Just in time for the fall shopping season, Quebec consumer magazine Protegez-Vous is about to release its annual review of the best and worst new toys.

This year the magazine acquired more than 200 new toys for children, and had more than 200 children from 111 families play with them to figure out which were worthwhile, and which were a waste of cash.

For the 2013 edition of the magazine the consumers group noted that just over half of the toys and games succeeded in holding the interest of children.

"One that was a really, really big hit for the little girls was the Friends collection (from Lego). All the little girls were mad about constructing, building their own city park cafe. Using lots of details, lots of immersion. They can create their own scenario," said Sylvain Trottier.

Option Consommateurs also noticed that there are many more board and family games being offered, and that about 40 were intended for older children.

In the end Protegez-vous is recommending 114 toys and games, saying five of them are top-notch, while six are junk.

Among the stars:

 

Toys that Option consommateurs rejects:

  • Lalaloopsy/Silly Hair -- This hairstyling doll geared for 3 to 6 year-olds was expensive and poor quality.
  • Batman and The Bat -- Testers found this toy plane poorly made and difficult to use for 4 year-olds. It was also noisy.
  • Angry Birds On Thin Ice -- Derived from the video game, this toy aimed at 5 to 9 year-olds proved hard to play with.
  • Reprograf'x -- This drawing tool was difficult to use and seemed flimsy. Toy says it is for 6-year-olds.
  • Hot Wheels: Full Throttle Light Box Set -- Rather expensive for what is essentially tracing paper, colured pencils, and stickers.
  • Beyblade Metal Fury Destroyer Dome -- Expensive and hard to use, especially when all games end in a few seconds.