Best Toys and Games of 2010

The Shopping Mama’s Best of 2010 continues. After countless hours assembling, playing with, photographing and giggling over countless toys and games this year we’ve narrowed down our very favorite. These toys will surely please your little ones, and perhaps more importantly, they’ll also keep you happy.

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Best Balance / First Bike: Hobby Bike. I love that this balance bike can turn into a real pedal bike with the pedal kit it comes with. Making you first bike investment last well beyond one year! With all that, you won’t believe the affordable price tag. -Monica

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Coolest Talking Toys: Dinosaur Train Interaction Toys. The toys talk to each other. Seriously. Enough said.

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Best Tricycle: Smart Trike 3-in-1. The design, ease of use and number of miles you’ll log on the Smart Trike before outgrowing its usefulness is amazing. It’s just so, well, smart. (And, we may be giving one away very soon.)

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Best Baby / Toddler Walker: Melissa & Doug’s Chomp and Clack. Considering one of those plastic walkers? Don’t. Go for the best. This is just as (if not more) interactive, the quality is impeccable and my son loves it. And, really, what’s NOT to love? -Malia

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Best Play Kitchen: KidKraft Vintage Play Kitchen. If you could blow this up and make it my size, I’d happily use it to cook dinner every night. This little Play Kitchen is so pretty and your kids will love it so much that you won’t even mind another piece of kid furniture taking over your house.

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Best Game Your Toddler Can Actually Play: Avalanche Fruit Stand. The rules are simple enough for your child to understand, but the act of playing will improve hand-eye coordination. The game goes quickly and is  great way to take some time to sit and play as a family.

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Toy You Won’t Want to Share with Your Kids: Tegu Blocks. There’s a reason the Tegu website features streaming video of a Tegu master building things with these blocks… they are super addictive and very fun. Yes, your child will get the benefits of open-ended play and building skills, but you will also get to exercise your play muscle.

We hope you are enjoying The Shopping Mama’s Best of 2010 series. Check back tomorrow for our favorite clothes for kids.