TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

EZ-Fort by TOOBEEZ LLC

EZ-Fort is an open-ended building toy that just requires the addition of sheets. The easy to use, 54-piece building system can transform into a playhouse, a ship, or even an obstacle course. Also, it's designed as an educational toy for developing critical thinking skills and nurturing the creative thought process. Launch date: September 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/22/2009 (Price: $44.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

VARIS 444-Piece Construction Set by GERMAN ENTRY LLC

Designed to spark a child's imagination, these natural wooden toys feature assembly that engages the child's mind and promotes learning a new skill in the coordination of mind and hands. Pairing quality and design, the VARIS LOCK system is created to ensure tight construction that derives from precise design of the single pieces. Launch date: July 2009. 5/22/2009 (Price: $184) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SquashBlox Mini by DAYDREAM TOY

On the road, in the air or anywhere, kids can have fun with Minis! Perfect on their own or for use with the full-sized cushions. Set includes 6 square 8" cushions and 4 triangle cushions plus a sun and moon decoration all packaged in a handy travel backpack. 5/21/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Suburban House by PLAYMOBIL INC.

This two-story house comes with attic windows that tilt, an extendable marquee, a garden and a grill, plus four figures. The house has a functioning door bell and two AAA batteries are required. Dimensions are 26" L x 16.9" W x 18.8" H inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages 4 and up. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. "Playmobil develops toys that help foster the child’s imagination," Michelle Winfrey, marketing and PR manager for Playmobil, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $154.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Mini Kit Plane by LaQ USA, Inc.

Designed for LaQ beginners to enjoy snapping together flat models, this kit includes all 10 LaQ colors, four types of blocks and four colorful pages of instruction sheets to make 39 interchangeable models. "Children enjoy the snap! and click! sound when piecing the parts together. LaQ is a highly educational block toy with an infinite possibility of creating three-dimensional and spherical models. The Mini Kit Plane is an introductory kit," Mo Saeki, in the overseas division of Yoshiritsu Co., Ltd., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

4M Tin Can Robot by TOYSMITH

Kids can recycle a soda can into a silly, walking, wobbling robot. The kit includes all the parts needed, right down to the googly eyes, except for the two AAA batteries that are required. Launch date: 2008.
— “The Tin Can Robot is a huge hit. It’s from their Green Science series, which has been doing great,” Jennifer Schneeweis, owner of Izilla Toys in Seattle, told TDmonthly in late August 2009. Two of 40 retailers mentioned the brand when discussing best-selling educational items in fall 2009.
― “Right now we have the Tin Can Robot for 8- to 10-year-olds and that's doing well,” said Marlene, manager of Kits & Kaboodle in Carmel, Ind., when asked about her best-selling item for tween boys. Seven of 39 retailers surveyed in October 2009 said science kits are their top sellers for tween boys.
― “It's a good price point and an excellent product.  It sells all the time,” Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub's Party, Toys and More  in Yellow Springs, Ohio, said of the Tin Can Robot and other 4M science kits in spring 2010.
— In August 2010, seven of 43 retailers told TDmonthly that Toysmith is a best-selling science and nature brand. Two retailers named Tin Can Robot as a top product.
AWARDS: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller 5/19/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Windmill Generator by TOYSMITH

Kids can learn about renewable energy by building this functioning wind generator. When the blades turn, they create electricity that powers an LED light, demonstrating renewable energy from the wind. Users just add a recycled plastic bottle and the kit provides everything else they need. No batteries required. Launch date: 2008. 5/19/2009 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Robotic Science Construction Kits by TOYSMITH

These kits are designed to offer everything kids need to learn about the basics of robotic science while constructing fun machines. There are four styles: Robotic Bird, Robotic Ball Collector, Robotic Bubble Blower and Robotic Beeper. All parts snap together with easy to follow instructions. Each kit requires 2 AA batteries, not included. Launch date: 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lincoln Logs Happy Valley Farm by K'NEX BRANDS

With plenty of traditional wood 'logs' and bright colored accessories, children can build a charming dairy farm with a main house for the character figurines, a barn, and corral space for the included black and white cow.  A nostalgic and creative building toy, Lincoln Logs can be used to assemble their suggested models into a quaint prairie town, or built into different structures to suit a child's imagination.
— “Lincoln Logs are still selling well,” said Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas. During an April 2009 survey of 49 retailers, she reported sales of about eight sets per month. 5/11/2009 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wedgits Imagination Set by IMAGABILITY

This 15-piece set contains a mixture of favorite Wedgits pieces, as well as new angled and straight Wedgits Building Stix. The distinctive pieces allow for even more building possibilities, and the set integrates fully with other Wedgits sets so children can take the complex geometry, balance and stability of this building system to new heights.
— “Wedgits are doing very well. We sell them weekly,” Cathy Albrow, owner of Creative Learning Toys, told TDmonthly in spring 2009 of the construction toy best sellers in her store in Grand Rapids, Mich. 
— Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, Colo., named Wedgits as a best seller in an April 2009 survey about construction toys, remarking, “We sell a few sets a day.” ( Watch Video) 5/11/2009 (Price: $22.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Octopus Whirl by K'NEX BRANDS

Third in the series of K'Nex amusement park rides, the Octopus Whirl is a 454-piece set that builds an expansive 2’-wide thrill ride.  Swiveling seats dangle from the long spokes, attached to the center carousel, which spins on an included motor for a realistic model.  Children can build an entire carnival with the other three Amusement Park models. The motor requires two AA batteries; not included.
— “K’nex is great,” stated Sheryl Guidera, owner of Kaleidoscope the Parent Teacher Store in Capitola, Calif., in response to a spring 2009 TDmonthly survey on top-selling construction products.
— Three of 49 retailers named K'nex as a best-selling construction toy in April 2009.  5/11/2009 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Uberbat 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 large bat that can really flap its wings. The kit also includes a 40-page book of Uberstix basics.
— “They are flying off the shelves,” said Janet Hoo, owner of Hoomade Toys in Phoenix, Ariz., who named Uberstix in response to TDmonthly's April 2009 survey of best selling construction toys. “Once the customer learns they are compatible with Legos and other sets they want them.”
— “I put some out to show how they work with Legos and others,” said Jacque Flagg, owner of Jacque's Educational Supplies in Bryan, Texas, on what makes Uberstix a best-selling toy in the construction department. 5/11/2009 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Zoob 500 by INFINITOY

Who knows what 500 pieces of poseable, snap-together Zoob could stir in the imagination? Geometric structures, funky creatures, buildings and whimsical characters can be built and rebuilt easily with the simple ball-and-socket joints that connect Zoob pieces. The set comes packed in a sturdy, reusable storage case complete with four removable play pads that fit into the lid to act as foundations for the creations. 
— “Up until now, Zoob has been best,” Jeff Oslick, owner of The Enchanted Toy Store in Fullerton, Calif., told TDmonthly during an April 2009 survey about best-selling construction toys. 
— “I have a good run on Zoob year round,” said Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont., of her top selling construction items.
— Four of 49 retailers listed Zoob as a best-selling construction item in spring 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/11/2009 (Price: $90.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Star Wars Clone Walker by LEGO

Standing 3.5” tall and complete with flick-firing missiles, the Clone Walker packs a powerful punch as children use imagination and building skills to relive or reinvent their favorite parts of the Star Wars saga. Once complete, the posable model stands on two legs and carries two of the four included characters.
— “Legos are still king,” said Patti Tepper-Rasmussen when asked in spring 2009 about best-selling construction toys in her Oklahoma City, Okla., store, Learning Tree Toys, Books and Games.
— “Everyone wants Legos,” Ron Kutchik, owner of Grand Slam Toys in Kodiak, Alaska, told TDmonthly in April 2009 during a survey concerning best-selling construction items.
— More than 40 percent of 49 retailers pointed out Lego as a best-selling construction brand in their stores in spring 2009. 5/11/2009 (Price: $9.99)

JumboBlocks Starter Set by DESIGN PLASTICS INC.

Set includes 54 blocks.
(45 large blocks, and 9 half-size blocks.)
Plus an assortment of plastic windows!

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue.

  5/8/2009 (Price: $89.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JumboBlocks Standard Set by DESIGN PLASTICS INC.

Set includes 108 blocks.
(90 large blocks, and 18 half-size blocks.)
Plus an assortment of plastic windows!

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue. 5/8/2009 (Price: $164.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JumboBlocks Jumbo Set by DESIGN PLASTICS INC.

Set includes 216 blocks.
(180 large blocks, and 36 half-size blocks.)
Plus an assortment of plastic windows!

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green! 5/8/2009 (Price: $319.80) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

pinklets - The Fairy Garden by WABA FUN LLC

 4/27/2009 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rolling Fun Set by WABA FUN LLC

The 70-piece Superstructs Rolling Fun set allows kids to create cool cars, trucks and even a motorcycle. It includes an illustrated, step-by-step guide to four different models and a driver character with two hats. The pieces are packaged in a 6.5" L x 6.5" W x 9" H canister.
— “Superstructs do awesome. This is one toy kids always get out to play with, grandparents tell us,” Cathy Gabay told TDmonthly in spring 2009 of this top-selling construction item in her Salina, Kan., store, The Toy Parade.
— Two of 49 retailers surveyed in April 2009 named Superstructs as a best-selling construction toy. 4/27/2009 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mini Space Set by WABA FUN LLC

 4/27/2009 (Price: $10.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Walter Toys by GERMAN ENTRY LLC

Walter Toys of Germany are made of natural raw materials and are particularly sturdy and child-friendly. Suitablility for babies was a major factor during the design stage and the toys are optimized to help babies observe and grasp their environments in their first years of life. The great colors encourage babies to investigate and play. 4/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Scalino by GERMAN ENTRY LLC

Scalino blocks and tracks are used in many Pre- schools and Kindergartens throughout Switzerland, as they support creativity and help develop logical skills. The different base sets and extensions, made of untreated Swiss beech wood, let parents grow the collection as the abilities of their children improve. 4/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Matador by GERMAN ENTRY LLC

Matador of Austria wooden construction sets are made of Austrian beechwood. Children learn through pictures how to build model planes, cranes and helicopters. Different levels available for children ranging from +3 to +5 years of age. 4/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Creamobil by GERMAN ENTRY LLC

The Creamobil series from NIC Toys of Germany is a series of high quality trucks, cranes and tractors with plenty of accessories to build up the collection. 4/9/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roy Toy Earth-Friendly Log Building Sets by ROY TOY

These natural wood construction sets are made using wood from sustainable forest management practices and are packaged in a cotton duck canvas bag. There are also sets in canisters and tubs to make cabins, forts and treehouses. The interlocking pieces require no tools and provide hours of safe and educational fun. The sets are made in the USA. Launch date: 2008. 3/31/2009 (Price: $19.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]