Learning Express Toys Unveils its Top Toy Picks for 2013

DEVENS, Mass., Oct. 24, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The holiday shopping season is right around the corner, and that means it's time to unwrap the annual Learning Express Top Toys List. In keeping with tradition, this year's list offers shoppers an eclectic selection of toys and games from award-winning manufacturers, chosen for both their educational and play value. The toys on this year's list represent the very best of today's toy trends, and they are sure to be in high demand this holiday season.

"Our Top Toys of 2013 represent the best of the current crop of high-quality toys and games, all of which are designed to delight the children on your shopping list," said Learning Express Founder and CEO Sharon DiMinico. "They rank high for play value but they also develop creativity and important life skills like strategizing, cooperation, and collaboration."

Learning Express Toys franchisees pride themselves on making the holiday shopping experience as hassle free as possible for parents. In addition to this holiday gift guide, Learning Express Toys provides free gift wrapping, knowledgeable staff members, and a unique mix of products that cater to both the young (and the young at heart) year-round.

Top Toys of 2013

The hottest products of 2013 from Learning Express Toys

Mini Ogodisk Set
The Mini Ogodisk Set creates endless opportunities for active play. Kids will use the mini "hand trampolines" to bounce the included ball up to 150 feet through the air! Includes 2 Ogodisks and 1 Ogosoft ball. Ages 3+. $29.99

Doinkit Darts
The Doinkit Dart set was designed with one thing in mind...to develop the best playing magnetic dart set on the planet. Each Doinkit Dart uses N-35 Neodymium rare earth magnets and space-age Doinkit material that is light, durable and keeps the dart always flying perfectly true! Ages 6+. $29.99

Mini Flyers
These flyers are easy to maneuver and operate with an infrared remote control. They come fully assembled so they're ready to take flight right away. Requires 4 AA batteries, not included. Includes flyer, remote control, and user manual. Ages 8 + $19.99

Magformers
Whatever you can imagine you can fashion with Magformers! Squares and triangles are the two basic shapes that allow young builders to make houses, towers, spheres and so much more. Ages 5+. Starting at $24.99

Boogie Board
Ultra sleek, portable, and stylish, the Boogie Board Paperless Tablet uses and LCD screen to replicate (with exact precision), the experience of writing with a pencil. Use the stylus to make your notes, and when you no longer need them, simply press the "erase" button to clear the screen. Includes 8.5-inch Boogie Board, stylus and cleaning cloth. Ages 3+. $29.99

Snap Circuits
Perform hundreds of electronic experiments with Snap Circuits! All of the easy-snap pieces are color-coded and named to represent real electronic parts. Some favorite Snap Circuit experiments include radios, doorbells, flashlights and alarms. The Snap Circuits Light Kit features exciting light-up projects that let kids connect iPods or MP3 players to the board. The Snap Circuits Sound Kit features a variety of sound experiments including a keyboard, voice changer, and more. Ages 8+. Starting at $29.99

Rhinestone Wraps Bracelet Kit
Rhinestone wrist wear is a cinch to create with the Rhinestone Wrap Bracelets Kit. Kids can make 15 different designer bracelets. Contains button closures, craft glue, rhinestone accents, sparkle thread, self-adhesive rhinestone strips, and faux suede jewelry cord. Ages 6+. $19.99

Plushcraft Ornaments
It's time to decorate! Use the stylus to punch festive fabric into a holiday-themed ornament. This simple, no-sew craft is sure to become a treasured piece of Holiday décor. Use the fabric loop to easily hang and display. Includes jewels for some extra Holiday sparkle. Ages 6+. $7.99

Spirograph
Spirograph is back and better than ever! A newly designed set functions even better than the original. Spiro-putty holds pieces securely on the drawing surface so kids can create stunning spirals with ease. Ages 7+. Starting at $14.99

Living Sands
Unleash your children's creativity with easy-to-mold play sand that holds its form. Mold Living Sands like clay and then feel it run through your fingers. The unique formula is non-toxic, non-staining, antibacterial, and it doesn't dry out or harden. Ages 3+. Starting at $24.99

Loopdedoo Kit
The Loopdedoo Kit is a unique accessory-making kit that features an easy-to-use spinning tool to transform ordinary embroidery floss into awesome bracelets, necklaces, anklets, zipper pulls, and more. Change the thickness or looping quantity for versatility when creating accessories. Combine the Loopdedoo Loom with Loopdedoo accessory kits to increase the design possibilities. Ages 7+. $34.99

Loopdedoo Necklace Kit $16.99
Loopdedoo Headband Kit $16.99

Rainbow Loom Kit
The Rainbow Loom Bracelet Kit is a unique rubber band bracelet-making kit with an easy-to-use loom. Place rubber bands on the loom in various patterns to create many styles of bracelets. Even make rings and necklaces! Contact your local Learning Express Toys for refills, organizers, charms, and more! Ages 7+.

WordARound Game
Race to unravel the word with WordARound! This fast-paced game challenges players to discover words that are disguised by being written in a circular shape. It's harder than it sounds! Receive a free mini Holiday WordAround with the purchase of WordAround - only available at Learning Express Toys! Includes 100 WordARound Cards with 300 words. Ages 10+. $12.99

Funtime Tractor
The Funtime Tractor features a farmer and 5 barnyard friends that make realistic noises as you place them into the trailer. A press on the funnel will cause the tractor to move forward while making engine noises. Ages 12 months+. $39.99

Light Up Stocking Stuffers
Turn out the lights and turn up the fun! Decorate your fingers and hands with a variety of trinkets that will light up the night. Ages 6+. Starting at $2.99

Tenzi
Tenzi is the world's fastest dice game! Pick a color and roll the dice until all ten dice land on the same number. Race to match all of your dice before the next player. Once you've mastered the original game, try your hand at exciting Tenzi cards with 77 Ways to Play Tenzi! Ages 4+. $14.99

Yes, No, Sorry, Maybe Buttons
Always be prepared with the perfect response. Zany Toys Buttons feature multiple ways to say "yes", "no", "sorry", and "maybe." Quickly respond to any request with the push of a button. Requires 2 AA batteries. Ages 12+ $9.99 each

Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty will hide in the tin, but is sure to stand out in your hands! Putties range from glow-in-the dark and color changing to magnetic putties and varieties that go from transparent to cloudy and back. A perfect stocking stuffer! Ages 3+. Starting at $2.99

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About Learning Express

Learning Express is the nation's leading franchisor of educational toy stores with more than 130 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. Learning Express provides an extraordinary shopping experience with knowledgeable sales staff who can offer expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for every occasion. The Learning Express product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world and each toy has exceptional play value. A birthday gift registry, free gift wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and customer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of its community.

For more information, interview requests, and media inquiries, please contact Lauren Perry at 978-889-1000 or at laurenp@learningexpress.com.

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To learn more about Learning Express, franchise opportunities, or a store near you, visit learningexpress.com.