The NAEYC has published recommendations on Good Toys for Young Children by Age and Stage including:

Toys for young infants -- birth through 6 months
Toys for older infants – 7 to 12 months
Toys for 1-year olds
Toys for 2-year olds: Toddlers
Toys for 3- to 6-year olds: Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

Related Links
Articles:
What the Research Says: Gender-Typed Toys
For Families: Finding Low-Cost Materials and Toys for Home Learning

Books:
The Right Stuff for Children Birth to 8: Selecting Play Materials to Support Development
Big Body Play: Why Boisterous, Vigorous, and Very Physical Play Is Essential to Children's Development and Learning

http://www.naeyc.org/toys