The ‘Best’ New Toys

When Family Fun magazine decided to list the best new toys of the year, it empaneled a group of experts: 375 children ages 2 to 10.

In a study conducted by a market research company, children in seven day care centers across the country were given three weeks to play with more than 200 toys.

At the end of the period, the children were interviewed and made their selections.

“The common theme of the winners is that the kids enjoyed them over a long period of time,” said the magazine’s editor and president, Jake Weinbaum. “Whether it be fantasy, challenge or entertainment, they kept coming back.”

The Winners:

Ages 2-4:

Busy Balls Super Set from Playskool, about $30.

Stanley Electronic Real Sound Workbench from Playtime Products, $25.

Treasure Troll Tots by Ace Novelty Co., $25.

See ‘n’ Say Storymaker by Mattel, $27.

Squiggly Worms by Western Publishing Co., $15.

Flip Track Rail and Road Set by Fisher-Price Inc., $36.

Silly Filly and her Silly Friends, $20 each from Tiger Electronics Inc.

Mickey Mobile by Kransco-Power Wheels, $99.

Ages 5-7:

California Roller Baby from Tyco Toys, $25.

Shuttle Launching Crew, by Lego Systems Inc., $33.

2-XL by Tiger Electronics, $50.

Pitch Hitter from Today’s Kids, $22.

Pirate Island by Playmobil USA Inc., $78.

Grape Escape, $20, by Parker Bros.

The Animal, by Lewis Galoob Toys, $21.

Sand Pictures, by Galt Toys, $19.

Puppy Surprise by Hasbro, $30.

Ages 8-10:

Turbo Screaming Tread Machine by Nikko America, $69.

Boom Ball by Cadaco, $17.

The Magic Maker Creepy Crawlers Workshop by ToyMax, $25.

Load ‘n’ Haul Railroad by Lego Systems Inc., $110.

Pogo Roo pogo stick from Sports Fun Inc., $20.

Capsela 350 Water Toy Set from Sanyei America Corp., $25.

Knock Out by Milton Bradley, $20.

Dinosaur Giant: Silkscreen Tyrannosaurus Rex by Applause Inc., $60.