Best toy trucks and construction vehicles

Top pick: Bruder Scania Super 560R Liebherr crane truck. It's the one that feels like a real model — 1:16 scale, working crane, light and sound module — and it's built for ages 4 and up, so it survives years of play and looks good on a shelf.

Who the others suit:

• Dickie Toys Volvo Heavy Loader — big, chunky and easy for a 3-year-old to grab and push.
• Big Power Worker Maxi Truck — outdoor-friendly and simple, for toddlers who want to haul sand and dirt.
• Melissa & Doug wooden construction set — for a calmer, screen-free toddler toy that lasts.
• CAT Little Machines 5-pack — a cheap starter set to keep in the car or the bath.
• Kid Connection 12-piece set — lots of vehicles at once for siblings or a party gift.
• Green Toys construction set — recycled plastic, no batteries, easy to wash.

For a serious young builder, go Bruder; for a first truck, go Dickie or Big.