Best Train Sets for Kids 2011-2012

Train sets are a family classic for the Christmas holiday and kids absolutely love to play with them. The Best Train Sets for Kids this 2011 season and for early 2012 feature the most popular train sets according to parents and kids who have them and also the sets that are rated top in sales reports.

Choosing the right set will depend on its use and age of the kids who will be playing with them. What follows here are 3 of the top ranking sets on the market and I've included the appropriate age group for each set:

Lionel Polar Express G-Gauge Train Set - for kids age 4 and up:

All aboard for a real life re-enactment of the beloved childrens' movie. This Lionel Polar Express G-Gauge Train Set - for kids age 4 and up is a larger scale, battery operated train set, which is designed especially for children. The train includes a Berkshire Steam Locomotive and tender, Passenger Car with opening doors and an Observation Car with a "disappearing hobo" detail, just like in the movie scene. Authentic train sounds will be heard like a bell, whistle and an "All Aboard..." warning at the push of a button. Three miniature Polar Express figures come in the set: conductor, boy and hobo. The remote controller is easy for kids to operate to make the train move forward or backward. This set is ready to play with right out of the box with the train cars, track and all the necessary batteries. The whole family's imagination will be inspired with this train set.

Imaginarium City Central Train Table - for kids 3-5 years:

The Imaginarium City Central Train Table - for kids 3-5 years is a perfect set that allows for a permanent set up and/or storage of your child's train and accessories. Included structures are a station, train wash, fuel station, tunnel, light-up bridge, an operable crane with grapple and 3-door roundhouse with working turntable. The built-in sounds and lights will activate with any wooden train with magnets such as Brio or Thomas & Friends. The table is roughly 49" x 33" and stands 17" high and has two large drawers which will hold train cars and accessories. Table wipes clean with a damp cloth. There are a total of 100+ pieces in this set including over 23' of track. The batteries required are 6 button cell and 7 AAA which are not included in this set.

Lionel Polar Express O-Gauge Train Set - for kids age 8 and up:

Beautiful craftsmanship, style and durability make the Lionel Polar Express O-Gauge Train Set - for kids age 8 and up a favorite with the entire family. The set is easily assembled from the smooth linking together of the cars to putting the track together. The 40" x 60" oval track may be increased in size with additional track pieces purchased separately. The die-cast metal locomotive has an operating headlight, will puff smoke and has a realistic sounding air whistle in the tender. Passenger cars have interior lights and silhouettes in the windows. The transformer that powers the train is hefty and durable yet kids will easily learn to operate it with a little help. Once set up, the train does need to charge before it will run. What's in the box? The locomotive and 4 additional train cars, transformer, Santa's Bell, 4 articulated movie characters, bottle of smoke fluid, oval track pieces and instruction book.

Whether a child asks for a train set or not, it is the perfect holiday present which will become a favorite throughout the year and for holidays to come. Any of these picks from the Best Train Sets for Kids 2011 into 2012 would make some little guy happily surprised.

Resource: Top 10 Train Sets - Best Picks for Kids 2011-2012 @ Squidoo Toys and Hobbies