Photo: Nyen; Illustrations by Wanton Doodle
bazaar junior toy awards 2015 best toys
3-4 Years
1. BEST ECO-FRIENDLY TOY
Starter 10, $96
Baufix at Playhao
This mini building kit won our judges over with the fact that it encourages logic, motor skills and imagination. As if that’s not enough, it’s environmentally friendly as well.
2. BEST BATH TOY
Silly Faces Bath Time Stickers, $15.99
Meadow Kids at Foundation Tree
Thanks to these fun floating stickers from Meadow Kids, children will look forward to bath time. It also comes with a bag that has drain holes for easy storage.
3. BEST CLASSIC TOY
Cugolino, $249
Cuboro at Playhao
Little hands can create a mini race track for their marbles with 54 beech wood pieces. By stacking the blocks together, they can create an array of hairpin bends and tunnels that would get a Formula 1 driver excited.
4. BEST NEW TOY IN THE MARKET
Magna-Tiles, from $85
Playhao
These magnetic tiles teach children about maths and science, while boosting their creativity. Our mini judges had lots of fun building structures with these colourful plastic shapes.
5. BEST OUTDOOR TOY
Bouncy Castle, $169
Early Learning Centre
Who doesn’t love a bouncy castle? Especially one that’s as pretty as this. A great way to workout outdoors.
6. BEST TRAVEL TOY
V-Collection Wild Life & Nature, from $19.90
V Cube at Playhao
This Rubik’s Cube-like brainteaser will test their problem solving skills and help them learn about wildlife as they match body parts.
7. BEST DOLL
Jess Brown Doll, $250
Atsuyo et Akiko at Cuckoo
Design loving mums will love this rag doll by Jess Brown. The woman who has made exclusive dolls for Bottega Veneta has created a mini heirloom for future generations.
8. BEST COSTUME FOR DRESS-UP PLAY
Luna Tutu Wand and Crown Set, crown, $22; tutu, $72; wand, $22
Numero 74 at Cuckoo
Every little girl wants to be a princess and this Numero 74 outfit will make their dreams come true. Comprising a glitter covered tutu, cotton crown and wand for a look that’s clearly magical.
9. BEST CREATIVE/CRAFT KIT
Starter 10, $96
Baufix at Playhao
Children can make three mini models out of this wooden toy set. And with a turn of a handle, they can also bring their toys to life.
10. BEST FAMILY GAME
Cugolino, $249
Cuboro at Playhao
Mums and dads will enjoy playing with this toy as much as the kids. You can build your mini marble racetrack together as a family. Then, when you’ve finished, let the marble go and watch it cross the line together.
11. BEST ALL-ROUND EDUCATIONAL TOY
Magna-Tiles, from $85
Playhao
Children will learn about shapes, angles and science as they click these magnetic pieces together to form a multitude of structures.
12. BEST TOY FOR ART
Silly Faces Bath Time Stickers, $15.99
Meadow Kids at Fountain Tree
Children will have lots of fun creating mini faces with these floating stickers while getting squeaky clean in the bath.
13. BEST PUZZLE
When I Grow Up Puzzle, $33
Early Learning Centre
This box contains 10 different puzzles that feature a different number of pieces each. This means that the younger members of the family can play with the simple puzzles, while the older children can play with the trickier jigsaws.
14. BEST TOY VEHICLES
Automoblox, from $59.90
Playhao
Mini engineers will love fixing the wheels and windows to this beech wood car. And when their masterpiece is finished, they will enjoy taking it for a roll on its real rubber tyres. It’s quite simple to do and gives young children a confidence boost.
15. BEST TOY FOR TACTILE PLAY
Magna-Tiles, from $85
Playhao
These magnetic Magna Tiles that you can use to build houses or cars are definitely worth investing in, said one of our judges. Easy to use and the creations are only limited by the number of pieces you have.
16. BEST BOARD GAME
Clumsy Witch Board Game, $39.90
Haba at The Better Toy Store
Players have to help a scatty witch find the missing ingredients for her potion. The game is designed to help boost memory skills and teach them how to control emotional impulses.
17. BEST MUSICAL TOY
Carousel Bells, $66.90
Piccolo at 75volts
Seven play-along songs come with this set of musical bells. Once done, you can put away the mallet in the base for easy storage.
18. BEST ROLE PLAY TOY
Mini Pram, $130
Minikane at Cuckoo
Trendy tots will love these super chic patterned prams from Minikane. And mums will be happy to know that they come with a sturdy metal frame and a neat travel bag too.
19. BEST TOY STORAGE
Travel Storage Box, $47.90
Trunki at Bloom & Grow
This not only stores toys, but turns into one: Your toddler can have fun scooting around on this box on wheels. It can also link to other Trunki Storage Boxes to turn into a train.