The Real Toy Story: A Consumer Resource Guide

Planning to do some research before you head for the toy store? Here are just some of the resources available:

* Toy Wishes ($4.99) or https://www.toywishes.com: A review of more than 500 toys in 25 categories; the publisher is an industry insider.

* Consumer Reports (December): A limited number of toys is reviewed; the magazine has no connection to the industry.

* Family Fun (December): Toys are divided into categories and age groups, with a best of show in each category. A good toys-at-a-glance chart at the end.

* Parents (December): Toys are arranged by age-appropriateness. Lots of suggestions in the lower price ranges.

* Parents’ Choice Foundation Web site: https://www.parents-choice.org. Toys get gold, silver, recommended or approved awards. Each has a review.

* “Oppenheim Toy Portfolio” ($12) or https://www.toyportfolio.com. A guide to toys, books, videos, music and software for kids.

* Stevanne Auerbach, Dr. Toy, Web site: https://www.drtoy.com. Her choice of 100 best toys, with lots of information on each.