The ultimate toy guide 2015: 22 toys for big kids

Skip the spa and create pretty homemade soaps with this kit that incorporates things from around the house, like lavender and honey, and includes  14 moulds, glycerine soap base and gift boxes. SmartLab, $25, scholarschoice.ca

This 140-piece kit aims to help budding builders create all sorts of flying apparatuses for Ava and her bird Jay. K’Nex, $20, toysrus.ca

Aspiring needleworkers can flex their sewing muscles with this pillow. Affix letters to either side by stitching through the pre-punched holes, and then stuff, embellish with fringe and beads, and you’re sleepover ready! Alex Toys, $20, indigo.ca

This LED-lit set shoots foam arrows high into the sky (up to 145-feet!) making a wicked whistling sound as they slice the air. Zing Toys, $22, indigo.ca

Encased in an impact-resistant roll cage, this little remote-controlled helicopter can fit into small spaces (and won’t chip paint or bash walls). A bright light illuminates nighttime flights. Borgfeldt, $60, mastermindtoys.com

Hippie chicks and boho babes will swoon for these pretty floral crowns that are made by twisting paper flowers around a bendable lightweight wire. Creativity for Kids, $20, mastermindtoys.com

Five hundred and eighty itty-bitty pieces take patience to build with, but are awesome for developing problem-solving and fine motor skills. The completed model with a working drawbridge is small enough to showcase on a shelf or dresser. Kawada, $23, amazon.ca

Perfect for indoors and out, the soft tires with maximum grip help young racers control this speedy remote-control bike. Borgfeldt, $60, mastermindtoys.com

Kids are challenged to arrange coloured tiles in chains to try to block their opponents in this fish-themed strategy game. Educational Insights, $29, indigo.ca

Old-timey Scrabble gets a makeover with this electronic version that can be played alone or with friends. Players tap letters to build a word and then twist to lock it in. $25, hasbro.com

With four levels to master and awesome hip-swaying music, players step on the dots to keep the beat. Kids can unlock new levels and challenge their friends to a dance off, or brush up on their moves by playing solo. $30, hasbro.com

This game calls for quick thinking to keep players on their toes. Lay down a card and make a connection. For example, if you put down a clover, and your opponent lays down a pickle, the first one to figure out that they’re both green wins! Outset Media Games, $20, toysrus.ca

Channel Katniss Everdeen with this state-of-the-art bow, which features a rotating quiver that quickly loads the next arrow with the touch of a button. Its shooting range is up to 90 feet! $50, hasbro.com

Explore the depths of the ocean with this 717-piece set that features seven minifigs, a collapsible shipwreck, sharks and even sunken treasure. $150, shop.lego.com

The ever-popular loom is cranking it up a notch with this awesome new alphabet set that allows little loomers to spell out whatever they want at seven times the pace. We predict a “BFF” bracelet trend in the near future. Rainbow Loom, $19, mastermindtoys.com

This newfangled spin on chess seems simple but still packs a powerful strategic punch as Attila the Hun battles the Roman Empire. $23, amazon.ca

Able to sense everything around it, this highly intelligent robotic dino moves and reacts in a lifelike way. MiPosaur loves playing with the included TrackBall, which has six games that make him beat-box, dance, eat a snack, take a walk, and can even change his moods. Watch out! WowWee, $130, toysrus.ca

Bring on the angry. Use the remote control to get Hulk moving around—he’ll smash with his fists, flip against walls, spin and pop wheelies. With 10 classic Hulk phrases and sounds, fans will have a roaring good time. Arbor Toys, $100, toysrus.ca

Learn to sew with this cute kit that encourages kids with pre-punctured holes and an oversized needle, making it easy to create a ocean creatures like a crab or fish. The Orb Factory, $15, toysrus.ca

Pop Star Livi is on the road, and she has everything she needs for an awesome tour with her wicked bus. She can sprawl out and read fan mail, sing karaoke with her pals Mia and Stephanie, DJ a party or just relax in the hot tub. $70, shop.lego.com

Spruce up your windows with these fun clings. Kids can mix the colours they want into the included moulds, and in minutes they’ll have flexible formations that will adhere to most smooth surfaces. Crayola, $26, toysrus.ca