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The Best Toys for Kids this Holiday Season

Folkmanis Golden Retriever Puppy PuppetEvery parent knows that finding a truly great toy can be a challenge, especially when you're trying to find one that's not only fun, but educational as well. For this 2010 holiday season the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) has again helped take the guesswork out of toy shopping by compiling their annual Best Toys for Kids list! Nominated and voted on by the toy experts who are members of the ASTRA, the list of winners features a wide variety of toys for just about every age group imaginable. There's an emphasis here on good old-fashioned imaginitive play and fun, so you can feel good about buying these for your children.

We're also happy to see some local companies represented here, like Emeryville's Folkmanis Puppets and San Francisco's Green Toys, Inc.

Look for these toys at your local independent toy store, like the ones in our list of Marin County favorites (in the right sidebar of our Holiday section home page), or at online retailers like Amazon.com. (Links below go to Amazon, and by buying through them you help support this website!)

Early Play

Pretend Doll Play

Pretend Role Play

Pretend Play—Fantasy Play

Constructive Play

Creative Play

Scientific Play

Active Play

Game Play—Best Preschool Game

Game Play—Best Family Game

Game Play—Best Party Game

Game Play—Best Dexterity Game

Just For Fun

Classic Play