BETHEL, Conn. -- Nov. 20, 2002 -- Bona fide toy experts - children themselves - have completed their toy test drive and voted the Air Rebound the number one toy this holiday season in the 15th Annual DURACELL® Kids' Choice Toy Survey(TM). This radio-controlled vehicle drove its way to the top spot, thanks to its unique design that allows it to speed, jump and flip over, maneuvering around the trickiest roadblocks, even if the vehicle is upside-down.
This year, children in YMCA after-school programs across the country "play tested" both "new" and "classic" toys and determined this year's "Top 10" Kids' Picks:
1. Air Rebound by Tyco R/C
2. Uno Attack by Mattel
3. LEGO Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets
4. e-kara Real Karaoke Pro Headset System by Hasbro
5. Barbie "Shop With Me" Cash Register by Mattel
6. Our Generation 20-inch Champion Horse by BATTAT Incorporated
7. Play-Doh Activity World by Hasbro
8. 14-inch Ultra Pose N' Stick Spider-Man by Toy Biz
9. Diva Starz Doll by Mattel
10. Hot Wheels Cars by Mattel
"This year's survey revealed that, while kids will always follow the latest trend, there are many classic toys that will never go out of style," said Julie Edelman, family lifestyle expert and consultant for the DURACELL Kids' Choice Toy Survey. "The results prove what I've always advised - that a toy chest with many different types of toys will help children learn and grow while they're having fun."
The Toy Testing Process
The survey results are tallied from votes cast by more than 300 children from 10 YMCA after-school programs nationwide who "play tested" 20 of this year's popular toys and games for seven days in October. The "Top 10" toys represent a range of the best battery- and non-battery-operated toys available this holiday season. The toys reviewed were chosen from a variety of categories that included musical performance, arts and crafts, construction, active play, and board games. Based on their individual experiences and preferences, each child chose a first, second and third favorite toy. The rankings from each child were then combined for the overall "Top 10" Kids' Picks.
New Toys Share This Year's Spotlight With Classic Ideas
Earlier this year, the toy experts at Duracell observed a growing resurgence of "classic" toys, and selected 10 "classic" and 10 "new" toys to be tested. This year's "Top 10" Kids' Picks are an equal mix of new toys, including the Air Rebound and the 14-inch Ultra Pose N' Stick Spider-Man, and "classic" toys, such as LEGOs and Play-Doh.
Following are the toys that round out the "Top 10" list, in order from second-place to 10th. Uno Attack, the classic Uno card game with an electronic card launcher, adds a new twist to an already fun and fast-paced family card game. LEGO Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets is an interactive play set that lets children recreate scenes from the new "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" movie using LEGO building blocks.
The portable e-kara Real Karaoke Pro Headset System plugs directly into a TV, allowing kids to produce and star in fun concerts at home. With nearly all the features of a real cash register, the Barbie "Shop With Me" Cash Register lets children enjoy the fun of shopping.
The flowing mane on the Our Generation 20-inch Champion Horse is perfect for "hair play," with accessories that include a customized saddle, blue ribbon, bucket, sponge and brush. Great accessories and tools for creative sculpture can be found in the Play-Doh Activity World. The 14-inch Ultra Pose N' Stick Spider-Man figure comes in an authentic fabric costume that perfectly captures the web-slinger's look from the motion picture.
Diva Starz Dolls own the catwalk with their smart-talking, sassy style. Classic Hot Wheels cars never go out of style. With replicas of almost every automobile and truck imaginable, these cars are always a favorite with kids and adults alike.
All toys tested in the DURACELL Kids' Choice Toy Survey are donated to the participating YMCAs following voting.
Web-savvy shoppers can access the "Top 10" Kids' Picks and toy selection tips by visiting the DURACELL Kids' Choice Toy Survey Web site at www.duracell.com.
The Duracell "Top 10" Kids Picks' are available at retail stores nationwide.
About Duracell
Part of the Boston-based Gillette Company, Duracell is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance alkaline batteries. Duracell also sells primary lithium and zinc air batteries, as well as rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. Gillette is the world leader in male grooming, a category that includes blades, razors and shaving preparations. The Company also holds the number one position worldwide in sales of selected female grooming products, such as wet shaving products and hair epilation devices. In addition, Gillette is the global market leader in manual and power toothbrushes.
