Best new toys? Here’s what kid testers said

When it came to nurturing creativity, these stood out.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING REPORTS

First Published Dec 26 2012 04:56 pm • Last Updated Dec 26 2012 04:56 pm

We know how much creativity, skill-building, problem-solving and strategy go into playtime. That’s why the Good Housekeeping Research Institute staff spent the past year selecting 135 promising new toys and games before turning them over to 140 kids, ages 3 to 13, for testing in our labs and in their homes.

Cowabunga, dude!

Pack the Playmates Shellraiser • Send the reptiles on a wild, imagination-fueled crime-fighting spree in this vehicle. For ages 4 and up, $35. A new TV series is attracting another generation.

Good fortune

Moose Toys Fortune Cookie Maker • Young bakers can mix and roll real dough, heat it in the microwave and form it around the fortunes they write. The best part is kids get to devour their own creations. For ages 5 and up, $25.

Buggin’ out

Hexbug Hive Habitat Set • Lets kids customize a bi-level maze, then see the mechanical bugs run amok. Its 35 easy-to-assemble pieces link with other sets to create an arena that will amuse for hours. For ages 3 and up, $35.

Drawing room

Techno Source’s Glow Crazy Doodle Dome • Gives little Picassos magical privacy as they sketch on the tent’s walls using a green light wand. When the mess-free art fades, it’s time to start all over again. For ages 3 and up, $20.

Training wheels

Jakks Pacific Power Trains Auto Loader City • An affordable alternative to die-cast models, this toy has boys and girls assembling 18 realistic-looking feet of track for a five-train motorized locomotive. For ages 5 and up, $40.

Do the twist

Techno Source Codee • Puzzle fans can get a kick out of creating critters. When kids follow the corded formula, the twistable chain of interlocking blocks form a bright flamingo, scorpion or robot, to name a few. For ages 7 and up, $8.

Leaving their mark

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