Beastie Balls
(Rich Frog $8.99 Score: )

Covered in a soft terry cloth like material, these colorful fabric balls have stitched on features and knotties that baby can grab and probably chew on. There are lots of zany looking choices in many color combinations and in two sizes. One is a little bigger than a baseball the other is slightly bigger than a softball. All are soft, washable and have a nice rattle sound. Use them with infants for tracking. The bold black and white eyes will catch their attention--and the sound will not startle. Older infants will like crawling after them and for early social games of roly-poly. Preschoolers will find these easy and soft enough for learning to catch and throw. All Ages.

Age: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

 

Kid O Go Car
(Kid O $10 Score: )

Sleek with a smooth futuristic look, this shiny plastic car has built in handle that is just right for small toddler hands to grip. It's bigger than the miniature vehicles with dangerous small parts. A much better choice for younger kids who will love scooting this around chair legs, under tables and wherever else they go "driving." Available in red, green and aqua blue. Also nice, from the same company a red and white Tip Truck. 1 & up.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.  

 

Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

 

Sassy Sensory Ball Set
(Sassy $9.99 Score: ) Looking for something to play with your sitting up baby? One ball has interesting fabric textures to touch (and taste), another has another smaller jingle ball safely enclosed - with slates so that babies can pick it up and turn it, and the last ball has bumps all over it--also interesting to explore. This set can be used in so many ways! You can use them for first games of roly poly. You can also play peek-a-boo games by placing one of the balls under a blanket and then watch as your baby pulls it off! Balls are also great ways of encouraging babies to crawl!! For more activities take a look at our book Read It! Play It! with Babies and Toddlers. The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements.We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Infants, Toddlers. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

 

Sassy Wonder Wheel
(Sassy  $8.99 Score: )

This has become our new favorite highchair toy!  The wonder wheel moves with ease when your sitting up baby or toddler touches it.  Our testers loved putting it in motion and watching the little beads inside cascade.  The beads are safely enclosed and make a pleasing (but not overly loud or annoying sound) as they spin.  A perfect example of a toy being right on the mark in terms of developmental appropriateness and design without a lot of costly and unnecessary bells and whistles!  The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements.  We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Infants, Toddlers. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

 

Educo Zoo Animals Knob Puzzle
(HaPe $8.99 Score: )

With big peg handles for little hands to grasp, this three-piece wooden puzzle with bright licks of color and patterns is designed for true beginners. There's a tall Giraffe, a happy looking Lion and a big blue Elephant. Lift the pieces out and there is a graphic underneath that will help toddlers make a match. The pieces will not just slide into place. It takes a little learning time to discover how to rotate the piece and make it fit into place. It's all the more fun if you add some growling and trumpeting sounds and talk about the animals as you play with your toddler. This is a good choice for developing eye hand as well as problem solving skills that call for patience and persistence. They say 12 months and up. We'd say more like 18 months to 2 & up.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.