The ultimate toy guide 2015: 23 toys for babies and toddlers

Futuristic BeatBo has all the cool moves. With three modes that grow with your baby, this rockin’ bot teaches colours, letters and counting in a fun way. $50, fisher-price.com

This adorable bathtime spout attaches to the side of the tub and draws water up, so when teeny bathers press its face they can start—and stop—the flow of water. Includes three activity cups for more fun. Yookidoo, $28, indigo.ca

Add mechanical and technical how-to to playtime with this interchangeable 13-and-a-half-foot track that has five features, a steering wheel–shaped remote control and a friendly musical driver named Ralph. $70, vtechkids.ca

Wee ones learn cause and effect by feeding this plush machine-washable frog rattling balls and then watching them roll out of his tummy. Earlyears $23, mindsalive.ca

Pretty wooden blocks are fun to play with and perfect to cherish as a keepsake. Sweet graphics, such as a bunny, acorn, fox and ladybug, adorn the sides of this old-school four pack. Le Toy Van, $15, kolkid.ca

A cute crocheted owl, available in pink or blue, is the perfect toy for babes to shake, rattle and chew. Zubels, $12, bbbuggy.com

Chock full of things to explore, little ones can flip book pages to hear a nursery rhyme, dial the phone, press buttons and spin wheels. Removable legs make it a great toy that grows with your kid. $45, vtechkids.ca

This très chic dolly is perfect for snuggling. She has a light vanilla scent and is just the right size for babies to cuddle up with. $30, jouetschoochoo.com

This fuzzy forest friend is great for at home or on the go. Babies will love the bright colours, crinkly sounds and attached teething ring. Skip Hop, $19, well.ca

This action-packed train will grow with your kid, plus its interactive storybook, double-sided blocks, moveable gears and light-up buttons help with fine motor skills. $70, vtechkids.ca

Perfectly stretchy and mesmerizing for your babe to grasp, this colourful lovey features spinning rattles, a mirror and a special teething corner so sore gums can get a workout. Manhattan Toy, $18, mastermindtoys.com

Your kid is sure to find a new BFF in the latest fully loaded Elmo, whose resumé includes more than 150 responses and activities like freeze dance and pat-a-cake. Playskool, $80, hasbro.com

Add some fun to bath-time with this fishing boat that comes complete with a working hook, floundering fishies, a life ring and a captain. Stow everything below deck once you pull the plug. Ambi Toys, $28, mastermindtoys.com

Squeezy says hello to friends with his ears—babes can give his tummy a squish and watch with glee as his ears puff out. Featuring clip-clopping hooves, soft ribbons and a textured tail, this toy has so much for curious tots to explore. Tomy, $22, mastermindtoys.com

Clemmy the turtle isn’t just a pull-along cutie—his shell doubles as a storage case for 15 squishy blocks and as a building surface for sky-high stacking. Clementoni, $49, amazon.ca

Based on the much-loved book of the same name, this soft bunny features a clip for easy stroller attachment, a teeny mirror and two rings for baby to grab. Kids Preferred, $25, sears.ca

Wee chefs can craft recipes using 16 included “ingredients,” such as a fried egg, cupcakes and pizza, while learning new things like counting and sharing with this singing and talking oven. $30, leapfrog.com

Sweet Stella is ready for bed. She’s got her cozy PJs on and a little lamb to snuggle, and her soft lavender scent is released when you hug her close, sending little ones into sweet dreams of their own. Manhattan Toy, $45, indigo.ca

This battery-operated little yellow submarine navigates below the surface of the tub and draws water up through a spray nozzle. Pour water over it and watch the wheel spin, propeller rotate and sprinkler activate. Yookidoo, $35, mastermindtoys.com

Shape sorting gets a deep-sea makeover with this cute turtle that helps little ones learn their colours. They’ll also practise their crawling skills when they follow their new pal as he toddles around to cheery songs. Little Tikes, $20, toysrus.ca

With a nod to the classic Bible story, this sweet toy transitions from playtime to sleep time with four plushy animal finger puppets that fit in the ark and a detachable top that projects a starry nightscape onto the bedroom ceiling. $50, cloudb.com

Old-fashioned letter blocks get a fun makeover with these magnetic squares. Each cube has a letter and corresponding character inside that moves when the included magic wand is waved above it. Patch Products, $70, scholarschoice.ca

This two-in-one toy is perfect for babies and toddlers, with fun gears to explore and wheels to turn. When it’s opened up, little ones will learn early engineering skills like stacking. In car mode, your babe will be mesmerized by the spinning parts. Playskool, $15, hasbro.com