This is one of my favorite categories of toy. My mom recently brought out an old pull toy of mine and it is a classic that just keeps on giving.  Push and pull toys delight babies, amuse toddlers, and occupy preschoolers.  Some, like the sophisticated and clever mix-and-match Automoblox, are collectibles suited for older children, teens, and even adults.

The selections from our Hottest Holiday Toys Awards are engaging, interactive, and made from high-quality and often eco-friendly materials.

We like toys that multi-task. This ImagiPLAY Rolling Snail Sorter (Amazon - $25) is a pull toy, a tumbler/roller, and a shape sorter. Cleverly constructed of rubber wood to provide hours of fun and get passed down through the years.
We are still huge fans of the Alligator by Plan Toys (Kazoo Toys- $19), manufactured in Thailand from renewable rubberwood. It is a new classic that deserves a repeat mention. He will dance his way into your heart as he click-clacks his way across the floor. Another unique wooden pull toy is this twirling dragon (Our Green House – $28.50).
We also love zooming around Automoblox–wooden cars that kids can take apart, mix and match, and re-build. For younger kids, we like the Automoblox Minis (Amazon - $8 and up, some designs exclusive at Automoblox.com) Get this tough new T-900 Mini Truck ($14) or pick-up a three-pack of minis for plenty of design possibilities.
A recycling truck made from recycled materials should be an obvious choice, but it took Green Toys to come up with the brilliant idea. The new Recycling Dump Truck ($20 – Amazon) from teaches kids to reuse, reduce, and recycle by example and through play.
Sprig Toys has been winning rave reviews from parents and children for their nature-themed, eco-friendly toys. Of their new offerings, we like the Sprig Toys Adventures Dino Rescue Playset.
The gorgeous styling on the push toys from Kooyman Designs ($14-16) has me swooning. A few other options from talented Etsians include the bright, mod stylings of pull toys from Cookie Dough ($23), the warm and charming Momma Bear and Cubs ($30) from Pioneer Pastimes, and the cheerful Turtle Pull Toy in custom colors from Gretchen ($12).
Plan Toys has become adept at taking classics and updating them in rubber wood with bright non-toxic dyes. This Push Duck makes a fun flapping sound when pushed–encouraging and delighting beginning walkers.

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• Spotlight on Creative Pretend Play (Hottest Holiday Toys Awards)
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