The Toy Industry Association Inc. holds an annual ceremony to reward the top toys in 10 different categories, with one big overall winner. Their choices reflect the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to popular products for boys and girls. Many of these top toys are sure to be flying off the shelves this year, in the build up to Christmas. Here's a look at some of the winners.
Overall Winner – Toy of the Year
The first prize from the TIA went to Air Hogs Havoc Heli Laser Battle. These remote controlled helicopters are designed for staging exciting airborne battles. They are aimed at children of between 8-10 years, and, let's face it, probably their dads as well!
Best Toys for Boys – Transformers
There were many other highly recommended toys for dads and their lads too. The winners of best toys for boys were the Transformers Movie Deluxe Figures. Runners up included Cars Mega Mack Playtown, Nerf N-Strike Disk Shot and Pokemon Action Figures.
Best Toy for Girls – Littlest Pet Shop/Troop Groovy Girls
The girls don't miss out on the fun either. This category was so highly contested that eventually two winners were chosen. The Littlest Pet Shop: Display and Play Round and Round Pet Town Playset and Troop Groovy Girls. Runners up included the Hannah Montana Singing Dolls and High School Musical 2 Two-Pack Gabriella and Troy Dolls.
Best Infant/Preschool Toy – Moon Sand
For the little ones, top prize went to the Moon Sand Adventure Island. Moon sand – the sand that never dries out – is recommended for children aged 3+. Runners up in this category included Brightlings Exploration Station, Cook 'n' Learn Interactive Kitchen and iplay Lift Off Rocket.
Best Educational Toy – Smart Cycle
The amazing Smart Cycle Physical Learning Arcade System won this category. By combining video game play with a pedal bike, children are encouraged to be more active. Runners up included Bananagrams, Click Start My First Computer and EyeClops Bionic Eye.
Smart Cycle also won the prize for most innovative toy.
Best of the Rest – Lego, Ripstick, Hannah Montana, Power Tour Guitar
Many other award winning toys emerged in other categories. Lego City won the best activity toy. The Power Tour Electric Guitar won the best electronic toy and the Ripstick Caster Board won the best outdoor toy. Popular toys such as Hannah Montana and Rubik's Revolution also received awards, and toys from Star Wars, High School Musical and American Idol all received nominations.
Father Christmas will be staggering under the weight of that lot! But seriously, the important thing is not the latest fad or coolest must have toy. Every child is different, so the main concern should be finding a toy within budget that charms and delights him or her. Enjoy the festive season, enjoy shopping and enjoy all the fun Christmas brings.
Sources: Thanks to Adrienne Citrin for permission to reproduce some of the TIA winners here.
Further reading: For more festive fun check out 10 Classic Movies for Christmas or for more specific present ideas try Best Toys for Boys.
Michelle Strozykowski - Michelle Strozykowski lives in a small brewing town smack bang in the middle of England. She loves films, especially arty European ones ...
