2014 Gold Star Toy Award List & Gift Guide

Gold Star Toys

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2014 Gold Star Toy Awards

Gold Star ToysScholastic and Parent Child Magazine have released the 2014 Gold Star Toy Awards just in time for the holidays. This well-rounded list includes gift ideas for all sorts of ages, interests and abilities. Use this toy list to help you pick quality toys to wrap-up and give! 

Some of our favorites from this list are the Plan Toys & Gears Puzzles for my toddler and the 7 year old girl really wants either the Crayola Marker Maker or the MoonScope and Sky Gazer’s Activity Journal

Corolle Mon Premier Bebe Bath Girl Doll

Corolle Mon Premier

Specially designed for bath time fun, 12-inch Mon Premier Bébé Bath Girl is soft and pose able and so light that it floats. Filled with polystyrene “beads” that dry quickly, the doll is a favorite playmate out of the tub, too. When bath time is over, simply air-dry the doll by hanging it from the tab on the back of its neck. Bébé Bath Girl’s sweetly expressive face will captivate little ones while its cuddly soft body will invite lots of hugs and cuddles. Mon Premier Bébé Bath Girl features quality materials and careful attention to detail. Its face and limbs are made of soft, supple vinyl that is delicately scented vanilla — a Corolle signature and its blue eyes close when you put Mon Premier Bébé Bath Girl down for a nap or at bedtime, just like a real baby. From waking to sleep, Bébé Bath Girl will be your child’s favorite companion. Bébé Bath Girl can wear any Mon Premier 12-inch baby fashion and fits comfortably in any of the Mon Premier nursery accessories (each sold separately), all of which are inspired by those for real babies. (Manufacturer recommended age: 6 months – 15 years) Price: $40.49

Playskool Sesame Street Big Hugs Elmo

Elmo

Big Hugs Elmo loves getting hugs, but he really loves giving them! After getting a hug from Elmo, little ones can pretend along with him, and even dance, sing, nap, and cuddle with everyone’s favorite Sesame Street pal! Sesame Street and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by Sesame Workshop. There are 4 fun imagination scenarios: astronauts, rabbits, frogs and horses. Sing along, dance, and hug Big Hugs Elmo. Plays 3 fun songs. Lay Elmo down to hear a sweet lullaby and sleeping sound effects.
x4 1.5V AA alkaline batteries (not included) (Manufacturer recommended age: 18 months and up) Price: $49.00

The Book of Impossible Objects

ImpossibleObjects

This book comes with all the plastic pieces, paper parts, and special pages you need to experience 25 impossible things. These objects work like magic, but there are no tricks. All this weirdness has a solid scientific basis and we tell you why – from the mathematically amazing Möbius strip (a band of paper with only one side), to cardstock acrobats with amazing balance, to a color-changing spinning top. (Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up) List Price: $19.99

Alex Jr. Rolling Busy Bus – Wooden Developmental Toy

Busy Bus

Rolling Busy Bus – This bus can roll. It also has a 2 wire bead maze on the top and a turning wheel at the back. Side activities include flipping tiles, a mirror and a sliding activity. Lots of fun. (Manufacturer recommended age: 10 months – 15 years) Price: $28.72

Doc McStuffins Get Better Checkup Center

Mcstuffins

The Doc McStuffins Get Better Check-Up Center has everything kids need to imagine they are healing toys and giving healthy checkups right along with Doc McStuffins. Doc’s friend Lambie is included, and lights and sounds are activated when she is placed on the checkup table. Future doctors can use the electronic Big Book of Boo Boos to make a diagnosis, slide in play x-rays to activate lights and sounds, use the cell phone to speak to Hallie, and move the leaf up and down to measure their patient’s height. Kids can also use the portable scale to check their patient’s weight and take the ouches away with bandage stickers from the dispenser on the clinic door. There are two shelves on the side for extra storage space, and open the cabinet doors to store even more tools.Requires 3 AA and 2 AAA batteries (not included). Assembly is required. (Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months – 6 years) Price: $117.99

LEGO DUPLO My First Circus

LegoDuplo

Come one, come all, the LEGO® DUPLO® Big Circus is in town! Buy your ticket to the big top to see the acrobat soar through the air on the swing while the clown balances with his umbrella. Put on the grand finale with the elephant, horse and lion! Includes 3 DUPLO figures: ringmaster, tightrope walker and a clown. (Manufacturer recommended age: 24 months – 5 years) Price: $24.59

Plan Toys Gears and Standard Puzzles

Gears

Explore and build endless possibilities by combining this colorful assortment of gears. Take them apart and assemble them a new way Then watch them move as you twirl the gears. This enchanting puzzle encourages creative play and problem solving. Children will learn cause and effect as they discover how the shapes fit together. The 12-piece set is made of ecofriendly, safe and sustainable PlanWood. Appropriate for children aged 2 and up. Dimensions of each gear: 3.4 in x 3.0 in x 0.9 in. (Manufacturer recommended age: 24 months – 6 years) Price: $21.44

VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels – Train Station Playset

GoGo

All aboard the Go! Go! Smart Wheels™ Train Station Playset from VTech®! Watch the train chug through the station and under the bridge, or turn the hand crank to make it ride up the conveyor belt. Your little conductor can ride the rails as they discover and explore with this toy train playset! (Manufacturer recommended age: 12 months – 5 years) Price: $51.25

Hot Wheels Car Maker Playset

hotwheels

Hot Wheels Car Maker Playset: This is the ultimate car maker Boys can make their own vehicles – turning a stick of wax into a fully functioning Hot Wheels car in a matter of minutes The machine features lights ad sounds to walk kids through the process. Simply heat up the unit, insert the mold and then the wax color of your choice and wait for the cooling phase to complete. In a matter of minutes, you have a Hot Wheels vehicle body that attaches to the included chassis. Decorate the car with decals from the included sticker pack and it’s off to the races You have a brand-new custom car in less than 8 minutes The car maker plugs into the wall and comes with 2 molds, 1 proto shotz wax sticks, 3 chassis and sticker sheets. (Manufacturer recommended age: 8 – 12 years) Price: $39.97

LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Kids’ Learning Tablet

leapfrog

Built for kids, inside and out, LeapPad Ultra is the 100% kid-perfect tablet with 7” hi-res screen, Wi-Fi with kid-safe Web, and access to a library of 800+ fun and educator-approved apps, games, eBooks, videos, music and more.* Age 4-9 years Works with LeapFrog Explorer cartridges and apps (sold separately) LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra accessories (sold separately) Features LeapPad Ultra is built from the ground up to be ultra-tough for kids and includes 11 apps (onboard and downloadable), 8GB of storage and a built-in rechargeable battery so the learning fun never ends! Play, draw and write on a 7” hi-res screen designed to respond to a kid’s touch or stylus play. Take pictures and videos with front-and-back cameras. Add cool effects with Photo Fun Ultra, create colorful masterpieces with the enhanced Art Studio Ultra app, and listen to music with the built-in MP3 player. With new peer to peer games, your kids can safely play with friends using virtual pets or LeapFrog characters. Pet Chat allows kids to safely ‘text’ over a local connection with safe pre-defined chat phrases and emoticons with fun sounds. With LeapSearch, powered by Zui, kids can explore Web content in a safe environment. And it’s simple to take charge of their online experience with parental settings. LeapPad Ultra works with LeapFrog’s library of 800+ educator-approved apps, games, eBooks, videos, music and more.* Learning games draw from 2,600 skills and select games auto-level, adapting to your child’s pace in subjects like reading, writing and mathematics. Play with game cartridges or download apps directly to the tablet from the Wi-Fi enabled LeapFrog App Center. Connect to the LeapFrog Learning Path to see details of your child’s play and gather ideas to support the learning. Includes 1 year limited warranty. For details, see leapfrog.com/warranty. * The LeapFrog educator team approves all LeapFrog content. Some titles not available until year-end 2013. (Manufacturer recommended age: 4 – 9 years) Price: $140.49

Butterfly Protector Lottie Doll

LottieDoll

Lottie and her friends love to volunteer their time in helping Margaret, the gardener at the English Country Garden. Margaret is always full of interesting facts, such as how plants need water and light to grow. It was from Margaret that Lottie learnt about the lifecycle of the butterfly, how it changes from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis into a beautiful butterfly which then plays a very important part in the pollination of Margaret’s flowers. Butterfly Protector introduces science in a fun and engaging way as the doll box contains collector cards detailing the stages of the butterfly life cycle. (Manufacturer recommended age: 3 years and up) Price: $19.95

Crayola Marker Maker

marker

Create your own custom markers with the Marker Maker from Crayola. This interactive kit provides everything you need to make 16 markers. Whether you experiment with colors or keep things simple, this kit guides you through every step of the process. Designed for ages 8 and up, the Marker Maker includes three ink bottles, two marker boxes, two measuring tubes, mixing chart, tweezers, and enough parts to make 16 one-of-a-kind markers. (Manufacturer recommended age: 6 – 15 years) Price: $14.00

P’kolino Multi-Solution Shape Puzzle

MultiSolutionPuzzle

This wonderful Multi-solution puzzle with a Playfully Smart design allows for great fun and creativity. Entertain logner with multiple combinations to stimulate creative thinking for advance development. Simple shapes make this puzzle suitable for early developmental stages. (Manufacturer recommended age: 18 months – 3 years) Price: $19.99

Nancy B’S Science Club Moonscope & Sky Gazers Activity Journal

Moon

Experience science with Nancy Balter. Nobody knows science like Nancy. Her brand-new line of scientific tools and real-life journaling activities provide hands-on science experiences that get kids comfortable and excited about science, giving them the confidence to pursue science further in school and in life. Scientific experiences designed for kids ages 8 to 11years. MoonScope and Sky Gazer’s Activity Journal includes Moon Scope with 18x to 90x magnification, Moon Filter and tripod with built-in red LED for night viewing. Twenty-page Sky-Gazers Journal includes stories plus tracking, writing, drawing and other activities. Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years. (Manufacturer recommended age: 8 – 11 years) Price: $49.99

NFL Game Day Board Game

gameday

NFL Game Day is the ultimate football board game and the perfect gift idea for the avid sports fan in your life. A new product from Freemont Die Consumer Products, Inc., this game is sure to provide hours of rousing football fun. Full of action, NFL Game Day helps players learn the rules of football while concocting savvy game-winning strategies. During the game, players use cards and dice to move down the football field toward the team-branded end zones. All 32 NFL teams are included, so no matter which team you root for, it’s there. Each game comes with 32 NFL team magnetic end zones, 60 defensive cards, 60 offensive cards, 20 special team cards, six time-out cards, one die, one ball, five clear discs, one yard marker and one board. A free rainbow dice pack is also included. NFL Game Day is recommended for two to four players ages 9 and up. (Manufacturer recommended age: 9 years and up) Price: $28.99

Fisher-Price Octonauts Octopod Playset

Octonauts

Sound the Octo Alert to start your adventure in this amazing playset depicting the Octopod – just like in the show! Packed with features and accesories! Over 10 play pieces included! Two articulated Barnacles & Kwazii Figures, mini GUP A Vehicle, three collecitble creatures, four rescue tools – Net, Barrel, Stretcher and Anchor and the clip-on Octoalert for on-the-go adventures! Loads of adventures and activites to explore! Send the figures down the slide from the pods to the Launch Bay and load them into GUP-A. Lower the rescue tools to retrieve the injured sea creatures and bring them back to safety. Press the OctoAlert for sounds and phrases and remove it from the playset for on-the-go adventures! There’s always an exciting adventure on the Octopod as you explore the incredible undersea world of the OCTONAUTS! (Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months – 6 years) Price: $27.49

Octopal Squirters Bath Toy

Octopal

Wonderful, colorful, floating bath island toy, featuring mummy octopus that acts as a pouring cup and her 8 little babies that can stick to the sides of the bath or tiles. Each baby is a water squirter and features a different number that corresponds to a number on the base for number matching fun. (Manufacturer recommended age: 12 months – 5 years) Price: $19.99

Iron Man Extreme Hero Flying Remote Controlled Toy

ironman

yet durable, reinforced, structural foam, powered by high output twin engines, fueled by a built-in, super capacity, rechargeable LiPo battery and driven by a custom programmed, extended distance 2.4 GHz controller, the RC Extreme Hero is the ultimate flying machine. A unique, patented steering mechanism gives you greater control and a super tight turning radius. High performance yet easy enough for a beginner. Soar up to 300 feet in the air for six to eight minutes per charge. Requires 6 AA batteries (not included). (Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up) Price: $59.97

Green Toys Rocket with 2 Astronauts Toy Vehicle Playset

Rocket

3-2-1 blast off – the Green Toys Rocket launches into another eco-friendly deep-space mission. Made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this spacecraft takes off in search of other planets while still taking care of this one. The fully equipped, 2-in-1 set includes a detachable top capsule and two astronauts that sport molded spacesuits, helmets and dual-tank backpacks. Powered by a main booster and three auxiliary fin boosters, the Rocket has a large door that flips down to double as a set of steps up into the main cavity, while the detachable nose cone capsule has its own door that opens to reveal buttons, dials and of course, the signature Green Toys 8-track. No BPA, phthalates, PVC or external coatings and also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Packaged with recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. Dimensions: 8″L x 9″W x 11″H. (Manufacturer recommended age: 24 months – 8 years) Price: $21.92

R.V. Seeing You Camper

camper

This RV Seeing You camper from Our Generation is sure to be a hit with your little one. Designed for an 18-inch doll, this luxury camper can be hitched to your child’s Our Generation 4×4. It comes with everything a doll needs for life on the road, including a mini kitchen, dishes, two stools, a bed and bedding. (Manufacturer recommended age: 3 years and up) Price: $113.45

Showcam 2-in-1 Digital Camera and Projector

showcam

2-in-1 camera and projector lets them snap pics and customize them! With the flip of a switch they can project their pictures too. The buttons, controls and grips are all kid-sized for easy use, and the editing functions are built in so they don’t need software. It’s easy to save, print and email pictures if you have a USB cable! Get your little ones creating digitally with the Showcam Digital Camera and Projector! Playskool and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro. (Manufacturer recommended age: 3 years and up) Price: $49.69

Razor Trikke E2 Electric Scooter

trikke

Razor Trikke E2: The next generation of electric excitement, this time on three wheels. Trikke E2 combines electric power with two cambering platforms for a unique lean-to-steer carving motion. Power to the people. Our electric-powered scooters, dirt bikes and carts make it easy and exciting to keep on charging. From eco-friendly city scooters to juiced-up off-road products, it’s the awesome new way to put some zip in your ride. Razor Trikke E2 cruises at speeds up to up to 9 mph (13 kmh) with battery charge life of up to 40 minutes of continuous use. Includes 24 volt (two 12V) rechargeable battery system with charger. Additional features include a push start system with twist-grip throttle and hand brake, 6 inch urethane wheels. Some assembly required. Recommended for ages 8 and older and will support a rider up to 120 pounds. The buyer and rider of the Razor scooter are responsible for knowing and obeying all local, state and federal regulations regarding the riding and use of scooters. (Manufacturer recommended age: 8 years and up) Price: $189.00

Wooden Musical Train

train

This colorful and attractive wooden pull along musical train will engage your kids in hours and hours of wholesome play. It is made up of 3 wagons equipped with a xylophone, 2 drumsticks, 2 bells and a cymbal. Develops rhythm and motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. (Manufacturer recommended age: 18 months – 3 years) Price: $29.99

Radio Flyer Ziggle Ride On

ziggle

Twist and wiggle to glide and giggle with Ziggle from Radio Flyer. Ziggle has four caster wheels for a fun, fast ride and the unique twisting motion gives you 360Degree spin out action. With an adjustable seat and padded hand grips, Ziggle offers years of fun. (Manufacturer recommended age: 36 months – 8 years) Price: $47.97

I hope you were as impressed as I was with the uniqueness of many of these gifts! Good luck in your shopping and be sure to let me know if you select an item from the Gold Star Award List!

Click here to receive the Smarty Pants Mama Newsletter for weekly FREE crafts, recipes, travel tips and home experiences! 

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