TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Family Games

Snake Oil by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

In the Old West, the sly snake oil salesman had a special talent: he could get the most skeptical customer to buy the most dubious product. Now players can have their turn, inventing their own crazy two-word products and selling them to all types of customers. If the customer buys a product, the player wins. With over 280 wild words and 70 oddball customers, players will never run out of new combinations. Launch date: November 2010.
Awards: 2012 Mensa Select; 2012 Dr. Toy; 2012 Toy Man Seal of Excellence
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Charles from Miller's Toys in Mamoronec, N.Y., told TDmonthly that Snake Oil is one of their top-2 best selling card games. They sell about 2 dozen copies a month.
— As of 12/6/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Fun for all ages.
— Gary Green, owner of Toy Box of Asheville Inc in Asheville, N.C., told TDmonthly in a February 2015 survey that Snake Oil was his store's best-selling game. 7/3/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robbin' Eggs by HAYWIRE GROUP

Robbin’ Eggs is the eggciting game of math, memory, and luck. Each egg has a number on the bottom - some positive, some negative. Players turn over eggs trying to get the sum as close to the rolled number on the die, all while following sometimes silly rules on the cards. Meanwhile, opponents might have a “rob” card and can steal the egg other players need.  Players try to remember the location of numbers as the game progresses…that is, until another player scrambles the locations with a drawn card. The player with the lowest score at the end wins the game. "This game is much more than just an educational math game or a memory game.  Because it adds these components together along with the uniqueness of the nest and eggs, and the randomness of the action cards, this game becomes an entertaining family game that happens to help players hone their math skills," Tami Murphy, marketing manager at The Haywire Group, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012. 7/3/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bowl, Spell and Score by WILLIAMSON GAMES

Bowl, Spell and Score is a wacky word bowling game in which bowlers roll a unique wooden character ball to determine the amount and location of bowling pin letter tiles to flip over in an attempt to spell words for points each frame. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: December 2011 Toyman Award 7/2/2012 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roll-a-Chore by PARADIGM WEST PRODUCTS INC

Roll-a-chore is a dry erase chore, rewards, message chart game. In the bag: 10"x13" themed game board, dry erase marker, dice, spinner, draw string bag, suction cup and adhesive magnets. This game takes the "chore" out of assigning chores in a fast, fair, fun way. There are countless benefits when using this product: math, writing, reasoning, teaching responsibility. Themes available include: Basketball game board, Baseball game board, Policeman game board, Jake (one of roll-a-chore's characters) surfing game board, Molly (one of roll-a-chore's characters) surfing game board, Flowerpower game board, Blue Hearts game board, Molly Soccer game board, color-a-chore (for the little tikes learning their colors) themed game board, and Handy Helpers 2 & 3 (a general family theme look) game board, with more themes to be available later in the year. Launch date: February 2005. 7/2/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tsuro of the Seas by CALLIOPE GAMES

In Tsuro of the Seas players will sail the treacherous waters of the Mystic Seas in an engaging game of adventure and suspense. As the captain of one of the Emperor’s mighty Red Seal ships, players navigate the seas by placing Tsuro wake tiles to direct their vessel. Players must take great caution to avoid opponents’ ships...and those mysteries lurking on the horizon and under the sea. The last captain sailing to survive the mystic seas wins. For 2 to 8 players ages 8 and up; plays in 20-40 minutes. Launch date: August 2012. 6/27/2012 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Find It® Deluxe Edition by FIND IT GAMES

Now the whole family can play a fast paced hidden object game with the Deluxe Find It Game containing over 70 hidden items. The Deluxe Find It hidden object game includes a deck of cards, a spinner, a timer, the check off pad, and instructions for 6 ways to play and variations to adapt to younger players. The basic play starts with each player being dealt seven cards that vary in point value. At the beginning of each turn use the spinner to determine the action required prior to play (add points, miss a turn, trade hands etc.) Look fast! Players will have 30 seconds to try to find a many items as possible. Play continues until someone finds all of their items and runs out of cards.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; Tillywig Sterling Fun Award Winner 5/30/2012 (Price: $32.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BBQ Blitz!™ by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Grab your spatula and dig into this silly, burger-slidin’ game. Race to fill your paper plates with burgers with each different topping or scoop up all the burgers with matching toppings—either way, the sliding burgers won’t make it easy. 5/25/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Treasure Hunt - Objects & Shapes Game by BEGINAGAIN

This 65-piece set features five game ideas that introduce and teach shapes and objects with unique tactile game play. Little pirates will be ready for games like "The Sneaky Seeker", "The Blindfold Grab", matching games, and more. For a traditional favorite, flip the game board over and play a classic game of Checkers. Clean up is easy as the 18"x18" game board has a Velcro pocket for storage and play. The gameboard is also a great map for role play adventures. BeginAgain uses plant-based and recycled materials whenever possible. The treasure map game board is made from natural (unbleached, unprocessed) cotton and the 20 game cards and 20 matching game pieces are made from recycled paperboard and colored with water-based inks. The 24 treasure coins are made from natural rubber (from rubber tree).
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Green Toys 5/18/2012 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Joys of Childhood by Donald Zolan by MASTERPIECES PUZZLE CO. INC.

1000 pc puzzle features artwork by Donald Zolan. A good family activity, or for older children to complete alone. 4/30/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Blunders by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

This game was designed as a way to help kids discover the etiquette that will help them be successful in life. In it, the Blunder family members are known for their rude behavior, but Billy, Brenda, Bobby and Becky Blunder want to learn manners so they will be invited to the Mannerlys’ Annual Pool Party Extravaganza. Kids can follow them on their manners adventure, reading fun scenarios and answering important manner questions to be the first one invited to the pool party. "The inventor, Aimee Symington, is a well-respected authority on manners, and she created Blunders as a fun way to teach children good behaviors in various social situations," Mary Dolan, public relations coordinator at Patch Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012. 4/27/2012 (Price: $24.99)

Big Little Games Flingin' Frogs™ by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Flingin’ Frogs is for one or more players, and play involves catapulting 12 miniature frogs onto five tiers of lily pads, worth varying levels of points. Children can play by themselves or challenge their friends. The lily pad play piece conveniently turns into a storage and travel case too. Big Little Games are available in three titles: Flingin’ Frogs™, Spurtle Turtle™ and Super Shooter Basketball™. The games’ small size makes them perfect for birthday gifts, Easter basket stuffers and small rewards. Launch date: May 2012. 4/12/2012 (Price: $8.99)

Travel Bingo by MELISSA & DOUG

BINGO on the go. Choose an appropriate theme among the eight provided, slide a card into each game boards and pay attention to the passing scenery. Includes two game boards and four double-sided game cards. There are no loose pieces and everything stores conveniently in the board. Great for travel.
— Laura Turman, owner of One Two Kangaroo in Shepherdstown, W.Va., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey that Travel Bingo is her best selling travel toy.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Mike Castor, owner of Pentwater Toybox in Pentwater, Mich., told TDmonthly that they sold 71 travel bingo sets in the past three months.
— In an April 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Travel Bingo from Melissa & Doug is their bestselling travel toy. 4/6/2012 (Price: $19.99)

Rhino Hero by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Rhino Hero is out and about again. The super hero from the animal world fearlessly scales the highest houses looking for burglars and rogues. He is as strong as a lion and as smart as a fox but also as heavy as a rhinoceros. So even the most robust multi-story buildings may start to wobble. Kids must try to help Rhino Hero accomplish his wobbly mission and build a skyscraper as tall and solid as possible. A heroic 3D-stacking game for 2-5 super heroes ages 5-99. Available with English packaging. 3/22/2012 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Memory Game by MAGICFOREST LTD

A classic memory game made only the way Sevi could. Beautiful hand-painted daisies are the prize for uncovering matching pictures found beneath. The hardwood base of the game holds 5 templates, so players choose a game, place the cover on top and begin. With five levels of difficulty and different configurations, kids may never remember if they played the same game twice. Did we forget to tell you that Sevi is Europe’s’ oldest wooden toy maker? Oh, sorry if we did. Then you probably remember that they use only vegetable-based paints and smooth hardwoods, right?  We have a feeling you are going to be very good at this game. 3/21/2012 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Very First Games - First Orchard by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Our classic "Orchard" for the youngest ones. Can the children harvest the fruit into the basket before the raven reaches the Orchard? Cooperative game. 3/21/2012 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SQUIGGLE Spin and Seek by RANDOMLINE INC.

SPIN and SEEK On-The-Go hidden-object games are a must have for any road trip. Spin the wheel then find the 3 objects hidden within thousands of squiggly lines. Play with a friend to see who can find the objects first. Launch date: 2012. 3/19/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Creatures - The Card Game by CREATURES GAMES

Creatures is a creative, strategic card game that blends friendly competition with a good laugh. Gameplay occurs as players mix and match 'FRONT', 'MIDDLE', and 'BACK' cards in their hand to create entirely new creatures, and stage attacks against the creatures in other players' hands. The illustrated portions of each card align to create an image of the new creature with a zany new fun fact. A creature which conquers all other players in a single turn becomes a 'Champion'. "With over 22,000 possible creature combinations, no two games are alike," Tyler Panian, owner of Creatures Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2011. 3/16/2012 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Digits in a Box by PLASMART INC.

Can kids fit all the numbers back in? First, spill the ten digits (0-9) from the box and give them a scramble. Then, place the pieces back in the box so that the lid closes flat. There are over 4000 possible solutions.
Awards: 2011 Parents’ Choice Awards - Recommended 3/13/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bag-O-Loot Junior by BAG-O-LOOT

Bag-O-Loot Junior is designed for 2-6 players ages 6 and up. Players compete to make as many Bags-O-Loot (five matching cards) as they can. The problem is, other players keep stealing your cards. Of course you are doing the same thing to them so the groans and laughter never stop as sets of cards are constantly shifting from one player to another. Very easy to learn. "Bag-O-Loot Junior is the only game on the market where players take turns making and stealing sets of matching cards from each other," John Shelley, president of Bag-O-Loot, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20 ( Watch Video) 3/5/2012 (Price: $9.99)

Dotty Dinosaurs by THE ORIGINAL TOY COMPANY

Can you help the dotty dinosaurs to find their missing spots? Throw the dice to match shapes or colors and be the first to cover your dinosaur board in this fun game for young players. Two games in one. For 2-4 players ages 3-6 years. 2/24/2012 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crazy Chefs by THE ORIGINAL TOY COMPANY

Play with your food! Join the chefs in the crazy kitchen and collect everything they need to make a meal. Then grab your plate and wait for your dish to cook! Will  you be the first to serve up a tasty treat? For 2-5 players ages 3-7. 2/24/2012 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shopping List by THE ORIGINAL TOY COMPANY

Race to fill your trolley! Be the first to fill your trolley with all of the items on your shopping list, in our best-selling memory game. For 2-4 players, ages 3-7. 2/24/2012 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fishing Camp the Game by EDUCATION OUTDOORS

Fishing Camp is a game where both children & adults can play & learn fun facts about Fishing. The game is designed to grow with the player, starting at level one questions, which are primarily identification of fish and fishing tackle. As the players increase in their knowledge about Fishing, they grow into the higher level questions. A fun & educational game where parents & children can play to see who catches the first fish and gets back to the docks. Game includes: 1 game board, 200 game cards(400 questions, and 100 fun facts), 1 decoder, 8 game characters, 1 die, 16 level cards, and 1 GPS card. Launch date: 2012. ( Watch Video) 2/15/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids Game by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Kids will share thoughtful, personal responses, and really listen to each other in this family-friendly game that includes game board, 7 character pieces, 7 token holders, 7 sets of tokens, 12 Wild Ernie tokens, and 1 pair of “Ear-Resistible” Jumper Rabbit ears. For 3–7 players. Launch date: April 2012. 2/13/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Perplexus Twist by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

The newest Perplexus model requires a player to twist, turn, and realign the tracks within to escape traps, dead ends, and cliffhangers. A captivating new dimension for the Perplexus family of toys. Thirty transition points.
Awards: 2012 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids – Gameplay/Brainteasers 2/12/2012 (Price: $29.99)