TDmonthly's Toy Fair 2007 Preview
Category: Interactive

Discoveroo Construction Set by BUG IN A RUG / DISCOVEROO

The Construction Set includes nuts and bolts, wheels, pieces of different length and a screwdriver. 84 pieces in all made from Plantation Birch Wood. There is no limit to what kidscan make. Develops mechanical aptitude and stimulates the imagination.  Packaged in a durable flat box with a handle for easy storage. Launch date: June 2012. 9/10/2012 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zither Heaven Pink Soprano Ukulele by ZITHER HEAVEN

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven soprano ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages have fun playing the Zither Heaven soprano ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. Zither Heaven's soprano ukulele features a smaller body with a 14-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. The frets are closer together making it easier for a young child to play. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. Zither Heaven's soprano ukulele is sturdy and easy to carry, making it the perfect choice for the smallest of children. Launch date: February 2012. 9/7/2012 (Price: $45.47) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zither Heaven Yellow Ukulele by ZITHER HEAVEN

The quality and solid construction of a Zither Heaven ukulele puts this instrument in a class of its own. While reasonably priced to appeal to beginners and children, experienced musicians of all ages enjoy playing the Zither Heaven ukulele. The precise action and proper placement of the bridge enables chords to be played at the bottom of the neck as well as the top of the neck without losing its tune. The yellow ukulele features a 15-inch vibrating string length. The neck is made of solid hard maple with nylon frets and nylon strings. Zither pins are used for the tuning keys. The ukulele includes a tuning wrench and song booklet. Launch date: February 2012. 9/7/2012 (Price: $56.17) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Warriors Battle Stadium by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The ultimate large scale battleground for all HEXBUG Warriors students comes with two fully-armored collectible HEXBUG Warriors, eight Battle Stadium Pieces (compatible with Battle Arena) and 12 standoffs. There are two assorted HEXBUG Warrior Battle Stadiums available for fans to collect. Each features a different opposing pair of Warriors.
— "Super easy to snap together...my son gave it a huge thumb’s up!" - Review from Kathy at DetroitMommies.com.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 8/8/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Warriors Battle Arena by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

The battle arena is the perfect stage for HEXBUG Warriors students to hone their skills. It comes with two HEXBUG Warriors with weapons and armor, two expandable battle arena pieces (compatible with Battle Stadium), three standoffs and extra bonus armor. There are four assorted HEXBUG Warrior Battle Arenas available for fans to collect. Each features a different opposing pair of Warriors.
— "The robots do look really cool with all the different armor that can be switched back and forth with the other robots to make your own custom version...My son’s only suggestion was that they should come up with a solar powered version so the batteries would last a little longer." - Review from Kathy at DetroitMommies.com. 8/8/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HEXBUG Warriors Battling Robots by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

Kids can operate their HEXBUG Warriors in Training Mode, with unlimited health, for scrimmages and testing purposes. Once the Warriors are equipped and ready for battle, they can be powered into Match Mode and are set to enter into competition, where they crash, jab and jostle with their opponents until they win or lose by running out of health at which point they deactivate. Once put in Match Mode, each robot’s Shock Sensor activates its Damage Indicator Light which changes colors from green to red and blinks more rapidly as its health decreases. There are 12 assorted HEXBUG Warrior Battling Robots Single packs available for fans to collect. Each Single pack includes 1 fully-armored Warrior.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashbburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that Hexbugs are one of their bestselling tween toys. "In a good month, we sell dozens," she told us. 8/8/2012 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rollick! by THE GAME CHEF

Rollick! is a new hit party game that’s a fast and furious team competition. With Rollick!, the entire team works together to act out clue words for one person to guess. It’s a hysterical, fun, fast-paced, team competition game that’s a hit at parties, family gatherings, work events, holiday celebrations, with friends, and even teenagers. Rollick! can be taught in 2 minutes, played in 25 minutes, and accommodates 6-20+ people.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— As of 08/08/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 90 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: A great ice breaker for parties; rules are easy to understand; fun for kids and adults of all ages; fun for small and large groups.

 8/8/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Read & Sing with Hap Palmer: Musical Picture Books for Young Children by HAP-PAL MUSIC INC.

Twelve Hap Palmer favorites are presented in a series of musical picture books that combine song lyrics with high quality audio recordings, imaginative illustrations, and colorful photographs, all designed to motivate children to read and sing. This DVD is made up of individual illustrations and photo- graphs that bring to life the ideas and stories of each song. This format makes it easier for children to read and sing the words. The steady illustrations help new readers focus on text, identify sight words, and start to read new vocabulary. Launch date: April 20, 2012. 8/8/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LeapPad2 Learning Tablet by LEAPFROG

The #1 learning tablet just got better! LeapPad2 Explorer™ inspires kids to imagine and explore with front-and-back cameras, 4 GB of memory and a library of 325+ apps for limitless learning and fun. Comes bundled with Explorer Learning Game Cartridges: Disney Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Disney•Pixar Pixar Pals and a green LeapPad case. Also comes in pink. 7/27/2012 (Price: $169.99)

Animals in Africa 1000 Piece Augmented Reality Puzzle by RAVENSBURGER

Ravensburger’s Augmented Reality technology makes puzzles come to life. Download the free AR Puzzle app from the App Store that utilizes the camera function of the iPhone or iPad versions 2 and 3 to animate the scene. Experience a totally new visual reality and reveal audio details, sound effects and factual information. Watch these fascinating animals roam through their natural habitat and listen to the sounds of Africa.
— As of 07/23/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Great picture quality; has a nice mix of easy and difficult sections; AR component can help encourage kids to play with a more traditional toy (you have to complete the puzzle before you can unlock the digital components). Cons: One reviewer said the interlocking pieces were looser than is usual for a Ravensburger puzzle; only works with iPhone or iPad. 7/23/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet by IMPROV ELECTRONICS

The original Boogie Board LCD eWriter that started a revolution. Ultra light (4oz.) and thin (1/8"). One just isn’t enough. Get one for on the go, in the office and multiple places around the house. Almost anywhere you’d keep memo pads, sticky notes or scrap paper.
— Erika Evers, owner of Dancing Bear Toys in Hendersonville, N.C., told TDmonthly in an April 2012 survey that their best selling travel toy is the Boogie Board. They sell 6-7 each month.
— Chris Lowe, owner of Beanhead Toys in Sandy Springs, Ga., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that they sell 15 of this item each month, making it a bestselling novelty item.
— Greg Larson, owner of Larson's Toys and Games in Columbus, Ohio, told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that they sell 18 Boogie Boards each month, and up to 48 a month during 4th quarter.

Where to buy:
NORTH WEST

 4/6/2012 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webkinz Rabbit by GANZ

Discover a virtual world with Webkinz pets. Webkinz animals come with a special Internet code so children can interact with it online. The code lets kids enter the Webkinz World and bring their pet to life. Pet owners can name it, make it a home and even play games. Rabbit measures 10"
— As of 3/30/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews on Amazon.com. 3/30/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kidoo Pets by TEEBOO USA

With 9 interactive functions, Kidoo Pets show kids how to nurture, play, and love while having fun. These 18 inch plush toys are designed in France. Kids show signs of caring and nurturing in the earliest years of their lives. As they play, sleep, pet, snuggle, and feed their Kidoo Pet, children develop a strong bond. Teaches kids how to take care of their pet; teaches kids what pets don't like; teaches kids to be patient and loving. ( Watch Video) 3/26/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cat's Cradle by EOLO SPORT INC

Kids can hypnotize their friends and family with the 30+ tricks they can do with the Funtrix Cat's Cradle from Eolo Sport. Includes an instructional DVD filled with new tricks to master. Launch date: March 2012. 3/19/2012 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crayola Digital Light Designer by CRAYOLA LLC

Using a digital stylus, kids can draw on this dome using light. Simply select the thickness of the line to be drawn, and choose from one of eight colors. Kids can also play games on the dome, like mazes, connect the dots, and more. Launch date: September 2012. 2/14/2012 (Price: $49.99)

Fijit Friends Yippits by MATTEL INC.

Yippits are pets for Fijit Friends. The Yippits can learn tricks, and bark, growl, and dance along with their Fijit owner. They can work on their own, too. Launch date: June 2012. 2/14/2012 (Price: $37.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Alive Baby Wanna Walk Doll by HASBRO INC.

Baby Alive is ready to walk — and she can really learn to do it with girls' help and loving care. She has lots to say with more than 40 fun phrases and sounds like "Hold on tight!" and "I did it!" Walking makes her happy, but she'll be happiest when girls scoop her up and give her lots of hugs to show her how proud they are. Launch date: 2012. 2/13/2012 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Skylanders Giants by ACTIVISION

This follow up to last year's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure features 8 Giant Skylanders, 4 Light Skylanders, 8 New Skylanders, and will also work with the 24 re-released Skylanders. Each Giant Skylanders is about twice as large as the originals. The toy can be used for Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, and Nintendo 3DS. Launch date: 2012. 2/13/2012

iCade 8-bitty by THINKGEEK INC.

This wireless game controller sports classic a D-Pad and button layout reminiscent of retro 8-bit game consoles from the 80's and 90's. The 8-Bitty works with the iPad and iPhone to play apps using a game controller with real tactile input. It also works with Android devices as well. 8-Bitty supports iCADE's growing list of hundreds of retro game apps, including Atari Classics collection, Pac-Man, Super Mega Worm, etc. The 8-Bitty uses a completely open interface system, so that any app developer can easily add game support. Launch date: 2012. 2/13/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

iBuKu Pets by ARBORCUBE

iBuKu Pets are fun, lovable characters that turn any smartphone into a cuddly pet. iBuKu Pets are not just a protective holder for mom or dad’s new iPhone (although they work well in this scenario too), but iBuKu Pets are intended to breathe life back into older used smartphones that have been placed aside in a drawer somewhere. Why not give that used smartphone to a child as a learning tool? One major issue with older phones is that their batteries often don’t hold the charge they once did. iBuKu Pets will have versions with not only a secondary battery inside, but also with the ability to wirelessly charge the batteries by simply setting the iBuKu Pet on a charge pad. Image a child never having to remove the phone from his iBuKu Pet, but rather setting him on his bedside table to charge at night. While charging, the iBuKu Pet will turn itself on as a nightlight when it hears the child wake up, or it will be an alarm clock for school-aged children.  And when they wake in the morning, the iBuKu Pet is charged and ready for a new day of learning activities. Launch date: April 2012. 2/13/2012 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FurReal Friends Baby Butterscotch by HASBRO INC.

This smaller scale version of the original Butterscotch is an interactive pony that responds to touch, or when kids brush its mane. The legs are posable so kids can make it lie down. Launch date: 2012. 2/12/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SillyHands by KELLYTOY U.S.A INC.

These pairs of super-sized plush hands looks just like kids' favorite character's hands and slide right over their hands for slamming SillyHands™ make-believe. Each hand makes distinctive motion activated sounds and speech. Styles include Karate, Tiger, Alien and Boxing. Launch date: February 12, 2012.

Silly Hands ©&TM 2010-2013 Idea Vault LLC All Rights Reserved
Used by Kellytoy U.S.A. Inc. under license from Volcano LLC 2/10/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Starshine Watchdogs™ by KELLYTOY U.S.A INC.

Starshine Watchdogs™ are cuddly bedtime companions specifically made to empower kids to overcome fear at night. Each talking, light-up Watchdog comes with reassuring phrases to comfort your child, along with a Go-Anywhere Star Light night light kids can remotely illuminate with the touch of the Watchdog’s paw. Let Starshine Watchdogs help your child harness the courage and confidence all kids possess to overcome their fears. Each All-in-One Starshine Watchdog™ purchase comes with: (1) Cuddly, Talking, Light-UP Watchdog Plush with wireless technology; (1) Go-Anywhere Star Light night light with Auto-Off timer; (1) Embroidered cape with logo and your Watchdog’s name! And yes, batteries ARE included! Choose from Orion (blue) or Skye (pink). (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Starshine Watchdogs ©&TM 2010-2013 Idea Vault LLC All Rights Reserved.
Used by Kellytoy U.S.A. Inc. under license from Volcano LLC 2/10/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GameChanger by IDENTITY GAMES

GameChanger is an electronic, multiplayer game board that works with the iPad.  Featuring interactive animation and sound, GameChanger adds a whole new dimension to the traditional board game by creating a different experience every time you play. Kids are given the option of playing 6 different games; The Magic School Bus® from Scholastic or Animal Mania, plus 4 action games. The iPad simply slides into the GameChanger cradle, and one of the included game skins can be placed on top of the board.  Parents can download the App, which is free with GameChanger purchase. The game pieces themselves interact with the iPad, which asks questions and assigns tasks, so players always know whose turn it is. A “spin” of the wheel on the iPad lets players move their pawn across the game board. Since the game board and the iPad are connected, all game play is completely guided and tracked. Launch date: February 12, 2012. 2/10/2012 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Astrojax MX by Astrojax USA – Active People

The three dimensional skill based toy is orbiting to the next level with the Astrojax MX. This version presents the futuristic, aerodynamic SPORT, and the eye catching POP as the first ever Modular Astrojax. What’s this mean? Not only are these two styles vibrant with color, but with a simple pull and click kids can easily change out their mantles, cores, string buds, and strings. Launch date: January 2012. ( Watch Video) 12/29/2011 (Price: $19.99)