NEW YORK – October 17, 2013 – After rigorous review by families from across the country, this year’s top 30 toys have been selected. FamilyFun magazine, part of Meredith Corporation’s Parents Network, has announced its 22nd annual Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Award winners, which will be featured in the magazine’s November issue. The 30 winning toys have demonstrated outstanding play value and fun factor – along with innovation, durability, and safety – after being selected from more than 300 contenders.

 

“Our awards stand out because real families put some of the most unique products to the test in an actual home environment, so you can be sure the toys meet the high standards of fellow parents—and their kids,” said Ann Hallock, Editor-in-chief, FamilyFun. “This year’s winners include the very best of what’s new in children’s play across art, tech, learning, pretend play, crafts, games, and more.”

 

Top 10 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award Winners for 2013:

 

Zoomer – He sits. He stays. He barks, rolls over, and plays dead. This lovable robotic pup got top honors this year for doing just about everything a real dog does, right down to requiring a bit of training to follow commands. Expressive LED eyes and realistic body movements make this spotted wonder nothing short of fetching. Spin Master Ltd.; $99.99; Ages 5 and up

 

John Deere Monster Treads Radio Control Tractor – This revved-up tractor careens over anything in its path, when it’s not backing up, popping wheelies, or spinning in circles, all on supersized, bouncy wheels. Tomy; $99.99; Ages 6 and up

 

Hot Wheels Carcade – This fast and furious game allows players to send race cars around a pinball machine–like speedway. The goal (and the fun): crashing vehicles through lit-up targets, up a ramp and into a hoop, all while trying to score major points in 60 seconds. Mattel; $79.99; Ages 5 and up

 

FurReal Friends Cuddles – Meet Cuddles, an animatronic plush playmate who is programmed with more than 100 different responses. She squeals and blinks, swivels and sighs, and even drinks from a banana bottle. Hasbro; $79.99; Ages 4 to 10

 

Battroborg – This modern take on ‘You-Knocked-My-Block-Off’ uses the handheld, Wii remote–style controllers to have a boxing match between two robots. Players punch their arms in the air and see the same movement played out by the mini ’bots. Tomy; $79.99; Ages 6 and up

 

Air-Stream Machines – Science and play intersect in this kit themed around the power of air. Learn about mass, airflow, and pressure through the construction of ten air-powered gadgets, including a hovercraft, basketball launcher, and batting machine. Thames & Kosmos; $69.95; Ages 8 and up

 

R.V. Seeing You Camper – Featuring a comfy, foldaway bed and cozy kitchenette, the easy-rolling, 20-inch-tall camper for the Our Generation line of dolls is a real trip. It’s big enough that multiple kids can play with it together. Battat; $59.99; Ages 3 to 10

 

B-Daman Crossfire Break Bomber Battlefield – In this 2-player, rapid-fire game, (a companion to the anime TV series) opponents face off with humanoid launchers and send marbles flying, trying to be the first to blast three red bricks into enemy territory. Hasbro; $29.99; Ages 6 and up

 

Pom-Pom Puppies – It doesn’t get much cuter than a Chihuahua made out of pom-poms. That is, until you see the dozen other poufy canines kids can fashion from this DIY yarn kit. Klutz; $19.99; Ages 8 and up

 

2-in-1 Shop & Cook – Kids can go from shopper to chef with this clever combo. Fill up the grocery cart with play food, then flip down the sides to cook the feast. Both incarnations make dinner prep deliciously fun with sing-along music and interactive learning prompts. VTech; $49.99; Ages 3 to 5.

 

 

To view all 30 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award winners for 2013, check out the November issue of FamilyFun magazine in print or on the iPad.

 

To learn more about FamilyFun, please visit familyfunmag.com, Facebook.com/familyfun, Pinterest.com/familyfunmag, or follow @familyfun on Twitter.

 

About FamilyFun Magazine

 

Reaching an audience of more than 4 million, FamilyFun magazine gives parents ideas and inspiration needed to create unforgettable family moments. Part of Meredith Corporation’s Parents Network of brands, FamilyFun is a trusted expert on family cooking, vacations, celebrations, play, creative projects and learning — the full spectrum of fun that enriches the precious time families share. Written for parents with children 3 to 12,FamilyFun is unique in the marketplace, delivering real ideas for — and from — real families.

 

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Disclaimer: i received no compensation for this post.