Holiday hints: Super toys for the school-age set

The holidays are just around the corner, but before you hit the stores or do any online shopping, you’ll want to read this. “Today” contributor and consumer specialist Herb Weisbaum had thousands of children across the country test hundreds of toys, and for part three of his special series, “Today Toy Test 2004,” he shares a look at the toys that ranked the highest among those choosy school-age kids. Check out the winners here:

We tested 232 toys in this category. Unless otherwise noted, these toys are recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

ESPN GameStation (Fisher-Price) $190
This indoor game center was a big hit with the kids and their teachers at our test centers. “Best toy in the test,” one teacher said. “Great fun!” another wrote. It’s easy to see why. The ESPN GameStation features 21 electronic games for six different sports: basketball, football, baseball, soccer, hockey and golf. Shoot hoops, toss a football or pitch a softball for accuracy; the GameStation keeps score for you. Upbeat music, sound effects and the commentary of ESPN’s Stuart Scott add to the fun. The other sports are played on the floor with the hockey/soccer net and the putting green. The center comes with two footballs, two baseballs, a golf ball, soccer ball, hockey puck, golf putter and hockey stick. Teachers told us the GameStation is “very sturdy” and can take a lot of abuse. When playtime is over, it folds up for storage. Parents note: Significant assembly is required. (Requires four C batteries.)

Playmobil Crane (Playmobil, $70)
It looks just like the cranes you see at construction sites, only this one is made for those pretend building projects. The Playmobil crane is big — about two feet tall — and it really moves! In fact, this giant yellow crane moves six different ways. The buttons on the base make it rotate, tilt, go up and down, and move in and out. The crane comes with an assortment of ropes and hooks needed to lift the cargo crate. You also get two Playmobil workers — one for the cab on top of the crane, the other to keep track of things on the ground. Some assembly is required. (Requires three AA batteries.)

Portal of Fire (Mega Bloks, $40)
This 170-piece playset lets kids build the mythical Portal of Fire, the gateway between our world and the world of dragons. The story behind this adventure is so complicated only a kid could keep track of it. The hero of this adventure is a dragon named Thoron — a fully-articulated figure with light-up scales and mane that change color. His jaw opens and he has a flexible tail. The portal has a working drawbridge, a dungeon prison and a cauldron that lets you dump bricks on your enemies. It comes with six detailed warrior figures. Teachers said this was a very popular toy that the kids played with every day. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up. (Requires three button-cell batteries, included.)

Only Hearts Club dolls (Only Hearts Club, $15 each)
With so many “funky” fashion dolls on the market, these wholesome young girls are a breath of fresh air. The positive message here is clear: It’s cool to do the right thing. The club consists of six bright and energetic girls — Taylor Angelique, Olivia Hope, Lily Rose, Briana Joy, Karina Grace and Anna Sophia. Each doll is nine inches tall and fully poseable. Each girl has her own personality and special book (sold separately). One is an athlete, another likes to cook; there’s a dancer and a horse rider. They wear highly-detailed clothes that reflect the company slogan “real cool girls…just like you.” 

'Today Toy Test 2004' Read our special features for each category by clicking on these links: Top toys for toddlers Popular picks for the preschool set Super toys for school-age kids Top-rated video games Educational toys that made the grade Bargains: Top toys under $20

Masquerade Madness Party Pad (Mattel, $49; dolls $20 each)
If you’re looking for something a lot flashier, this is it! The My Scene gang — Barbie and her friends Madison, Chelsea, and Nolee — are having a masquerade party at their party pad. This big playset comes with lots of furniture and accessories, including a couch, tables, chairs, pillows, and bead curtains. To set the party mood, their party pad has pulsing lights and music. Turn out the lights and some things glow in the dark! The Party Pad does not come with any dolls. They’re sold separately for $20 each and they come with a DVD of the My Scene movie "Masquerade Madness." (Requires three AA batteries.)

Color Magna Pad (Takara, $24)
Finally, a magnetic sketch pad that lets kids draw in vibrant color! Little artists can draw freestyle with the special drawing pen, or stamp triangle, square or circle shapes. Just imagine: red flowers, brown trees, green frogs and blue cars! It really is amazing. A quick slide of the “magic eraser” clears the screen. Teachers told us the kids loved it and wanted to draw things again and again. They also said this toy “inspires creativity,” which is why the Color Magna Pad was the educational winner in the school-age category. Parents will like the fact that this is a quiet toy.

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, www.consumerman.com

MORE FROM 'TODAY' HOLIDAY GUIDE

'Today' Holiday Guide Section Front

Read my hips! How to interpret body language How to become a tequila connoisseur Got a fear of riesling? Here’s how to overcome it Spicing up your guacamole How to care for your beautiful clothes Embrace your inner style diva Serve up a sizzling steak this holiday Make elegant appetizers for an open house The Scottos bake up Italian holiday cookies Whip up a delicious holiday brunch 'Today' Holiday Guide Section Front   Add 'Today' Holiday Guide headlines to your news reader: