ASTRA’s Top-30 Toys from Toy Fair 2010

This realistic-looking barbecue set features a hood that opens and a collapsible side table. It includes red knobs to pretend adjusting the heat during play, and wheels to roll it around to different locations. Primary materials are plywood, MDF and non-toxic paint. It measures 47 cm x 37.5 cm x 60 cm.
— This BBQ set was one of the top-two products mentioned by specialty retailers during ASTRA's Share the Fair event at Toy Fair 2010.

This kit gives some structure to free-form building with planks, including an idea book with instructions for building ball-track structures, ramps, funnels and more. It allows for scientific experimentation as kids test rolling the two included lightweight balls to see if they move as anticipated.
— "A new concept kit will help kids build bigger and better — simple, open-ended and smart," said John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., at Toy Fair 2010.
— It was also a top-two favorite at ASTRA's Share the Fair event during Toy Fair 2010.

Spot It is a party game for two to eight players. It's played by laying a random assortment of cards on the table and all players racing to find one image that matches between two cards. This fast-paced game is designed to never be the same twice, and though it has very few rules to remember it requires a sharp eye to master. The set of 55 round cards transports in its own carry tin and comes with illustrated instructions. Watch Spot It: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
— "Loved this game," Kate Tanner of Kidstop Toys told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. Two of 12 retailers who attended ASTRA 2010 named this game as one of their show favorites in summer 2010.
— Ten percent of 40 retailers told TDmonthly in early summer 2010 that Spot It is an overall top seller. “We opened it and played it and it's fun. It's got a good price point,” Sherry Phipps, owner of School Crossing, Inc. in Williamsburg, Va., told TDmonthly in June 2010.

Past videos: ASTRA 2010, WTHRA 2010

From start to finish, kids can have fun creating this stuffed key chain animal. Beginning with pieces of pre-cut felt to eliminate struggling with tricky patterns, it's designed to be easy to stitch together the bright-colored squirrel character using a needle and embroidery floss in two colors.  Everything required to complete this min kit from The Little Experience is included in the box.

In this creative party game, four or more players use the various objects provided to build the word indicated on the drawn card. Players might be asked to represent "roller skating" or "swim," for example, and may be given extra challenges based on what pieces they can use or even having to construct with their eyes closed. The goal is to get one's teammates to guess the correct word. Each game includes 600 words, 65 pieces, a timer, a die and team pieces.
— "A right brain challenge from the left brain thinkers at MorphologyGames.com.  A guessing game where you use your creativity to present using such things as string, beads and rocks. For all of us from about 12 years old and up.  Watch out for that water skier game card!" Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

The Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station is designed to make filling balloons with water or air easily. The Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station is filled with 500 balloons and strings for tying. Just fill the container with water, pump, press and fill the balloon. Leave out the water for indoor balloon fun.
— Shawnta Ray, owner of Happy Up Inc. in Edwardsville, Ill., told TDmonthly in May 2010 that the Pumponator is "doing well; it's the right time of the year and its an innovative new way for an old thing." Terri Bracken, owner of Earth Explorer Toys in Zionsville, Ind., agreed that it’s “selling like crazy.”
— Two of 43 specialty retailers named Pumponator as a top seller in late spring 2010.
— Four of 40 surveyed retailers claimed Pumponator as an overall top seller in June 2010.
— “I order 144 at a time (and am on my) fourth order since May,” Barbara Fineblum, owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.

Bubber feels light as air and fluffy as a cloud. It's so light that it actually floats on water. Discover the joy of carving in a soft compound that leaves clean, sharp lines and amazing imprints. Bubber is non-toxic, leaves no stain or residue and never dries out, so you can play with it over and over. Watch Bubber: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
— "We came upon it today for the first time and ordered it promptly. The basic bucket sells for about $12.99 and comes in several colors," Joe Mitchell, owner of YoYo Joe's Toys & Fun, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

This set includes 216 powerful rare earth magnets that can be molded, shaped and snapped together in an endless variety of configurations. Each Buckyball has two poles — one repels, one attracts. Not intended for children. Watch video
— Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., received her first order of Buckyballs in November 2009, and they were an instant hit. Her store sold nine of 24 units in two days after opening a box for display, she told TDmonthly. Also in November 2009, Jamie Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Pa., reported sales of 20 Buckyballs sets per week. They also ranked as a top seller at the Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., in December 2009, according to Owner David Hesel. "I can't put these down. These amazing tiny magnetic balls can be morphed into just about any shape and they are even strong enough to form a single line like a ball-barring necklace. ... The ultimate fine-motor therapy tool. A construction contest is a must," Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. Two of 39 retailers named Buckyballs as a best-selling travel toy in March 2010.
May 27, 2010 RECALL of 175,000 sets (prior to March 2010) with 13+ labeling violating a federal standard that powerful magnets not be sold to children under 14.

Gibbon Slacklines are for both sports enthusiasts as well as casual family fun in the backyard. The slackline can be slung at any height. Slacklines can be used for sport specific training for skiers, snowboarders, surfers, and climbers to improve stability through a dynamic balance challenge or can be for entertainment or fitness purposes to improve core strength, balance and coordination. The Funline is designed for kids with its extra grip and colorful graphics. It is 15m long and 50mm wide and features a 2-part set for fast assembly and disassembly. Instruction manual and drawstring carrying bag is included. Watch Funline: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010

The Connect 2 Play Kids Modular Activity Table features a clever interlocking connection design that allows quick assembly (and disassembly) of the table without the need for fasteners or tools. This uniqueness also introduces the possibility to assemble the table in multiple configurations to suit different activities. Each table panel is capable of supporting over 100lbs. When not in use, table can be disassembled and stored away.

This pack features several colors of eco-friendly pencils made out of recycled newspaper, wax, natural mineral pigments and glue obtained from corn and potatoes.

No More Monsters! A Light In the Night™, created by a mother to comfort her oldest son when he moved to his big boy bed, is a gift set which includes an adorable light-up creature and beautifully illustrated board book. Just one soft press of the tummy emits a bright glow which proves once and for all there’s nothing “going bump in the night.” Each gift set includes a Light Up Creature, Children's Board Book, Display Box, and online access (register A Light In the Night online and receive an official "Certificate of Bravery"). Launch date: February 14, 2010.

This Very Hungry Caterpillar really knows how to wriggle around the house and into your child’s heart. Soft and colorful, this 7-inch bundle is stuffed with “beans” for easy grasping by little hands. Launch date: Spring 2010

Consensus® Junior Edition is an educational and parent friendly game. It is well suited as a family game. Consensus® Junior Edition is a game about opinions. Consensus® Junior Edition is not a trivia game, nor is it a strategy game. It is a game that allows its participants to express themselves as individuals and/or as part of a group.It has received the following awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Products 2009; Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products 2009; Major Fun Award 2009; Tillywig Laugh Out Loud Award 2009; Creative Child Magazine: Game of the Year 2009; Family Review Center Gold Award 2009; and Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award 2009.
— Bernie DeKoven (Major Fun) proclaims that Consensus Junior Edition “is as much a tool for family harmony as it is a game for family fun.” With gameplay similar to Apples to Apples, Consensus Junior Edition challenges players to choose the noun card they feel best fits the revealed adjective card. Players who are able to come to a consensus and choose successfully move ahead. Everyone’s opinion matters, no matter their age, and even kids below the recommended age of 8 can play with a little parental help.
— At Toy House and Baby Too in Jackson, Mich., Consensus Junior Edition is a best-selling game, Owner Phil Wrzesinski told TDmonthly in November 2009.

This multi-dimension, multi-player version of the strategy game Pentago accommodates two, three or four players. Two players can play using one or two colors each, and in games with additional participants, players can choose to play as individuals or in teams.  Launch date: March 1, 2010.
— A top pick, retailer Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

This environmentally friendly plush doll is part of Hosung's My Natural brand and is made from certified non-toxic cotton and shaded via a chemical-free PureWaterWash process. It's in partnership with the Lorax Project, an environmental initiative for the Dr. Seuss brand. Launch date: Spring 2010.

This set combines a fun construction toy with active play. It includes colorful interchangeable pieces to create sculptures that can then be tossed around and thrown on the ground both indoors and out. Watch OgoBild: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010

This push toy for toddlers features a plastic frame with a large, rolling Oball that features a ball inside. Launch date: 2010.

The fast-moving SkitterBot is charged by a USB remote contoller. Individuals can battle or race the bots as each color has its own frequency. SkitterBot is available in four colors: Clear Diamond, Clear Emerald Green, Clear Ruby Red and Clear Sapphire Blue. "Our items can be charged by our unique USB remote control and SkitterBot travels at a speed of 12" per second," David Piltz, Managing Director, Desk Pets, told TDmonthly. Schylling is the distributor to specialty stores in the United States. Launch date: June 2010. Watch Video

Turbospoke - The Bicycle Exhaust System is designed as the ultimate upgrade for any kids bike, transforming it to have the look and sound of a real motorbike. Turbospoke not only has the look and feel of a real motorbike exhaust pipe, it also makes realistic engine sounds that start as soon as the wheels turn, so the sound changes with the bike's speed. Turbospoke requires no batteries; it is 100-percent pedal powered. The sounds are made by a thin plastic Motocard that is held against the spokes of the wheel. Each Turbospoke comes with three Motocards, which are tuneable for up to six different sounds. The sound travels up the exhaust pipe and gets even louder. Distributed by Schylling Associates in the U.S. and Canada. Launch date: October 2009.

Using the two captivating books included in CHESS: Once A Pawn A Time, this kit is designed to help children enjoy earning and playing chess. The endearing chess characters and story-book style are created to engage them in the game. "This imaginative approach to teaching chess was developed by author Patzi Stewart over her 20 years as a chess teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area. The box opens so that customers can examine the books and understand the uniqueness of this chess product prior to purchase," Rachael Norman, Sales, Norman & Globus, Inc., told TDmonthly. Awards: 2010 Dr. Toy Best Toys Award. Launch date: February 15, 2010.

This set includes 32 seven-sided design blocks in various shapes and colors that are designed to allow for nearly unlimited constructions.

Zyclone offers long-distance flying fun. Kids (and adults) can just load the Zing-Ring, pull back, and twist. The ring is made to fly over long distances, so the toy should be used in an open area.
— Zyclone by Zing Toys was a top-10 best seller at RoundTable Toys in Winterville, N.C., in Dec. 2009. “It was a surprise late addition for us both in our store and online, but when we played the video on our site and customers played with it in our store, it became an instant hit,” Storeowner David Davis told TDmonthly. “Also, having David Letterman demo the item on his show didn’t hurt!”

Pop, pop, pop. This snap-together jewelry features fashionable colors and distinctive shapes for playtime and party fun. Launch date: 2010.

The redesigned Twilight Ladybug has lighter fur on its face and two-toned fur on its body. It projects a starry night sky onto a child's bedroom walls and the ceiling, glowing with red, blue and green lights. Launch date: November 2009.
― In a June 2010 survey, nine of 40 retailers told TDmonthly that Cloud B Twilight critters are top-selling baby toys, with five citing Twilight Ladybug and six citing Twilight Turtle. Twilight Ladybug is the “go-to (product) for infant gifts” at School Crossing Inc. in Williamsburg, Va., according to Owner Sherry Phipps.

Celtic Challenge is a timeless strategy game for one or two players. Crafted in an old-world style, the game features rustic tiles, a Celtic "rune" staff for scoring, and an elegant hardwood playing board. Players try to remove as many tiles from the board as possible in the turns allowed. Legend has it that no one has ever accomplished the nearly insurmountable "Celtic Challenge" — sweeping all tiles from the board in one game. Rich with Celtic symbols, this game is designed for families, dads, or anyone looking to expand their library of classics. "While it is evocative of mah jong or solitaire, our Celtic Challenge game can be learned in less than five minutes, and played in 10-15 minutes. The sheer beauty of the game, and the look and feel of the playing tiles, set the product apart as deserving of an everyday place on the coffee table or anywhere in the home," Brian Maggio, Sales, Find It Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2010.

This collection is designed for Magformers to transform into hundreds of creative construction vehicles. Each set includes emergency lights and engine sound, plus an attachable, poseable figurine. Launch date: June 2010.

In this sequential logic puzzle fashioned by the rules of chess, participants pick a challenge card and set up the pieces as shown. They they alternate turns moving pieces one by one until only one piece is left on the board, declaring the winner. It includes 60 challenges, from beginner to expert.

Inchimals is a set of 12 wooden blocks with animal images that measure from 1” in height (ladybug) to 12” high (giraffe).  They can be combined with the 100 write on/wipe off math puzzles for kids to practice counting, number values and recognition, fine motor skills, language and more. Launch date: Spring 2010.

This softball-sized round plush is soft, cuddly and ideal for tossing around.