by Laura Falin posted in Life

It's the Oscars of the toy industry, everyone! The 2018 Toy of the Year Award finalists have been announced (you can vote for the winning toy here - the results will be announced in February 2018). The finalists were reviewed and ranked by 20 expert judges (for the record, I would like to be a toy expert, please), and the toys were rated based on things like creativity and design.
As I've mentioned before, I'm picky about our toys and try to only buy ones that foster kids' imaginations or help them learn while playing...and that are durable and long-lasting. I've rounded up 10 of the Toy of the Year finalists that hit these criteria (you can find all of the finalists here). I listed the toys below in order of age, beginning with 2-4 year olds and ending with 10+ year olds. Also, at the time of this posting, a majority of these toys are on sale - bonus!
1. VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Race & Play Adventure Park
Gavin the Go-Kart climbs hills and drives around the track, even completing a 360° loop and spinning the Ferris wheel as he goes. As Gavin passes four different smart points on the track, he plays different sounds, phrases, or songs. The set is compatible with select other Go! Go! Smart Wheels, Smart Animals, and Smart Friends tracks (check each set to be sure!).
Buy it: $29.82

2. Fisher-Price Think & Learn Teach 'N Tag Movi
This little robot helps preschoolers get their brains and bodies moving! Movi has six games to choose ...