Bargain buys: Try these top toys for under $20

Many times, the toys kids find most appealing are also the most expensive, but there are exceptions. In "Today Toy Test 2004," consumer specialist Herb Weisbaum asked kids to test hundreds of toys. In this sixth and final installment of his special report, he shares a look at the top choices for under $20. Check out the winners in the bargain category.

The toys in this year’s test ranged from $4 to $340. Although price is not a criteria for our ratings, we know that some people can’t afford, or simply don’t want to spend a couple of hundred dollars or more on a single toy. With that in mind, we’ve created our bargain list. Each of these toys sells for less than $20 and was top-rated by our testers.

TODDLER
Animal Orchestra Stacker (Baby Einstein, $10)
Baby Einstein proves once again that a good toy doesn’t have to break the bank. This electronic animal stacker is sure to entertain and stimulate little ones. There are four baby-powder scented animals to stack — the blue octopus, the brown lion, the red bird and the green dragon. A child can slide them down the pole in any order. Each one makes a silly sound as it goes down. Once all of the animals are stacked up, the orchestra plays music by Vivaldi and lights begin to flash. The Animal Orchestra Stacker will help develop motor skills and give you a fun way to interact with your baby. Age 6 months and up. (Requires three AA batteries.)

PRESCHOOL
Dohville Fuzzy Friends Farm (Hasbro, $10)
They say there’s always something growin’ in Dohville and here’s why. On this farm, kids can make Play-Doh “hair” grow on the farmer, chicken and cow. But there’s also a lot of fun work to do on this farm. Make Play-Doh eggs and spin them down the chute located in the barn loft. Use the silo top to mold haystacks and the barn door to make veggies. This playset comes with the bright red Dohville barn, farmer, cow, and chicken, plus Play-Doh compound. Age 3 and up.

Crocodile Dentist (Milton Bradley, $16)
Who dares to be the dentist for this patient with an attitude! This fun-filled game is for two to four players. Each takes a turn pushing down on one of the crocodile’s teeth. But be careful! The croc has a sore tooth and should you touch it, he’ll bite down — in a playful way — and you’re out of the game. The last player in the game who has not been “chomped” is the winner. Teachers told us this was a fun game that “makes the kids giggle.” Age 4 and up.

SCHOOL AGE
I-TOP (itoys, $10)
This is not your average top. The I-TOP is packed with electronics. When it’s spinning, the eight LED lights flash at just the right time to spell words or display game scores across the top surface. It’s very cool. These hi-tech tops have a built-in digital compass that can detect the earth’s magnetic field. This enables them to count each rotation and register the speed of each turn. Because the top keeps score, kids can compete in several “spin to win” games. In the “Mystic Top” mode, players ask the top yes or no questions and wait for an answer, such as “Go for it!” It’s like a spinning Magic 8-ball. The I-TOP comes in five translucent colors.

Squeeze ’n Brush (Elmer’s Products, $4)
Is it really possible to paint without making a mess? The folks at Elmer’s (yes, they’re the glue people) say their patented Squeeze ’n Brush washable paint system does just that because “the paint is in the brush.” Squeezing the brush handle forces the paint into the brush. The kids at our test centers had lots of fun painting with these new brushes, especially the glitter paint, but several teachers told us there was still some mess to clean up. Squeeze ’n Brush comes in different sets: Cool Classics, Funky Glitters and Electric Neons. The brushes are removable, so the handles can be refilled with washable tempura paint.

Shorties Little Spaces (Mattel, $15)
When I first saw these pint-sized dolls with big attitudes, I couldn’t stop smiling. I mean, this is a line of fashion dolls with short little bodies and the slogan “Tall is sooo last year!” It seems kids have the same reaction. Shorties live in a world of brightly colored objects with exaggerated proportions. The three dolls in the line: Gia, Nia, and Zia (each sold separately) have what Mattel calls “Pop Bods.” To change their clothes, just pop off the head, then snap it on a new outfit. Teachers told us the Shorties were “very cute” and that the girls in their classroom just loved them. Each doll comes with over 20 pieces (pets, furniture and accessories) and two Pop Bods. Age 6 and up.

Shorties Kickin’ Cruiser (Mattel , $10)
Those hip Shorties girls have quite a stylish ride. It’s the bright turquoise Kickin’ Cruiser. This three-wheel convertible has two tires up front and one in the back. Because Shorties stand when they ride around, they don’t need seatbelts. Instead, girls can buckle their feetbelts! Teachers told us the boys like the car too. Age 6 and up.

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: