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 customizable
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
Editor’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.
