Here are the toys you'll remember from your own youth. Some things may have changed, but the quality and solid construction of these products remains the same. These toys are meant to last! Buy one as a gift, and your grandchild's grandchildren may end up playing with it!

Radio Flyer | Thomas & Brio Trains | Tonka Trucks | Dr. Seuss

Radio Flyer

Radio Flyer - Classic Red Tricycle 10" (Radio Flyer, ages 4-4, $54.99)

This gorgeous classic tricycle has a sturdy steel construction and an adjustable seat, so it can grow along with your grandchild. Other features include cool chrome handlebars and fender, and a 10-inch front
tire. Our 2-year-old tester thought this was just the greatest! He knocked it around, as toddlers will, but it's designed to take rough handling. This gift will be handed down from sibling to sibling. As with all cycles, make sure your grandchild has a helmet to always wear when riding. Note: Assembly is required, so if you're giving this as a gift, allow time to put it together first.

Parents Magazine Best Toy Of The Year Award

Radio Flyer - Little Red Roadster (Radio Flyer, ages 1-4, $69.99)

This classic little car is just the right size for toddlers or preschoolers. It has a cool retro fender, a candy-apple red all-steel body, steel wheels, and rubber tires. This toy proved its durability and entertainment value to our 18-month-old tester. He loved the real honking horn on the steering wheel and foot-to-floor size. No door means easy-on- easy-off access -- something this little boy demanded! The parents loved it too. Click here to find a retailer near you!

Radio Flyer - Classic Wood Rocking Horse (Radio Flyer, ages 1-4, $89.99)

This rocking horse is made of solid wood and has a beautiful smooth finish, with great red rockers on a nice wide base. "Wow, is this one gorgeous rocking horse!" said our grandmother-of-four tester. "I can't believe how they've changed!" She reported that her youngest grandchild, a 17-month-old boy, had no problem climbing on and rocking. He needed to be supervised, though, because he went a bit wild on it. Her granddaughter, age 3, had just as much fun. Our tester recommended this highly as a classic gift: "There's nothing nicer than a rocking horse under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning!"

Parents Choice Award

Radio Flyer - Discovery Wagon (Radio Flyer, Ages ages 1 1/2 and up, $79.99) 

This may seem a bit pricey at first, but trust us when we say it's worth the extra money. At three feet long, it's HUGE! This is not the little red wagon that you remember, but it's great nonetheless. Its extra-sturdy construction means it can withstand the stress toddlers will put on it. It has a compartment under the seat large enough for a cooler with snacks, juice boxes, spare diapers and more! Our testers took their 2-year-old and 5-year-old granddaughters to the park in it. When they got there, they took off the sides, and out hopped the kids. The grandparents loved the long handle, the sturdy wheels, and the fact they didn't have to carry any extra bags of stuff -- it all fit! And even with two girls and baggage, the grandparents said it was "surprisingly easy to pull." 

Town & Country Wagon (by Radio Flyer, Ages 3-8, $89.99)  

Radio Flyer introduced its classic Town & Country model more than 30 years ago -- perhaps you had one for your kids. The wagon is mounted on four sturdy, real rubber tires. It has a nice wooden finish, and it's easy to remove the side panels. It provides a nice smooth ride. Our testers used it to take their two grandchildren (ages 4 and 8) pumpkin picking. They reported that the kids had fun going for rides as well as carting around their pumpkins. To keep the metal parts from rusting, you'll want to store it indoors. Although the manufacturer says this is good for ages 2-8, you might want to wait until your grandchild is at least 3. Two-year-olds tend to climb, and this wagon can tip. All in all, our testers said this wagon was a nice trip down memory lane.

Trains

Lionel Battery-Powered Train System Holiday Flyer Around the Tree Set  (by Learning Curve, Ages 4 +, $39.99) 

Make your Christmas tree even more festive with this exclusive holiday-themed Lionel Battery-Powered Train System set! This adorable train set has an illuminated caboose and a coal car that plays “Sleigh Ride.” The nice thing is it comes with a connector so you can use the tracks and train compatible sets when the holidays are over. "I had an electric train set when I was a boy, unfortunately it's gone now.  This was such a nice little set, and it really brought back memories!" said our grandfather  tester. "My grandkids just loved the music!"  Click here to locate a retailer near you!

Thomas Mountain Overpass Set: (by Learning Curve, Ages 3+, $79.99) 

This set has 32-pieces and features Percy and Butch, the tow truck..  Our tester a 5-year-old, already a Thomas fan, loved the fact that this set makes a "choo-chooing" sound.  He's been playing with it every day since, which makes his parents very happy!  A great gift! There is a tunnel, crossing gates and more.  A great set for any Thomas fan!. Click here to find a store near you!

Thomas "Lets Have a Race" Set: (by Learning Curve, Ages 3+, $199.99) 

Our little tester couldn't believe his eyes -- his parents reported.  He acted like he hit the jackpot! His parents said this was a winner before the box was opened! This great set brings the Thomas together with the story of  "Thomas and Bertie's Great Race".  The set features a hilltop station that sends both characters on a race across the railways!  The set includes an exclusive bridge/tunnel, a  hilltop station, Bertie, Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, as well as track and accessories. Click here to find a store near you!

Curious George Zoo Train Set (by BRIO, Ages 3+, $79.99)  

This was given to a preschool to test and boy do the kids love it.  The kids range in age from 18 months to 3 years and it has been used every singe day.  The kids absolutely love it and so do the teachers!  The set contains 13 wooden tracks, 1 green engine, a Curious George engineer, 1 green animal wagon, 1 wooden elephant, and 1 giraffe with moveable neck. Also includes zookeeper figure, and 2 piece zoo entrance blocks. The animal house has working doors and built-in track to connect to the BRIO railway system. The teachers, grandmother's themselves,  loved the fact it included Curious George.  This makes a great gift!

Trucks

Tonka Mighty Dump Truck (by Hasbro, Ages 3+, $16.99)

Our tester had these as a child, so he was thrilled when he could give this to his son, a 4-year-old to test.  He said that although his was made of all metal, this was still pretty cool.  His son absolutely loves it and it's in the back yard, constantly full of dirt, mulch and rocks!  The father reported that the only downside was that he had to buy the Tonka Mighty Front Loader and Tonka Mighty Yellow Crane, which he also said were excellent!

Dr. Seuss

The Cat in the Hat (by Manhattan Toy Company, Ages 3+, $19.99)

14" of huggable fun!  This Cat in the Hat is the perfect size to crawl into bed with.  He's soft, fluffy, colorful and cute.  Buy one to go with the book by "The Cat in the Hat" by Dr. Seuss!

Horton (by Manhattan Toy Company, Ages 3+, $19.99)

"Horton Hears a Who" is one of my daughters favorite stories and this plush Horton is no disappointment.  Made of soft-blue fabric this Horton will be snuggled with for years - mark our words!  Buy one to go with the book by Dr. Seuss! 

The Grinch (by Manhattan Toy Company, Ages 3+, $11.99)

What Christmas would be complete without the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas?"  This cute little green toy is just the perfect little stocking stuffer.  The right size for little hands, made beautifully by the people at the Manhattan Toy Company. Buy one to go with the book by Dr. Seuss.