CHILD'S PLAY
Independent toy stores reveal their best bets
August 17, 2009
Andrea Gordon
FAMILY ISSUES REPORTER
Toy fads come and go, but "let's pretend" never goes out of style.
That's clear on the Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada new list of top 10 toys, where imagination features prominently. Favourites include a cash register for kids who like to play store, props to build an imaginary castle or fort, and a board game where players become settlers of a mythical world.
The most popular toys are entertaining, educational and eco-friendly, says Tere Ouellette, owner of the Toronto shop Scooter Girl and NETS member.
"There's a lot of variety on the list, and a lot of family games," she says.
Unlike many "best toy" rosters, this one is based on customer feedback from across the country.
Toys are judged on how much they foster creative play and developmental learning, and whether they have long-lasting appeal.
"They're the things we can never keep in stock," says Ouellette. She adds parents want quality toys that last and favour those made locally.
There's also increasing demand for items made from reused and recycled products.
Toronto Star