Photo: Nyen; Illustrations by Wanton Doodle
bazaar junior toy awards 2015 best toys
4-6 Years
1. BEST FAMILY GAME
Croquet, $49.90
Plan Toys at The Better Toy Store
With animal-faced balls and lightweight mallets, this toy calls for hours of family fun. Also, it can be used inside or out—so rain won’t stop play.
2. BEST TOY KITCHEN
Leo’s Cooker, $169.90
Djeco at The Better Toy Store
Children will love whipping up delicacies in this pretty cookset. It comes complete with a pan, spoon, spatula and condiments, as well as a cloth to remind them to tidy up.
3. BEST NEW TOY IN THE MARKET
Cra-Z-Sand, $24.90
Cra-Z-Art
The judges loved this buy that children could use to build mini sand castles. The other plus side? It’s mess free!
4. BEST OUTDOOR TOY
Phlat Ball V3, $29.90
Tucker Toys USA at 75volts
You throw a disc and when it hits the air it opens up into a ball to catch. Our judges’ children enjoyed playing with this in the park.
5. BEST DOLL’S HOUSE
Cubic House Doll House, $169.90
Djeco at The Better Toy Store
This dream house was inspired by modern architecture. The open sides make it easy for little hands to to move around furniture and the dolls.
6. BEST TRAVEL TOY
Dotty the Ladybug, $24.90
Necknapperz
Our mummy judges love a multi-tasker, which is why they voted for this two-in-one toy and travel pillow.
7. BEST CREATIVE/CRAFT KIT
Pottery Wheel, $46
Early Learning Centre
Need a project for the holidays? Then snap up this cute pottery wheel. Children can have fun creating mini pots, and then, when dry, paint their own designs on them.
8. BEST BOOK
Girls About Town, Wiro Book, $14.99
Meadow Kids
Mini fashion designers will love this book that comes with four mini models and a host of sticker outfits that you can dress them with.
9. BEST TOY VEHICLES
Modarri 3 Packs, $99
Playhao
The finger-driven cars are easy to use. Our little judges loved playing with them as they glide so easily over surfaces.
10. BEST TOYS FOR SPORT
Phlat Ball V3, $29.90
Tucker Toys USA at 75volts
This soft disc will test everyone’s reflexes as you throw it as a disc and catch it as a ball. When it will change to a ball, nobody knows. Available in three bright colours.
11. BEST CLASSIC TOY
Cubic House Doll House, $169.90
Djeco at The Better Toy Store
Our judges fell in love with this funky house and its chic add-ons.
12. BEST TOY FOR TACTILE PLAY
Magnetics Geoforme, $69.90
Djeco at The Better Toy Store
Shape recognition and problem-solving are put to the test with this colourful magnetic board game.
13. BEST SOFT TOY
Hoppi Dangling Rabbit, $179.90
Steiff at The Better Toy Store
This supersoft bunny is a must-have for any nursery. Made with cuddly-soft woven material, this toy is sure to take the number one place in the nursery.
14. BEST PUZZLE
Artur Knights Castle, $64.90
Kroom at Bloom & Grow
Not only will your child enjoy clipping together this King Arthur’s castle playset, but they can let their imaginations run riot as they battle dragons with some make-believe play.
15. BEST ROLE PLAY TOY
Modarri 3 Packs, $99
Playhao
Kids who want to join the team at West Coast Customs when they grow up will fall for this pack of three cars that they can customise with different body kits.
16. BEST TOY FOR ART
Girls About Town, Wiro Book, $14.99
Meadow Kids
This book comes with little outfits that children can dress its dolls in. Your little artist can also decorate the outfit. It helps children fine-tune their colour coordination skills as they move the pieces around.