Time is running out. But you still want to find that unique toy, that educational toy, that toy that will peak a child’s interest beyond the time the crumpled Christmas wrap is bagged up. And, this year there is no shortage of toys that fit the bill right here in of our local toy stores. Earth Explorer Toys located in downtown Zionsville is one of many stops and, according to owner, Terri Bracken, there is help available provided through the The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Best Toys for Kids 2012 list. “It’s a great list because it’s from toy store owners from across the country who I consider to be toy experts.”
With over 550 of America’s top independent and neighborhood toy retailer’s feedback, ASTRA’s list has unique toys and games sorted by category and age group. “The 2012 Best Toys for Kids list features toys that deliver exceptional value and expand a child’s imagination, toys that invite discovery and exploration, toys that get kids moving, toys that build creativity, toys that fascinate babies, and even toys that delight hard-to-shop-for pre-teens,” according to the ASTRA website.
Retailers belonging to ASTRA, such as Earth Explorer Toys, are here to help you this holiday season with their personal service and expertise. “We are part of the vibrant thread of family life in Zionsville. We continue to offer unique toys, great customer service, and fun events. We hope to be here for many years to come,” says Bracken. Check out the list below and visit your local toy store soon for that unique gift that is sure to bring smiles Christmas morning and beyond.
ASTRA Best Toys for Kids 2012
Ages 6 months +
Tobbles Neo – Young minds revel in colorful pieces for stacking, toppling, and discovery.
Ages 18 months +
Roll & Play – Toss the big plush color cube, choose the matching color card, and perform the simple activity for an interactive first game experience!
Ages 2+
Brio Classic Figure 8 Train Set – This is the perfect wooden train starter set, with 15 track pieces, a sleek engine, 2 railway cars, three trees, and a station.
Ages 3+
Kidoozie Deluxe Build-A-Road with Elevator – Little race car drivers love designing roadways for the two battery-powered cars with over 15′ of flexible track.
Kickin’ Putt – combines soccer, kickball, flying discs and golf for indoor/outdoor fun!
Ages 3-6
Feed the Woozle – A Peaceable Kingdom cooperative game where kids play together against a common obstacle, not against each other. Encourages team play.
Ages 4+
Puppet-on-a-Stick(TM) – Oversized puppets on sticks inspire dramatic play with silly faces, movable mouths, and endless possibilities!
My First Super Science Kit – Junior scientists can explore their world with this science lab kit which includes over 70 exciting experiments to stimulate young minds.
OgoSport RAQ – Catch and throw balls up to 150 feet with soft, easy grip handles and adjustable Flux Ball for fun for the whole family.
Ages 5+
Sunflowers Master Kitz – Create your own Sunflowers masterpiece reminiscent of van Gogh! Includes a re-usable art tool box plus acrylic paints, stencils, paper and brushes.
Ages 7+
Perplexus Twist – This newest Perplexus model requires a player to twist, turn, and realign the tracks within to escape traps, dead ends, and cliffhangers.
Ages 7-12 years
E-Rangers Headquarters – This futuristic world by Playmobil is equipped with an LED spotlight, knockout cannon, a functional solar fan module, figures, and more!
Ages 8+
nanoblock Musical Instruments – These amazing micro-sized building blocks create 3D musical instruments (violin, grand piano, guitar) in the palm of your hand!
The ZOOB Challenge – Based on skills targeted by educators, kids use 175 ZOOB pieces to solve challenges by building a ramp, a catapult, or zip line to see what works!
Loopdedoo – Design and twist your own friendship bracelets, necklaces, anklets!
Look Look – Seek it, spy it, score it! Draw a card to reveal which challenge will test your powers of perception.
TENZI – a fun, fast paced, colorful dice game great for travel or family game night.
Pajaggle Board – a game, brainteaser and puzzle rolled into one. Over 10 curiously addictive ways to play.
Snap Circuits LIGHT – Be amazed when you connect your iPod® or any MP3 player with the new Snap Circuits® LIGHT. Watch the lights change to the beat with circuits you build!
Rush Hour – Set up the traffic challenges and battle the gridlock with this game that features four levels of difficulty for bumper-to-bumper fun!
Rubik’s® The Void™ Puzzle – Solving this puzzle has an extra challenge because something’s missing!
Created by The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association© 2012 Copyright ASTRA