TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

Erector 50 Model Set by SCHYLLING

With more than 600 pieces, the 50 Model Set from Erector offers kid builders a multitude of creative options. The kit is packed with detailed instructions for 50 complete models, 38 of which are taken from favorites in the 10 to 40 model kits, plus 12 new designs. From that springboard of projects, children can leap into inventing their own creations with the tools and parts provided in the box. This kit also includes a small, hand-held power tool to make assembly easy and fast.
— Melodie Ingwersen, owner of Creative Kids Inc. in Columbia, Ill. said Erector sets were one of her best-selling construction toys in late Spring 2011.
― “Erector sets do really well for us,” Chris Cahalane, owner of Cape Cod Toys  in Mashpee, Mass., told TDmonthly when asked about top-selling construction toys in spring 2010.
― “Erector sets have made a comeback,” said Lance Ghulam, manager of Handlebar Toys in Lafayette, Calif., during an April 2010 survey.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at Creative Kids Inc. 5/6/2010 (Price: $120.00)

Tractor with Log Loader by LEGO

This Lego tractor pulls along the included log loader. The intricate set includes a fully articulated mechanical arm that children control with a mechanism that resembles the pneumatic valves on a real loader. Free-rolling wheels on both vehicles add to realistic play after the fun of constructing these machines in the first place.
― “The collectibles, the quality and the price make it so popular,” said Shanna Frieling, owner of Giggles Toys & More in Bozeman, Mont., of Lego during an April 2010 survey.
― “It's one of the few male products that goes beyond the young ages. Eight- to 10-year-olds still play with them, even though they're into the electronics,” Fred Rosenberg, owner of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, told TDmonthly of Lego in spring 2010.
― Of 43 retailers, 20 told TDmonthly in April 2010 that Lego is a top-selling line in their stores. 5/6/2010 (Price: $59.99)

U-Build Battleship Game by HASBRO INC.

A new way to play the classic game of BATTLESHIP, in U-Build Battleship players can build and customize their fleet of ships, including Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Destroyers, Submarines and PT Boats, and stack weapons on the ships to increase the power of their hits. Package includes: 108 U-BUILD bricks, 150 scoring pegs (100 white & 50 red), 40 red cones, 20 blue pegs, 10 locator plates, two target grids, two peg storage trays, two game boards, parts sheet, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

U-Build Connect 4 by HASBRO INC.

U-Build Connect 4 combines the family favorite of Connect 4 with customizable U-Build bricks that create a unique game experience every time the game is played. Start by building a grid using U-Build bricks that snap into the game unit. Once the grid is built, players drop their red and yellow checkers into the top of the game and watch as the checker bounces down into a row. Add U-Build bumper arms to the top of the grid to help to steer a checker into a chosen row in an attempt to get four in a row. Bumper bricks can be used to assist a score or used as a defensive move to keep the opponent from scoring. Players must drop the checkers and see where they land to slide, bump and block their way to victory. Package includes 158 building parts (110 U-BUILD bricks & 48 construction pins), 21 red checkers, 21 yellow checkers, one game board with stand, assembly guide and game guide. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Monopoly U-Build by HASBRO INC.

As part of the brand's 75th anniversary celebration, Monopoly is giving players the chance to choose how long they want to enjoy a game with Monopoly U-Build, a new concept in Monopoly game play. Using hexagonal property spaces that snap together, players build a game track that creates a custom game board and determines the length of play. Decide to use the Starter Track for a 30-minute game before dinner, or try the Classic Track for a 60-minute game during family game night for longer-lasting fun. Once you've perfected these tracks, move onto the Pro or Freestyle Tracks for the ultimate gaming challenge. For two to six players. Launch date: Spring 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Aeroforce Glider by UBERSTIX

Uberstix introduces a construction toy that flies and performs stunts. One can build and design their own Gliders while experimenting with the placement of Wings, Wheels, Nosecones and Tailfins.  Make your glider do stunts. Learn about the forces that affect aerodynamics.  These flexible Glider Kits are made with lightweight foam wings they will soar for long distances. Each has a 13.5 inch wingspan.  They come in a variety of 8 graphic designs including the "CYPRUSO", "ELECTICUS",  "FOURBARRELL",  "PLASMOS", "SKORGE", "STEAMTANK",  "TURBINER", and "VORTICIES." Launch date: 2010. 4/21/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Erector Build & Play Fire Truck by SCHYLLING

Complete with wheels and flexible parts, this set allows children to build a fire truck and five other models. 4/20/2010 (Price: $49.99)

Tomy Puzzle Ups Helicopter by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

These 2-in-1 toys combine simple building with the excitement of pull back and go action. Each package includes five colorful chunky parts that are easy for little hands to construct. Comes in 2 assorted styles: Helicopter & Sports Car. ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $10.99)

Dado Planks by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

Dado Planks by Fat Brain Toy Co. are made of recycled plastic, feature notches which can connect and interlock with other peices for different configurations. Standard planks in various colors are also included. Dado Planks are interchangeable and can be used with all the other plank building systems. Set includes 106 pieces in five colors. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $44.99)

Reptangles: Turtles That Snap by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

Each box set contains 24 Reptangles in green, yellow, orange, red, purple and blue that can be snapped and slid together in more than 100 ways. The turtles connect at various angles and come with an activity book with 40+ puzzles to encourage kids to think about geometric concepts and design as they build.
Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 4/15/2010

Creative Power - 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 200-piece set contains plenty of material to stimulate children's imaginations and motor skills.
— Picayune Toys in Dunwoody, Ga., is selling 50 to 75 Cobi sets per month, Owner Rebecca Goblish told TDmonthly in April 2010. Nathan McKelvey, manager of Toy Castle in Jonesboro, Ark., mentioned that the blocks were a hit for the 2009 holidays.
— Christine Osborne, co-owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C. said that COBI building sets were a best-selling construction toy in her store when TDmonthly interviewed her in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/10/2011, this product was available for purchase at Wonder Works 4/14/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Totter Tower by Hape by HAPE

The intelligent design of this product uses bamboo rings to form very unique building blocks. The distinct angles of the bamboo rings combined with textile edges that act as "grips" create endless possibilities for building exciting shapes and structures. It includes 24 angular bamboo rings and an instruction guide. Hape International Marketing Manager Robin Lehnert told TDmonthly, "The eco-friendly activity helps children develop a sense of spatial awareness, geometry and hand-eye coordination." Launch date: July 2010. ( Watch Video) 4/14/2010 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Creative Peg Puzzle by HAPE

Children start by joining the puzzle bases together and then twist the shapes on the appropriate post. Children can make up their own way to play this stacking and sorting activity that triples as a puzzle, too. Designed with solid baltic birch bases, the Creative Peg Puzzle posts have elasticized bases in case a child falls onto the post. Multiple bases allow for more than one child to play at the same time. Launch date: February 2010. ( Watch Video) 4/14/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wedgits STiX by IMAGABILITY

STiX add another dimension to construction designs with Wedgits. Each STiX part follows the geometry of the WEDGiTS small, white octahedron - making it easy to link different WEDGiTS designs, structures or vehicles. Four pieces are included in this pack. Launch date: 2010. 4/6/2010 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TRIO™ Building Set by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Easy-click bricks, sticks, panels, and a play figure make building a snap for kids. They can build suggested designs, or use their imagination to build things all their own. Includes 100 pieces in a convenient storage tub whose lid doubles as a building base. All pieces in the Fisher-Price TRIO Building System work together. Launch date: 2010. 4/5/2010 (Price: $30.00)

OGOBILD-FLY by OGOSPORT, LLC

Make a Copter Ball, a Rocket Ball or a Glider Ball with the new OGOBILD-FLY. The soft bouncy rubber ball has 12 sockets that let you reposition and twist the wings to create your own flying creation. Part of the new OGOBILD Building Ball system from OGOSPORT. Can be combined with any of the other OGOBILD attachments offering a brilliant combination of active and constructive play. 3/31/2010

OLLO Action Kit by ROBOTIS

This robot construction kit includes pieces for children to make animals and figures that move via a one-geared motor. ( Watch Video) 3/30/2010 (Price: $29.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Straws and Connectors - 230 piece set by ROYLCO INC

Straws and Connectors are colorful plastic straws and connector pieces that are simple to use for hours of imaginative play. Children can make play houses and forts, design buildings, or even engineer spacecrafts with this design and build set. The package contains 230 pieces and includes an idea guide.

Past videos: Toy Fair 2010 ( Watch Video) 3/30/2010 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

HOBBY KITS WALACHIA by WALACHIA

The hobby kits by WALACHIA vary in size and theme. They contain up to 300 parts of precisely cut wooden prisms of 9 x 9 mm, gables, roofs and bases made of plywood, doors and windows, even foil to substitute for glass. Paper prints can be applied on roof areas, or children can glue shingles made of beech veneer. The set also contains dusting material to represent grass, as well as sandpaper to use for small adjustments. Individual parts are glued with wood and paper glue according to step-by-step diagram instructions. Instructions available in eight languages. Launch date: 1992. 3/24/2010 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

VARIO by WALACHIA

It is possible to build multiple variants of different buildings with the Dismantlable Vario Building Set from WALACHIA. The set contains beech parts of 15 mm in diameter, of various lengths, with which by means of locks at the ends, creative and unique constructions may be assembled and dismantled. Awards: 1995/Prague Toy Fair. Launch date: January 1992. 3/24/2010 (Price: $56) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Whatever Comes to Mind by ArtrevelationsKids.com

Art Revelations introduces Innovation in coil. The modular sculpture product that lets you create a sculpture of "whatever comes to mind" in minutes without tools. Just expand the coil, shape and connect the ends. Available in eight colors and three sizes. ( Watch Video) 3/24/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle by LEGO

Harry Potter fans and LEGOmaniacs alike will enjoy this recreation of Harry's alma mater, Hogwarts School. The 682-piece castle is intricate and has a number of special features, but comes with a clear set of instructions for kids to follow. The castle's portraits revolve, owls dwell in the spires, and flames rise up from torches. The set includes number of characters from the Harry Potter series: Harry himself, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Professor Snape, Hagrid, and Professor Dumbledore.
— 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 05/13/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 57 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Reviewers really liked the mini-figures included in the set; very detailed. Cons: Recommended age seemed too young to several reviewers.

 3/19/2010

LEGO Duplo Play with Numbers by LEGO

Children can learn numbers 1-10 while having fun. These bright, colorful Duplo bricks feature a number on one side and pictures corresponding to the number on the reverse to help children learn matching skills. Play pieces such as the child minifigure, dog and wagon are included along with a booklet to inspire imaginative and creative play. 3/19/2010 (Price: $24.99)

LEGO Games: Ramses Pyramid by LEGO

LEGO Games has developed the first collection of buildable games with changeable rules and a unique buildable LEGO Dice. In this game, the Mummy King Ramses is planning on conquering all of Egypt with his army of mummies. Players must unlock the crystal coded layers to climb to the top of the pyramid and defeat the Mummy King in this family game of memory, skill and cunning. An entertaining game for 2 to 4 who can play as a team or opponents. Includes: 1 buildable LEGO Dice, 13 LEGO microfigures, 1 rule booklet, 1 building instruction. Launch date: 2010. 3/19/2010

Magnetic Wooden Blocks - Starter Set by TEGU INC.

This starter set of 26 Tegu blocks includes cubes, long planks and short planks in a natural finish. The blocks are made of European Beech and contain small, embedded magnets that allow the blocks to stick together and be fashioned in a variety of ways not possible with traditional blocks.
Awards:  2010 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal.
— In a February 2015 survey, Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, told TDmonthly that puzzles from Melissa & Doug are her store's best-selling wooden toys. 3/12/2010 (Price: $50.00)