August 2010 Notable Toys — Pretend Play

The Spy Gear Lie Detector Kit allows kids to find out who is telling the truth and who is not by giving them a lie detector test. The indicator lights light up when the "suspect" is not telling the truth.

This pretend cooking set comes with all the fixings for a very special and imaginative pizza party. Included are a pizza slicer, pizza server, pizza pan, toppings box, four-piece fabric pizza, two slices of brushed tricot pepperoni, two slices of brushed tricot mushrooms and two slices of brushed tricot green pepper.

This garden-themed activity toy encourages discovery with flashing lights, playful music and hands-on activities. The activity-filled toy features detachable accessories, including four different-shaped blocks, a "watering" can and a "flower" in a pot. The accessories store conveniently inside the bench.

Train Time includes two fold-out scenes and more than 50 reusable stickers. Packaged in a self-contained carry tote, it is available in 40 Sticker Tote designs. "The reusable stickers offer hours of play over and over again. Parents often comment that it's easy to take their kids on planes and to restaurants because they know their child will be entertained," Peaceable Kingdom Marketing and Operations Manager Donna Modrell told TDmonthly.
— In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that other than Sticky Mosaics from the Orb Factory, her best seller in the category was stickers from Peaceable Kingdom. They sell between 15 and 20 each month.

Constructed of sturdy wood with bright primary colors, this kitchen island comes with four major appliances and accessories. Multiple children can play together, sharing pretend household tasks at the stove, microwave, sink and oven. Turning nobs, opening doors, shakers and utensils add to the fun. 
― “We do well with KidKraft kitchens and playhouses. We sell them year-round and offer free assembly,” said Shawntá Ray, owner of Happy Up Inc in Edwardsville, Ill., when asked about her best-selling furniture and playhouse items during a May 2010 survey.
― Four of 48 retailers told TDmonthly in spring 2010 that KidKraft is a best-selling playhouse and furniture brand in their stores.

This large wood kitchen from Melissa & Doug is printed with bright graphics and loaded with pretend amenities so kids can take their role-play to the next level. Cabinets for storage above and below the sink, a refrigerator, oven, sink, stove and microwave are designed to accommodate hours of creative storytelling. 
― Five of 43 retailers told TDmonthly Melissa & Doug is a best-selling line during a May 2010 survey on best-selling furniture and play house items.
— In a May 2012 survey, John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that this is their best selling furniture/play house item.

Children can build a realistic miniature army Jeep with this 100-block set.

This 11" by 7" by 8" portable playhouse includes three fairy friends, a bee fairy, a table and chairs, and a slide. The  removable roof allows for easy access to the inside.

A flexible and animated hand puppet from Melissa & Doug, this little ballerina's name is Tina Prima.  Her recital-ready outfit is made of realistic satin and tulle. One hand can operate the puppet's mouth, while a detachable rod controls an arm or leg to allow her to pose, dance, and move as a child's imagination sees fit. The puppet can be used easily by right- or left-handed kids.
— “Melissa & Doug puppets always do well,” said Susan Castor, owner of Air Fun in Pentwater, Mich., in late spring 2010. “The Ballerina and Cowgirl are most popular.”
— Two of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that their top-selling puppets are supplied by Melissa & Doug.

A character from the children's cartoon, Fraggle Rock, this hand puppet from Manhattan Toy has bright colors and true-to-character features. Boober's bright orange hair is clamped down tight under a plush brown hat, while a matching scarf wraps around his neck. In the television show, he is the community's blues-singing cook and launderer.
— “Our Manhattan Fraggle Rock puppets are just going great. We tested with a few and our customers have asked for more,” said Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub's Party in Yellow Springs, Ohio, when asked about her best plush sellers in late spring 2010.
— During a May 2010 survey on top-selling plush and puppets, three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly their top items come from Manhattan Toy.

These toy miner’s helmets come in a range of bright, fun colors, complete with an adjustable head lamp. They can be customized with a store’s logo.
— These miner’s helmets were listed as top-10 best sellers at Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., in May 2010 by Katie Harris, manager. “They’re the perfect playtime accessory!” she told TDmonthly.

One of many adventure kits from Mighty World, the River Explorer set comes with two character figurines and a load of other accessories to stimulate kids' imaginations. The bright yellow, heavy-duty truck and trailer both have free-rolling wheels and are accompanied by a raft, boating and camping gear, and an alligator.
― “Our rack is empty right now, so they've been doing good,” Wallace Harvey, manager of Three Cheeky Monkeys in Los Angeles, Calif., told TDmonthly of Mighty World, which he listed as his best-selling playset during an April 2010 survey.

With this 40-piece restaurant playset, little ones can design their pretend menus with many different pretend food items, and step into fully into their roles with a guest check pad, a waitress's apron and a hat. The table is set with menus, cloth napkins, cups, plates and flatware. The set, which packs into a carrying case, even comes packaged with two play credit cards.
― “The Sweetheart Cafe from Alex does very well,” said Lori Hershman, owner of Evan's Toy Shoppe in Camden, Conn., in spring 2010.
― Five out of 43 retailers who took part in an April 2010 survey of best-selling activity kits and playsets named Alex as their top supplier for this category.

The Preschool Activity Pack uses different textures to create activities.

Lilly Bean's play food line is made of super-soft fleece and velour, with stuffing made entirely from recycled soda bottles. The Market Sandwich Lunch is American made and features two slices of wheat bread, one slice of lunch meat, lettuce, cheese, tomato, a carrot and a cream-filled cookie. "Our play foods are more life-sized than play foods currently available in the market. We believe that it makes our product more fun, safe and easy for little hands to play with," Lilly Bean Owner Hilary Karnatz told TDmonthly.

This refrigerator, stove and sink set provides generous storage space. The sink features a realistic pull-out "sprayer," and the "burner" stove has wood turn-button controls. The four-piece set includes an additional cupboard, and each item is available for individual purchase.

This set includes a corn broom, push broom, whisk broom, dust pan, and two wet mops. The unit is 11" x 11" x 18" and features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

The Imagination Station features a stage, store and drive-up window. Shelves in back can hold toys, puppets and other play items. Wooden braces are attached for stability. A curtain rod is included, but optional curtains are sold separately. Available with a Write-n-Wipe, Flannel or Chalkboard front, the station measures 49"x15"x49" and features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Children can rock their dolls in this roomy 14½" x 27" x 12" cradle. The head and footboards are made of sturdy Birch plywood and the side rails are made with rich Maple wood. The cradle features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Young puppeteers can hang their puppets on the 16 branches of this puppet tree. Each branch is 8" long, allowing for maximum puppet storage. The unit is 11" W x 11" D x 48" H, and is made of rich maple and sturdy birch wood. The puppet tree's ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

This realistic kitchen and dining counter has a dual-sided design for multi-child use. Its modern features include a "stainless steel” oven, refrigerator and serving utensils. Also included are a 39-piece accessory set, lots of storage, two electronic sound features, and a deep sink.

This sleek European-influenced styling uses gender-neutral colors to appeal to both boys and girls. “Stainless steel” appliances and accents add to the clean, modern look. A special frying pan and boiling pot with lid activate electronic frying and boiling water sounds in the stove’s cook top burner. Additional electronic sounds in the oven, microwave and phone add to realistic play. The set also includes a refrigerator, coffee maker, faucet and sink.

Made of washable suede cloth, this set includes a full hood with tassel and a velcro closure. The hat is lined with wool blend felt and is accented with pheasant and ostrich feathers.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Product of the Year.

Great for make-believe in Camelot, on the High Seas or even at Hogwarts, these swords are crafted from hardwood plywood, highly sanded with gently rounded edges, and finished with an earth-based naturoil finish. Each sword measures about .25” thick and 20” long, and the handle is designed to fit comfortably in a child’s hand. Barbara Rainville, Marketing Manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "The swords are American-made and singles are available." Launch date: Feb. 10, 2010.