Best Toys for Preschoolers: 2011
Don't try to navigate the mall empty-handed. Take this guide with you! We've done the homework to find 51 must-have playthings, at least one for every child on your list.
By: Kourtney Eidam and Britney Fitzgerald from Parents Magazine
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Peter Ardito
Wacky Water Park
The Parents line takes over tubtime with this fun bath toy. Kids can arrange the pieces in a maze of different combinations and watch as the ball makes a splash.
For Ages: 3+ years
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Peter Ardito
Hot Wheels Wall Tracks
Hands down one of the coolest toys of the year, this track attaches to the wall with removable 3M stickies -- and lets kids race cars through loops, ramps, and vertical drops. Buy more tracks to expand this starter set.
For Ages: 4 years+
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Peter Ardito
Ybike Kicker Scooter
Get around safely -- and in style -- with this sturdy scooter. The low-to-the-ground base and large wheels are great for little riders.
For Ages: 3 - 5 years
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Peter Ardito
Wonder Vacuum
Preschoolers are messy, but it's also one of the few stages when they enjoy playing "cleanup." Take advantage with this pretend wooden vac from Wonderworld. It actually picks up small objects without making annoying sounds -- two things you'll appreciate.
For Ages: 3 years+
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Peter Ardito
Story Stickers
Wall decals get extra creative with this Crayola kit. First, kids color the sea-creature stickers, and then they can place and rearrange the characters to tell a tale or just decorate their room.
For Ages: 3 years+
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Peter Ardito
Where is Sock Monkey?
In this combination of hide-and-seek and a guessing game, one player stashes the sock monkey somewhere in the house and the other kids try to find it by using the question cards.
For Ages: 3 years+
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Peter Ardito
Photo Safari
Rule the jungle by using the interactive camera to capture four "pics" of the same animal as you move around the game board.
For Ages: 3 years+
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Peter Ardito
Disney Appmates
There are a lot of iPad playthings for kids this year, but Disney got innovative with its new Cars-themed app-toy set. Kids "drive" a real figure around on top of the screen, while the app reacts to its movements to make racing, interacting, and playing games in the virtual world possible.
For Ages: 3 years+
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Peter Ardito
Snack Attack
Even picky eaters won't be able to resist this matching game. Find the food tokens on the platter that go with the items on your menu card. Winner is the one who collects the most meals.
For Ages: 4 years+
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Peter Ardito
Healthy Gourmet Salad for Green Eaters
Pretend play never looked so healthy with these felt vegetables and wooden dressings. You'll wish your kid liked eating salads as much as playing with them.
For Ages: 3 years+
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Peter Ardito
Twirl 'n' Top Pizza Shop
Your Play-Doh chef can create a five-star pie by using the molds to grate cheese, bake crust, and add his toppings.
For Ages: 3 years+
Originally published in the November 2011 issue of Parents magazine.
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