TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

The Hobbit Games by LEGO

A buildable and fun twist on a memory game for 2 to 4 players. The game is all about finding the missing Dwarves who have gotten lost in Hobbiton, using hints left by Gandalf the Grey and some Hobbits to help players search. If players are up to the challenge they can transform the board during the game, testing their memory skills to the max. Once the board is built it is easy to store and quick to take out to play again. 11/9/2012 (Price: $34.99)

LEGO City The Mine by LEGO

The Mine is a busy place, full of miners digging for gold. Break up the rock with the big drilling machine and transport it out of the mine with the train. Then load it onto the conveyor belt with the crane and haul it away with the truck. There's even a safe to keep the gold inside. Help the miners find even more gold by blasting with the dynamite! Includes 4 minifigures: crew chief, crane driver, driller and truck driver. 11/9/2012 (Price: $99.99)

Magneatos Better Builder 30 pc Set with Storage Case by GUIDECRAFT INC.

Discover the all new Magneatos Better Builder Series. With super strong magnetic force, unique rod and ball configurations and myriad design possibilities, Magneatos Better Builders are a wonderfully inventive way to help children discover principles of science, construction, and engineering while developing their creativity skills. Includes handy storage bin and deluxe 22-page Activity Guide which explores magnet science and provides sample building models for all ages. Magnets are safely and securely embedded in the over sized rods. Metal balls ensure a quick and strong connection. Tested to ages 18 months plus. For ages 2+.
Awards: Oppeheim Platinum Best Toy Award Winner 11/9/2012 (Price: $49.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Classic Set by CUBICITI COMPANY LLC

The Classic set consists of 36 varieties of maple blocks. Painted with non-toxic water based acrylic paints and sealed with organic beewax.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 11/2/2012 (Price: $79.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Xyloba Mezzo by ETA TOYS

With Xyloba mezzo kids can create a great variety of melodic marble runs, using the 8 interchangeable sound modules to produce complex melodies. Made in Switzerland. 10/30/2012 (Price: $139.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lego Monster Fighters Vampyre Castle by LEGO

It's time for the final showdown with the Vampyre. He has gathered all 6 moonstones at his castle and is about to cloak the world in darkness forever so that his followers can roam free for the rest of eternity. Will our heroes Dr. Rodney Rathbone and Jack McHammer survive the castle's hidden spikes and traps to disable the moonstone device? Or will the Vampyre's bride and the manbats throw them into the castle dungeon? You decide. Includes 6 minifigures: Rodney Rathbone, Jack McHammer, the Vampyre, the Vampyre's bride and 2 manbats.
— As of 10/26/2012 this product has 4.5 out of 5 stars from 12 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of pieces (949); detailed minifigures, including some that glow in the dark; lots of details. Cons: Some reviews said this set was not as sturdy as other LEGO building sets. 10/26/2012 (Price: $149.99)

2012 Star Wars Advent Calendar 9509 by LEGO

Get Christmas off to a galactic start with the LEGO® Star Wars™ Advent Calendar. Featuring 24 gifts, including iconic starships, minifigures, and accessories, this great advent calendar is the perfect gift for Star Wars fans of any age. 234 pieces total. 10/26/2012 (Price: $49.99)

GoodWood Deconstruction Blocks, Mulch M by AROUNDSQUARE

This set consists of 6 blocks Goodwood deconstruction blocks are a new system of innovative wooden blocks, designed to invite real creative play. The beautiful, precisely crafted blocks are intentionally packaged without instructions or other prescriptive guidelines, in order to cultivate open-ended exploration. Unlike most modern toys, this puts the child in complete control of the child-toy relationship, and encourages them to come up with their own ways to play. The different shapes allow for building outwards in every dimension, and the creation of structures which are both architecturally and geometrically interesting, as well as visually pleasing. They are suitable as a construction toy for children, and increasingly popular as a desk toy for design-minded adults as well. The ever-growing goodwood system currently includes seven original designs. Each set is designed to be fun and interesting on its own, and to provide new features when combined with the other sets as well. All sets come with pieces in six vibrant colors (water-based acrylic paint), made from forest-friendly rubber wood, and CPSIA tested. Care has been taken to ensure that the product reflects responsible social and environmental decision-making, and the developer's website provides a mechanism for purchasing discounted sets for donation into orphanages and kindergartens in the developing world. 10/22/2012 (Price: $23.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GoodWood Deconstruction Blocks, Mulch Heap by AROUNDSQUARE

Goodwood deconstruction blocks are a new system of innovative wooden blocks, designed to invite real creative play. The beautiful, precisely crafted blocks are intentionally packaged without instructions or other prescriptive guidelines, in order to cultivate open-ended exploration. Unlike most modern toys, this puts the child in complete control of the child-toy relationship, and encourages them to come up with their own ways to play. The different shapes allow for building outwards in every dimension, and the creation of structures which are both architecturally and geometrically interesting, as well as visually pleasing. They are suitable as a construction toy for children, and increasingly popular as a desk toy for design-minded adults as well. The ever-growing goodwood system currently includes seven original designs. Each set is designed to be fun and interesting on its own, and to provide new features when combined with the other sets as well. All sets come with pieces in six vibrant colors (water-based acrylic paint), made from forest-friendly rubber wood, and CPSIA tested. Care has been taken to ensure that the product reflects responsible social and environmental decision-making, and the developer's website provides a mechanism for purchasing discounted sets for donation into orphanages and kindergartens in the developing world. 10/22/2012 (Price: $36.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

String Railway by FOXMIND GAMES

Using colorful strings as tracks, players will aim to outwit their opponents by taking control of the playing area by strategically placing stations throughout, collect points and build the most profitable railway network to win the game. Launch date: 2012. 10/18/2012 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Adventure Mini - Magus & Space Eagle by MAGNOTE

Space Adventure Mini includes over 45 block pieces to create one space vehicle and one Cube Figure. The same blocks can also be reused to transform the space vehicle into another robot or vehicle. Launch date: April 2012. 10/16/2012 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Heroes Batwing Battle Over Gotham City 6863 by LEGO

The epic struggle between Batman and The Joker continues with LEGO's Batwing Battle Over Gotham City set. Easy-to-follow instructions and 278 building elements help kids create models of 2 cool vehicles: The Jokers helicopter and the Batwing, armed 2 flick missiles and bomb release function. Comes with lots of great extras, plus a comic book. 10/11/2012 (Price: $29.49)

LEGO® Friends Emma's Horse Trailer by LEGO

Little horse lovers will have a great time helping prepare for a horse show with a LEGO horse trailer set. Children can put mini doll Emma in her horse Robin's saddle to practice jumping. Or they can groom Robin for the big show with her brushes. Then, they'll transport the pair to the big competition in the realistic trailer. Kids will have a blast at playtime, helping Emma and Robin prepare for their big day. 10/11/2012 (Price: $24.99)

Mod Zombie Stix by BRICKSTIX LLC

Bring the dead to life with ZOMBIE Mods. Mod are removable and repositionable stickers designed to fit plastic bricks like LEGO® and MEGA BLOKS®. They go on easy and can be removed just as quick. No sticky mess...Mods won't leave ick on your brick. Create a zombie apocalypse, WWII missions, a Medieval castle and more. Includes 44 removable/repositionable stickers. Made in the USA.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Magazine Product of the Year Award 10/4/2012 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Duplo Bricks & More Brick Box - Pink (4623) by LEGO

Inspire younger minds with this great LEGO Duplo Bricks & More Brick Box - Pink (4623). Designed especially for young girls, this cute starter set features rabbits, carrots, flowers and an assortment of basic LEGO DUPLO bricks in both pink and classic DUPLO colors. Comes in a sturdy LEGO brick storage box and includes an inspirational idea booklet. 9/25/2012 (Price: $17.99)

Duplo Building Plates by LEGO

The perfect foundation for creative LEGO® DUPLO® play. Kids can start all of their LEGO® DUPLO® creations on the right foundation with 3 brightly colored Building Plates in different sizes. 9/25/2012 (Price: $9.99)

SmartMax Flower Power by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

These magnetic flower pieces can be assembled into beautiful blooms. Compatible with other SmartMax building sets. 9/17/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Playmobil Magic Castle - Princess Fantasy Castle by PLAYMOBIL INC.

This castle features a grand staircase and a lot of rooms. The tower has a secret hiding place, and inside the castle there is a revolving dance floor. Includes a jewelry box, tiara, bracelet and ring for the child. Dimensions: 29.5"x 28"x 26" (L x W x H).
— Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that Playmobil dollhouses and furnishings are their best-selling furniture item. 9/17/2012 (Price: $149.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tinkertoy® Transit Bldg Set by K'NEX BRANDS

The Tinkertoy® Transit Building Set is designed to encourage young builders to play and learn. Builders ages 3+ can create a train, garage, bridge and more or accelerate their imagination with other ideas. The colorful guide provides a variety of ideas for all building skill levels. The Tinkertoy® Transit set includes 150 durable, plastic pieces including spools, straight rods, bendable rods, wheels, eyes, two buildable figures and more. Comes in a durable box with lid for easy storage and portability. 9/17/2012 (Price: $43.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tinkertoy® Animals Bldg Set by K'NEX BRANDS

The Tinkertoy® Animals Building Set is designed to encourage young builders to play and learn. Builders ages 3+ can create a fish, turtle, mouse and other familiar creatures or let their imagination go wild to make their own creations. The colorful guide provides a variety of ideas for all building skill levels. The newly redesigned Tinkertoy® pieces snap together and stay together for long-lasting play. The Tinkertoy® Animals set includes 78 durable, plastic pieces including spools, straight rods, bendable rods, eyes, ears, a buildable figure and more. Comes in a durable box with lid for easy storage and portability. 9/17/2012 (Price: $27.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

GeoTrax Christmas In ToyTown RC Train Set by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Kids of all ages can experience traditional holiday fun with the Fisher-Price GeoTrax Christmas Train. The train features working lights in each of the cars and automatically activates lights in the mini-sites as it passes. There are 2 moveable street lights, a bridge that plays holiday music, and a skating rink with spot lights. The Easy-Rail Station lighted features include: a 3-faced clock tower, 2 lamps, 2 street lights, and station windows. Pull into the station to unload passengers and listen as they are welcomed by a fun holiday tune. The station's lights and music can also be activated by pressing the button on the clock tower or either of 2 buttons on the track. This cool set includes 16 pieces of durable, Snap-Lock track, holiday decor that snaps onto the guard rails, street lamps, a bridge, a station, and signs that can be placed throughout the set. Compatible with other GeoTrax train sets. 9/14/2012 (Price: $129.99)

LEGO Holiday Wreath (30028) by LEGO

Deck the halls with buildable cheer. Hang some holiday cheer anywhere with the LEGO Holiday Wreath (30028). Interlock the textured green bricks for a perfect circle adorned with red "holly" studs and 2 bells. Measures over 3" (7cm) wide and 3" (7cm) tall. Contains 50 pieces. 9/14/2012 (Price: $5.99)

Smarcks Smart Blocks by SMART BLOCKS INC

This new set of Smarcks Smart Blocks has 70 standard building blocks and four new smarter talking blocks. Each new Smart Block uses a higher capacity microprocessor and is equivalent to three of the original; so four blocks in this new set is equivalent to having 12 of the original. The new blocks have been programmed with a new progressive learning function to enable children, as they get older, to play differently as the blocks are programmed to react differently. Very young children can press the buttons in the blocks or stack them one block at a time. This is a discovery stage as they sing, play nursery rhymes, play sound effects, laugh, and talk about color and good manners. As children develop fine motor skills they begin to stack two blocks at a time. Play moves to a higher level as they sing nursery rhymes, like Old MacDonald, with 7 different animals and learn spelling, counting, math, and puzzle solving providing years of entertainment and learning.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $64.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gibout Big Blocks by GIBOUT TOYS

Gibout Blocks are each hand-made with the most luxurious minky fabric available, and all sides are textured to stimulate a child's senses. These plush toy blocks are great for building, stacking, making forts, climbing on, making furniture, and whatever else a young mind can imagine. Until baby is old enough to stack and play with them, these work as nursery decor. With their soft interior and exterior, these blocks are safe for any age and will grow with  children as he/she finds new ways to play with them.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $23.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Dinosaur World T-REX by LaQ USA, Inc.

The LaQ Dinosaur T-REX is a clever and creative 4-in-1 kit with 300 standard parts, and 4 specialized parts. Build a ferocious looking T-REX searching for its prey, or an Ankylosaurus, Deinonychus, or Pteranodon. Clear instructions to make each of the dinosaur models are offered in a colorful 24-page instruction guidebook. A Starter’s Model building instruction page is included for beginners. This is a very simple, yet highly creative construction toy block set, which offers an infinite possibility of creation from just 7 types of block parts, including 2 types of base parts and 5 types of joint parts.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]