Where Can You Get The Best Advice On Which Toys To Buy This Holiday Season? From A Certified Play Expert, Of Course!
CHICAGO, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- There are so many "Best Toy Lists" available these days. Which ones can you trust?
Organizations that review toys and create "best toy" lists are an important resource for holiday shopping ideas. But it's critical that their judges are well qualified and unbiased and that their criteria for reviewing and rewarding toys are relevant, well thought out, and designed to support play.
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), recognized nationwide for its prestigious annual awards program, today announced its 2017 Best Toys for Kids Awards. Eighteen winners in 17 distinct categories are chosen by specialty store retailers ? hundreds of men and women who understand the value of play and, day in and day out, have hands-on experience with how kids play.
Many ASTRA members earn a Certified Play Expert (CPE) designation after completing hours of research-based instruction and exams on the science behind the power of play, child development stages and learning styles, and toys as tools to enrich children's lives. ASTRA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting local toy shopping and creative, open-ended playtime for children.
"The ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Award experts base their choices on how a child engages with a toy," said Kimberly Mosley, ASTRA president. "They see on a daily basis what appeals to children of different ages ? as well as what they'll play with just once then leave aside. Because they recognize a quality play experience when they see it, these toy experts can offer helpful and meaningful recommendations on brands both large and small." As a result, the annual Best Toys for Kids Award makes it easier for moms, dads and other gift-givers to make smart buying decisions for their kids.
The Best Toys for Kids Award honors the new and improved toys that promote open-ended or creative play, incorporate innovative design features and maintain exceptional safety standards. The winners of the 2017 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids Awards are:
ACTIVE PLAY
Laser X 2-Pack
NSI
BOTS
Playvision
Smart Bot Robot
CHOOSE YOUR OWN CATEGORY
Zipes Speed Pipes Performance Pack
Neat-Oh! International
CLASSIC 0-7 YEARS
Topanifarm
Djeco
CLASSIC PLAY 8+ YEARS
Doink it Darts
Marky Sparky
CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY
Geomatrix
California Creations
CONSTRUCTIVE PLAY
Remote-Control Machines: Construction Vehicles
Thames & Kosmos
CREATIVE ARTS PLAY 7+ YEARS
Linkt Crafts Kits Bubble Loops
Neat-Oh! International
CREATIVE PLAY UNDER 7 YEARS
The Ultimate Brick Maker
Relevant Play
DOLL PLAY
Rahel from Ethiopia
Hearts for Hearts Girls
EARLY PLAY
SmartMax My First Safari Animals
Smart Toys and Games, Inc.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
SLAPZI
Carma Games
GAME PLAY 2-5 YEARS
Cha-Cha Chihuahua
Gamewright
GAME PLAY 5-8 YEARS
Go Go Gelato!
Blue Orange Games
GAME PLAY 8+ YEARS
Kingdomino
Blue Orange Games
LOGIC SKILLS
Roller Coaster Challenge
ThinkFun
PRETEND - ROLE/FANTASY PLAY
My Magical Sound & Lights Unicorn
Gund
SCIENTIFIC PLAY
Snap Circuits STEM
Elenco
See the list of this year's winners and past winners at http://besttoys.astratoy.org.
About the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
Founded in 1992, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is an international not-for-profit trade organization that serves more than 1,800 independent retailers, manufacturers and sales representatives in the specialty toy industry. ASTRA is a community of dedicated professionals committed to providing children with healthy, quality play materials that have high play value and are designed with a focus on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. ASTRA members are leaders who, through their businesses, make a positive impact on the economy and culture of the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.astratoy.org
SOURCE American Specialty Toy Retailing Association
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