TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Travel

TastyTalk Conversation Cards for the Entire Family by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

Why do onions make you cry? Where was the first hamburger served? The TastyTalk deck is full of delectable tidbits about food, with intriguing questions that get conversations cooking. Each deck contains 50 illustrated cards, ideal for family time. "The delightful artwork and open-ended questions make this conversation deck appealing and engaging," Lynn Araujo, communications director of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., told TDmonthly. 10/5/2009 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Catan Dice Game™ Deluxe Edition by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

The Catan Dice Game™ is a fast, fun way to experience Catan on-the-go. Play it in only 15-30 minutes! It's a great casual introduction to the world of Catan. With 6 colorful, high quality, embossed plastic dice, a generous pad of full color double-sided score sheets featuring two maps for alternate play, and an exquisite lidded leather dice cup. the dice cup will hold dice, rules and score pad. Roll your way to victory. So get ready to toss! Challenge the odds and discover a fresh way to master Catan. 9/16/2009 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Billboard Hot 100 Trivia Game 50th Anniversary Edition by NEUBAUER ENTERPRISES LLC

Fifty years ago, Billboard launched a revolutionary music chart called the Hot 100. Billboard's Hot 100 Trivia Game captures 50 years of music facts, designed to appeal to both passionate and casual music lovers. Played in a fast-paced team format, Billboard's Hot 100 Trvia Game creates a party atmosphere. It has 2,880 questions in four categories: Who Sang It?, Finish The Lyrics, Who Am I?, and Grab Bag. Launch date: March 15, 2009. 8/27/2009 (Price: $14.99)

Eco Snoopers® Fun Activity Travel Book by PECOWARE

Eco-Snoopers Fun Activity Travel Book contains an array of puzzles, mazes, Q&A's, and activities specifically designed to entertain and educate children on the merits of being environmentally green. The book can be carried anywhere and contains quizzes and challenges created to keep kids occupied for hours. The Eco-Snoopers Fun Activity Travel Book is part of a larger selection of Eco Snoopers stationery and backpack products. Launch date: May 2009. 7/17/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thomas & Friends Great Discovery Card Game by BRIARPATCH INC.

No reading is required for this fast-paced, card-swapping game for the young Thomas fans. The Stanley Comes Aboard deck can also be used to play Snap and Memory games. It is made in the USA of recycled materials. Launch date: March 31, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Spy Colorful Kids Puzzle Assortment by BRIARPATCH INC.

I Spy Colorful Kids Puzzle Assortment offers an imaginative new twist on classic I Spy fun. The assortment features six different color-themed puzzles that link hands when completed. Players do the puzzle, then solve the riddles. It comes in a durable carry-along package and includes 100 pieces. The puzzles measure 16.75" x 18". Launch date: March 31, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $13.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Spy Ready, Set, Silhouette! by BRIARPATCH INC.

It takes a keen eye and a quick hand to keep up in this fast-paced matching game. Players search the colorful picture cards to find the one that matches the silhouette card in hand. The player with the most matches wins. No reading is required and there are four levels of play. The game is created to help develop visual interpretation, critical thinking and social skills. It received a 2009 Oppenheim Gold Award. Launch date: March 31, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $17.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

4 Shape Puzzles, Things That Go! by BRIARPATCH INC.

Four individual puzzles help children learn shapes by putting the puzzles together. The shapes are cleverly shown in the puzzle pictures. The sturdy puzzles come in a self-closing carrier box designed for years of puzzle fun. "The unique Briarpatch Carrier design makes it a one-of-a-kind item, perfect for holiday and birthday party gift-giving. The award-winning SAMi artwork is also made for the specialty store shopper," Carol Comes, product manager for Briarpatch, told TDmonthly. This product is an Oppenheim Gold Award winner. Launch date: March 31, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $17.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Go Go Bugs by SASSY

Velcro fasteners attach this trio of smiling bugs to baby’s infant carrier handle. Rich primary colors and high-contrast black and white geometrics are designed to catch the eye of even the youngest baby. The bold patterns and symmetrical faces and bodies allow baby to focus, helping baby feel calm. The bee and dragonfly have shiny fabric wings with top stitching, and the ladybug has ridged corduroy wings. The wings crinkle to the touch, designed to to delight baby and encourage exploration. The dragonfly, bumble bee and lady bug can be moved to different spots on the carrier handle to give baby a different perspective. Each bug makes its own soft sound. When a toy is positioned to the side of baby’s head (and field of vision), it can be shaken to help baby seek the source of the sound. "This toy encourages visual development: it has high-contrast, geometric patterns, faces and bright colors and can be hung at a distance to fit baby's developing vision," Peggy Barrett, PR consultant for Barrett Marketing Communications, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009. ( Watch Video) 6/3/2009 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Travel Pop The Pig by GOLIATH GAMES

Everyone takes turns to spin the hamburger to see how many bites the pig will take. Players move the pig's hand to his mouth each time he takes a bite. With every bite the pig's stomach gets bigger, bigger and bigger. But the player who feeds him too much loses the game. This game has no loose parts, making it ideal for fun on the go. Launch date: July 2009. 5/22/2009 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Travel Litterbug by GOLIATH GAMES

There is a fly hidden in the trash can. Players take turns filling up the trash can by pushing the buttons on the outside of the trash can with different types of trash on them. At random, one of the buttons will make the trash can spring open and release the fly. To reset the game, players just push the fly back down and close the lid. Each time, the button that opens the trash can randomly changes so players never know when the fly is going to fly out. This game has no parts to lose, so is ideal for trips. Launch date: July 2009. 5/22/2009 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rolit Travel by GOLIATH GAMES

This family oriented strategy game for two to four players is simple to learn and comes in a plastic case that snaps shut and is designed for ease while traveling. The object for each player is to surround their opponents' playing pieces and switch them to their color. The person who has made the most pieces of their color at the end of the game is the winner. Launch date: 2008. 5/22/2009 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Riff-Rocker™ USB Game Controller by ELECTROSTAR

The Riff-Rocker is a portable, personal USB guitar game that can be plugged in and played anytime, anywhere. The pocket-sized guitar functions like the widely popular, interactive guitar game but costs a fraction of the price. The Riff-Rocker is portable and designed to be easy to use. It requires a one-time, free software download. The software comes with an assortment of preprogrammed songs and allows players to import their own purchased music from the Web or their MP3player. The Riff-Rocker’s frets are used to play notes that appear on the computer screen. Players earn points by hitting the notes, and additional points are awarded when the fret keys are held down for long notes. It includes easy, medium and hard levels of play, as well as a multiplayer option. "The Riff-Rocker was designed as an inexpensive gaming alternative to all the accessories, games and consoles required to play other musical video games," Karlie,in marketing at Buztronics, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Yahtzee Hand Held Game Assortment by ENTERTAINMENT EARTH INC.

Players roll the dice to roll up the score in this terrific hand-held version of the popular game from Hasbro. Launch date: July 31, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Scrabble Folio Edition Game by ENTERTAINMENT EARTH INC.

This sleek edition of America's favorite word game is designed for people on the go. It features a nylon, zip-up case with snap-in tile racks, a folding game tray, and snap-in letter tiles in a cloth pouch. Launch date: July 31, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $31.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rubik's 360 Game by Hasbro by ENTERTAINMENT EARTH INC.

The goal of this Rubik's game is to manipulate the clear sphere to get the colored balls into their proper locations. "It's not as easy as it looks!" Jenna Banks, director of sales for EE Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 31, 2009. 4/27/2009 (Price: $16.69) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lap Desk Slate by THE PIGGY STORY INC.

This little lapdesk is topped by a slate that comes with an attached eraser and a pack of Crayola chalk. Kids can also use the elastic holders to secure a piece of paper and use the desk as a writing surface. Launch date: Spring 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/14/2009

Flip to Win Hangman by MELISSA & DOUG

This classic game features an erasable whiteboard with a marker/eraser that can easily be stored on the side, and has no loose components, making it ideal for travel. It measures 0.9” x 10.2” x 8.75”.
— “We sell a lot of … Melissa & Doug flip games, especially Hangman,” Susan Blanton, owner of Pufferbellies in Staunton, Va., told TDmonthly in March 2009. "All the pieces are attached," pointed out Holly Anver, manager of Ages & Stages Toy Box in Golden, Colo.
— Four of 64 specialty retailers named this one-piece version of hangman when talking about best-selling travel toys in spring 2009. Four of 39 retailers echoed that sentiment in March 2010. Overall, 11 percent of those surveyed in '09 cited games by Melissa & Doug. David Ekwall of The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., said his store sells eight to 10 per month. 4/9/2009 (Price: $12.99)

TRIPtivities by KLUTZ

This 120-page activity book includes mazes, word games, puzzles, stickers and more for on-the-go fun.
— “[TRIPtivity] is going to be a big hit because it’s less expensive than the other ones,” Valla Wagner, co-owner of Teaching Toys & Books in Tacoma, Wash., told TDmonthly when discussing the Klutz line in March 2009.
— Six of 64 retailers named products by Klutz as best-selling travel toys in spring 2009. 4/9/2009 (Price: $9.95)

Curious George Invisible Ink & Sticker Books by LEE PUBLICATIONS

Curious about what is hidden in invisible ink? So is Curious George. Help him discover the hidden world. The Special Pen reveals the invisibly printed pictures. Then match your stickers to the appropriate spot. Each book includes 24 pages of fun, a special pen and stickers.
— Kim Haynes, co-owner of Lollipop Toy Store in Dawsonville, Ga., told TDmonthly in spring 2009 that her store sells about $300 a month of the Magic Pen books, “if I can keep it in stock.”
— Four of 64 retailers named products from Lee Publications when discussing best-selling travel toys in March 2009. 4/9/2009 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Family Tree Mad Libs by PENGUIN GROUP USA

In this word game activity book, kids fill in the blanks about their own family members on topics such as “Family Ghost Stories” and “Famous Ancestors.”
— Barbara Paeth Haas, owner of The Durango Kid in Durango, Colo., said in spring 2009 that Mad Libs sell so well she can’t keep them in stock.
— “A lot of people choose things like Mad Libs for travel specifically because they're very compact and they're entertaining for a while, and they just seem to be one of those perennially popular items,” Gini Wingard-Phillips, owner of Math ‘n’ Stuff in Seattle, told TDmonthly in March 2009. 4/9/2009 (Price: $3.99)

Think-ets Deluxe Pack by THINK-A-LOT TOYS

Think-ets Deluxe contains a distinctive assortment of 30 miniature trinkets specially selected for storytelling and imaginative play. Individuals can use them to play 10 different games, including the following: What’s Missing? (fun memory game); What’s Your Story? (hilarious storytelling game); Who’s Last? (challenging strategy game); What’s Moved? (keen observation game); and What’s Similar? (mind-bending categorization game). It is ideal for travel and use in restaurants. Think-ets Deluxe is the larger version of the Original award-winning Think-ets game. It "has enormous play value for open-ended play using miniature items for storytelling," CEO Randy Compton of Think-a-lot Toys told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. 4/9/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Think-ets Genius by THINK-A-LOT TOYS

Think-ets Genius is a more challenging version of the Original award-winning Think-ets game. There are 12 new games and 15 new miniature items from around the world for creative storytelling and intriguing word games. Players can use the trinkets to tell a “Surprise Story,” a “Time Warp Story” or an “Interrupted Story,” or use them to play “Name That Word,” “Ghost” or “Killer Mouse.” Think-ets Genius may be used for creative family or group fun, or one-on-one parent-child time. "Think-ets Genius uses tiny treasures from around the world for imaginative play and critical thinking, all within a cool, portable tin," CEO Randy Compton of Think-a-lot Toys told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/9/2009 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Family Talk and Grandparent Talk — Double Deck Tin by AROUND THE TABLE®

Two of Around the Table's award winning games in one tin. Family Talk and Grandparent Talk cards,  each with 100 cards per deck, connect generations through fun and diverse conversations.  Available March 2009. ( Watch Video) 2/3/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PetTalk by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

PetTalk is a title in the expanded and updated TableTalk Conversation Card series. With charming illustrations, each of the 50 cards presents fascinating facts about favorite feathered, finned and furry friends. Fun questions get kids eagerly involved in conversations at home, school, parties and on the road. There are 16 titles in the series, including GreenTalk, WeatherTalk and MusicTalk. "TableTalk decks provide a unique format for engaging kids in conversations with topics that educate and entertain," Lynn Araujo, communications director for U.S. Games Systems, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 20, 2009. 1/30/2009 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]