“One of my favourite toys this year is the Level Up Gaming Chair – it’s a fun way for kids to pretend to emulate the cool technology their parents use,” says Andy Keimach, President, VTech Electronics North America. “Our new toys encourage kids to use their imaginations, which is so important to a child’s development.”

Highlights of the latest infant, toddler and preschool toys include:

Level Up Gaming Chair: Little gamers can get in on the action with the Level Up Gaming Chair, which takes younger children to the next level of learning with four activities that go from letters and phonics to words and meanings. Each activity includes two levels of learning to help kids progress as they are ready. Little ones can feel like a real gamer with a chair that swivels side to side, a game panel, joystick button and a pretend headset. Complete with 26 letter buttons, the removable panel includes ten piano keys and a light-up LED screen. Three play modes include Learning, Gaming and Music. Bring gaming and learning on the go with a portable panel that easily detaches from the tray, or use the tray and chair for snack time or story time. This versatile chair encourages kids to explore early learning concepts in an exciting setting. (Ages 1.5 – 4 years; MSRP: $49.99)

Smart Chart Medical Kit: There’s always a doctor in the house with the Smart Chart Medical Kit. Kids can care for their family, friends, dolls and stuffed animals with this portable kit – they can dress up like a doctor and grab their interactive healthcare tablet, explore medical instruments, the human body and common ailments using the touch points on the tablet, then see how the patient is doing with the role-play check-up button. There’s a play stethoscope for listening to the patient’s heart and lungs, and a thermometer to check for fever. With the otoscope, kids can have a look in their patient’s eyes, ears, nose and throat, while the health tips button helps them explore wellness tips, like drinking plenty of water and getting enough rest. When the doctor’s office is closed, the 15 tools and accessories can be packed up and placed in the medical bag, ready for next time. (Ages 2 – 5 years; MSRP: $27.99)

Pop & Spin Mower: Get motor skills growing with the Pop & Spin Mower, a lean, green mowing machine that introduces gardening basics, lawn mower safety and colours to little ones with phrases, lights and music. The yellow triangle button introduces lawn mower safety to help keep kids safe around the real thing. Pull the cord to start the engine and hear it rumble while watching the sparkly, pretend blade spin. Popping beads add to the role-play by mimicking grass clippings. Not quite ready to walk? Little gardeners can sit and play too, by spinning the roller or pressing the light-up buttons to explore gardening themes and colours. (Ages 2 – 5 years; MSRP: $29.99)

For more information, visit www.vtechkids.com.