TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

ZOOB JR. Scooter by INFINITOY

ZOOB is a building set with a difference—the pieces move after kids put them together. So kids can play with their creations, instead of just looking at them. ZOOB JR. provides ZOOB’s award-winning creative play with softer pieces designed for young children. ZOOB JR. pieces are made with a special memory material that flexes and goes back to its original shape, so they bend, move, and snap together snugly. And just like ZOOB, ZOOB JR.'s open-ended versatility lets kids build anything they want to build as it sparks young imaginations. The ZOOB JR. Scooter includes 18 ZOOB JR. pieces, 4 wheels, and instructions for 17 creations, such as a scooter, a mini go-cart, a skateboarder, and a spinning robot (but kids can make up lots more). The instructions require no reading, and are printed on sturdy cards. Launch date: September 2011. 5/27/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions by KLUTZ

LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions is a brand-new book of brand-new, high-performance projects. From the supercharged Speedster to the Squeezeclaw Grabber to the Wall Rocket Racer — all these contraptions spin, stretch, speed, or otherwise spring into action. And all of them are totally buildable thanks to super-clear instructions and step-by-step diagrams. Every single one of the 16 projects can be constructed using just the custom selection of LEGO® bricks that come with the book.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Some contraptions run slowly; the included rubber bands wear out with time.
— "Klutz Lego contraptions is by far our biggest seller," Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Asburn, Va., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/11/2011 this product was available at The Curiosity Zone. 5/11/2011 (Price: $21.95)

The Bishop CubesŪ 8-Cube Beginner's Set by SHAPE GAMES LLC

This is a set of 8 interlocking Cubes arranged in a 2x2x2 cube shape. The puzzle challenges the player to transform the arrangement of the 8 cubes from one shape to any other shape, without disengaging any of the Cubes from each other. Cubes must be shifted by sliding along their faces. The Cubes can shift in all three dimensions: X, Y and Z, but each face slides in only one direction. The 8 Cube set introduces the player to this innovative new toy. The ultimate goal is to be able to logically understand how to shift from one shape to another in the fewest number of moves.  Other games can be invented by disengaging the Cubes and re-engaging them with the colors "flipped" on one or some of the Cubes, creating a "marked" Cube. The challenge is then to shift the "marked" Cube or Cubes into a specific position in the arrangement.
Awards: Dr. Toy Best Vacation Product of 2011 5/11/2011 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DUPLO Basic Bricks 80 pc by LEGO

LEGO DUPLO bricks are sturdy and safe for a toddler’s hands and imagination. Features 80 basic bricks in different sizes. Includes bricks in red, green, yellow, blue, orange, light green, white and black. The blocks are a great introduction to the world of construction play for toddlers, to whom smaller bricks present a choking hazard. 5/2/2011 (Price: $19.99)

BrickStix by BRICKSTIX LLC

BrickStix are reusable, removable and re-stickable cling decals. They are compatible with most smooth plastic bricks used in construction play. Kids can use these decals to customize their brick creations- a building becomes a cafe or gas station, a play figure becomes a doctor or cowboy- allowing for hours of creative play. Each pack of BrickStix includes two sheets of cling decals, a total of 84 per style. They are made in the USA. Styles include Metro Stix, Space Stix, and Transport Stix. 4/15/2011 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ultimate Build Lightning McQueen by LEGO

This 242 piece set features Lightning McQueen from Disney/Pixar's Cars. 3/17/2011 (Price: $29.99)

Techno Gears Marble Mania Twin Turbo Trax by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Children will have a blast building and racing on this fast and fun Techno Gears Marble Mania Twin Turbo Trax. After completing the build kids can compete against each other as they race their marbles through this exciting turbo marble speedway. Fun sound effects add to the excitement and the winning time shown on an LED display. Colors may vary. Requires two "AA" batteries and two button cell batteries. "We manufacture the longest running marble run on the market, " Sherri Borrelli, Sales Administrator for The Learning Journey International, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2011. 3/4/2011 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Techno Gears Marble Mania Accelerator by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Kids can use over 400 colorful pieces to create their own thrill ride with the Techno Gears Marble Mania Accelerator. The marble launcher will propel marbles through the giant marble loop and into a series of twisting and turning roller coaster tracks. The set includes multiple channels, 3-D connectors and structures, a power lifter, flashing lights and much more - everything necessary to build and “accelerate” hundreds of marble run designs. Requires five AA batteries and 2 button cell batteries. Colors may vary. ( Watch Video) 2/24/2011 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirates of the Caribbean Fountain of Youth by LEGO

The race is on to see who will make it to the Fountain of Youth first. Will Jack Sparrow be outsmarted by Blackbeard or wooed by Angelica, or will he beat his rivals to the coveted pools of eternal youth? Set includes Jack Sparrow, Barbossa with peg leg and Blackbead minifigs, plastic waterfall detail and two chalices. Launch date: May 2011. 2/22/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Pirates of the Caribbean Captain's Cabin by LEGO

Includes Jack Sparrow and two Zombie minifigs, buildable shelf and two ships in a bottle. Launch date: May 2011. 2/22/2011 (Price: $10.99)

Whitecap Bay by LEGO

At White Cap Bay, Jack Sparrow and the other pirates must capture a mermaid. Spot them using the searchlight and shoot the net from the boathouse cannon. But beware- if the whale oil tips over, the whole lighthouse is sure to go up in flames. Includes Jack Sparrow, three mermaids and three other pirate minifigs, mini-boat with pirates’ victims, crewmates and a collapsing lighthouse. Launch date: May 2011. 2/22/2011 (Price: $79.99)

Hexbug Nano Habitat Glow in the Dark by INNOVATION FIRST LABS, INC.

Everything you need to build your own Hexbug Nano Habitat that glows in the dark. Batteries included. 2/18/2011 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirates of the Caribbean: Queen Anne's Revenge by LEGO

Modeled after Blackbeard's ship in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides, this 1097 piece set features seven mini-figures from the movie including Jack Sparrow, Angelica and Blackbeard figures. The ship is designed to look like it's made out of bones and skulls, along with wood. This is the only LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean set that features the mini-fig of Angelica. She features a new style of brown female hair and hat that is exclusive in the LEGO universe to her character. Launch Date: Summer 2011.
— Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa. told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011 that she sells more than 30 LEGO products each month. 2/18/2011 (Price: $119.99)

Ninjago Battle Arena by LEGO

Kids place their characters on the spinner, arm them with 14 different weapons and use the battle cards to spin their way to victory. Watch out for the deadly flick and ball shooters. Set includes 2 minifigures with special accessories, 2 spinners, 14 weapons, 2 character cards and 8 battle cards. 2/18/2011 (Price: $49.99)

Ninjago Spinjitzu Starter Set by LEGO

Kids build the Spinjitzu Arena, pick their character and play the cards to influence the outcome between Jay, the Master of Lightning, and Frakjaw, the toughest warrior in the Skeleton Army. Set includes 2 minifigures, 2 spinners, 6 weapons, 2 character cards, 8 battle cards, and enough LEGO® bricks to make the Spinjitzu Arena.
— In late Spring 2011, 5 of 12 retailers surveyed said that LEGO was their best-selling brand of licensed products. Brooke Andrews, Owner of Miller's Toys in Mamaroneck, N.Y., said that LEGO Ninjago was their best-selling licensed product. "We sold out our whole LEGO order, and there are also books, games, and accessories," she told TDmonthly. 2/18/2011 (Price: $19.99)

Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime Set by HASBRO INC.

The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set comes complete with more than 500 pieces, the largest amount featured in any of the 2011 KRE-O sets. Builders can assemble the popular Optimus Prime character in ‘vehicle’ mode as the notable semi-hauler or in ‘robot’ mode to create the leader of the Autobots. When in ‘vehicle’ mode, the truck’s removable cab converts into a mini-command station and the trailer opens to fit the two motorcycles and four unique Kreon mini figures included with the set. The trailer can also be disassembled and built into a command center playset for the Kreonmini figures. When in ‘robot’ mode, builders can blast into action with a projectile launching brick. The Kre-o Transformers Optimus Prime set includes orange traffic cones and cool decorative decals. Launch date: Fall 2011. 2/18/2011 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kre-O Transformers Bumblebee set by HASBRO INC.

The 2-in-1 Kre-o Transformers Bumblebee set allows fans to create and recreate their favorite Autobot character in ‘robot’ mode or in ‘vehicle’ mode. In ‘robot’ mode, builders can convert the wings on Bumblebee into a glider for Kreonmini figures to balance on. In ‘vehicle’ mode, open up the driver’s door and take up to two Kreonmini figures for a spin. Set includes two Kreon mini figures and more than 300 pieces.  Launch date: Fall 2011. 2/18/2011 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Wheels Wall Tracks by MATTEL INC.

These new tracks for Hot Wheels cars can be mounted on the wall using sticky mounting strips by 3M Co. that won't damage walls or wall paper. Kids can bring their tracks to new levels of fun with Hot Wheels Wall Tracks. Compatible with all standard Hot Wheels cars, these innovative tracks are mounted to the wall using sticky mounting strips from 3M Co., that can safely be removed from walls without leaving residue or stripping the paint. Wall tracks can also go up doors, accross corners, and can be connected with standard Hot Wheels tracks too. 2/18/2011 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Build-A-Drop by EDUSHAPE LTD.

27 pcs of uniquely designed thick, chunky foam droplets stack and stay in place, allowing for creative design outcomes. Encourages creative thinking. Launch date: February 2011. 2/9/2011 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cuboro Jubilee by CUBORO WOODEN GAMES

Celebrating it's 25th "Jubilee" year in 2011, Cuboro is a wooden block marble maze system from Switzerland. The Jubilee set, only available in 2011, features 25 blocks, including 4 completely new blocks. Precisely crafted from ecologically harvested European beechwood, the variety of Cuboro blocks allow for seemingly infinite marble run creations. Cuboro stimulates creativity and spatial sense. What sets this item apart is "The infinite creativity possible within a system where every element is a cube of the same size," Ken Kahn, owner of Oh! Toys, told TDmonthly. 1/25/2011 (Price: $159.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Arc-A-Teks by WABA FUN LLC

A new series of Superstructs, plastic rod-and-connector-style construction toys, called Arc-A-Teks from WABA Fun will have kids as young as 3-years-old creating, building and imagining. Each of the three Arc-A-Teks sets comes with 40-42 pieces, enough to build two Arc-A-Tek characters simultaneously. Children can also build a third character from each set, and instructions can be found online using a special code included in each Arc-A-Teks set. It’s a thoroughly non-violent, character-building construction set made with bigger parts for littler hands. 12/3/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Zodiac Collection by LaQ USA, Inc.

The LaQ Zodiac Collection series are 53-piece kits to complete models representing the various signs of the Zodiac. By collecting all twelve of the Zodiac Collection kits, it is possible to make the model of the Greek Hero Perseus. Instructions to build the Perseus model is available at the LaQ website, Gallery Level 4. 11/12/2010 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Arranging Game Corner to Corner by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Corner to Corner is a set of beautifully colored tiles with varied building possibilities. The set includes several designs, such as a sailboat and a house, for children to recreate. Though the set includes a small number of blocks for its price, it is high quality and can be used to create complicated three-dimension cubes and pyramids. The tiles can be arranged in a flat pattern or upright, thus generating new results each time.
Awards: Parents’ Choice Approved Award, Fall 2010 Games. 10/29/2010 (Price: $33.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mega Bloks Building Imagination Bag Classic 80 by MEGA BRANDS

This toy gives kids the opportunity to stimulate their imagination and learning skills while encouraging discovery, fine motor skills and open-ended play.  The practical storage bag keeps all of the pieces securely in one place and comes with a hand-strap to make carrying the blocks a snap.  6.8 x 12 x 13.8 inches ; 3.6 pounds.
— As of 06/06/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 73 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy for kids to take apart; durable; easier for toddlers to use than LEGOs and other small building blocks; encourages creativity. Cons: Don't stick together as well as LEGOs; children can put the storage bag over their head and suffocate. 10/29/2010 (Price: $24.99)

LEGO Hogwarts by LEGO

Product features 1 buildable LEGO Die, 9 LEGO microfigures which includes Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Draco Malfoy and Albus Dumbledore, building instructions and 1 rule booklet, and 332 LEGO pieces.  For 2 to 4 players.  Be the first to successfully navigate the magical castle to collect all your homework from your classes and get back to your common room.
— In late Spring 2011, 5 of 12 retailers surveyed said that LEGO was their best-selling brand of licensed products. Joe Berardoni Jr., Owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., said that "We try to avoid licensed products...that said, however, we still do carry LEGO, and their licensed kits sell well, such as Star Wars and Harry Potter."
—As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 30 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 7 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Build your own gameboard. CONS: Not suitable for younger kids. 10/25/2010 (Price: $29.46)