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TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category



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Magformers XL Cruisers Designer Set by MAGFORMERS LLC
Magformers XL Cruisers Designer Set by MAGFORMERS LLC

This collection is designed for Magformers to transform into hundreds of creative fashion items. 7/6/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Goodwood Deconstruction Blocks by AROUNDSQUARE
Goodwood Deconstruction Blocks by AROUNDSQUARE

Goodwood is a system of innovative wooden blocks, designed to invite imaginative and creative play. The precisely crafted blocks allow for building in every dimension, creating structures that are architecturally interesting and visually pleasing. The system includes seven intercompatible sets, each intended to be fun and interesting on its own, and to combine in fascinating ways with the others. These colored blocks are made from forest-friendly wood and are CPSIA tested. "The abstract, innovative shapes of the Goodwood blocks, which fit together in surprising and interesting ways, cultivate truly open-ended explorative play," Around Square President Matthew Hiebert told TDmonthly.
Awards: Dr. Toy Best Vacation Children’s Products Award 6/25/2010 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

200-Piece Mini No Ends Set by TAURUS TOY
200-Piece Mini No Ends Set by TAURUS TOY

Mini No Ends is a table-top version of No Ends that contains more diversified beam parts and wheels in every kit. The pieces snap into place and can be easily pulled apart to later become new easy-to-build creations. Kids are encouraged to build structures while having hours of fun. "There is no end to what the child can design," Taurus Toy President Dawn Baird told TDmonthly. 6/18/2010 (Price: $44.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Race N Roll 150-Piece Kit by TAURUS TOY
Race N Roll 150-Piece Kit by TAURUS TOY

Race N Roll comes complete with a starting gate and a light-up finish line. All of the pieces are red or black. Kids may have hours of fun racing the marbles against each other or competing with a friend. Race N Roll can be used with any Block N Roll set and is compatible with age-appropriate  Lego, Duplo or Mega Blocks. Two AAA batteries are required. 6/18/2010 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Headband Part Kit by LaQ USA, Inc.
LaQ Headband Part Kit by LaQ USA, Inc.

Snap together pink and white block parts to create a butterfly that can be attached to the LaQ Headband. The Kit includes one headband part and 35 LaQ parts. The Headband Part can also be used with block parts from other LaQ kits to create bunny ears, dog ears, a tiara, silly head pieces, or whatever you can imagine. "LaQ is a snap together construction toy completely unique in how the joint parts connect in various angles so that a child can create geometrical and spherical shapes from toy blocks," Mo Saeki, Overseas Division Manager for YOSHIRITSU CO., LTD, tells TDmonthly. 6/18/2010 (Price: $8.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Marble Run by HOUSE OF MARBLES
Marble Run by HOUSE OF MARBLES

Made of heavy-duty plastic with snap-together tubes and chutes, this kit includes plenty of marbles for hours of building and rolling. (Watch the Marble Run Video Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Take-A-Part Airplane by BATTAT INC.
Take-A-Part Airplane by BATTAT INC.

This battery-powered 25-piece set lets kids build an take apart a miniature airplane. 21 vehicle parts and a power screwdriver with three different bits are included. (Watch the Take-A-Part Airplane Video Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $18.45)

Jeep by COBI S.A.
Jeep by COBI S.A.

Children can build a realistic miniature army Jeep with this 100-block set. (Watch the Jeep Video Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Basic 650 by LaQ USA, Inc.
LaQ Basic 650 by LaQ USA, Inc.

This award-winning, snap-together block allows individuals to make spherical shapes from toy blocks. LaQ Basic 650 is a 650-piece kit consisting of all seven types of LaQ blocks in red, blue, yellow, green, white, and black parts to make 16 interchangeable models. Easy to follow instructions show steps to make an Airplane, Boy, Butterfly, Bulldozer, Christmas Tree, Crawfish, Dog, Ferris Wheel, Formula Car, Helicopter, House, Sailing Ship, Snake, Traffic Light and Tree. 6/16/2010 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Hobby Kit Beetle by LaQ USA, Inc.
LaQ Hobby Kit Beetle by LaQ USA, Inc.

This award-winning, snap-together block allows individuals to make spherical shapes from toy blocks. LaQ Hobby Kits are 260-piece kits designed to make various interchangeable models. The Hobby Kit Beetle has instructions to make a Beetle, Wood Louse, Spider, Bee, Ant, Butterfly and Ladybug. 6/16/2010 (Price: $23.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Mini Kit Chameleon by LaQ USA, Inc.
LaQ Mini Kit Chameleon by LaQ USA, Inc.

With LaQ, kids can make spherical shapes from toy blocks. LaQ Mini Kits are 175-piece kits designed to make various interchangeable models. The Mini Kit Chameleon has instructions to make a Chameleon, Giant Tortoise, Crocodile, Frog and Japanese Bush Warbler. 6/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Mini Kit Shark by LaQ USA, Inc.
LaQ Mini Kit Shark by LaQ USA, Inc.

LaQ Mini Kits are 175-piece block sets that can make various interchangeable spherical models. The Mini Kit Shark comes with instructions for building a shark, rhinoceros, elephant, kingfisher and shoebill. 6/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Iron Man 2 Mark VI Techbot by MEGA BRANDS
Iron Man 2 Mark VI Techbot by MEGA BRANDS

The Mark VI Techbot showcases "Iron Man 2"'s most advanced suit. This 55-piece set is assembled with easy-to-snap-on ball joints, and features a spring loaded missile blaster that slots into the suit's forearm. The plastic box top doubles as a stand. 6/11/2010 (Price: $14.99)

Ferocious Creatures by LEGO
Ferocious Creatures by LEGO

This kit lets kids build three amazing creatures from one model. Users can create a ferocious crocodile, prehistoric dinosaur or dangerous sea fish. The croc’s powerful jaws open and close, and his tail that whips from side-to-side. 6/10/2010 (Price: $29.99)

Grand Carousel by LEGO
Grand Carousel by LEGO

This elegantly detailed LEGO model really spins and plays music while the horses and swing boats move up and down. Built with intricate, lifelike ornaments and features, the Grand Carousel includes nine minifigures and a LEGO Power Functions motor and sound brick.  It measures 15.1" x 15.1" x 13.8" and requires 6 AA batteries, which are not included. This particular item may not be available in specialty stores.
—  Nine percent of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that LEGO products are best sellers. 6/10/2010 (Price: $249.99)

Techno Gears Marble Mania Vortex by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL
Techno Gears Marble Mania Vortex by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

This glow-in-the-dark set of Techno Gears Marble Mania has over 375 pieces, including an automatic marble launcher, 3-D connectors and a variety of channels. Colors may vary. Requires 2 “AA” batteries. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts and marbles. Not for children under 3 years. 6/2/2010 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

K'NEX Motorized Madness Ball Machine by K'NEX BRANDS
K'NEX Motorized Madness Ball Machine by K'NEX BRANDS

Towering over four feet high and featuring motorized lift and three exciting ball runs, the Motorized Madness is a builders dream. This set includes 2,004 colorful K'NEX pieces, new track system and five multi-colored balls. Users follow the color-coded instructions to build this exciting ball machine step-by-step, then switch the motor on to bring the model to life. The motorized ball lift continuously carries balls to the top of the tower, where they alternate down one of three different ball runs. The downward spiral sends balls down a dizzying ride to the bottom, whereas the hammer drop transports the balls off the track and onto 2 swiveling elevators, and the funnel drop sends balls on an express ride straight to the bottom. Requires two AA batteries.

Features:
  • Includes 2,004 pieces
  • Builds over 4 feet high
  • Motorized ball lift
  • 5 balls & 3 ball runs
 5/28/2010 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Solar Power Plus by THAMES & KOSMOS
Solar Power Plus by THAMES & KOSMOS

Solar Power Plus is a gigantic photovoltaic science lab that navigates the fundamentals of solar energy, the conversion of light into electricity, and circuits. This kit includes two of the special solar panels from the Solar Power kit that when connected generate up to 3 volts of electricity to power 22 different models. 265 building pieces are included. 5/20/2010 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Solar Power by THAMES & KOSMOS
Solar Power by THAMES & KOSMOS

This solar panel consists of three solar cells and generates 1.5 volts of electricity. The combination solar panel and battery holder allows users to switch out the solar panel for a AA battery, and is positionable in order to maximize exposure to the sun. 177 building pieces and a model-building manual are included. 5/20/2010 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Elastic Power by THAMES & KOSMOS
Elastic Power by THAMES & KOSMOS

Elastic Power stretches the possibilities for a simple rubber band while exploring the principles of potential and kinetic energy. After forming the 11 models, including a catapult, motor bike, trolley and paddleboat, students can use the 170 building pieces to create their own unique vehicle. A rubber band is the only fuel needed. 5/20/2010 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Power Lights - Light Tube by FASCINATIONS
Power Lights - Light Tube by FASCINATIONS

This building project encourages exploration of key scientific principals like energy, force and friction. Kids construct a unique "motion lamp" effect using state-of-the-art LED technology.  5/14/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jaw Bones 215 Piece Set by BE GOOD COMPANY
Jaw Bones 215 Piece Set by BE GOOD COMPANY

Called by Be Good Company “The Buildable Art System,” Jaw Bones is construction and sculpture in one. The brightly colored pieces in distinctive shapes ratchet, swivel and snap together in an endless array of combinations, allowing children a lot of freedom when deciding what they want to build and how.  An instruction booklet with more than 17 individual projects is included with the kit to offer children ideas.
― Two of 49 retailers said Jaw Bones is a top-selling construction line during an April 2010 survey. 5/6/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wedgits Explorer Pack by IMAGABILITY
Wedgits Explorer Pack by IMAGABILITY

With 125 pieces, the Explorer Pack from Wedgits opens up great dimensions in building play. More than simply stacking or snapping pieces together, Wedgits employ unique shapes that brace or “wedge” together in order to form firm structures.  The geometric interplay between pieces becomes increasingly complex as children begin experimenting with designs other than stacking and patterning activities also offered by the set.  Some of the pieces even glow in the dark. Tips, techniques and designs can be found in the included booklet.
― “We do great with Wedgits. They don't break, or get vacuumed up. They don't get returned,” said Lori Hershman, owner of Evan's Toy Shoppe in Camden, Conn., during an April 2010 survey on best-selling construction toys.
― Three of 43 retailers named Wedgits a top-selling construction toy in spring 2010. 5/6/2010 (Price: $124.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Creative Power – 1,200 Blocks by COBI S.A.
Creative Power – 1,200 Blocks by COBI S.A.

Designed to be compatible with other popular brands of building toys, Cobi's snap-together building bricks are a familiar classic. Kids can build sturdy structures from simple walls to complex designs that will hold together through play and manipulation. The 1,200-piece set contains plenty of material to stimulate children's imaginations and motor skills.
― “The theme with [Cobi] is availability,” said Sue Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited  in Danville, Calif., when asked about her best-selling construction toys in spring 2010. Banducci added, “It's really appealing for the kids.”
― “It was a huge hit over the [2009] holidays,” said Nathan McKelvey, manager of Toy Castle in Jonesboro, Ark.
― Three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in April 2010 that Cobi is a top-selling construction line. (Watch the Creative Power – 1,200 Blocks Video Watch Video) 5/6/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zoob Creator's Kit by INFINITOY
Zoob Creator's Kit by INFINITOY

Zoob's sturdy snap-together pieces are joined with colorful, flexible foam pieces that allow children to customize and accessorize their creations in new ways. The 80 Zoob pieces come with more than 100 pre-cut foam shapes and 10 sheets of foam from which kids can cut their own pieces. Instructions are included for projects ranging from robots to rocking horses, but the kit is totally open ended, allowing young creators to design straight from their imaginations. Cons: Foam pieces tear too easily.
― “Zoob seems to appeal to a broader age range,” Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., told TDmonthly in spring 2010 of what makes Zoob her top-selling construction toy.
― Of 43 retailers surveyed in April 2010, three listed Zoob as their best seller in construction.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va. told in late Spring 2011 TDmonthly she sells a dozen Zoob kits each month.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at The Curiosity Zone 5/6/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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