This is one of my favorite categories of toy. My mom recently brought out an old pull toy of mine and it is a classic that just keeps on giving. Push and pull toys delight babies, amuse toddlers, and occupy preschoolers. Some, like the sophisticated and clever mix-and-match Automoblox, are collectibles suited for older children, teens, and even adults.
The selections from our Hottest Holiday Toys Awards are engaging, interactive, and made from high-quality and often eco-friendly materials.
| We like toys that multi-task. This ImagiPLAY Rolling Snail Sorter (Amazon – $25) is a pull toy, a tumbler/roller, and a shape sorter. Cleverly constructed of rubber wood to provide hours of fun and get passed down through the years. |  |
| We are still huge fans of the Alligator by Plan Toys (Kazoo Toys– $19), manufactured in Thailand from renewable rubberwood. It is a new classic that deserves a repeat mention. He will dance his way into your heart as he click-clacks his way across the floor. Another unique wooden pull toy is this twirling dragon (Our Green House – $28.50). |  |
| We also love zooming around Automoblox–wooden cars that kids can take apart, mix and match, and re-build. For younger kids, we like the Automoblox Minis (Amazon – $8 and up, some designs exclusive at Automoblox.com) Get this tough new T-900 Mini Truck ($14) or pick-up a three-pack of minis for plenty of design possibilities. |  |
| A recycling truck made from recycled materials should be an obvious choice, but it took Green Toys to come up with the brilliant idea. The new Recycling Dump Truck ($20 – Amazon) from teaches kids to reuse, reduce, and recycle by example and through play. |  |
| Sprig Toys has been winning rave reviews from parents and children for their nature-themed, eco-friendly toys. Of their new offerings, we like the Sprig Toys Adventures Dino Rescue Playset. |  |
| The gorgeous styling on the push toys from Kooyman Designs ($14-16) has me swooning. A few other options from talented Etsians include the bright, mod stylings of pull toys from Cookie Dough ($23), the warm and charming Momma Bear and Cubs ($30) from Pioneer Pastimes, and the cheerful Turtle Pull Toy in custom colors from Gretchen ($12). |  |
| Plan Toys has become adept at taking classics and updating them in rubber wood with bright non-toxic dyes. This Push Duck makes a fun flapping sound when pushed–encouraging and delighting beginning walkers. |  |
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