Best toys for babies 2013

It took 75 families, 136 kid testers and nine months, but, at last, we bring you the absolute best new toys for babies and toddlers this holiday season.<br />
Produced by Leah Rumack
Prop styling by Daniel Onori

Rubber wheels and a grip that’s moulded for little hands make this a good walker, but it’s the colourful balls your baby can feed through the handle and watch swirl around the bowl that makes this a great multi-use toy as well.

Our toy tester says...
“It was a walker, a ball receptacle and an ‘ice-cream machine.’ I can see my kids using it as a doll stroller or a shopping cart later.”
— Michelle, mom of Simon, 18 months, and Oliver, 4

Where to buy?
B., $33, target.ca

A friend that will keep your baby entertained until toddlerhood, Elefun helps kids build connections between first words, sounds and the alphabet. Press his trunk and Elefun will show an image and say the corresponding word. His butterfly and mouse friends teach numbers, shapes and colours. Comes in French, too.

Our toy tester says...
“This held Foxley's attention for a very long time. He loved figuring out how the buttons and levers worked, and when the music would play, he did a little dance.”
— Amanda, mom of Foxley, 10 months

Where to buy?
Playskool, $40, hasbro.com

Bath time is way more fun with these wintery chums!

Where to buy?
JUMP Kids World, $2 each, realcanadiansuperstore.ca

Your baby will be so busy enjoying Peanut's big, bright crinkly ears and the sounds of his bead-filled wheels as she pushes him along that she won't even notice she's learning to crawl.

Where to buy?
Lamaze, $30, babiesrus.ca

Keep your little one occupied as he discovers loops, knots and rattles on this ball. For babies learning to crawl, it's a fun one to roll across the floor.

Where to buy?
ALEX, $12, alextoys.com

Sophie the Giraffe's birdie pal is made of natural rubber and food-grade paint, and has lots of soft parts for sore little gums to gnaw on.

Where to buy?
Bug in a Rug, $23, buginarug.ca

Need to keep someone busy? The horn, buttons, gears, rear-view mirror, lights and music on this driving toy should do the trick.

Where to buy?
ELC, $22 USD., amazon.com

A modern rattle for the most stylish of babes.

Our toy tester says...
“Matilda loved that this was so easy to hold.”
— Karen, mom of Matilda, 10 months

Where to buy?
HABA, $14, habausa.com

The star of every baby's favourite bedtime story has a squeaker, a mirror, peekaboo flap, rings and a bead rattle.

Where to buy?
Kids Preferred, $19 USD., amazon.com

This is stroller or car-seat fun, with two musical modes — one that plays for 15 minutes or a tap-and-play option.

Our toy tester says...
"I heard plenty of adorable squeals from the back seat when he played with this toy."
— Amanda, mom of Foxley, 10 months

Where to buy?
Tiny Love, $30, babiesrus.ca

Great first building toy for little hands.

Where to buy?
LEGO, $13, shop.lego.com

This world traveller sings, introduces travel phrases in different languages and comes with its own (no roaming!) cellphone.

Our toy tester says...
“When you open the suitcase, it says, 'Let's pack for a trip!' and my son will repeat it and get all excited. He likes to use the shape sorter on the back, shove all his toys inside the case and transport them around the living room.”
— Jess, mom of Wilfred, 22 months

Where to buy?
VTech, $40, shop.vtechcanada.com

Budding musicians can compose their own masterpieces or enjoy a song and dance from Billy.

Our toy tester says...
“Ami loved this toy. The fact that it plays music, dances, lights up and she can put Mega Bloks on it? Heaven.”
— Mary, mom of Amélie, 18 months.

Where to buy?
Mega Bloks, $45, megabloks.com

Your baby will love seeing Eric Carle's famous characters on this fun cube that includes textured fabrics, a peek-a-boo flap and rattle sounds.

Our toy tester says...
“Jasper liked holding it and looking at all of the sides.”
— Alex, mom of Jasper, 4 months

Where to buy?
Kids Preferred, $20 USD., amazon.com

It fits perfectly around the handle of infant car seats and can also be attached to playpens or cribs.

Where to buy?
HABA, $32, habausa.com

Your babe will be totally entertained by this high-energy learning game. Kids collect Lil' Snoopy's bones and put them in his bowl before he tips over. Great for developing hand-eye coordination and learning colours and numbers.

Where to buy?
TCG Fisher-price, $25, target.ca

This eco-friendly rocket (made from recycled plastic milk jugs) was a winner thanks to its easily grab-able astronauts and detachable top capsule. Extra points because it's dishwasher safe!

Our toy tester says...
“This looked so simple, we didn't think it would be as big a hit as it was. It's very durable and Harry loves playing blast-off with Daddy.”
— Danielle, mom of Harry, 2

Where to buy?
Green Toys, $35, stortz.ca

Elmo and a train set? It's a toddler's dream come true! Elmo sings the alphabet song when you run his train over the ABC track, and a numbers song when he tootles along the 123 track.

Where to buy?
Playskool, $50, hasbro.com

With 12 wooden animals per package, there's enough wildlife to go around for even the biggest playdates.

Our toy tester says...
“They're the perfect size to throw in your purse for on-the-go.”
— Samira, mom of Deen, 12 months

Where to buy?
Hape Toys, $10, hapetoys.com

Your cupcake will go crazy for this cube of fun. With little doors, illustrated A to Z animals, zigzag race paths, loopty-loo routes and spinners galore.

Where to buy?
B., $60, target.ca

Easy riders will go wild for this baby-sized bike, while parents will love the stylish and safe design.

Our toy tester says...
“The wheels are slightly rubberized so it was so quiet! After listening to hours of plastic go up and down the driveway, our ears welcomed the soft tires.”
— Chelsey, mom of Ava, 2, and Ian, 18 months

Where to buy?
Hape Toys, $80, hapetoys.com

The classic toy goes on safari. Two potato heads and accessories can make up to four fun characters.

Where to buy?
Playskool, $25, hasbro.com

A seaworthy bath toy for the hardiest of little sailors.

Our toy tester says...
“Iggy loves the fish and the fishing rod, and I love that everything fits into the hull — with room to spare!”
— Theresa, Mom of Iggy, 2

Where to buy?
B., $25, target.ca

When kids give Elmo a squeeze, he hugs right back. He's a life-sized 22 inches, which makes tots feel like they have a real friend to play with or sing them lullabies.

Where to buy?
Playskool, $60, hasbro.com

Best toys for preschoolers 2013>