Tom Vacar, a consumer editor and reporter in Los Angeles, has held the Great American Toy Test every year since 1980. Toys donated by manufacturers are sent to day-care centers nationwide. After three to eight weeks, day-care staffers are asked to evaluate the toys on the basis of several criteria, including which toys the children return to again and again.
This year, Vacar assembled a "greatest hits" list of popular, enduring (and durable) toys:Barbie Dolls (Mattel), 3 and up: Now well over age 30, Barbie remains one of the world's most popular toys. Her careers, costumes, and accessories constantly change with the times.
Brio Toys (Brio Scandtoy), 3 and up: Coming in all sizes and themes, Brio's wooden toys are both indestructible and versatile.
Etch-a-Sketch (Ohio Art), 4 and up: With its "dialing drawing knobs" and "shake to erase" attributes, kids are ever challenged to master Etch-A-Sketch's controls.
Flexilocks (Flexitoy), 3 and up: Basic building blocks, but with a twist: hinges! These allow the child to make endless creations that can move, twist and even roll.
Legos and Duplos (Lego), age appropriate: By far, Legos (and larger Duplos, for toddlers) are the world's most-famous building blocks. Made in both plastic construction sets and theme sets.
Play-Doh (Kenner), 4 and up: Nontoxic and colorful, Play-Doh remains the world's favorite modeling clay, with an ability to provide endless options.
Radio Flyer wagons (Radio Flyer), 5 and up: Few toys provide more fun, physical activity and play options. It can be a car spaceship, plane, fort or anything else a kid can dream up.
Tonka Trucks (Tonka), 3 and up: Built like real trucks, these are among toydom's most indestructible "let's pretend" playthings.