TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Balls Product Category

Meteorlight by NITE IZE INC.

The ball lights up on demand and uses a design that allows batteries to be replaced. It is perfect for throwing, juggling, catching, rolling and bouncing. 3/28/2008 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Earth2 by REPLOGLE GLOBES

The square globe is designed specially for kids. The map cube comes with a stand, but can be detached from it and used in a game of throw and catch. The globe is fun, educational and portable. Launch date: February 2008. 3/25/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Illumiworld by REPLOGLE GLOBES

The 12” globe features a battery-powered illumination that can be turned on or off with a simple press of a button. The globe is fun, educational and portable. Launch date: 2008. 3/25/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Phlat Ball Tornado by SPIN MASTER TOYS

The ball features aerodynamic tail fins that allow it to transform from a flat spinning disc into a spiraling football. Simply increase the time delay for disc play and long throws, or decrease the time delay for quick transformation and big spiraling action.  Short passes and long bombs are all possible with the adjustable Time Zone Dial. 3/25/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ZeeBeez Original by ZING

The ball can turn inside out to reveal a hidden post. Holding the post, kids can drop the ball to the floor and then watch it bounce back up. Kids can spin it, pop it and catch it.
— Two of 38 retailers named this fun little pick-up item as a best-selling novelty in their stores in summer 2009.
— “I made $700 in the last 90 days on ZeeBeez,” David Ekwall, owner of The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., told TDmonthly in late summer 2009. ( Watch Video) 3/11/2008 (Price: $4.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boochie™ by GAMEWRIGHT

The action-packed family game has players tossing, kicking, bowling and throwing a distinctive 12-sided ball. The game comes with four toss rings, four bean balls, four wrist trackers, a 12-sided Boochie target, a vinyl travel bag and play rules. This product has received the following awards: Dr. Toy Award for Best Products for Summer 2008; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold; iParenting Media; National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; Major Fun; Parents' Choice Silver Honor; Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year; and NAPPA Gold. Launch date: 2008.
— Employee enthusiasm over Boochie helped The Wooden Toy in Wethersfield, Conn., sell out of its initial shipment of the updated bocce ball game soon after it arrived, Storeowner David Ekwall told TDmonthly in May 2008. “It sells for about $35, so I was kinda surprised that it sold as fast as it did,” he said.
— Eleven reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Fatbraintoys.com showed that parents rate this game very highly. It is interactive, encourages physical activity, offers endless variety, and there is no age limit, so the whole family is welcome to play. One minor shortcoming is that is only for four players. (09.15.08) 2/25/2008 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fun Gripper Jean Soccer Ball by SATURNIAN 1 INC.

This soccer ball features a durable non-slip mega grip texture and jean material. Other varieties are available in the Fun Gripper jean ball line, including a volleyball and a football. 1/29/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Meteor Ball by THE PENCIL GRIP INC.

The ball features a great texture that makes catching easy and fun. Additionally, the ball comes with five special modes of music that suggest over 50 creative movements. The ball’s sound track is specially timed for slower auditory processing. Get caught with the ball when the music stops and one will need to perform a special move or task. A game book is included. 1/8/2008 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Astrojax Aqua “Glow” by Astrojax USA – Active People

The Aqua Glow version glows in the dark and is UV reactive providing an amazing light show under a black light. Each liquid-filled ball features a soft outer shell that serves as a flexible casing for the liquid, allowing for an easy, comfortable grip. Rather than a central metal weight such as standard Astrojax, the dynamics of the Aqua's fluid flows lower the rotational inertia of the balls to provide smooth orbits and prevent tangling of the string around the center ball. The string length is adjustable and stringbuds at each end of the string allow for quick and easy tuning. Launch date: November 26, 2007.
— Astrojax are hot items at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., according to Owner Shana Hack in early summer 2009. 12/28/2007 (Price: $22.95)

Astrojax Aqua “Shiva” by Astrojax USA – Active People

The Aqua Shiva is UV reactive and looks amazing under a black light! Each liquid-filled ball features a soft outer shell that serves as a flexible casing for the liquid, allowing for an easy, comfortable grip. Rather than a central metal weight like standard Astrojax, the dynamics of the Aqua's fluid flows lowers the rotational inertia of the balls to provide smooth orbits and prevent tangling of the string around the center ball. The string length is adjustable and stringbuds at each end of the string allows for quick and easy tuning. Launch date: November 26, 2007.
— “The newest generation, Astrojax is destined to become a classic toy,” Jim Marielli of Astrojax USA told TDmonthly. 12/28/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Astrojax Aqua “Blue” by Astrojax USA – Active People

Each liquid-filled ball features a soft outer shell that serves as a flexible casing for the liquid, allowing for an easy, comfortable grip. Rather than a central metal weight such as standard Astrojax, the dynamics of the Aqua's fluid flows lower the rotational inertia of the balls to provide smooth orbits and prevent tangling of the string around the center ball. The string length is adjustable and stringbuds at each end of the string allow for quick and easy tuning. Launch date: November 26, 2007.
— “The Astrojax Aqua is a unique and patented skill toy with no competition, building upon the excitement and success of earlier versions of Astrojax, Jim Marielli of Astrojax USA told TDmonthly. 12/28/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Sit 'n' Gym Ball by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Made in Italy, the Gymnic Line’s Sit ‘n’ Gym ball is made of super strong latex-free vinyl material and is free of the banned phthalates. It has little feet to prevent them from rolling away when used as a sitting ball. Widely used in European kindergartens and classrooms 11/20/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hop Ball by TMI TOYMARKETING INTERNATIONAL INC.

Made in Italy, the Gymnic Line’s Hop ball is the very best quality in hopping balls. Made of super strong, yet soft latex-free vinyl, for long lasting use and durability. Great exercise product for indoors and smooth safe outdoor surfaces. Promotes children’s body coordination, balance, lymph circulation and provides a fun workout while hopping on the ball.
Awards: A TDmonthly Classics Award for being an all-time favorite toy.
— As of 7/21/2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 2 reviews on Amazon.com. 11/20/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spiral Ball by POOF-SLINKY INC.

In this action-packed game of skill and precision, player use the spring-loaded shooter to launch marble up the spiral ramp and towards the targets. The marble then rolls down into the correct point slot, helping players keep score. The target shooter is fully enclosed, making it safe for play indoors. Launch date: January 2008. 10/11/2007 (Price: $27.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hugg-A-Planet - Moon by HUGG-A-PLANET

This environmentally friendly plush ball details the complex lunar landscape and landing sites for NASA and Russian expeditions, as well as the differences between the near and far sides of Earth’s closest star. It is 4” in diameter and includes 100 labels. ”The moon takes [children] beyond the world they know and encourages them to learn about things they can't see. Perfect for any age and any mood, they can sleep with it at night, play catch with it during the day or read over the maps with mom or dad,” Three Girls Media & Marketing, Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2006. 8/9/2007 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Love Always Thumball™ Catch 32 by ANSWERS IN MOTION

Has 20 famous LOVE quotes, the word "LOVE" in 10 languages, and 10 heart graphics. Inspirational way to learn about love, famous people, and other languages. Great party favors for weddings, showers, or other events. 7/27/2007 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Promotional Balls by TTALF "TOYS" CORPORATION

Promotional Balls are made in your choice of colors and have your company logo or organization name on them. If you are looking for a fun and unique promotion product, a custom Yackle Ball is the ticket. It is guaranteed to get used many times for years and be seen by a large number of people. Everyone wants to know what a Yackle Ball is and how to play all the numerous games. Imagine all this excitement with your company’s own colors and logo stamped right onto the ball. 6/28/2007

Crocodile Creek 7" Wild Animals Playball by CROCODILE CREEK

This textured rubber ball features the images and names of many wild animals. Its heavy-duty quality makes it perfect for either indoor or outdoor play. The ball measures 7” in diameter. 6/13/2007 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Babal by Astrojax USA – Active People

Babal is a ball that is actually two balls together. Big and small, soft and colorful, they open up endless possibilities: play, touch, throw, catch, join, mix and match, build towers or balance them on your head. Babal appeals to many basic playing behaviors of children and stimulates their imagination. The large ball is 170 mm in diameter and the small ball is 62 mm. They are made of soft, high-quality, coated polyurethane foam. 5/2/2007

Thumball: Young Learners Series 1 - Animals by ANSWERS IN MOTION

Young Learners Thumballs are great for little hands to catch and toss as they work on developing skills. Bright primary colors are easy to focus on, and the balls are available in the following designs: Animals, for vocabulary development; Numbers, for development of counting and math skills; and Shapes, to enhance visual perception skills. “Thumball has a unique multi-paneled design and safe composition which offer a ‘pleasingly squeezable’ play experience,” Gregg Pembleton of Answers in Motion told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. 1/12/2007 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Yackle Ball by TTALF "TOYS" CORPORATION

This X-shaped ball flies farther than a football but it’s soft so it won't hurt the kid catching it. The Yackle Ball comes with many fun and stimulating games to encourage outdoor play. It is available in 10 colors. CEO Patricia Littwin of Ttalf Corporation chose to manufacturer the original Yackle in the United States, and automation within a 10,000 sq. ft. North Carolinian facility allows production at only 10 cents more per ball than was quoted in China, she said. “We like the Yackle Balls by Ttalf,” Owner Linda Angel of Kidoodles Toys in Norman, Okla., told TDmonthly upon her return from Toy Fair 2007. Awards: TDmonthly Innovations 2007. Launch date: June 1, 2006.

Where to Buy: Rocking Horse Toy Store; LB Toys; Escapade Direct

( Watch Video) 1/11/2007

Aqua Yackle by TTALF "TOYS" CORPORATION

This water-proof, x-shaped ball is perfect for the pool or beach. There are lots of fun and exciting games for the whole family, and it comes with a floating goal to enhance game play. Launch date: June 2008. 1/11/2007

Yackle Ball Jr. by TTALF "TOYS" CORPORATION

This x-shaped ball is getting younger children prepared for all sports. It is easy to catch, so it builds confidence. The ball’s softness helps eliminate the fear factor. The games kids play with the ball are educational and improve hand-eye-coordination. “Yackle Ball Jr. has the perfect shape to teach our children at a young age to have fun with sports and outdoor toys,” inventor Patricia Littwin told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 1, 2007.
— Ray Goodhart, owner of Ages & Stages Toy Box in Arvada, Colo., told TDmonthly after Toy Fair 2008 that his store would be bringing in the Yackle Ball. ( Watch Video) 1/11/2007

Buzz Ballz by SCHYLLING

The Schylling Buzz Ballz are metal balls whose magnetic properties make for some interesting play experiences. You can throw them up in the air, rub them together, or roll them on the table. They'll do funny things and make strange noises. The Buzz Ballz are a quick and easy solution to boredom and can even capture the attention of wandering adult minds, too. 11/28/2006 (Price: $3.49)

16" Inflatalbe Penguin Beach Ball by ADVENTURE PLANET: A BRAND OF RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY

This beach ball is covered with adorable penguins. Also availabe in the line is an inflatable mallet and different sizes of inflatable penquins. Minimum order is 1 dozen. 11/16/2006