TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

Zoomorphs – Fossilmorphs by RIVER DOLPHIN TOYS

Thirty-five rugged plastic pieces snap together easily to form endless poseable creatures. In this set, children can make a Mammoth, Brontosaurus, Sea Scorpion and Ancient Amphibian, or morph them to make all sorts of fantasy creatures. Extra pieces are included so kids can create even more poseable creatures. The heads have hinged jaws. All Zoomorphs sets are interchangeable.
— “We’ve had them for about one and a half years,” Owner Elaine Hackney of Boing! JP’s Toy Shop in Jamaica Plain, Mass., told TDmonthly about best-selling Zoomorphs. “[It] captures the kids’ imagination and seems to give them a sense of personal creativity.” ( Watch Video) 3/1/2007 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brickadoo Villa by RS2PLAY

This building blocks set includes everything kids need to construct a complete section of Brickadoo City: building bricks, water-soluble cement, wooden building elements (doors and frames), a trowel, a mixing bin, a base plate and a foam card with press-out figures and materials. The white bricks and water-soluble cement are made of natural raw materials that don't contain any harmful substances. The bricks are paintable, and each box contains several sacks of cement, enough for four to five playing sessions. Launch date: May/June 2007. ( Watch Video) 3/1/2007

ZOOB Jr. by INFINITOY

ZOOB Jr. features soft pieces that bend, snap together snugly and move. Both sets (15- and 30-piece) feature larger pieces in three basic shapes that are simple to use. Softer, more flexible pieces make connections easier and the larger scale results in giant creations. “ZOOB Jr. brings its unique and dynamic building characteristics to a younger audience. Now toddlers and preschoolers can also enjoy and benefit from ZOOB’s Mind-Building Construction System,” Greg McVey of Infinitoy told TDmonthly. The 30-piece set has a suggested retail price of $24.99. Launch date: October 2007.
— Terry Myers of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, told TDmonthly ZOOB Jr. was one of the best toys at Toy Fair 2007.
— A top pick, retailer Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/28/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Uberfrog by UBERSTIX

The Überfrog is made of a combination of Uberstix and K’NEX materials. It features realistic movement and lots of personality. The project is rated an 8 on a difficulty scale of 1 to 10, and requires the following: 40 Quarks, eight CubStix, two LocHubs, two yellow K’NEX, five green K’NEX and two yellow K’NEX rods.
— "All the children were delighted with how the projects looked upon completion," reported Teresa Wilson, a TDmonthly Homeschooling Roundtable mom who evaluated the Uberfrog. "This toy is a winner." She awarded it five out of five stars. ( Watch Video) 2/27/2007 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

1:25 International TD-24 Crawler With Superior Pipe Layer by SpecCast

This die-cast 1:25 scale crawler features more than 180 individual parts. The side boom pipe layer is fully functional. The metal tracks are free rolling. “This is the first mass-produced crawler with a functioning side boom pipe layer,” Mike Sinnott of SpecCast told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007. 2/27/2007 (Price: $89.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SuperStructs Wacky Machines by WABA FUN LLC

This 175-piece set includes 12 large gears and step-by-step plans to build seven wacky models, including a crazy clock, a geared-down Ferris wheel and a car that drills. It comes in an 8” by 15” canister. Launch date: June 2007.
— “This sells great in our store,” reported Valerie Elsea, owner of Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Colo., in spring 2010. “Parents like that we are supporting a local business, since the inventor, David McCloskey, is from the town just a few miles north of our store. David comes to the store for play days in the summer and the kids love this great building toy.” The store has carried Superstructs since it opened in November 2006. 2/27/2007 (Price: $59.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spykee Spy Robot Erector Set by MECCANO

This spy robot, equipped with a video camera, microphone, loudspeaker and two motors, can be controlled from a computer through WiFi connection, and from anywhere via the Internet. Able to move, take photos and record video and sound, the robot acts as a telephone, digital music player and video surveillance device, whereby it sends email alerts upon detecting movement. Spykee returns to his charging station when his battery is running low. Spykee “is not only an erector set, in which you can build three different models, but also a high-tech electronic toy with practical use — fun for both kids and adults!” Marsha Cannonie of Nikko America told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $299.00)

LEGO Aqua Raiders Tiger Shark Attack by LEGO

With this 339-piece set, children can help the LEGO deep sea diving crew build and navigate its submarine that uses a working harpoon cannon around the giant shark to retrieve the treasure. The shark's head moves and its mouth opens, and the set includes two minifigure divers. Launch date: January 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $29.99)

LEGO Creator Model Townhouse by LEGO

This 1,174-piece set allows children to create a stylish urban brownstone, complete with a working garage for storing their modern car. It features unique LEGO pieces like doors, windows and flowers. It includes step-by-step instructions for building and rebuilding three different homes from one box of parts, plus photo inspiration for many more. Launch date: August 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $69.99)

World of LEGO Mosaics Kit by LEGO

This 598-piece set offers a new way to work with the LEGO brick by allowing children to “draw” with it. It comes with step-by-step instructions for building, creating and displaying 2D designs from houses to butterflies. The kit comes with a transparent building plate, 1x1 stud LEGO bricks in various colors, instructions for nine models and photo inspiration. 2/23/2007 (Price: $19.99)

Farm Cubes by PLAYCUBE PRODUCTS LLC

This 20-piece set includes 12 cubes and eight animal figures in a see-through bag with top zipper closure. The colorful plastic pieces are easy to slide or snap together. “Our toys encourage imagination, creativity, conceptual thinking and artistic creation with the endless possibilities of 3-D structures. Our educational toys enable… learning through play; [children] build while acquiring knowledge about farm animals,” Vanessa Lenoel, export manager for Playcube’s sister company in France, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2006. 2/21/2007 (Price: $20.00)

Cathedral Blocks by WESTWORK DESIGNS

Designed by architect Steven W. Hurd, these blocks are the first in a series of architecturally themed building blocks created for all ages. Each set is designed around a particular building type, but the unique pieces allow for creativity and imaginative construction. The blocks are carved from imported hardwood, and the set includes 145 pieces, 15 different shapes, a printed plan and instructions. Castle Blocks are also available. “The Cathedral shape offers a dramatic initial building project and the unique shapes allow for a different level of imaginative play than most sets of building blocks,” Hurd told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2006. ( Watch Video) 2/21/2007 (Price: $160.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

School Bag - 80 pc by PLAYCUBE PRODUCTS LLC

Specifically designed for institutions (schools, kindergartens...). This set is composed of 64 cubes + 16 clovers delivered in a polybag. 2/20/2007

Starter Box - 20 pc by PLAYCUBE PRODUCTS LLC

Ideal to begin with! Contains: 16 cubes & 4 clovers as well as a booklet which will enable you to slowly discover the world of Playcube. 2/20/2007

Safari Cubes - 20 pc by PLAYCUBE PRODUCTS LLC

Build while learning about African Safari animals (lion, giraffe, alligator, etc.). Contains: 8 savage Animals + 12 cubes. 2/20/2007

Alpha Cubes - 52 pc by PLAYCUBE PRODUCTS LLC

Build while learning numbers and the alphabet. Contains: 26 letters, 10 numbers to clip and 16 cubes. 2/20/2007

Panelo by IMAGINATION JUMPSTART

This revolutionary life-sized building toy consists of strong, adjustable connectors and several different-sized panels, allowing children to build any number of structures to play in or around. When play is finished, Panelos can be taken apart and stored in a compact area. ( Watch Video) 1/12/2007

Konstruk-Tubes™ by LOCKMADE LLC

Konstruk-Tubes allows kids to safely build creations of all shapes and sizes. There are three sizes of tubes to choose from and ten types of easy-fit connectors. All pieces are dishwasher safe and helps kids improve many skills, including problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, color recognition and hand dexterity. This item is featured on Dr. Toy's Summer 2007 Best Products List. Launch date: February 2007. ( Watch Video) 1/9/2007 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DragonBonz by CURIOUS TOYS

DragonBonz joins a series of colorful, anatomically incorrect and interlocking construction pieces that enable children to assemble whimsical characters from their imaginations. It includes 55 construction pieces and is compatible with other Bonz sets. Specially designed hooks allow any DragonBonz character to “fly,” using lengths of monofilament included in the package. Featured pieces include a bright green and blue dragon head with moveable jaw, translucent orange tongues of fire, rattling snake tails, a teal chrome sword and six poseable eyes.
— "What makes it so innovative and distinctive is that it's not electronic but it's totally modern!" Susan Holden, head of Curious Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 11, 2007. ( Watch Video) 1/8/2007 (Price: $34.00)

AquaStruct™ Toy System – X Kit by AquaStruct Inc.

Created by Jim and Lori Phipps, parents of five who faced the dilemma of getting their children into the shower, The AquaStruct Toy System lets tweens plumb and replumb the walls of their baths and showers with stylish, suction-cup-mounted pipes, hoses, valves, sprayers, misters, nozzles and squirting devices. This is accomplished using proprietary zero-insertion force, easy release and no-twist connectors that provide a leak proof, plumbing grade seal. The X Kit includes 16 parts, the XL Kit ($64.99) includes 26, and the XXL Kit ($94.99) includes 44. Launch date: trade - February 11, 2007; public - August 1, 2007.
― Diana Glasier, owner of Green Caboose in Stroudsburg, Pa., was “looking” at this bath-construction kit, and will “possibly” order it. “Everyone loves to shower, and this makes it fun,” she shared with TDmonthly. 1/8/2007 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

TINTE by LEARNING MATERIALS WORKSHOP

Created by award-winning designer Karen Hewitt, TINTE is both an art object and a toy that appeals to children and playful adults. As an interactive art object, the myriad design combinations become intriguing, two-dimensional works of art, equally at home on the living room wall or a child’s bedroom. As TINTE is both a plaything and educational toy, builders of all ages delight in constructing three-dimensional structures with TINTE’s 42-color, modular, hardwood blocks while exploring the basics of color theory: hue, value and intensity. The product comes with a hardwood frame with a sliding Plexiglas cover. An illustrated booklet on color theory is included. Launch date: March 2007. 1/5/2007 (Price: $189.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cardtivity T-Rexerator by CARDTIVITY LLC

This plastic card building system uses patented, diagonally scored, lightweight, thin panels with a tab/slot interlocking system. It allows for bigger, fuller building with high-intensity graphics. The set gives children step-by-step model instructions for creating a 3.5' tall T-Rexerator, and includes a limited edition 1st Series Collector Trading Card model picture. It presents a “new way to build” and includes 300 plastic cards that measure 3.5” by 3.5”. Other sets include the X-Cycle and ShipVenture.
— “Cardtivity builds simple because of its patented 'one card' design. Most of the major brand construction gifts for kids, ages 7+, have brilliant model playsets, but the number of different-sized pieces and their gazillion-page instruction booklets can be mind boggling to figure out,” Chief Imaginologist Jamie Greenberg of Cardtivity told TDmonthly. Launch date: Fall 2007. 1/5/2007 (Price: $29.99)

X-Wing Fighter™ by LEGO

Kids can now build one of the most famous ships of the Star Wars saga. In the hands of the Rebel Alliance’s brave pilots, the X-wing starfighter helped to destroy two massive Death Stars. With S-foil wings that open to attack position, folding landing gear, a cargo hold and lots of authentic details, the starfighter can be customized as either Luke Skywalker’s Red Five or Wedge’s Red Three X-wing. The set includes Wedge Antilles, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca and R2-D2 minifigures. Launch date: Sept. 12, 2006.
— “I wish that LEGO didn’t run out … particularly the Star Wars LEGO. … Their warehouse was empty,” commented Lori Hershman, owner of Evan’s Toy Shoppe in Hamden, Conn., about the holidays 2006.
— “LEGOs were in short supply,” agreed Stan Giliberto, owner of Over the Rainbow in Glastonbury, Conn. “LEGO Star Destroyer was the one they really wanted.”
— Jordan Walden, store manager for Finnegan's Toys and Gifts in Portland, Ore., told TDmonthly in spring 2007, "We don't do a lot of licensed stuff," but "Star Wars LEGO is probably our best-seller" in the category. Finnegan's sells about 50 a month. 12/28/2006 (Price: $49.99)

AquaStruct - Ride Your Inner Wave™ by AquaStruct Inc.

The completely original AquaStruct™ spraying surfboard tub mat and spraying tube wave shower curtain make it possible for tweens to slip through a giant tube wave on Hawaii’s North Shore or to ride the impossible waves at Northern California’s Maverick. No matter the weather, the distance to the ocean, or the time of day or night, with AquaStruct™, you can always Ride Your Inner Wave.™ ( Watch Video) 12/18/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Keva Planks - 100 by KEVA PLANKS

This versatile set includes 100 beautiful hardwood maple planks and a full color KEVA Guide Book. Children can play games of strategy, skill and balance with these perfectly cut, identical construction blocks that stack with surprising stability. Narrow towers can reach all the way to the ceiling. This incredible stability is achieved by cutting the planks with great precision.
— President Ken Scheel of Keva Planks pointed out that “the concept of using a construction set that only has one piece to choose from is very unique. … Each person can build with his or her own skill level and have lots of fun with it.” ( Watch Video) 12/14/2006 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]