Stumped on what to get your preschooler this holiday season? Well, look no further. Marking our biggest toy test ever, more than 8,000 kids road-tested hundreds of new toys for “Today’s Toy Test 2004." In the second installment of our special series, contributor and consumer specialist Herb Weisbaum shares the skinny on which toys ranked highest for the preschool set. Here's more on the winning results he discussed on "Today":
We tested 130 preschool toys this year. For us, preschool means toys appropriate for children ages 3 to 6. Toys designed for kids 6 and up were tested in the school-age category.
Power Wheels Kawasaki KFX Ninja (Fisher-Price, $190)
Fisher-Price has done it again, with two Power Wheels ride-on vehicles in the winner’s circle. This sporty quad is styled after a real vehicle, the Kawasaki KFX700 ATV. With its big off-road tires, big handlebars and rugged styling, it almost looks like the real thing, but this Kawasaki is kid-size. Teachers told us, “The kids just loved it!” Little drivers (up to 65 pounds) use the twist-grip throttle on the handlebars to go 2.5 or 5 miles per hour. The KFX Ninja comes with a 12-volt rechargeable battery.
Power Wheels Kawasaki Adventure 4X4 ATV (Fisher-Price, $260)
The utility 4-wheeler is also styled after a real vehicle — the Kawasaki Prairie 650. The trailer has a built-in seat for a second rider. Kids had fun driving this ATV and going for a ride in the backseat. As with the Ninja, this vehicle is powered by a 12-volt rechargeable battery. There are two kid-appropriate speeds: 2.5 and 5 mph. This model can hold more weight; drivers can be up to 90 lbs, the child in the trailer can be up to 40 lbs. Teachers told us this was a great outdoor toy that the kids “couldn’t get enough of.” Both of these Power Wheels vehicles require adult assembly, which will take some time.
Consumer expert and “Today” contributor Herb Weisbaum has been helping people across the country for more than 25 years. His award-winning reports have exposed everything from quack medications to bogus investments. Since 1990, his Toy Test has helped millions of parents and grandparents select the best toys for their kids. To learn more about Herb Weisbaum and his latest consumer reports, you can visit his Web site at: