Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      I’m a pediatric sleep specialist who has seen it all, and I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to get your child to (happily) stay in his own bed all night long. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Every Day of the Month

    When sex coincides with your most fertile ovulation days, you'll increase your chances of getting pregnant. Get to know each phase of your cycle to make conception faster and easier.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY

    Signs of Approaching Labor: How to Tell Your Baby is Coming Soon

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the first signs of labor approaching, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES

    These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2020

    Curious which baby names stole the show this year? From new classics like Noah to tried-and-true faves like Ava, here are the top boy and girl names of the year so far, plus more naming trends to consider.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
    • Baby Name Quizzes
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn’t need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids’ birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY

    6 Easter Egg Science Experiments for Kids

    Smarten up your annual Easter tradition with these easy, educational egg dyeing ideas.
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News
  • THE STAY AT HOME GUIDE
  • SHOP
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Your Profile
  • Your Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Fun
  3. Toys
  4. Best Toys of the Year 2014

Best Toys of the Year 2014

By Jessica Hartshorn
March 22, 2015
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
We tested new toys with kids (they're so picky!) and parents (even pickier!) to find the ones we're sure are winners. (You're welcome!) Find this year's best toys for every age, starting with baby and ending with big kids! We've got 58 winners in all, so we know you'll find ones just right for the special children on your list.
Start Slideshow

1 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Your baby will have a ball springing up and down on the seat of the Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant, or toddling behind it when she's a newly upright citizen. The big ears crinkle, and the toy can play a bunch of songs and phrases to keep her attention. 9 months+, $45

  • Buy the 3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant

1 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Forest Friends Shape Sorter

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Three textured friends are fun to pop in and out of this smiling Earlyears Forest Friends Shape Sorter. One of our baby testers found them oh-so-squeezable! 9 months+, $25

  • Buy the Forest Friends Shape Sorter

2 of 61

3 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sit & Play Activity Seat

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

It's easy to inflate the colorful Mamas and Papas Sit & Play Activity seat for your little one's enjoyment, then deflate the insert so you can store it away. 6 months+, $40

  • Buy the Sit & Play Activity Seat

3 of 61

Advertisement

4 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Skwish Stix

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Colorful, intriguing Manhattan Toy Skwish Stix sticks to your high chair or floor-seat tray for virtually drop-proof fun. 6 months+, $24

  • Buy the Skwish Stix

4 of 61

5 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Twilight Buddies Fox

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Twilight Buddies Fox, from CloudB, is a cuddly friend by day and projects soothing stars on the ceiling at bedtime. "It's great to use at night, and easy to take to Grandma's," says Dawn Savas, mom of Kira, 1. Birth+, $30

  • Buy the Twilight Buddies Fox

5 of 61

6 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Explore & More Roll Around Rattle

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Even little fingers can easily grasp the Explore & More Roll Around Rattle, from Skip-Hop. 3 months+, $8

  • Buy the Explore & More Roll Around Rattle

6 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

7 of 61

8 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Best Toys for Babies and Toddlers

8 of 61

9 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nutty Ball Track

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

So lovely! Roll acorns down Janod's wooden Nutty Ball Track and bells chime. 12 months+, $45

  • Buy the Nutty Ball Track

9 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nursery Trampoline

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Galt's Nursery Trampoline is a hoppin' good time. It's low to the ground, plus nice and stable; just have your toddler hold on while he hops! 12 months+, $65

  • Buy the Nursery Trampoline

10 of 61

11 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lego Duplo's Creative Picnic

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Build toy food with your toddler using Lego Duplo's Creative Picnic, then use your creations for some imagination games. 18 months+, $25

  • Buy the Lego Duplo's Creative Picnic

11 of 61

12 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sesame Street Let's Imagine Elmo

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Switch out his hat and Playskool's Sesame Street Let's Imagine Elmo starts a new game. He counts, sings, giggles, and as always, responds to hugs! 2 years+, $40

  • Buy the Sesame Street Let's Imagine Elmo

12 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wooden Block Castle

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

This gorgeously decorated Wooden Block Castle is a great value from Walmart's brand called Spark. Create. Imagine. 18 months+, $13

  • Buy the Walmart's Wooden Block Castle

13 of 61

14 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

14 of 61

15 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

VTech's Smart Shots Sports Center

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

This counts! VTech's Smart Shots Sports Center keeps score and cheers kids on. "Anything that my son is allowed to kick a ball at wins in my house!" says Erika Janes, mom of 2-year-old Wylie. 12 months+, $40

  • Buy the VTech's Smart Shots Sports Center
  • Get parenting tips and tricks when you sign up for our As They Grow newsletter!

15 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tree Top Adventure Table

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Manhattan Toy's splurge-worthy wooden Tree Top Adventure table has four toy-covered sides. Great for two or more kids to play together! 12 months+, $100

  • Buy the Manhattan Toy's Tree Top Adventure Table

16 of 61

17 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hand Sign Alphabet

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Hand Sign Alphabet A-Z tiles feature letters on one side and American Sign Language pictures on the other. The wooden tiles, from Plan Toys, are made in an eco-conscious factory that strives for zero waste. 2 years+, $30

  • Buy the Plan Toy's Hand Sign Alphabet

17 of 61

18 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Customizable Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Engine

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

For the first time, you can design your own Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Engine. Pick the color, name, and number, and it will be mailed to you along with a keepsake book. 2 years+, $35

  • Design Your Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway My Custom Engine

18 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Stack & Pull Train

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Twenty-one wooden blocks make up this wooden Stack & Pull Train, from Manhattan Toy. 12 months+, $30

  • Buy the Stack & Pull Train

19 of 61

20 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Puppy's Smart Stages Train

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Puppy's Smart Stages Train has 50-plus phrases and songs. 6 months+, $35

  • Buy the Puppy's Smart Stages Train

20 of 61

21 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Wooden Pull Along Shapes Turtle

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

This Wooden Pull Along Shapes turtle is from Walmart's line called Spark. Create. Imagine. 18 months+, $12

  • Buy the Wooden Pull Along Shapes Turtle

21 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Barnyard Shape Sorter

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

The John Deere Barnyard Shape Sorter's door opens to spill all of the pieces out and start again. 18 months+, $16

  • Buy the Barnyard Shape Sorter

22 of 61

23 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Best Toys That Feature Favorite Characters

23 of 61

24 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

InRoad Toys PlayTape

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Such a brilliantly simple idea! Make a road or track for toy vehicles using PlayTape from InRoad Toys. We had a young tester create a highway in seconds! 3 years+, $8 to $13 per roll

  • Buy the InRoad Toys PlayTape

24 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Disney's Sofia the First Talking Magical Amulet

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Disney's Sofia the First Talking Magical Amulet offers gentle lessons on friendship and manners. 3 years+, $15

  • Buy the Disney's Sofia the First Talking Magical Amulet

25 of 61

26 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Barbie Build 'N Play Rooms

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

Form a dollhouse or a town from Mega Bloks' Barbie Build 'N Play Rooms. 4 years+, $10 each

  • Buy the Barbie Build 'N Play Rooms

26 of 61

27 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Snake Jumbo Stuffed Animal

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

A full 27 inches long: Melissa and Doug's Snake Jumbo Stuffed Animal. 3 years+, $50

  • Buy the Snake Jumbo Stuffed Animal

27 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hasbro's FurReal Friends Get Up & GoGo My Walkin' Pup Pet

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

This sweetie obeys commands! Guide Hasbro's FurReal Friends Get Up & GoGo My Walkin' Pup Pet through the special leash. 4 years+, $60

  • Buy the Hasbro's FurReal Friends Get Up & GoGo My Walkin' Pup Pet

28 of 61

29 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Keep energetic kids active with toys that encourage them to be on the move.

29 of 61

30 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Radio Flyer Cyclone

Credit: Jeffrey Westbrook

This Radio Flyer Cyclone challenges riders to use their arms to build momentum. 3 years+, $60

  • Buy the Radio Flyer Cyclone

30 of 61

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 61

Save Pin
Facebook