The ultimate 2014 toys: WOW toys for all ages

Of course, all the toys that make it into our toy guide are great, but "wow" toys have a bit of an edge because they received the highest ratings from our diligent testers. Here's a roundup of family faves for everyone from babies to big kids.

Read more: Toys archives> 

A version of this article appeared in our November 2014 issue with the headline "The ultimate toy guide holiday 2014," pp. 63-86.

In her own little corner, in her own little chair, she can be whoever she’d like to be. u001fThis magical toy is more than just a place to sit. When your little one plants her derrière on the chair, she’ll activate its singsong chatter and lights. It’s designed to grow with your baby, so you can adjust the developmentally appropriate phrases, songs and sounds according to your child’s age. Requires three AA batteries. 

Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Chair by Fisher-Price, $50

Where to buy: walmart.ca>

Here's a friendly elephant who will grow with your little one. It plays music to get your tot bouncing up and down, transforms into a walker to steady those wobbly first steps, and then evolves into a ride-on when he's ready to feel the wind in his hair. Its upbeat sounds, bright colours and lights and buttons make it extra exciting. Four AAA batteries included. 

"Autumn bounces to the music and screams with excitement!" —Darleen, mom of Autumn, 9 months 

3-in-1-Bounce-Stride-and-Ride-Elephant by Fisher-Price, $60

Where to buy: sears.ca>

These painted wooden balls are on a roll. Little ones will love releasing the balls and watching them roll down ramps, weave their way through holes and "ding" once they've reached the end!

Roller Derby by Hape, $50

Where to buy: indigo.ca> 

There was a farmer who had a chicken and a car and a tractor, too! A farmhouse, barn, stable and a variety of animals make up this fun set. Your tyke will quickly get to work making up stories about his new barnyard friends. 

"My favourite thing about this toy was how it allowed my child to use his imagination." —Monica Julie, mom of Bryan, 3

Lego Big Farm, $60

Where to buy: shop.lego.com>

Up to three little monkeys can play with this wooden music maker at the same time. They can explore its vibrantly coloured xylophone, drum, curvy bead maze and spinning gears for hours.

Sound and Busy Table by Alex Toys, $83

Where to buy: amazon.ca>

Are you brave enough to enter the lion’s den? This lion-themed castle has features like light-up eyes and roaring sound eu001cffects, and includes a disc launcher, a dragon, two guards (equipped with helmets, axes and shields) and a ufb01erce lion. Requires two AA batteries.  

“I like that both boys and girls enjoyed this toy." —Cinzia, mom of Jaxson, 4

Imaginext Lion's Den Castle by Fisher-Price, $65

Where to buy: walmart.ca> 

This simple wooden toy includes a variety of parts and tools for piecing together all kinds of vehicles. Kids can follow directions on the cards provided or design something themselves. 

“My wild and crazy boys quietly, patiently and meticulously tap-tapped, making some fun little vehicles that they were proud of because they used ‘adult’ tools." —Vicky, mom of Connor  and Cameron, 4

Vehicles Tap Tap by Djeco, $37

Where to buy: learningtoys.ca> 

Dusty to the rescue! Fans of the Planes franchise will love this remote-controlled toy. Make this non-flying plane (it zooms around on wheels—ideal for indoor use only) talk and move with the remote's joystick, or choose from one of the preprogrammed commands. Dusty also makes motion-activated airplane sounds and has a working propeller. Requires six AA batteries (included).

“This is by far one of the best toys our family has owned. It’s extremely durable and has been through daily abuse. All the pieces are intact and it’s still going strong!” —Vicky, mom of Connor and Cameron, 4

Planes Fire and Rescue U-Commander Firefighter Dusty by Disney, $70

Where to buy: toysrus.ca> 

u001fThis fab camper features a detachable hot tub, a grill (turn it over and you’ve got a table), a ufb01repit and enough beds for Barbie and her friends. When the party’s over, pack it all up for easy storage.

Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse—The Amazing Chase Glam Camper by Mattel, $120

Where to buy: walmart.ca> 

Ready, aim, fire! This slingshot-meets-bow-and-arrow makes target practice fun. The handheld toy is small enough for indoor use and the suction cup tips of the arrows stick to any flat surface without causing damage.

Zano Bow by Zing, $13

Where to buy: amazon.ca>

Fans of Our Generation dolls will love this 20-inch horse and stable. u001fThe horse comes with a saddle, bridle, blanket, lantern, bucket, canteen, brush and sponge. The stable has everything you need to feed, groom and “ride” your horse.

“The extra-large size of these toys means that they are full of great details." —Rick, dad of Jillian, 3

Our Generation, Horse $45, Stable $140

Where to buy: mastermindtoys.com> 

The Joker is trying to break into the Batcave using his catapult. Can Batman and Robin catch him and lock him up?

"I really like the characters—especially the capes!"
—Julian, 4

Lego Juniors Batman: Defend the Batcave, $30

Where to buy: shop.lego.com> 

This stylish wooden dollhouse includes 32 pieces and tons of customizable features. Draw your own designs on chalkboard walls, attach furniture and accessories to magnetic walls, and insert your own artwork into the frames. 

“We loved the picture frames and TV that you put your own pictures in.” —Michelle, mom of Oliver, 5, and Simon, 2

DIY Dream House by Hape, $200

Where to buy: amazon.ca> 

With 800-plus beads and ufb01ve design templates, kids can create shareable works of art like a frog, rainbow or cupcake by arranging beads on the layout tray and spritzing water on their creations to fuse them together.

Aquabeads Starter Set by International Playthings, $16

Where to buy: mastermindtoys.com>

Make monsters as spooky as you like with this kit featuring durable foam-and-plastic pieces. Follow the instructions to create a Smelly Ogre or Sea Gruff, or try your hand at your own ghoulish creation. 

"I loved how enthusiastic my son was to build a monster, and the end result looks pretty great." —Alicia, mom of Jeremy, 5

Ogre and Monsters by Bloco, $30

Where to buy: indigo.ca>

It's the ultimate battleground for robotic transforming Hexbugs. Batteries included.

Hexbug Warriors Transformers Battle Stadium by Innovation First, $45

Where to buy: mastermindtoys.com>

This fun three-in-one model is great for monkeying around. Set includes a toucan friend, banana and a monkey who transforms into a squirrel or teddy bear. 

"I love the monkey and the banana is so cool!" —Maxime, 6

Forest Animals by Lego, $25

Where to buy: shop.lego.com>

Race car fanatics will clamour for this gravity-defying track featuring a three-foot-high loop that attaches to the wall and enough space for multiple cars to rip through the track at once. Requires 4 D batteries.

"It's so loud! I like watching the cars go around and around and seeing if they'll crash." —Evan, 6

Hot Wheels Super Loop Chase Race Track Set by Mattel

Where to buy: walmart.ca> 

Kids will love controlling this cool two-wheeled robot with their hand motions alone. Plus, download the free accompanying app for more games and ways to interact. Requires four AAA batteries. 

MIP Robot by Wowwee, $110

Where to buy: bestbuy.ca>

Fans of The Hunger Games will love this bow-and-arrow set. Send secret messages via one of three foam arrows. There's even a built-in aiming guide to help you hit your target. Requires two AAA batteries.

Nerf Rebelle Agent Bow by Hasbro, $40

Where to buy: toysrus.ca> 

Take this battery-operated quadcopter to new heights. Use the remote to control the steering and then, when you’ve mastered ufb02ight, alter the shape for new ufb02ying challenges.

“Ruby liked that as she got better at it, she could adjust it to make it more challenging.” —Amanda, mom of Ruby, 12

Sky Viper Stunt Qaudcopter by Skyrocket Toys, $80

Where to buy: Amazon.ca>

Traditional tic-tac-toe enters a new dimension with this fun stackable game. Win by linking four of your pieces vertically, horizontally or diagonally.

Tic-Stac-Toe by Pressman Toy, $25

Where to buy: indigo.ca>