Toys for Tots  
  The hottest toys for tots are colorful, cuddly, and definitely drool-worthy.  
     
  BY ASHELEY VICTORIA  
  PHOTOGRAPHED BY JAMES WORRELL  
     
  Toys for Tots | Ages 3 to 6 | Ages 7 to 10 |  
     
  Tall Tail
Tigger, the cutest activity gym we’ve seen, comes with a bonus: remove the toys from his tail and he becomes your child’s cuddly pal ($29.99).

Toys 'R' Us
1514 Broadway, near 44th St., 800-869-7787
24-30 Union Square East, near 15th St. 212-674-8697;
toysrus.com.

 
 

 

 

 
  Shake On It
Wrist and foot rattles from Lamaze make sure you’re never caught without an attention-getter for an antsy child. Slip these socks and wrist bands on baby and let ’er rattle ($13.95).

The Scholastic Store
557 Broadway, near Prince St., 212-343-6166

 
 

 

 

 
  ¿Qué Pasa?
They say that it’s easier to learn languages if you start young. Neurosmith’s Babbler is based on that philosophy—with the touch of a button, your child will hear starter syllables (like bue from bueno), in Spanish, French, and Japanese.

The Scholastic Store
557 Broadway, near Prince St., 212-343-6166

 
 

 

 

 
  Circle of Friends
This baby walker from Fisher-Price has all the usual amenities, plus it plays lively music and can be configured to sit flat on the floor ($19.99).

Toys 'R' Us
1514 Broadway, near 44th St., 800-869-7787
24-30 Union Square East, near 15th St. 212-674-8697;
toysrus.com.


 
 

 

 

 
  Package Deal
Leapfrog’s Leap Start Learning Table does double duty. Learn mode teaches the alphabet, counting, and shape sorting; music mode teaches instrument sounds and songs ($44.99).

Toys 'R' Us
1514 Broadway, near 44th St., 800-869-7787
24-30 Union Square East, near 15th St. 212-674-8697;
toysrus.com.


 
 

 

 

 
  A-B-Wee!
Traveling Discovery Cards from Baby Einstein teach the alphabet by association. Each colorful card matches a letter and a picture ($5.99).

Buy it online at babiesrus.com.
 
 

 

 

 
  Ace in the Hole
Buzzz About Mail Box is a shape sorter with positive reinforcement. When kids put mail in the appropriate slot, they’ll be rewarded with sounds from a buzzing bee, a spinning ladybug, or a cheering caterpillar ($19.99).

Toys 'R' Us
1514 Broadway, near 44th St., 800-869-7787
24-30 Union Square East, near 15th St. 212-674-8697;
toysrus.com.
 
 

 

 

 
  Mirror Image
Prime your little one for pop-up books with this plush version by Tiny Love. Its colorful pages include 3-D pieces, child-safe mirrors, and leaves that make a crinkling noise ($19.99).

Toys 'R' Us
1514 Broadway, near 44th St., 800-869-7787
24-30 Union Square East, near 15th St. 212-674-8697;
toysrus.com.
 
 

 

 

 
  Block-A-Bye Baby
Baby Einstein’s plush Discover & Play Color Blocks offer pictures of animals or objects that match the color of the block; they also rattle, quack, and vibrate ($12.99).

Buy it online at babiesrus.com.
 
 

 

 

 
  Touchdown
Attached to the crib, this bright, cozy butterfly makes a fun noise when prodded by your progeny ($21.95).

The Scholastic Store
557 Broadway, near Prince St., 212-343-6166
 
     
     
 
From the Fall 2003 edition of the New York Family Guide