When it comes to baby dolls, there are two types of people: those who love them and those who think they are creepy. Most 3-7 year old girls are in the former category, and when it comes to which is the doll they most wish for, it’s likely to be the Baby Alive – My Baby Alive doll, which is precisely why it’s made out Top Ten Girls Toys list.
And it’s easy to see why; because, in a completely magical way, this baby doll drinks her milk, eats her food, and then wets and poops too!

There are several Baby Alive dolls on the market but the My Baby Alive is definitely the best one in my opinion for several reasons. Firstly, the My Baby Alive doll combines all the different functions of some of the other dolls in the range (for example the Baby All Gone doll only eats and drinks); secondly, I think the synthetic hair is better than the molded hair on some of the other Baby Alive dolls; and thirdly, I personally think she’s kinda cute – and I reckon most girls would agree! I also like the fact that the My Baby Alive doll currently comes in three styles: blonde, brunette and African American.

Baby Alive Accessories

Now for some of the things to consider: you’re supposed to only use the Baby Alive play baby food and diapers and this doll only comes with two packets of food and one diaper. So, you’re going to need to get food and diaper packs (sold separately). Alternatively you could get creative with making your own diapers – remember cloth ones from the old days? – and I can’t see why you couldn’t try some extra runny homemade puréed food: after all, this doll needs an adult to make sure that the doll is rinsed through after each feed anyway (by giving her an extra bottle of water to drink), so there’s not really any more work involved in terms of maintenance.

Also, the feeding and drinking sounds that My Baby Alive makes are triggered by microchips in the bottle and spoon that come with the doll, so be sure not to loose them! And get a good supply of batteries, because this doll is going to be played with for hours and hours on end!

Disney Princess Figurines

To be honest you could pick pretty much any of the Disney Princess products and be sure to delight your little girl, but this Favorite Moments 4-Pack Gift Set is in our Top Ten Girls Toys list because it is a sure-fire gift hit: almost any girl aged 3-6 on the planet will love this, so if you’re stuck for a birthday toy for girls idea this is the one to go for!

Disney Princess Favorite Moments Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty

We love that this set features four of our favorite Disney Princesses, each with a dress and shoes to change her into as well as her friends from the movies: the Cinderella doll comes with a tiny version of Suzy the Mouse and one of the bluebirds that help make her dress, whilst Belle comes with Mrs Potts and Chip, Ariel comes with Sebastian and Flounder, and Sleeping Beauty has one of her fairy godmothers and a bird too.

Disney Princess Favorite Moments Mini Dolls

Now for the downside: the dolls are really very mini, so as a result their clothes – and particularly shoes – are seriously small which is not great if you have shag pile carpets or rugs in your home! It also means that younger girls may need help to change the clothes. Also, because the parts are quite small, they are not super sturdy: so be warned, this is not a top toy for rough handling. However, the small size also means that they take up less space so you can easily take all four dolls around with you – perfect for travelling.

So, apart from the fact that you may get very bored of searching for tiny shoes all day long, the Disney Princess Favorite Moments 4-Pack Gift Set is a great value set that is certain to delight your little princess!

Littlest Pet Shop Toys

In case you haven’t noticed, or haven’t got a 6 year-old daughter, the Littlest Pet Shop is one of several latest crazes sweeping the globe! This adorable collection of tiny pet figurines is causing much mayhem and consternation amongst parents (who don’t really understand why they’re soooooo collectible) and much overexcited hysteria amongst young girls (who absolutely NEED to collect them all)!

The manufacturers and brand license holders must be laughing all the way to the bank because since the introduction to the market of an updated version of theses girls toys in 2005, there are now literally hundreds of Littlest Pet Shop products available.

Littlest Pet Shop Teensies, Spakles, Walkables and Blythe Loves

Within the brand alone are a number of sub-brand pets: the Teensies (a vast array of teeny tiny pet figurines), the Sparkles (decorated with glitter), the Walkables (with clockwork walking/ moving mechanisms), the Blythe Loves toys which includes a pet-loving doll called Blythe in different guises with different pets, and there are even online, smart phone and console games and an online pet tracking system on the official website where you can “keep track of the pets you own and the ones you want”!

Littlest Pet Shop Playsets

Needless to say, with so much choice, it might be hard to decide which of the Littlest Pet Shop products to get first. Well, our choice, and one of our Top 10 Girls Toys is the Littlest Pet Shop Treehouse. This is mainly because it’s just such a fun toy. The set comes with a very cute Chipmunk pet with acorns to feed her with, and the Treehouse is packed with fun activities stations for the pet to play with – there is a slide, a swing, an elevator, a spinning wheel, a hide-and-seek tree trunk, and a lovely hammock for her to sleep in after all that fun!

There’s not much else to say about this – basically, if your girl is into Littlest Pet Shop, she’ll love this! Buy it!

Suitable for ages 5 and older.

Pink Scooters for Girls

If you’re looking for a toy for girls but want something a bit more dynamic than a Monster High doll then this electric pink Powerwing Caster Scooter is, to my mind, an excellent option and all the customer reviews I’ve read back me up on this.

Razor Powerwing Caster Scooter Review

Tommy has tried skateboards, roller skates and rollerblades all with very, VERY limited success. For someone who prides themselves at being pretty deft on my feet I have to admit I am rubbish on wheels! I’m not massively into the standard Razor A scooter, although I know most boys are, but I love the Powerwing scooter. For a start I love the fact that it’s on three wheels, already it’s more stable and there’s less chance of falling off! Secondly I love the way you get this scooter to move forward, because the back wheels are casters you can get forward motion by using your feet and hips to shift the rear wing left and right while on the scooter. So much better than pushing the scooter forward with one leg.

Once you get the hang of the Razor Powerwing scooter it really takes on a life of its own and it’s not long before riding around feels really natural and easy. Soon you’ll be trying out all the neat tricks it can do. Kick outs and side drifts and spin outs and more are just a few of the more advanced tricks that I can’t do! But I’m sure your girl will pick them up really easily. Helmet and other protective padding, knee pads and elbow pads, are probably a good idea especially for the novice and the very young. The hand brake on the handle bars are another great feature which mean you’re never likely to lose that much control on descents.

The pink Sweet Pea edition of the Razor Powerwing caster scooter is clearly made with girls in mind and makes it on to Tommy’s Top 10 Toys for Girls, but if you have a girl who isn’t obsessed with the whole pink thing then it’s worth knowing that the Razor Powerwing caster scooter also comes in cool black and flash silver.

Razor Powerwing Caster Scooter Video

To get some idea of the cool things you can do on the Razor Powerwing have a look at this video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ROon-A0obI

Why Hot Wheels Wall Track

Tommy always likes toys that hark back to simpler times. Fads come and fads go but classic toys have a timeless simplicity which means they never go out of fashion. Toy cars are just such a classic. Whether a fan of the replica cars made by Matchbox or the more flamboyant and imaginative cars made by Hot Wheels most boys, and some girls, love to collect and play with toy cars from an early age. They instinctively know a cool car when they see one; clearly this is not a skill you need to learn!

Tommy was a fan of the Matchbox cars, but he takes his hat off to Hot Wheels for the exciting and thrilling world of Hot Wheels Wall Tracks. If you haven’t seen these wall mounted race tracks yet I seriously suggest you click the “More Info” link above.

My little niece chose my Christmas toy on behalf of her family last year and thoughtfully got me the Mattel Hot Wheels Stunt n Dunk. Grateful as I was I will admit to being slightly underwhelmed. Once you had set up the toy and jumped the car through the hoop a couple of times…well that was it really. If I was 8 again I would rather just race my car manually around the house or make up jumps the old fashioned way using books and other household items.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Review

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks are a lot more exciting because you can stack racetrack upon racetrack vertically on your wall and then gravity becomes your friend! Start a car at the top of the racetrack and watch as it speeds its way along the tracks and through the various cool tricks and stunts. No more short, one trick, tracks, no more having to crouch down, or lay, on the floor. These wall tracks can keep going as you add more and more sets of track.

The Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set is a great, and reasonably priced, place to start. With several stunts and tricks plus a diverter switch leading to path variations means there are different tracks and pathways within one set up. With four other wall tracks available, and no doubt more on the way, you can continue to expand and build out your wall tracks and experiment with different installations.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Instructions

A word about installation and set up. Adult help and supervision is recommended with these top toys as the tracks need to be set up correctly for the cars to race smoothly and easily. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with the fold out instructions doubling as a wall template, and a real positive is that there are no screw fixings involved, so no permanent holes in your walls.

It is worth mentioning that the adhesive strips used to attach the tracks to the walls are, by definition, very sticky and can take wall paint away with them, if and when you decide to remove the tracks from the wall. In a kids bedroom Tommy doesn’t see this as much of an issue, but you won’t want to set these Hot Wheels wall tracks on your best living room, or dining room, walls. Furthermore you really need smooth walls for the adhesive tape to work really efficiently. Boys will be boys, but try and remind your son that the wall tracks should be treated gently if he doesn’t want them breaking away from the walls.

Tommy’s Verdict

This is definitely a great innovation and super cool edition to the world of Hot Wheels and another benefit for parents is that you won’t have to continually tidy his Hot Wheel race tracks off the floor! Hot Wheels Wall Tracks are great toys for boys which is why Tommy has added them to his Top 10 toys for boys list.

Friendship Bracelet Making

Sometime around the age of 7 or 8 your little girl is likely to receive her first friendship bracelet, and when she does, she’s going to need to give one back!  For you, the parent, there are two options: you can either track down a store made bracelet or you can buy a handy craft kit like the Alex Toys Friendship Bracelet Making Kit and have your daughter start making unique bracelets for herself!

Not only will your child be able to create her very own, unique bracelets, the kits will definitely keep her entertained for hours and hours.  In fact, as we at Tommy’s Toys just love all things arts and crafts, and particularly projects that keep our kids engaged for a long time, we’re including this kit in on our Top Ten Girls Toys list!

Friendship Bracelet Making Kits

There are several types of friendship bracelet making kits on the market, but this one from Alex Toys has remained one of the most popular on Amazon for a long time thanks to its main feature: a tool called the friendship wheel or loom which is color-coded according to the pattern you want to weave.  In this kit there are four friendship wheels or looms, each with two patterns, so that’s a total of eight different patterns to make.

Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit Instructions

Many users find that the color-coded aspect of the wheels is easy-to-use and follow, although in our experience this tool is perhaps not suited to younger children and as the instruction booklet is mainly annotated pictures, it may also not be that useful if you or your child are not visual learners.  In fact, even though this is a product aimed at kids, we think that parents will want to set aside some time to master the technique of using the wheels before getting their kids started on it!

The Alex Toys Friends 4 Ever Bracelet Making Kit also comes with 22 different colors of string, beads and a needle, and it comes in a very useful purpose-made case – which is essential for keeping all the bits together, and allows you to work on your project on and off.

All in all, this is one of the better friendship bracelet making kits on the market, and great for engaging older girls in arts and crafts projects. For other top toys for girls see our girls section.

Ember Flicker Flame Lalaloopsy

When I first saw this doll and found out her name I was initially a bit worried that MGA had brought out a Lalaloopsy doll that like to set fire to things! I know little boys like to play with matches but I thought encouraging it with a doll was probably going a bit far! I needn’t have worried, it turns out that Ember Flicker Flame is just your run of the mill fire fighting hero! Silly me. So is it that little girls suddenly want to become fire persons or is it that girls instinctively know from a young age that they’re going to like firemen when they grow up? I’ll leave you to decide. What’s certain is that they love Lalalooopsy and if you’re looking for the best toys for girls these dolls are a good place to start.

Lalaloopsy Ember Flicker Flame Doll Review

Nevertheless there’s no denying that Lalaloopsy Ember Flicker Flame is a very cool edition to the Lalaloopsy family. Of course she was sewn from a fire fighter’s uniform and she does have one of my favourite Lalaloopsy outfits. She has flame orange hair and a flame orange skirt set off smartly with her bright yellow fire fighting hair bows and braces. Here fireman’s boots finish off the ensemble perfectly!

As you would imagine Ember Flicker Flame is very heroic, always arriving in the nick of time to save the day. For heaven sake don’t get in her way while she’s saving the day because she’s got a very fiery temper on her. Just let her get on with it and in the mean time prepare her a nice spicy BBQ supper…her favourite. And make sure there’s enough left for her faithful pet Dalmatian. Ember is very proud that her birthday is on May the 4th which is International Firefighters Day.

Ember Flicker Flame Mini Lalaloopsy

There is, of course, a mini Ember Flicker Flame available. She comes with her own miniature fire hydrant and hose, as well as a firefighting ladder for rescuing her mini Dalmatian from those dastardly flames.

Barbie 3 Story Dream Townhouse Review

When I was a kid – many moons ago – almost every girl I know went through a Barbie phase, and those that were the most envied were the girls who had a Barbie house.  I didn’t have a Barbie house and had to make do with a couple of shoe boxes instead – and, whilst I am very grateful for the head start my parents gave me in developing my own creativity, I still hankered after the real deal. As Barbie continues to prove ever popular as a toy for girls, even today, it’s obvious that the Townhouse is number one on most Barbie fans’ wish list.

So, it’s not surprising that the Barbie 3 Story Dream Townhouse has made our Top Ten Girls Toys list!  An architectural symphony in pink, this dollhouse has six beautifully detailed and furnished rooms: a kitchen/ dining room on the first floor, a living room and shower room on the second floor, a bedroom and a roof terrace with hot tub on the third floor.

Barbie Dream House with Elevator

There are tons of inspired interactive elements too; for example Barbie can access each floor with a working elevator (your child pulls the pulley strings to operate it) and the Townhouse is packed with fun light and sound details including a doorbell, an oven timer, a flushing toilet, Barbie singing when she’s in the shower, lights on the hot tub and more!

Barbie 3 Story Dream Townhouse Price

But is it all worth it? Retailing at around $150 (£196 in the UK!), the Barbie 3 Story Dream Townhouse is definitely one for the Christmas list or a very special birthday.  However, when you consider the fact that the Townhouse is certainly large enough for more than one child to play on it at a time, and that the Barbie phase tends to last a few years (at least 3 in my experience) and that most of the parts are made of durable, tough plastic, I think you do get your money’s worth here and so we’re happy to recommend this top toy to Barbie fans of all ages.

What About Lego Sets?

Here at Tommy’s Toys we’re rather partial to building block construction sets, and we’d be lying if we didn’t admit that LEGO is our preferred brand, but whilst LEGO has many fantastic ranges aimed at both girls and boys, Megabloks are leading the way in appealing just to girls with the fabulous Hello Kitty range.  For me this is a huge advantage and the main reason we’ve included it in our Top Ten Girls Toys, because if you have a very girly girl, it can be tricky to find toys that appeal to her inner construction goddess!

Hello Kitty Mega Bloks Play House and Other Sets

So, if you – like us – are prepared to let go of the LEGO bias, the Megabloks Hello Kitty House is a great starter set to the whole Mega Bloks Hello Kitty range which includes several other construction sets such as a School House, Candy Store, Flower Boutique, Playground and Picnic set.

Hello Kitty Mega Bloks Review

The Hello Kitty Mega Bloks House has 70 pieces in all; the main four-room house is already pre-assembled, and then it is up to your child to make and design each room, choosing the furniture and items that go inside. To this end the set comes with cute stickers that you put on different pieces to turn them into pieces of furniture and household appliances such as a chest of drawers or an oven.

And there are lots of extra stickers too for your child to add her own personalization to Hello Kitty’s house, so for example, she can decide exactly which items go on the bedroom shelf, or which photos to hang on the wall. Once the house is all set, there’s tons of fun to be had playing make-believe with the two figurines supplied with the set: Hello Kitty herself and her twin sister Mimmy.

Tommy’s Verdict

Our final verdict: this is a really cute set and perfect as a girls toy, with plenty of scope for creative play and the options of getting further Mega Bloks Hello Kitty sets give it a certain longevity, ideal for ages 4 and up – but with supervision for younger children as there are some very small pieces.

Xbox 360 Console – Preferably with Kinect

As much as Tommy wants to encourage young boys to get off the settee and out into the light of day there’s no getting away from the incredible fun and wide range of games now available through a games console near you! Wii, Playstation or Xbox, the choice is yours but you better get one if you’re going to keep your kids happy. Tommy is a Playstation boy at heart but recommends the Xbox 360 as the right console for your boys. Click here to find out why the Xbox 360 console with Kinect is in Tommy’s Top 10.

Perplexus

There are many, many puzzle games to be played on a games console but what about something that you can actually hold in your hands and pass from one person to another? I know, crazy concept huh! At once both traditional and futuristic the Perplexus 3-D puzzle game in its stylised ball is a work of art and fiendishly tricky. It will test young and old mind alike and will keep you and anyone who ventures near it entertained for a very, very long time. Click here for the full Perplexus original review.

Spy Gear’s Ultimate Spy Watch

If your young boy never, at any point, shows at least a passing interest in being a spy then Tommy’s Toys suggests you sit down and ask him what’s wrong, because clearly they are not thinking straight! Sneaking around, delivering secret messages and undertaking dangerous mission is the very essence of boyhood. And what better way to encourage the 007 in your family than by supplying the latest must have gadgets. Spy Gear has loads of great stuff to spark a boy’s imagination. Click here to find out why Tommy recommends their Spy Watch.

Star Wars Ultimate Anakin FX Lightsaber

Has there been a Top 10 Toys for Boys list in the last 30 years that didn’t include a Star Wars toy of some description. Tommy very much doubts it and if there is then it’s a pretty poor Top 10! Star Wars has been a firm favourite amongst boys and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. Furthermore, to have and to hold an authentic Lightsaber is still the dream of many a young, and many a not so young, boy. You can realise that dream for the special boy in your family. Click here to find the joy that is the Ultimate FX Lightsaber.

Fisher-Price Grow-to-Pro Basketball

What about a toy that gets your boy out in the fresh air, gets them fit and teaches them physical skills? What!? Can such a thing exist? Yes, your 5 year old boy may want a Wii, but what he needs is to get outside and get involved with some team sports! And what better way to introduce him gently into the joys of physical education than with this Grow-to-Pro Basketball hoop. If he can pick up and throw a mini basketball then he’s ready and this toy will grow with him until he’s ready for the real thing. Click here to read the Fisher Price Grow to Pro Basketball review.

Lego Ninjago Fire Temple

Of course Lego is for every child, not just boys, but surely Lego Ninjago sets are the sacred domain of the male child!? What can little girls know of fighting for pride and honour against the massed hoards of evil skeleton warriors? No, clearly this is mans business and a ninja needs hours of uninterrupted playing to achieve his destiny, so he won’t be sitting down for dinner mummy! Click here to find out how Lego have outdone themselves yet again with this incredible Lego Ninjago Fire Temple.

Power Wheels Lightning McQueen

When I look at any of the Power Wheels vehicles for boys and then I think about the toy cars that were around when I was a kid I just want to cry! Hell, I’m thinking of getting one of these Lightning McQueen cars for myself, just so I don’t have to walk anywhere! All I can say is that I would love to see the expression on your child’s face when you present them with this toy as their birthday or Christmas gift. Click here to read the full Power Wheels Lightning McQueen review.

Beyblade Metal Masters Triple Battle Set

Tommy fully admits that he doesn’t really get what all the excitement is about Beyblade toys. Nevertheless they have been around and going strong for about ten years now so it would be wrong of me not to include them in my Top 10. And besides I’m old so what do I know? I guess Beyblades are marbles for the new millennium! They certainly look pretty cool and don’t cost the earth so Tommy says…GO BEYBLADES! Click here to find out why the Beyblade Metal Master Triple Battle set is a good place to start.

Nerf Guns – The Nerf Vortex Series

Boys wouldn’t be boys without a bit of bloodlust now and again! Personally I blame the A-Team! When it comes to toy guns your boy will probably tell you it’s “Nerf or Nothing” and the Nerf Vortex series of weapons are the latest and coolest of this popular brand. The Nerf Vortex Nitron promises to be a massive hit this Christmas, but there are three other great guns to consider so don’t rush your decision. Click here to discover the complete Nerf Vortex range.

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks

Ahh, playing with toy cars! A favourite toy for boys for decades now and Hot Wheels and Matchbox toy cars have always been at the forefront. What is new, however, are the, oh so cool, Hot Wheels Wall Tracks. Watch in envy as your boy turns his bedroom wall into a stunts and tricks race track that you could only have dreamed of as a child. With many expansion packs available these toys will hopefully make gift buying easy for years to come. Review on it’s way.

Razor A Kick Scooter

And finally, but my no means least, Tommy presents you with an iconic toy scooter that has stood the test of time. If they can walk it’s time to get your boy on a Razor Kick Scooter and why not get the original Razor A that started the craze. Roller skates may come and go but scooters seem to be here to stay. Not strictly a toy just for boys but they’re more likely to still be using one into adulthood! Click here for Tommy’s review of the Razor A Kick Scooter.