Award Winning Toys, Christmas 2009

Find the Best Xmas Toys for Toddlers, Preschoolers & School-Age Kids

Nov 11, 2009

Toy rating groups and children's magazines help parents choose the best children's toys each holiday season.

Flashy commercials and snazzy packaging make every toy appealing to youngsters. But, as many a disappointed child knows, not every toy lives up to its hype. Parents, grandparents, and Santa’s helpers everywhere can choose the best toys for toddlers, preschoolers, and school age children with the aid of toy testers and raters who post their best rated toys online.

Following are some of the best toys for 2009 as judged by various toy rating groups.

Oppenheim Toy Award Winner for Preschoolers: blabla Dolls

Blabla dolls, an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio 2009 Platinum Award Winner, are colorful and cuddly creations hand knitted by Peruvian artisans and sold at blablakids.com (see photo below). Ranging in size from 12 to 22 inches, the dolls come in a variety of characters, from babies and fairies to bears, lions, and billy goats. Price: $34 to $46. Shipping varies with UPS.

FamilyFun Magazine Toy Award Winner: Klutz’s Invasion of the Bristlebots

FamilyFun magazine puts hundreds of toys to the test for its Toy of the Year awards, revealed annually before the holiday shopping season. In 2009, the No. 1 award went to Klutz's Invasion of the Bristlebots. As seen in the photo below, the pint-sized robots are actually toothbrush heads that scoot around a surface powered by a mini motor. An accompanying book includes games and activities as well as wire legs, feelers, and eyes to dress up the Bots. Price at Klutz.com: $19.95. Shipping varies.

Parents’ Choice Award: Frog Prince Reversible Puppet by Folkmanis

The Frog Prince Reversible Puppet (seen in the photo below) gets a Parents’ Choice Silver Honor award for its clever embodiment of the central character in the classic fairy tail. Made by Folkmanis, the puppet’s two characters stuff inside each other to help kids act out a faithful reenactment of the cursed prince’s tale. A short version of the story is included on the product tag. Price at Folkmanis.com: $39.99. Shipping varies.

iParenting Media Award Winner: Coursing Around Game

iParenting.com has bestowed one of its Media Awards on a book that will get kids outside and active. The Coursing Around activity book includes two pieces of sidewalk chalk and designs for 15 obstacle courses that combine fun, physical fitness, and learning. Price at Coursingaround.com: $19.95, plus tax. Shipping is free.

Toy Industry Association Award Winner: Playmobil Horse Farm

The Toy Industry Association awards its Toy of the Year awards at a grand toy fair and gala awards event each year. The 2009 Girl Toy of the Year went to the Playmobil Horse Farm, an equestrian lover’s dream play set sold at retailers like Growingtreetoys.com. The set includes a barn with three stalls, two horses, a pony, three people, and tons of accessories. Price: $99.99. Free shipping at Growing Tree Toys.

Each of the toy rating organizations listed above posts its award winning toys every year to help overwhelmed adults choose the best toys for Christmas. Before heading out to the malls or clicking the “place order” button on a website, check out the following sites:

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The copyright of the article Award Winning Toys, Christmas 2009 in Kids' Toys is owned by Judith Zwolak. Permission to republish Award Winning Toys, Christmas 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.