Today’s post written by Angela
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Toys and play are almost the very definition of childhood they are so integral to a child’s life and development. The best toys are those which promote ‘open’ play, allowing children to use their imagination and use the toy in many different ways, therefore stimulating learning.
As every parent knows, it is not always the biggest or most expensive toy that engages and endures: a good toy is one that is played with time after time and endures the process. A quality toy will be passed from sibling to sibling and through generations, teaching and delighting as it goes.
In June this year we asked you, our readers, what your favourite toys for kids are. Almost 2,000 of you responded and shared the results of your experience with us! I am thrilled to present you with the results of your feedback as the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Children’s Toys list.
Where generic items have been recommended (i.e. “ball”) we’ve included the brands that were mentioned most often in that category. As always we’ve provided prices, and links to where you can purchase these items. Enjoy!
Click here to view the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Books for 2009.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
1. Lego
A runaway favourite, Lego sets in all shapes and sizes are available from online stores, in bricks and mortar toy stores and department stores Australia-wide. Visit Lego Australia for stockists. Prices range from $7.99 upwards.

2. Train Sets
IKEA and Thomas & Friends sets were your favourite picks. You can purchase Thomas & Friends sets from online stores, in bricks and mortar toy stores and department stores Australia-wide. Pickup Ikea sets in-store or from the Ikea Online Order Store.

Ikea Lillabo Train Set from Ikea, main image, $19.99 and accessory packs, sold separately, $4.99-$16.99
3. Blocks
Brio block sets were mentioned most often, and Haba block sets garnered honourable mentions.

Brio 50 piece Classic Block Set from Little Possums Toys, $63.95
4. Dolls
Bratz, Baby Alive, Baby Born, Barbie, Bella Dancerella, Blythe, Cabbage Patch, Kate Finn, and Posy dolls all received substantial mentions.

Posy Dolls from Mini La La, $89.95 each
5. Jigsaw Puzzles
Mooo and Melissa & Doug puzzles were notable favourites.

Mooo Name Puzzle from Mooo, $24.95
6. Fisher Price Little People
Available from online stores, in bricks and mortar toy stores, department stores and supermarkets Australia-wide. Visit Fisher Price Australia to view the range. Prices range from $7.99 upwards.

7. Balls
A universal favourite, balls entertain kids (and adults!) of all ages.

Clockwise from top left:
Tolo bell Ball for Babies TBA
Emotion & Kids Crocheted Balls from Button Baby, $15.95
My Firsty Footy from Babies & Kids, $12.95
Crocodile Creek Phthalate Free Ball from Babies & Kids $15.95
8. Duplo
Lego for younger kids, Duplo sets are available from online stores, in bricks and mortar toy stores, department stores and supermarkets Australia-wide. Visit the Lego Duplo site to view the range. Prices range from $7.99 upwards.

9. Wheely Bug
This fun, cute and robust Australian innovation is now a worldwide success. Available in ages 1-3 and 3-5 years. The 360 degree castors mean your child will never get stuck in a corner!

Wheely Bug ride-on (large) from Green Goat, $119.95 each
10. Cars
Playsam, Kinderkram, Matchbox, Pixar, and wooden cars are hot favourites.

Playsam Lacquered Wooden Streamliner Car from Metro Mum, $77.00
11. Musical Instruments

Shake Rattle n Roll Percussion Set from Little Pinwheel, $49.95
12. Toy Kitchen
ELC, Little Tykes, Micki, Miele, Step 2 all received mentions.

My Giant Wooden Play Kitchen from Windmill Educational, $195.00
13. Wooden Toys

Shapemaker Wooden Toy from Little Pinwheel, $69.95
Wooden Construction Toy from Little Pinwheel, $59.95
14. Doll’s House
Lundby, Le Toy Van, and Plan Toys were the most popular named varieties.

Lundby Gotland Doll’s House starter pack from Lundby, $230.00
15. Play Doh
Buy it or make your own.

Play Doh 1kg Tub from Toys Online, $10.99
16. Tupperware Shape-O
Unchanged in design for almost 40 years, this shape sorter is a classic.

Tupperware Shape-O from Tupperware, $36.45. Click here to find a distributor.
17. Books
See the KidStyleFile Reader’s Choice Top 40 Books for the cream of the crop.
18. Art & Craft

Djeco WaterColour Workshop from Where Did You Get That?, $39.60
19. Bicycle
A two-wheeler bike is one of the most memorable gifts a child can ever receive: it represents freedom and the first mode of independent travel.
It’s important to get the right fit of bike, and KidStyleFile recommends a visit to your local cyclery over shopping online for bicycle purchases. To ensure you get a good fit and a good buy, read this article by independent consumer advice magazine Choice on how to buy a kid’s bike here.

20. Tea Set

Djeco Birthday Party Tea-time Tea Set from Little Possums Toys, $74.95
Plan Toys Child’s Wooden Tea Set from Send A Toy, $44.95
21. Trampoline
Springfree garnered the most mentions here.

Small Round Springfree Trampoline from Springfree, $945
22. Scooter
Mini Micro and Razor ranked as the favourite brands of scooter.

Mini Micro Scooter from Kids Central, $120.00
Razor Kiddy Kick Scooter from Little Bruiser, $79.95
23. Nintendo DS

Nintendo DS Console from DStore, $299.95
24. Rattle
Brio, Alimrose, Annabel, and Lark all received substantial mentions.

Knitted Gnome Rattle from Lark Made, $19.95
25. Teddy Bear

Classic Sandy Teddy Bear from Baby Buds, $16.95
Britt Teddy Bear from Britt Design, $37.00
26. Dress Ups

Travis Designs Dressup Costumes Sugar Plum Fairy, $74.95 and King & Crown Dress Up Costume, $84.95 from Little Possums Toys. Click here for more kids dress up labels.
27. Mega Bloks

Mega Bloks Junior Starter Kit 40 Piece Set from Online Toys, $19.95
28. Shape Sorter
Brio and Ryan’s Room were popular brand picks.

Brio Shape Sorting Box from Little Possums Toys, $43.95
29. Stacking Boxes/Cups


KidO Stack & Nest Cup Set (great in the bath) from Urban Baby, $19.95
PlaySchool Stacking Boxes Set from Kinder Kaboodle, $22.95
30. Activity Toys (Lamaze)

Lamaze Activity Toy: 2-in-1 Activity Guppy from Minimee, $32.95 $30.48
Lamaze Discovery Farm Activity Book from Minimee, $24.95 $23.08
31. Balance Bike
Early Rider, Y Bike, Like A Bike and Wishbone all made the grade here.

Wishbone Balance Bike, suitable for children 1 to 5 years from Entropy, $289.00 (incl. delivery within Australia)
32. Handsqueaker

Alimrose Monkey Stripe Baby Handsqueaker Toy from Pastel Pink, $15.95
33. Ride On Toy – Car/Fire Engine/Tractor
Mooo, BMW Mini Cooper, and John Deere all received mentions.

Metal Ride-on Roadster and Fire Hook and Ladder Truck from Millie’s Playground, $200.00 each including shipping
34. Soft Toys
Gertie & Me, Kaloo, and Deglingos were mentioned by name.

Gertie & Me Moses Basket & Doll Set, $59.95, and Gertie & Me Waffle Weave Horse, $14.95 from Little Styles
35. Handmade
Hand made toys are enjoying a huge wave of popularity as uniqueness and meaningfulness becomes more important when making a toy purchase. Check sites like Australian-based madeit and US-based Etsy to browse a huge range of quality handmade toys.
36. Knitted soft toys
Mamas & Papas, Morgan & Fitch, and Lark received the bulk of brand mentions.
Mamas & Papas Hand Knitted Lamb and Bear Cuddle Toys from Chic Kids, $39.95 each
37. Little Tikes Cosy Coupe
This adorable little pedal-powered car celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Little Tikes Cosy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition from Toys ‘R’ Us, $169.00 $149.00
38. Elmo
The little red monster has stolen hearts everywhere. Available in many different permutations, Tickle Me Elmo (and version two, Elmo TMX – Tickle Me Elmo Extreme) is the most famous. Read about Elmo on Wikipedia here.

The best place to search for Tickle Me Elmo and Tickle Me Elmo Extreme is on eBay.
39. Activity Table
Fisher Price was the brand cited most often.

Fisher Price Activity Table from Deals Direct, $34.95
40. Cubby House

Timber Cubby House, $399.00, and Plastic Cubby House, $159.00, from Deals Direct
Please check individual stores for postage and delivery information, and don’t forget to swing by the KSF All Current Deals page to scope out deals that may get you discounts on these products.