TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

FridgiGears™ Puzzle by CAN YOU IMAGINE

The Amazing Magnetic FridgiGears Deluxe Light Show Puzzle Gear Edition lets kids make creations light up & glow in the dark. Each gear is a puzzle that a child puts together to create a moving work of art. A rotating magnetic black light is included. The motorized picture frame gear powers all 20 gears with an easy "tap on/tap off" function. Included are over 103 black-light responsive magnetic fridgi puzzle pieces. ( Watch Video) 10/28/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ubersailboat by UBERSTIX

Using the pieces included in this kit, plus recycled water bottles provided by the user, kids can build a working sailboat that not only floats, but realistically uses the wind to sail. The design can be modified into several different kinds of boats. Plus, Uberstix are designed to be compatible with many other popular construction systems, allowing for virtually endless possibilities. This kit comes with with a three- to four-hour lab lesson planning sheet that teaches the basics of sailing and the function of keel and rudder.
― “Uberstix. We love that,” said Terri Bracken, owner of Earth Explorer Toys in Zionsville, Ind., when asked about her top-selling item for tween boys in October 2009. 
― “Uberstix is up and coming,” said Tom Levin, owner of Tom's Toys in Great Barrington, Mass., about his best sellers for tween-aged boys.
― Two out of 39 retailers said Uberstix are a best selling item for tween boys in fall 2009. 10/27/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Wars™ Echo Base™ by LEGO

Modeled after the rebel-controlled, icy planet Hoth from the Star Wars movie series, the Echo Base set from Lego features a rebel fortification with two gunner figurines, a missile-firing defense turret, two Imperial snow troopers, and a Hans Solo character figurine complete with Tauntaun. Children can reenact their favorite scene from the movies or invent new adventures by combining this with other Lego Star Wars sets.
― “Lego star wars is still very popular,” said Scott Loveless, owner of Toys That Teach in Bothell, Wash., when asked about his best-selling items for tween boys in fall 2009.
― Nine out of 39 retailers that participated in an October 2009 survey said Legos are their top-selling item for boys in the tween age category. 10/27/2009 (Price: $24.99)

Mini EduAnimals by EDUSHAPE LTD.

These soft flexible mini edulocks include 6 soft animals that attach to the blocks, too. This toy can enhance shape and color recognition plus help develop fine-motor skills. There are 28 pieces in a set. ( Watch Video) 10/20/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magformers XL Cruisers by MAGFORMERS LLC

Explore and experiment combining the hexagons with the triangles and squares to create your own favorite XL Cruiser. There are hundreds of possible 3-D combinations using these three geometric shapes. Feel the magnetic force and have countless hours building and designing different XL Cruisers.
— Hardware Center Inc. in Paoli, Pa., reported sales of 60 Magformer sets per week in late fall 2009, according to Manager Mike DiAndrea.
― Three of 43 retailers who participated in an April 2010 TDmonthly survey listed Magformers as a top-selling construction toy.
— As of 08/06/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Helps develop spatial awareness and problem solving skills; encourages creativity; durable. 10/6/2009 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Free Style 100 by LaQ USA, Inc.

These supplemental kits allow for expanding LaQ kits. The kits come in single colors with a combination of all 7 types of LaQ parts. 9/4/2009 (Price: $7.60) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sankore Mosque Timbuktu by PAPERLANDMARKS

Sankore Mosque is one of three ancient mud mosques composing the famous University of Timbuktu in West Africa. This 1/150 scale model measures 10" x 8.7" x 4" when assembled. Launch date: August 2007. 8/28/2009 (Price: $17) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Torii of Itsukushima by PAPERLANDMARKS

The painted wooden Torii Gateway, built in the traditional Shinto style, is a classic and beloved icon of Japanese architecture. This model is 1/100 scale and measures 9.4" x 5.1" x 6.7" when assembled. Launch date: July 15, 2003. 8/28/2009 (Price: $15) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Universal Construction Kit by PHUNZONE

Description: This large-scale construction set is designed so that kids and parents can work together to design and build a structure on which children can climb, crawl, slide and play. Additional components or accessories like slides or wheels may be used to create larger, more complex creations. It’s designed for easy assembly and disassembly when building something new. Launch date: 1979. 8/27/2009 (Price: $549.88) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Junior Construction Kit by PHUNZONE

With this large-scale modular construction kit, children and parents can collaborate to design and construct play structures on which children can actually climb, crawl, slide and play. Larger, more interesting and more complex designs can be created by adding more components or accessories such as slides or wheels. It’s designed for easy assembly and disassembly when building something new. The Junior kit is the second largest set in the line. "Our kits are the only product on the market where you can design your own play equipment on a computer and then actually build rugged play structures to actively play on," George Maday, owner of Phunzone, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1979. 8/27/2009 (Price: $459.88) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Basic Construction Kit by PHUNZONE

With this large-scale modular construction kit, parents and children can work together to design and build play structures on which children can actually climb, crawl, slide and play. Larger, more interesting and more complex designs can be created by adding more components or accessories such as slides or wheels. It’s designed to be easy to take apart so users can build something new and different as often as desired. This Basic kit includes wheels to make rolling vehicles. Launch date: 1979. 8/27/2009 (Price: $379.88) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Starter Construction Kit by PHUNZONE

This is a large-scale modular construction kit on which children can climb, crawl, slide and play. Parents and children can work together to design and build play structures. Larger, more interesting and more complex designs can be created by adding more components or accessories such as slides or wheels. It’s designed to be easy to take apart so users can build something new and different as often as desired. "Our kits are the only product on the market where you can design your own play equipment on a computer and then actually build rugged play structures to actively play on," George Maday, owner of Phunzone, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 1979. 8/27/2009 (Price: $279.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Uberbird by UBERSTIX

Founded on the idea of a modular construction set that integrates with many other popular systems such as K'Nex and Lego, Uberstix is also intended for use with whatever recycled materials one might have lying around. Mixing Uberstix pieces such as the 60 contained in this set with found materials yields numerous possibilities. This model set is designed to yield a bird that can really flap its wings. The kit also includes a 40-page book of Uberstix basics.

― During an April 2010 survey of best-selling construction toys, two of 43 retailers named Uberstix as their top line. ( Watch Video) 8/26/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cars by BAUFIX

Kids can build various models of wooden cars and vehicles using this kit. Included are wooden tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers, to aid in the assembly. Also included are rubber tires. Baufix is distributec by Carrera of America in the U.S. ( Watch Video) 8/6/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Battle of Endor by LEGO

An 890-piece construction set based on the climactic battle between the Rebel Alliance and the evil Empire, the Battle of Endor set is designed to bring the action directly into a child's hands and imagination. Kids can build detailed models of an opening bunker with sliding blast doors, an AT-ST scout walker, a firing catapult, an Ewok glider and two speeder bikes. The set comes with 12 figures, including many favorite characters, such as Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca and R2-D2.
— “Lego is outselling everything, as always. It's a classic item,” said Charles Bonner, owner of Heights Toy Center in Little Rock, Ark., in response to a June 2009 survey of best-selling gifts for boys.
— “Lego, they love Lego. We just had three little boys ‘pow wow’ in the Lego section,” Denise Van Patten, owner of Katherine's Cottage in Chico, Calif., told TDmonthly in summer 2009.
— As of 09/06/2011 the anniversary edition of this item was number two on ToysRus.com's top-selling toys list, and had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 21 reviews. Pros: Easy to assemble, fun. Cons: Difficult setup, falls apart too easily. 7/21/2009 (Price: $99.99)

Construction set C05 by EITECH AMERICA

Over 270 parts! You can build at least 3 models. Illustrated instructions and tools included. ( Watch Video) 7/20/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MOOV Starter Kit by BERG USA, LLC

MOOV is a full-size construction toy designed so that children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from their parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multifunctional. The spare parts in the wood are specially designed so it's easy to remove the rings from the shafts. MOOV has received the following awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009; Toy of the Year, 2008, The Netherlands; Honorable mention, Reddot Design Award, 2008 (International Design Award); Toy of the Year, 2008, Germany; and Right Start Award, Toy Awards, 2008, United Kingdom. Launch date: June 2009.

Where to Buy: Escapade Direct

( Watch Video) 7/17/2009 (Price: $249) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Qubits Construction Toy - Jumbo 330-Piece Kit by QUBITS TOY COMPANY

Qubits is a simple plastic toy that can be built up using a distinct, patented modular geometry. It is designed to quickly capture the imagination of those who might have visions of becoming architects, engineers, scientists or even nanotech designers. The pieces are flexible to allow for curved creations. The Jumbo Kit comes with 330 pieces. 120 flexible Qubits, 150 connectors and 60 bridges. Molded with high quality plastic featuring bendable pieces that allow curved shapes. Launch date: June 2009. 7/17/2009 (Price: $79.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

111-Piece Barn Set by LUMBERJACK LOGS LLC

This set of oversized building pieces is made of all-natural, finish-free hardwood maple with an interlocking design that facilitates construction of a classic barn measuring 18" W x 24" L x 20" H. It has sizeable windows and doors, plus a removable roof so that kids can play with their dolls and toys on the interior. Launch date: 2009. 6/30/2009 (Price: $189.99)

LaQ Imaginal Flower by LaQ USA, Inc.

Girls can make their own bracelets, hair ornaments and flower bouquets with fun snapping blocks in pretty pastel colors. The 260-piece Hobby Kit Flower comes with an instruction guide to make 12 interchangeable models from seven types of blocks. "LaQ is an innovative construction toy block with a patent for the cleverly angled block pieces which allow a child to create flat, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and spherical objects from just seven types of blocks! The infinite possibilities of creating geometrical shapes through play is highly educational and enjoyable for children and adults," Mo Saeki, manager, overseas division, Yoshiritsu Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Classic Building Blocks by PROMISE BRAND

Finely sanded and left either au natural or finished with a light polymerized linseed oil rub, this set of 30 Classic Building Blocks features rounded corners and exposed full wood grain. Each all-natural, organic block measures approximately 1.5" square. "Promise Brand Classic Building Blocks are 100-percent non-toxic [and] organic. Sure, they are also the most aesthetically pleasing block on the market, but what really sets them apart from the competition is their all-natural status," Alisha Alway Braatz, manager for Promise Brand, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009. 6/11/2009 (Price: $45.00)

LEGO Star Wars Visual Dictionary with Exclusive Figure by ENTERTAINMENT EARTH INC.

In true DK Publishing style, the Visual Dictionary is designed to elucidate, illuminate, and excite even the most discerning LEGO, Star Wars, and minifigure fans around the world. Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Yoda, Luke Skywalker and others are brought to life with dozens of little-known facts and hundreds of photos, as are accessories, vehicles, weapons, and even the Death Star. Kids and adults can learn about the history, manufacture and construction of the minifigures of the Star Wars Universe, and come away a Lego Jedi Master. "LEGO and Star Wars are two of the world's most well-recognized and successful franchises, and have been collaborating since the 1998 release of the first LEGO Star Wars minifigures," Jenna Banks, director of sales for EE Distribution, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 31, 2009.
— "LEGO Star Wars — we just blew out of those," Bill Sartain, co-owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, told TDmonthly, citing sales of about 50 of these books a month in late 2009. Two of 44 specialty retailers named this title when discussing best-selling books. 6/3/2009 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gears! Gears! Gears! School Set by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Kids can name the five figurines and take charge of the day, from writing on the "blackboard" to extra-long recess. This set is compatible with other Gears! Gears! Gears! sets. Kids can follow the color-coded building instructions or use their imaginations. The 60-piece set includes 20 colorful gears, five figurines, playground equipment, a write-and-wipe schoolhouse, a flag, a sticker sheet and a base. All pieces except the cardboard school house are plastic. "Gears! Gears! Gears! School Set is a hands-on educational product that builds fine motor skills while creating positive feelings about school," Nancy Davies, group account director at the Salmon Borre Group, PR agency for Learning Resources, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 5/28/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BERG Toys MOOV by BERG USA, LLC

The MOOV by BERG is both a construction toy and a rideable vehicle for children, ages 5 to 12. Children can construct MOOV by themselves without the use of any tools or help from parents. The wooden parts, rings, shafts and frames are multi-functional. Once the model is complete, the fun continues. MOOV construction toys are available in three kits: Starter, Advanced, and Street. The Starter kit ($210.00) can create three wooden models, the Advanced ($300.00) seven models, and the Street ($376.00) up to 10 models. For each new construction, the old model must be taken apart. ( Watch Video) 5/27/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Darth Vader's TIE Fighter by LEGO

Modeled after the agile one-pilot fighting crafts in the original Star Wars movie, this kit builds into a detailed TIE fighter. The nose of the ship opens to access the cockpit, which houses the included Darth Vader figurine.  Flick-firing missiles, Darth Vader's red light saber, and other movie details add to the building activity in this set.
— Three of 49 retailers named Star Wars Lego sets as their best-selling licensed toy in April 2009. 5/26/2009 (Price: $29.99)