programmable ReCon 6.0 can navigate specified courses to
deliver a treat to a pet or guard a bedroom. The owner’s manual guides perspective engineers through
basic operations and teaches kids how to create their own commands.

$69.99, ebeanstalk.com

TOYS”R”US
RECOMMENDS Sizzlin’ Cool Water Warriors Cricket (2-Pack) by Buzz Bee
Toys

Take
water fun to a whole new level. The air pressure Cricket blasters shoots up to 38 feet so kids can engage in fierce but friendly water fights! Each toy
holds up to 14 oz of water.

$9.99, toysrus.com

cars 2 wii game_1.jpgEditor’s Pick

NEW YORK FAMILY RECOMMENDS
Cars
2: The Video Game for Wii

Strap on
your seatbelt (come on, safety first!) and choose your favorite Cars personality, from adorable Mater to
newcomer Holley Shiftwell, to train as a spy. Flip, spin, sidestep and
loop-de-loop in this virtual world—an expansion of the silver screen.
Recommended for ages 6-11 years, up to four players.

-Kat
Harrison, Associate Editor

$49.99, thedisneystore.com

Our Expert Toy Panel:

James Geisan is the founder
of The New Toy, a website featuring video reviews of high-quality toys.

Brian Gordon is the Co-Founder of eBeanstalk, an online toy store that carefully matches products to a child’s developmental stage.

Rosie Weissbart is the toy buyer and owner of
State News. Visit their two Upper
East Side locations.

Toys”R”Us can be found online or at their flagship store in Times Square.