WEEK #1:
BEST/AWARD WINNING BABY TOYS
Babies are master learners! Promote & support your baby's learning with these stimulating, award winning educational toys. You simply can't go wrong with these top-notch baby toys from birth-2 years guaranteed to thrill little ones.
Start with eye catching and musical toys for the youngest ones who can listen, observe and are developing the ability to "bat" at toys to make movement. Toys which hang from car seats or lightweight rattles are a perfect choice. One babies are able to sit up on their own or be propped up, a whole new world of toy choices are available. Babies learn through introduction to new textures, manipulation of objects, trial and error, sights and sounds, and simple content such as songs which teach letters, numbers, colors etc. Gross motor, as well as fine motor skills, can be practiced when mobile children can carry small toys, stand by an activity table and dance around to musical toys. Interactive toys are a great choice for older children who want to do more!
Little Ones has highlighted and briefly reviewed some the best baby toys on the market. The majority of the toys featured here have won prestigious toy and parenting awards based on quality, creativity, educational value and/or entertainment value. All toys have received outstanding consumer ratings and are highly recommended.
Lamaze Jacques the Peacock Our top pick! Award winner! These brightly colored plush toys are both cuddly and entertaining. Stimulating colors, textures and crunching sounds make this a truly interactive toy even for the youngest babies. Different animals feature built-in teethers, peek-a-boo mirrors and more! An attached clip makes them easy to hang on a car seat, stroller or to take along. Many adorable varieties available. Babies absolutely love them!
Baby Einstein Takealong Tunes Baby's favorite! Award winner! Colorful toy plays 7 soothing classical melodies while gentle lights dance to the music. Designed for little hands with a large easy to press music button and adorable caterpillar handle for carrying. Adjustable volume switch. A great value at a reasonable price!
LeapFrog My Pal Violet or 
LLeapFrog My Pal Scout (Green). Award winner! Adorable plush puppy which can be customized to learn your child's name and favorite things via a simple computer download. Plays lullabies, learning songs and teaches numbers, animals, food and more. Select from an additional 30 songs online. Awesome cuddly and educational toy for ages 6 months- 2+ years.
Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube Award winning interactive musical cube lets little ones create 8 Mozart masterpieces. Cube sides include the harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin which light up and play instrument sounds. Sounds can be played solo or added together to create a symphony. Features soft rounded edges and durable design. Fascinating musical toy for the wee ones!
LeapFrog Chat and Count Phone Award winner! Babies are fascinated with phones! This baby-proof phone combines both learning and fun. Press the number buttons to count on the screen along with baby's animated pal Scout, or press the music button to hear songs about counting. Trade calls and voicemail with Scout, or enjoy 15 other fun phone activities. Includes online learning ideas for parents. Pretending to be a grownup has never been so much fun! Ages 18 months+
Playskool Explore and Grow Busy Ball Popper Award winner! Loads of sensory fun and gross motor skills practice with this lively interactive toy. Colorful balls spiral down the track and pop up the air powered tube at the press of the big mushroom button. 8 upbeat songs along with sound effects invite your child to dance, giggle, put & take balls and have fun discovering the concept of cause and effect. Surely a favorite for ages 9 months- 3 years.
LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table Award winner! Music, learning & fun rolled into one! Choose from this amazing toy's words or music options. Learn about ABCs, colors, opposites, counting to 10 and primary shapes or play on piano keys, tap the drum, groove to over 40 songs and melodies, and listen to nursery rhymes & instrument sounds. Flip a switch to change from English to Spanish. Best of all, this toy grows with your child. It sits flat on the floor for babies and adjusts to toddler play by adding included table legs. Provides hours upon hours of visual, auditory and fine motor stimulation and skills practice. An educational wonderland sure to delight little ones from 6 months- 2+ years. Also see other LeapFrog Learn & Groove Instruments.
Sassy "Who Loves Baby?" Photo Book Babies LOVE pictures! Introduce your baby to family & friends with this soft, cushiony and colorful photo album. Plastic album features a carrying handle, wipes clean, protects & displays 4 x 6 photos. It's an educational and entertaining gift babies will enjoy over and over again. Award winner! Ages 6 months +
Little Super Star Classical Stacker Award winner! Entertaining 5 piece stacker plays 5 classical and children's favorite tunes while lights dance through the colorful stars. Promotes basic eye-hand coordination and problem solving. Ages 6 months+
Fisher-Price Rock-A-Stack Award winner! (non-musical classic)
Parents Busy School Activity Cube Award winner! Wow! Stimulating 6 sided activity cube for hours of play & discovery. Shapes, movement and colors develop memory, critical thinking, dexterity and more! Ages 12 months+
LeapFrog Fridge Farm Magnetic Animal Set Award winner! Extremely amusing and educational toy for ages 1+. Magnetic animal set plays learning songs, teaches animal facts and sounds. Mix and match animal bodies to create actual or wacky animal combinations, and enjoy the silliness. Plays 5 barnyard tunes. Lots of fun!
Madame Alexander My First Baby – Powder Blue, 12 Inch Award winner! Adorable, super soft baby doll perfect for tiny hands ages 1+ Made of washable, baby-safe materials. Award winning first choice for little mommies! Also available in pink.
Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse The perfect crib friend to lull your baby to sleep. Cuddly Seahorse plays over 5 minutes of gentle lullabies and soothing sounds of the sea while seahorse's belly gently glows. After 5 minutes, sounds & lights gently fade out. Adjustable volume setting. A real favorite! Also available in pink (below)
Ocean Wonders Soothe & Glow Seahorse – Pink
Toysmith Battat Ready Set Go Cars Award winner! Colorful and durable set of 4 chunky cars great for little hands ages 1+. Pull back action sends cars zooming, with delightful sounds!
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LEGO Duplo Ultimate Building Set – 71 Pieces Award winner! Colorful tub of building blocks for little fingers 18 months- 2+ years. Award winning toy provides hours of creative fun! LEGO also has a tremendous selection of building sets to delight children of all ages and interests.
Parents Puzzle Rack with Puzzles Excellent value! Sturdy puzzle rack comes with 5 vibrant educational puzzles including ABCs, 123s, shapes, animals & bugs. Ages 18 months+
For additional selections, click Toys For LIttle Fingers (Toddler) and Electronic Learning Toys. Also see Children's Educational DVDs & Music CDs and Books for Babies.
For more holiday information, please see:
The Little Ones Holiday Gift Giving Guide and
Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas" Holiday Toy Series: This holiday series is designed to help parents and grandparents make smart choices by featuring outstanding/award winning "toys that teach," accompanied by reviews which highlight and explain the educational benefits and specific skills children receive from these types of toys.
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