FamilyFun Magazine Picks 2011’s Top Toys

Guess what, people.

It’s almost October.

Which means it’s almost Halloween. And then it will be almost Thanksgiving, and once Thanksgiving’s gone it’ll be crunch time for Christmas shopping.

So basically what I’m saying is: the time to start thinking about Christmas is NOW before the crazy sets in.

Here’s a heads up I received about FamilyFun magazine‘s 20th annual Toy of the Year (T.O.Y.) Award winners. Winners are chosen based on evaluation by parent and child testers across the country. The top 30 selected for innovation, durability, play value, safety and fun factor will be in FamilyFun’s November issue, which hits stands October 18th.

Top 10 FamilyFun T.O.Y. Award Winners for 2011:

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set – A classic is taken to new heights — off the floor and onto the wall! Kids will love having their cars perform stunts on a vertical surface. Mattel; $30; Ages 4 to 10

Meon Deluxe Animation Studio – Budding artists will enjoy exploring the possibilities this innovative art set offers. Once kids have made an illuminated creation with the glowing strands, they can play one of five games. Skyrocket Toys ; $35; Ages 5 and up

Perplexus Rookie and Perplexus Epic – Two versions of this toy — one for older kids and one for younger — challenge players to navigate a metal ball through a round, 360 degree maze of obstacles. PlaSmart; $20 Ages 4 to 8, $30 Ages 8 and up

Alien Mothership 7065 – This building set is truly out of this world! Space-lovers will delight in constructing an extraterrestrial transport, complete with spooky sound effects. LEGO; $60; Ages 8 and up

Whipple Deluxe Pastry Set – With this sweet craft kit, kids can create confections — play food, necklaces, a jewelry box shaped like a cake — that look good enough to eat. (Just don’t be tempted!) International Playthings; $35; Ages 7 and up

Bogo – A modern day pogo stick, Bogo offers an exceptional bounce that’s higher and smoother than young jumpers have ever experienced. Razor; $90; Ages 6 and up

LeapPad Explorer – With this kid-friendly tablet, little ones will enjoy emulating their parents while having fun testing out the device’s art studio, e-books, games, and video functions. LeapFrog; $100; Ages 4 to 9

Richard Scarry’s Busytown Busy, Busy Airport – Favorite characters are ready to visit far-flung lands in this cleverly-designed game, which has players flying round the world and collecting souvenirs. Wonder Forge; $20; Ages 3 to 7

Pirate Ship – Those itching to hit the high seas can get their fix by building and coloring a kid-size cardboard model ship. Land ho! Box Creations; $40; Ages 3 to 8

Head Shotz Twin Battle Pack – Finally, a toy that kids are supposed to wreck! This R/C set pits two robots with interchangeable battle arms against one another. Silverlit; $40; Ages 5 and up

See any of these on shelves yet?

Have you started your Christmas shopping?