March 2010 Notable Toys — Play Houses

Made in the USA using 100-percent recycled cardboard material, the Shuttle Imagination is designed to take a child on a new adventure every day. It allows for a sturdy drawing surface and encourages creative play. Measurements (assembled): 39" L x 34" W x 72" H. Fin attachments are 12" in length. Launch date: February 22, 2010.
Awards: 2010 Tillywig Top Fun; Spring 2010 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval

Box-O-Mania puts a modern twist on the traditional cardboard box - the inspiration behind imaginative play and creative learning without complicated instructions and power charges. Inspired by this timeless toy, Box-O-Mania play boxes and specially-designed reusable stickers provide kids with the creative space in which they can use their fantasy through a variety of themes: a fire station, a beauty salon, a home, a clubhouse and more. Made of lightweight, yet sturdy corrugated plastic, Box-O-Mania play boxes offer more than twelve square feet of interior space for up to three children; they are easy to assemble, convenient to transport and store away.
— "My daughter is going to love this one. Fun, interactive child sized houses made from correlated plastic panels that velcro easily together. Available in 4 colors and several different themes. Use dry erase markers or the included sticker collection to decorate and personalize. When your done, wipe it off and start anew. Great for imaginative play," Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010.

With this playhouse and paper doll set in one, kids can open the box and unlock hours of imaginative play. It includes four stand-up mermaids, 80 reusable stickers, a castle topper, peek-a-boo flaps, and a tea table. "Reusable stickers add a special element to this item. The stickers provide for multiple use and encourage imaginative and inventive play since they can be moved around and mixed and matched," Donna Modrell, Marketing & Operations Manager, Peaceable Kingdom Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010.

Create a delightfully modern house with this innovative set of modular nesting boxes! Aspiring architects and designers of all ages can create modern spaces, arrange furniture and accessories, and then remodel again to create endless variations of their unique and distinctive homes. Includes 7 nesting boxes, 8 mix-and-match furniture pieces, and 12 removable vinyl cling accessories. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.

In an all-new design, it includes an area to the left of the sink bowl perfect for drying dishes, cutting wooden veggies and more. The cabinet compartment includes a true divided cupboard as well as the signature oven door. It's crafted with precise, slot-together construction so assembly takes just a few
minutes.