TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Family Games

Peace & Love Cookie Kit by SASSAFRAS ENTERPRISES INC.

Peace & Love Cookie Kit includes magic pink cookie mix, sanding sugar, peace sign and heart cookie cutters, wooden spoon and rhyming recipe. It's packaged in a colorful tray. Not intended for children under age 5. "'Magic' color changing cookie mix and rhyming recipe add a unique twist to the kid's baking market," Lisa Grass, Graphic Designer, Sassafras Enterprises Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 10, 2010. 2/4/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Le Boomb!™ Single Game by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

This game has many possibilities, including determining the starting player, deciding who is going to pay for snacks, or more. Each Le Boomb! is presented in a small clamshell that may be placed on a shelf, or peg hooked. The rules are tiny and fit on the back of the information header card inside each clamshell. The bomb opens like an Easter Egg and the die can be stored within. Le Boomb! is packed in a display box of 12 pieces featuring seven different colors. Each display contains six black Le Boomb! and one each of six other colors: Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, White and Purple. Launch date: December 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $4.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

S'mores Card Game by EDUCATION OUTDOORS

The S’mores card game is designed for up to six multi-level players and incorporates both strategy and good old-fashioned fun. The object of the game is to build an edible s’more before your opponents. Players get a higher point value based on the quality of s’more ingredients. The first player to collect all four ingredient cards and call out “S’more!” wins. The S’more card game includes 70, 3" x 5” sturdy playing cards. It is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. Launch date: March 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

WARPnWOOF by FAMILY PASTIMES

Players must carefully weave their pieces past each other to Home (the opposite corner). A traffic jam will lose the game for everyone. Tactics involve self-sacrifice, luck of the dice and cleverness in using the opportunities that Chance provides. The game is designed with the "feel"it of backgammon. For younger players, it can be set up with fewer pieces. For serious strategists, the game can be recorded as players delve into the intricate world of openings, and mid and endgame tactics. It includes a 12" x 12" board, four sets of colored wooden pieces, dice and illustrated rules. 2/4/2010 (Price: $18.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Coyote by FAMILY PASTIMES

The players of this cooperative game are shepherds and farmers who put as many sheep and lambs to pasture as they safely can, but from time to time the coyotes come around. They are tricky, but not always as clever as the farmers, who have barn space and the help of their trusty Sheep Dog and Amazing LLama to protect the flock. As Night approaches, players have to be especially alert and ready to work as a team. The game includes a 12" x 12" board; 55 sheep, coyote, dog and llama cards; 35 time of day cards; and rules for basic and advanced games. Launch date: October 2009. 2/4/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ROLL'EM!™ by TAILORMADE GAMEZ

In this party game, gamers must place Movie titles and TV shows in sequential order by wide release or air date before the time's up. Can players sort "Cheers," "Frazier" and "Seinfeld" in correct order sequence from the date they first premiered on the silver screen? Added play elements such as “Critic’s Corner” and “Rapid Reels” exist to make game play all the more fun. The first player to collect all the letter cards that spell ROLL’EM! wins. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Outta Gas by POPULAR PLAYTHINGS

Outta Gas! is a new type of slide puzzle: It's three-dimensional, has incredible detail, and features a special flip-up building that covers the traditional open space. The end result is a complete miniature gas station with vintage cars, gas pumps, office, and a service bay with a floor lift, workbenches, and oil drums inside. After you've arranged the cars and pumps to solve the twelve challenges on the back of the puzzle, you can make up your own and challenge your family and friends! 1/12/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Polar Bear Labyrinth by TERRA TOYS

Players help the mighty polar bear navigate the ice caps of the Bering Sea to find his way back home. This game features endangered wildlife species and includes a manual for kids to learn more about them. Approximately 5 percent from the sale of this product will be donated to support WWF’s global conservation efforts. "The Wildlife Conservation Collection is an assortment of classic, timeless, family-friendly games and puzzles that are made from sustainable materials," Sean Tyrrell, Category Manager, Terra Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2009. 12/28/2009 (Price: $25) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

8-in-1 Combo Games Set by TERRA TOYS

Under a licensing agreement with World Wildlife Fund, Terra Toys introduces the Wildlife Conservation Collection. Players can challenge themselves in strategy and conservation with the 8-in-1 Combo Games Set, learning about some incredible species. Illustrated game boards and pieces are designed to bring endangered species and habitats to life. Games featured include: chess, checkers, backgammon, dominoes, ludo, pick-up sticks, and salamanders and ladders, plus playing cards and instructions for all games. The games teach strategy and teamwork, improve numbers skills and provide social companionship. The set is portable and compact. The components, including the playing cards, wood pieces, boards and the storage unit, are made from Forest Stewardship Council materials. The pick up sticks are made from bamboo. Package size is 10.5" L x 2" W x 10.5" H. "The Forest Stewardship Council is an independent, international non-profit association established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Approximately 5 percent from the sale of the product will be donated to support WWF’s global conservation efforts. In addition, the products are beautifully designed to stimulate empathy for and understanding of the animals and the unique habitats depicted," Sean Tyrrell, Category Manager, Terra Toys, told TDmonthly. Awards: Dr. Toy Green Toy of the Year 2009. Launch date: January 10, 2009. 12/28/2009 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The County Fair Game by J. BELL-JONES LLC

This family board game celebrates the important heritage of American county fairs. Designed for two to four players ages 8 to adult, the illustrated game includes many of the fun activites, contests, events and livestock featured at county fairs from coast to coast. "The game appeals to all reading ages and can be played several times in a row; its base idea is national and new and attracts men, women and children alike," Joanne Zwingler Farinacci, owner of J. Bell-Jones LLC, told TDmonthly. Awards: Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award 2009. Launch date: August 27, 2008. 12/28/2009 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rory's Story Cubes by GAMEWRIGHT

This pocket-sized story generator is designed to provide hours of imaginative play for all ages. With Rory's Story Cubes®, anyone can become a great storyteller and there are no wrong answers. Players simply roll the cubes and let the pictures spark the imagination. "Rory's Story Cubes is unique because of its simplicity, small packaging, low price point and endless story possibilities. It's a great learning and writing tool that can be played with one person or a large group as a party game," Emily Nichols, marketing coordinator for Gamewright, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2010.
Awards: 2009 Dr. Toy’s 10 Best Games of the Year; 2010 Major Fun Award; 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Award, Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award, iParenting Media Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 306 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop story telling ability; promotes cooperative play; creative; affordable. Cons: One reviewer said they were bored with it after playing a few times, but that it is very affordable.
— Stacy Kalisz of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine “absolutely loved” using the Story Cubes with her family as they came up with a variety of games. One of their favorite play variations “is to tell a group story, with each person using one die on his or her turn.” 12/28/2009 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

StoryPlay Cards by THINK-A-LOT TOYS

StoryPlay Cards is a deck of storytelling and playing cards designed to delight, inspire and intrigue kids of all ages. The card deck has 90 illustrated cards along with a carrying pouch and two guidebooks. Children can use these cards to tell stories, play card games like Spoons, Poker, Sets and Concentration, or use them to engage in thoughtful conversation by choosing the card or cards you are attracted to and talking about what they mean to you. Launch date: Feb. 14, 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What's GNU? by THINKFUN

This new and improved version of What’s GNU? may serve as a fun confidence-builder as it allows early readers to build their vocabularies. Two or more players slide the “Letter Getter” to reveal two letter tiles at a time, then use those tiles to create three-letter combinations on their Word Starter cards. The player who spells the greatest number of words wins. It now includes beginner and advanced Word Starter Cards and highlighted vowels for added learning. "ThinkFun has taken a best seller and improved it by including both beginner and advanced cards. Now the entire family can play!" Edoardo Kulp, Marketing Manager, ThinkFun Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: Jan. 15, 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FlipOver! The Matching Game You'll Flip For! by THINKFUN

Two or more players race to be the first to get the animals into the barnyard in this matching game. Focusing on image completion, players search their cards to complete a barnyard animal, then use the fun Barnyard Flipper to turn over the card and reveal the next image to be matched. Images help children match, while the writing on each card will help early readers make associations between the words and the image. Launch date: March 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zingo To Go, Travel Zingo! Bingo by THINKFUN

Zingo! now comes in a fun, portable package. Just shake the Zingo! Zoomer car to expose the two dice. Got a match? Turn over the corresponding traffic light on your game board. The first player that turns over a completed traffic light wins. With no loose pieces and a snap-together game board, this Zingo! is designed for family fun on the go. Launch date: April 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo by THINKFUN

With Zingo! 1-2-3, players must match their numbered tiles with the corresponding display on their challenge board. The first player with a full card wins the game by yelling “Zingo!” In this fast-paced game, two levels of play focus on image recognition and addition. "This is a line extension of the best-selling Zingo! game by ThinkFun. It now uses numbers and math skills as compared to of pictures and image recognition skills used in original Zingo!" Edoardo Kulp, Marketing Manager, ThinkFun Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: Jan. 15, 2010.
— Angie Knutson from My Four Monkeys:  the “easy to use” number dispensing Zinger was “the funnest part of the game” for her kids. “As with most ThinkFun games,” said Angie, “Zingo! 1-2-3 would also make a great preschool and kindergarten resource!”
— Ruth B. Roufberg and Parents’ Choice applauded the successful blending of number education and bingo as well as the game components and packaging for being “functionally designed.” Zingo 1-2-3 Number Bingo received the Spring 2010 Parents’ Choice Gold Award.
— Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Best Toy Award Winner, 2010 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BISIKLE by CEPIA GAMES

Players must compete on a crazy track in order to win a bicycle race. No cards or electrical devices are involved. The whole concept is in the ZBall, a new kind of marble that Cepia Games designed internally. This marble is designed to be very easy to control and has surprising effects when flicked. The goal of the game is to flick through the obstacles to the finish line as fast as possible. "BISIKLE reinvents the marble and will be the new classic in race games. It develops mobility and concentration skills, teaches players to evaluate risk, and reveals the competitive side in each of us! All of that in one box ready to use, no batteries are required. Extensions are available to increase the fun!" Cedric Arnould, VP, CEPIA Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $39.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The VirtueGame by VIRTUE TOYS LLC

The VirtueGame is a card game designed to bring out the best in people. It's a lighthearted, fun way for kids to learn about and practice virtues such as responsibility, compassion, thankfulness and trust. Can you be trusted with a treasured pet fish? Or name five things you have in common with the person next to you? Players should be prepared for silly fun. "The VirtueGame is the first Character Education game on the market. It coincides perfectly with our cultural trend towards things that matter and the renewed interest in family time and personal values," Anne Brunell, Founder, Virtue Toys, told TDmonthly. Awards: 2009 Best Practice Award, Character Education Partnership. Launch date: March 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Square Off by GAMESSATIONS

This colored poster format game is designed for two to four players and comes with dice, colored game pawns and rules of play. It has a playing time of between 15 and 45 minutes. The object of the game is to strategically be the first player with all four of your same-color game pawns off the board. This is accomplished by landing on other players game pieces by rolling dice. The poster format allows for hanging the game on a wall. Launch date: December 10, 2009. 12/16/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Perplexus Original by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

The first member of the Perplexus family, this see-through sphere houses a 3-D labyrinth game with 100 barriers, turns, twists and cliffhangers that serve as obstacles to getting a small steel ball to the end. Invented in 1970 by Michael McGinnis, a design teacher, Perplexus helps develop motor and dexterity skills, along with hand-eye coordination.
― As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 393 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 12 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games.
— At Izilla Toys in Seattle, "Perplexus is selling really, really well for us," Co-owner Jude Larene told TDmonthly in late fall 2009.
— In summer 2010 this game was a top-10 best seller at Dancing Bear Toys in Asheville and Hendersonville, N.C..
Awards: 2012 Parents’ Choice Awards - Silver, 2011 Time Magazine – 15 Smartest Toys for Young Geniuses, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved – Seal of Approval, 2011 Grand Prix Kidexpo – Elu par les Parents (Parents’Choice), 2011 Children of Museum of Indianapolis – Top 10 Toys of 2011, 2011 Canadian Toy Testing Council – Children’s Choice, 2011 Babble List – Best Kids Toys, 2010 Toy Insider – Hot 20, 2010 The National Parenting Center – Seal of Approval, 2010 Prémio Brazil – Award of Excellence, 2010 Parents’ Magazine – Top Toys, 2010 NAPPA – Gold, 2010 ASTRA – Best Toy for Kids 12/2/2009 (Price: $24.99)

ItzaBitza Interactive Computer Game by SABI INC.

In the award-winning game ItzaBitza, drawings truly come to life. Kids help their Sketchy by using Living Ink — a drawing recognition system — to draw one-of-a kind interactive objects that form the centerpiece of the game's action. They can draw a house and watch the character shrink to fit in the door, or draw flames and watch the rocket ship kids drew blast off. Since the environment is created through each player's personal drawings, the possibilities are endless. Awards: Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products 2009; Creative Child Game of the Year Award; Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Award; Editor’s Choice and Gold Award from The Children’s Technology Review; 5-star review from USA Today; The Toy Man Seal of Approval, eco-Recognition Seal, Award of Excellence and eChoice Award; an Editor’s Choice Game Award from the Computer Times; and a “Best Tech for Kids” mention in BusinessWeek. Launch date: November 2008. 11/25/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Whirled Peas® The Game by Peas-Corp

Whirled Peas® engages two teams in five challenges where everybody plays every turn. The object of the game is to earn and steal peas and be the winning team to fill its "PeaPod©". At the center of the game is the "PeaKing©" Spinner. He is the brand ambassador and symbolizes the party game atmosphere inherent in Whirled Peas. "The best part about Whirled Peas® is that sales will support our giving-based business model and help us build and grow our foundation, 'The Peas Project©'" Kevin Werntz, president of Peas-Corp, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 13, 2010. ( Watch Video) 11/17/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ticket to Ride: Dice Expansion by DAYS OF WONDER

In this expansion, players still attempt to complete their Destination Tickets, claim routes, and block each other on the map, but rather than draw and collect Train cards, they roll five custom Train dice each turn. Depending on the outcome they can re-roll some or all, then use the dice to claim routes on the board, grab route Tokens for future use, or draw more Destination Tickets. "The Ticket to Ride: Dice Expansion makes for a shorter but just as intense Ticket to Ride game. It can be incorporated into any of the Ticket to Ride series games, and revitalizes them with elements of luck and strategy," Elizabeth Case, marketing assistant at Days of Wonder, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2001. 11/16/2009 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

University Games - Sort it Out!™ by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Sort it Out! is a game of putting things in order, from Australia. It's designed as a great icebreaker for groups of new friends and a battle of wits for old; it is a fast-paced game where knowing just a little about something can help a player win everything. "Sort it Out! offers a new approach to trivia, making it more interactive and better for all levels. Because players are asked to arrange information instead of supply facts, they have a greater chance of scoring points even by guessing or using logic. Every turn involves every player, so there are no pauses between turns to repel energetic player," Maddie Oatman of University Games told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Triplica by FUN Q GAMES, INC.

Players compete by placing cards to line up three in a row of the shape that matches their secret Goal. The first player to score five Goals wins. But beware ... placing a card can help opponents as easily as it can help you. Triplica includes two multi-player games and an addictive solitaire version. "Triplica is a challenging and competitive game based on the very simple idea of making three in a row," Jeanine Calkin, president of Fun Q Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009. ( Watch Video) 10/29/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]