TDmonthly’s Top 10 Whacked-Out Toy Fair Toys

For kids who have tired of swatting at gnats and mites, this new robotics construction set will give them something bigger to aim at. Kids can build a variety of critters, including a robotic bug. The bug will back off if it gets too close to an object or, if it feels threatened, it will reach out and “sting” the intruder.
This robotics toolset includes a “Quick Start” guide to build and program a robot in 30 minutes. Mindstorms uses “intelligent brick” and light, sound, motion and touch sensors. This product is blue-tooth wireless technology capable. LEGO Mindstorms NXT won first prize in the category “Technical Innovation” at the international Nürnberg toy fair in Münich. Launch date: 2006.
— "LEGO, if I can get them, but that's a whole other story," said David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., when discussing upcoming holiday 2007 hot sellers for young boys.
— "We're the best ones to sell it for LEGO,” Campbell added. “I can steer people toward Mindstorms in my store, and I can steer them away from Mindstorms [if they] shouldn't have it. Walmart.com doesn't talk to people."
— Seven of 54 retailers said that despite the availability of LEGO in the mass market, it will still sell in specialty stores during the holidays.

Snappy is an 8" manufactured artist design doll that you can build yourself. She has removable legs, arms, head and wig that snaps together easily. She comes in six standard colors and special holiday colors, so the more you collect, the more varieties you can build. She also has many clothes and accessories that are easy to use. Launch date: May 2006.

Designed by a wholesome husband-and-wife team, Flash and his coven of creepy brothers and sisters can’t quite disguise their underlying lovability. The tale of Darktown is true. When a person departs the earth with pent-up mischief, his unleashed evil essence may remain. If all nature is in alliance, he will be brought back into the world. Presenting the evil reborn ... Krypt Kiddies. Flash is one of the many "cuter than hell" collectible dolls from the UHL house. Dressed in a baby blue jumper, his eyes glow in the dark and he comes with a demon skull rattle and birth certificate.

This is a perfect game for kids who like to be grossed out. Kids are afraid of the monsters under their beds, but they should also be afraid of other gross and gooey things that sometimes get stashed there … such as dirty diapers. In this yucky-fun game, kids have to pick nasty things out from under the bed without disturbing the monster, or else they lose! "I think the kids will absolutely love it!" Ricki Block, owner of Ariel’s Child in New Windsor, N.Y., enthused to TDmonthly Magazine. Right after Toy Fair, buyers from Tree Top Kids in Washington, D.C., were also eagerly anticipating this new game's release. The game won a Toy of the Year Award from Family Fun Magazine in 2006.

Calling Dr. Doolittle! This electronic observation station for insects combines learning with fun. Just capture a backyard bug and put it inside. A built-in magnifying glass allows kids to study the creature up close, while headphones amplify the sounds it makes.

These offbeat new cloth dolls with a cool humorous twist are each tagged with a description that acknowledges the doll’s struggles and celebrates their differences. NONO Les likes wearing a dress but is no less of a man. NONO Dolls are just one of the products in a very diverse line designed by Goodreau Doll LLC. The company offers a variety of lines that are for fun, or are fun to play with. NONO has branched out to clothing, stationery and other products. The quirky collectible NONO dolls have been adopted by none other than that classic play doll, Ginny, by Vogue Dolls. VIEW ARTICLE

Tiddlywinks go designer. KOOTIKOOTI is an addictive, strategic interactive game that is played with 2.5” flexible rubber game pieces. Using a finger to nudge or flip their KOOTIKOOTI, 2 or more players take turns, using their skill and judgment to try and ‘pin down’ their opponents KOOTIKOOTI to win the round. Series 1 comprises 50 unique designed colorful game pieces for kids to collect and trade. KOOTIKOOTI will be available in January 2006.

Flip ‘n Flops are fun, wearable flip-flops with a secret compartment that includes a storybook. The common goal of each of the series’ books is to teach kids compassion and empathy: “Put Yourself In My Shoes,” as the company’s motto says. Or, in this case, flip-flops. So in the morning while getting dressed, parents slide last night’s bedtime story or this morning’s tale into the Flip ‘n Flop and their child can think about it all day. Because kids will want to wear them everywhere they go, each book is printed on durable and water resistant paper. The books are protected in a plastic sleeve, which is then securely slipped into the sole of one of the flip-flops. There are currently four different Flip ‘n Flop Adventures. Proudly made in the USA, they are unisex and come in hip, solid colors. Imagine what kids’ll really put in their secret shoe drawer.

Toilet Buddies Toilet Bowl Attachments help create early awareness of the toilet bowl, reduce fear and anxiety, and make toilet training a fun and positive experience. Designs include Gatago Giraffe, Poo P. Bunny, Puddles Puppy and Ca Ca Cow. Each character’s friendly head is displayed on the toilet’s tank. The animal’s feet and other features adorn the rest of the toilet. Ca Ca Cow gives going to the head a whole new meaning. She and her buds are great for those way past toilet-training, too.

Needies are interactive plush dolls inspired by codependent, high-maintenance relationships. Totally attention-starved, they compete with each other for human affection — or "getting touch", as they like to say. When you give Needies touch (by hugging and squeezing them), they will return your kindness with songs and shameless flattery. But remember that Needies always know when other Needies are getting touch! If one Needie is getting touch while others are neglected, the unloved Needies will conspire to take its place. These huggable dolls with built-in mp3 players and touch-sensitivity offer a hilariously playful spin on the complex, demanding relationships every teen knows all too well. Best of all, because Needies communicate with each other, fans of the toys will want them all. Needies are new for 2006.