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Subscribe to RSSThis morning’s segment on award-winning toys was a true family affair. Three of our (very) young guests are children of TODAY moms – Beatriz, daughter of producer Rachel Delima; William, son of producer Kerry Byrnes; and Hadley, daughter of producer Amanda Mortimer.
Photo courtesy of Kerry Byrnes
In addition to Stephanie Oppenheim's picks, here are some toys that come highly recommended from Hadley, William and Beatriz…
Beatriz, 14 months: Baby strollerBea just started walking, and she loves pushing her little stroller around. She’s still a little wobbly so she looks like a little old man with a walker. So cute! Bea’s a little multi-tasker so she’ll try to carry another toy around in one hand, which makes her even more unsteady.
-Rachel DeLima
William, 14 months: Interactive toys with balls
William loves interactive toys with balls. He has a giraffe where you put balls into its mouth and they make noise as they go down the neck before popping out on the other side. He also loves his V Tech helicopter which has balls which you put into the propellers and they make noise (It was only $10!). Both these toys really entertain him and they’re not too noisy.
-Kerry Byrnes
Hadley, 23 months: Mom’s wallet, cell phone and credit cards
Sometimes the best toys are things lying around your house. Hadley’s at the age when she wants to do things with her hands, and she loves everything in my purse. She's fascinated by taking credit cards, receipts and money out of my wallet... and then putting everything back in. And she loves coins ("pennies!"). Of course, you have to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t put anything in her mouth!
Hadley also loves playing with these old wooden puzzles that I grew up with. Unfortunately, I’ve found the newer wooden puzzles have issues with splinters. If you’ve found any that are safe and fun for a two-year old, let me know…
-Amanda Mortimer
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For more information on Stephanie's picks, visit her Web site, ToyPortfolio.com
We'd love to hear your recommendations for top toys for toddlers and babies...
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I'm a huge fan of Melissa & Doug products. My girls really enjoyed playing with a number of their toys. Everything from wooden board puzzles, to stamp sets to their pull toys. Other faves include, any Little People set from Fisher Price, Stacking blocks and "fake" food sets.
I wanted to know what the toy is that had an orange track and the kids were running little cars down it. If anyone can tell me I would appreciate it. A possible Christmas gift for a grandson.
Many thanks
That was the Tonka Round-About Railway.
Hi Melanie,
I think you're referring to Tonka Wheel Pals round about railway. Here's the info and Stephanie's notes....
Tonka Wheel Pals round about railway
(Hasbro $18) Like a ball roll, this uncomplicated purple and blue upright "railway" has a twisting orange track that is similar to the ramp on a toy garage. Put the red and blue train engines on top, push the engine or the red railroad crossing sign blinks its light as down, down, down, the little engines roll with a "toot toot!" There's a "chugga chugga" sound of a train-on-tracks as it comes through the green gate. Repetitive action will appeal to toddlers. Preschoolers may use this setting with their building blocks. Takes 2 "AA" batteries. 18 months & up.
My daughter loves her Playskool Busy Ball Popper, Little People, any type of children's books, and puzzles. As a baby, her favorite toy was a peacock toy from Lamaze.