Each year, hundreds of new toys hit the shelves, and it can be hard for parents to determine what kids will go crazy for. Thankfully, the experts at the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, an independent consumer organization, are here to help busy parents wade through the infinite number of new items to find the hottest toys for kids of every age.
The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Awards are given to the most outstanding and innovative products of the year. But that's not all. They also spotlight must-have classic products and even toys that are appropriate for kids with special needs.
The best part? There's something for every kid. Take a peek at some of the group's award winners below and, for the full list from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, click here.
KID-TESTED TOYS THAT GET THE THUMBS UP
Toddler/Preschool kids
Fisher-Price Little People Sit 'n Stand Skyway, $29.88, Amazon
This versatile roadway works as a tower or a flat play surface, and while lots of toys claim to grow with your child, this one really does!
Imaginarium 2-in-1 Medieval Battle Castle, $59.99, Toys R Us
The two halves of this castle can be kept together or split apart, so each player has a castle to defend!
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-Pillar, $45.00, Fisher-Price
This open-ended toy invites kids to experiment, plan and problem solve while arranging segments in different sequences.
RELATED: Amazon just released their top toy list for the holiday season — take a peek!
Early-school kids
Osmo Creative Set, $49.99, Amazon
This Osmo add-on captures what kids draw and makes it all come to life.
Max Traxxx Tracer Racer RC The Showdown, $199.99, Walmart
This set comes with 60 feet of track, two race cars and bricks for building ramps! Vroom!
Just My Style Emoticon Message Beads, $11.99, Kohls
This kit includes words, letters, hashtags, emoji-faces and much more!\
RELATED: Good Housekeeping’s hottest toy list revealed!
Tweens
Creativity for Kids Tassel Bracelets, $19.99, Faber-Castell
This kit for the fashion-savvy tween will allow them to make seven bracelets in one of fall's hottest styles!
GoldieBlox Invention Mansion, $59.99, GoldieBlox
This "anti-dollhouse" can be built in a number of ways, creating unique structures each time.
Lego Star Wars AT-ST Walker, $39.99, Target
Legos are a toy staple, but these "Star Wars" sets are still some of the top toys on kids' wish lists.
Happy toy hunting!