GIFT GUIDE FOR KIDS

What to slide under the tree for the under-5 set,

1. Bright Beats Dance & Move BeatBo

Retail price: $49.99. Available at Toys “R” Us, toysrus.ca. This interactive, pint-sized robot, chosen by the Toys “R” Us chief play officer Alex Thorne, 13, as a hot toy for Christmas, dances and sings. It has three modes: Dance ’n Move, Learning and Games, and Customized Sing-Along.

2. Ultimate Alphabet Train

Retail Price: $69.99. Available at Mastermind, mastermindtoys.com. This train, a previous winner of the Parent Tested Parent Approved awards from PTPA Media, a volunteer parent-testing organization, works a toddler’s mind and body. It helps teach colours, letters and numbers and it transforms into a walker.

3. Spin Again Spinning Stacker

Retail price: $36.99. Available at Mastermind stores, mastermindtoys.com. Help boost your toddler’s fine motor skills with these six brightly coloured, chunky stacking toys, which twirl as they make their way down a corkscrew pole to the base.

4. Hug ‘n Oink Peppa

Retail price: $39.95. Available at IndigoKids, indigo.ca. Kids love stuffies . . . and when this one gets some love, she oinks, giggles or sings. Fans of the Peppa Pig TV series will recognize this little piggy. Our 7-month-old tester Micah Longman loved trying to snack on Peppa’s ear.

5. Paw Patroller

Retail price: $79.99. Available at Toys “R” Us, toysrus.ca. The PAW

Patrol TV series is popular with the junior kindergarten set and this vehicle allows them to play along on rescue missions with Chase, Rocky and the rest of the squad. This toy is expected to be a hit this year, so order early.

6. Convertible Wagon/Sleigh

Retail price: $129.99. Available at Toys “R” Us, toysrus.ca. Forget stashing the wagon away for winter. This convertible edition by Millside lets you swap out 20-centimetre rubber wheels for winter-friendly ski-like replacements, giving double duty to summertime transportation. Recommended for children ages 3 to 7 years.

7. Woofer Hound Dog guitar

Retail price: $37.95. Available at IndigoKids, indigo.ca. Tickle your preschooler’s interest in music and get a jump-start on their impending rock stardom. It plays 20 songs and nine “doggie ditties” — though our 5-year-old tester said “the music sounded kind of weird.”

8. Skip Hop Zoo Light up Surfers

Retail price: $12.95. Available at IndigoKids, indigo.ca. These toys will take bath time to another level. They ride on their own surfboard, but if they hit the water, they not only float, they also light up. Recommended for ages 12 months and up. Note to parents: Dim the lights to get the full effect!

9. Play and Trace Boogie board

Retail price: $49.99. Available at Mastermind, mastermindtoys.com. Save trees with this innovative drawing and tracing surface, which lets children trace objects by placing the board overtop of them, or draw freestyle creations of their own.