Toy guide 2014: Toddler

Encourage imaginative play with this interactive lunchtime set that features 70 melodies, sounds and phrases. Plus, introduce shapes and colours using mini cakes.$253–36 months +Available at Target, Walmart, Chapters, Toys R Us.

This table really puts a spin on the traditional toddler activity table. (Get it? Spin?) The colourful gears can be removed, stacked and spun by little hands. Add music and lights with the push of a button.$509–36 monthsAvailable at Toys R Us.

Designed to grow with your child, this friendly hippo can convert from a walker, to a rocker and then to a ride-on for multiple ways to play and move.$509 months +Available at major retailers.

Get your little superstar started early! This two-in-one sports set-up (soccer and basketball) helps to develop fine motor skills, and teaches colours, shapes and numbers. Plus, it’s just plain ‘ol fun.$5012–36 monthsAvailable at Target, Toys R Us, Walmart, Mastermind Toys.

Classics never go out of style. This hauler comes with six cars and unlimited play possibilities. When extended, the carrier is a whopping two-and-a-half feet long.$303 years +Available at cooltoysfortots.ca and neighbourhoodtoystores.ca.

Farm animals are a fave of every toddler, so this little barn is sure to be a winner. The cow, pig, sheep and horse each have their own song to sing. Best part? No assembly required! Start brushing up on your animal sounds.$372 years +Available at Target.

Teddy bear with a cold? Rubber duck with no squeak? Doc McStuffi ns is ready for a house call! Watch Doc walk and pull her mobile clinic to help toys in need everywhere. Includes Doc, Lambie and doctor tools.$603 years +Available at Toys R Us, Walmart, Target.

Home to all the Woodzeez friends, this 43-piece treehouse is fairly easy to assemble (for parents) and provides hours of imaginative fun. Woodzeez characters are sold separately.$483 years +Available at Target.

These colourful, lightweight, durable vehicles were a hit with both boys and girls during the toy testing event. The set includes six trucks inside a zippered pouch (which comes in handy for after-play storage).$232 years +Available at Indigo, Chapters and toy stores.

At over three feet tall, this ramp provides hours of racing fun. Kids will enjoy the surprise ending, as you never know which ramp the car will go down once it’s released.$5016 months +Available at Target, Walmart, Toys R Us, Loblaws, Sears.

An electronic magnetic drawing board with letter and number recognition technology featuring Doc McStuffins and her friends, teaching letters, numbers, vocabulary, shapes and health tips. It’s the perfect on-the-go toy for the car.$252 to 5 years.Available at Walmart.

Barbie takes “glamping” to a whole new level. This camper features a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and dining area, complete with all the accessories. After dinner, Barbie and friends can roast s’mores on the camp fire or take a hot tub. (Dolls sold separately.)$1203 years +Available at Walmart, Toys “R” Us, Target, Loblaws, Sears, Amazon.

Sure, a 14-foot snake might seem like an odd choice of gift, but it’s amazing how much kids really do love it. And he’s no ordinary snake; this guy is sssssuper sssssnuggly.$603 years +Available at neighbourhoodtoystores.ca, cooltoysfortots.ca and melissaanddoug.com.

Hockey is part of Canadian kid culture. This starter set comes with two sticks and two pucks (that roll for easier shooting). The pucks store easily in the sticks for safe keeping. Get started on those fundamentals!$303 years +Available at Walmart, amazon.ca, clubjouet.com.

Save money on colouring books and art paper. This huge colouring surface provides hours of creativity on the floor, wall or on the go. Kids can doodle (with special markers included), then swipe away to colour again and again.$243 years +Available at major retailers.