TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Interactive Product Category

Webkinz Jr. by GANZ

This big, soft 12" version of Webkinz is designed for younger children. Each plush animal comes with a secret code granting pet owners access to an online world. The interactive experience will include music, laughter and new characters in a fun and educational environment. Launch date: Late Spring 2009.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 1/7/2009 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

YooHoos by AURORA WORLD INC.

These additions to Aurora’s furry, loveable YooHoo line are 8" Sugar Glider, Panda, Penguin and Lesser Panda. Each cuddly plush character makes a distinctive and funny sound when its tummy is squeezed.  Sugar Glider has pink wings attached to her tiny arms and tail, and makes a "whistle” sound). Lesser Panda features a pink and purple striped tail to match his pink button nose and purple body, and makes a “boing” sound. Panda makes a “giggle” noise when squeezed, and Penguin makes a “magical” noise.
— “I would say it would be the YooHoo dolls from Aurora — by sheer quantity, our best seller in plush,” Jason Curtis, owner of Funtopia in Middletown, Calif., told TDmonthly in May 2009. ( Watch Video) 12/29/2008 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Naughty Monsters by HAMCO INC.

The Naughty Monsters are portable time-out pillows in the form of friendly monsters. They include talking timers that allow parents to program the length of time the child should remain in time out. The child is to sit on the Naughty Monster while in time out. When time is up the monster will say, in a friendly monster voice, “You can get up now, but don’t be a Naughty Monster!” Launch date: November 15, 2008. 12/12/2008 (Price: $35.00)

Tracksters - 06 Dodge Charger SRT8 Police car by 10VOX ENTERTAINMENT INC.

This high quality, 1:64-scale die-cast police car comes with a code that allows users to log onto the corresponding, interactive website. Once logged on, users get a garage and can fix up their cars and race them in the world of street racing, track racing and the dragstrip. The 06 Charger debuts in a limited edition. Launch date: February 2008. 12/4/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kookeys - Brown Dog by 10VOX ENTERTAINMENT INC.

KooKeys offers a line of plush animals with online, interactive digital counterparts known as the Virtual Koo. Each plush KooKey comes with a special key that unlocks the online world for children to explore, interact, play, and learn. Launch date: 2007. 12/4/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webkinz Black Bear by GANZ

This fuzzy creature comes with a code to access Webkinz World online. The bear’s special item in the virtual world is the cave bed, and it’s special food is honey bee roast.
—  Seven of 68 specialty retailers named Webkinz as a best seller in their stores in October 2008.
—  Mary Walsh-Martel, owner of Magical Child in Greenfield, Mass., cited sales of about 80 units per month.
— "Even though it's slowing down, it's still on top, with about 150 a month," Pam Byrd, manager of The Little Cottage Toy Shop in Franklin, Tenn., told TDmonthly about the best-selling Webkinz in her store in early 2009. ( Watch Video) 11/26/2008 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jumbo the Jet Shape Sorter Remote Control Airplane by THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

This interactive plane guides a child through learning colors and shapes while having tons of fun. It has two play modes: Learn the Color and Shape and Find It! Kids play simply by inserting the plastic shapes into their slots. The infrared remote control, which works up to 12' away, can be used to bring the plane in for a landing. The plane vibrates, moves forward and backward, and plays melodies as it moves along. It also has red lights that blink randomly. The shape pieces and remote can be stored in the handy storage compartment in the nose of the plane. Jumbo Jet also has an automatic shut off. This product received a 2008 Seal of Excellence award from Creative Child Magazine. Launch date: March 2008. 11/13/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Berlitz Digital Interactive by LANGENSCHEIDT PUBLISHING GROUP

From the #1 most respected name in language learning, Berlitz Interactive provides three easy ways to learn a new language: on your PC, in your car, or on the go.  Inside, the best-selling Berlitz Guaranteed all-audio course provide the foundations of conversation and everyday language.  Add to that the acclaimed Berlitz Word Traveler™ game, currently available only as in-flight entertainment on major international airlines, including Lufthansa, China Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.  For the first time ever this language learning game will be available as a consumer CD-ROM inside this Berlitz Interactive program. 11/10/2008 (Price: $29.95)

Globes in a Box by LANGENSCHEIDT PUBLISHING GROUP

Including everything you need to create your own unique models of our world, this kit features a globe stand and a CD with a variety of map projections that can be printed out on adhesive inkjet paper (included) to be cut and placed on the globe.  A 64 page, full-color project book offers comprehensive instructions and information about how maps are made and additional globe-related projects, including how to make “origami globes.”  The book also tells the story of how our world was made and takes you on an entertaining voyage around the planet. 11/10/2008 (Price: $19.95)

Nintendogs Bark Back Playful Pups by COMMONWEALTH TOY & NOVELTY CO

When kids talk to a playfully interactive Nintendogs Bark Back puppy, he takes action, barking, shaking his head and wagging his tail. There are four lovable breeds to choose from. "Nintendogs Bark Back Playful Pups are realistic puppies that simulate life-like movements which are based the best-selling, popular Nintendogs Nintendo DS video game," Phillip-Michael Lee, product manager for Commonwealth Toy & Novelty Co., told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2009. 10/29/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

UbiPetz Monkeyz by COMMONWEALTH TOY & NOVELTY CO

UbiPetz Monkeyz plush come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. The soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Monkeyz House game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile, and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008. 10/29/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

UbiPetz Catz by COMMONWEALTH TOY & NOVELTY CO

UbiPetz Catz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. These adorably soft characters come with a secret code that allows them to come alive right on a DS game screen. Kids can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Catz Clan game. They can also name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008. 10/29/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

UbiPetz Dogz by COMMONWEALTH TOY & NOVELTY CO

UbiPetz Dogz are the only plush toys that can come to life on a favorite Nintendo DS Petz video game. Kids can take home one of these adorably soft characters that will allow you to unlock a secret code, and watch as your character comes alive right on the DS gamescreen. Children can collect multiple characters and have them all interact on the Petz Dogz Pack game, plus name their exclusive characters on the Petz Website, print out their personal profile and download free stuff. Launch date: October 15, 2008. 10/29/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pet Pals: Animal Doctor Wii by LEGACY INTERACTIVE

Legacy Interactive’s award-winning "Pet Pals: Animal Doctor" is now available for the Nintendo Wii. It gives animal lovers and aspiring animal doctors the chance to assume the role of a veterinarian. The simulation videogame is comprised of 30 true-to-life medical cases where players treat and nurse all the adorable animal patients brought in for minor problems like sunburn, cuts and infections, to more serious ailments, such as diabetes, tumors and snakebites. Launch date: November 11, 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Betcha by Îlot 307 inc.

Each player receives a card that lists three secret challenges to be carried out during the play period in front of other players without getting caught. With family or during a party, players then try to expose other players in order to win. The small box takes up little counter space and is easy to take along. Launch date: March 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $15) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shining Stars by RUSS BERRIE

This fuzzy frog gives kids the chance to register a star with the International Star Registry ... and name it, too. In the Shining Stars virtual world, owners of Shining Stars pets can play games, send e-cards, and define their pet's personality with different character traits. 9/24/2008 (Price: $14.99)

My Meebas™ by MATTEL INC.

My Meebas are plush toys contained in an electronic tube that allows girls to play games with the My Meebas character and watch it grow. Over time, the character grows to full size and the tube pops open, revealing which Meeba has been hiding inside. 9/24/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webkinz American Albino by GANZ

This fluffy white horse comes with a special code kids can use to access Webkinz World online.
— Kathy Mabry, owner of The Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly that Webkinz continue to be a top seller for her store. She reported sales of hundreds every month in early fall 2008.
— “Ganz’s Webkinz — they're still selling well here,” said Linda Laramy, owner of Cracker Jacks in Easton, Md., when asked about best-selling items for tweens. “They’re still very popular.”
— Webkinz was on the top-10 best-seller list at Pun’s Toy Store in Bryn Mawr, Pa., in October 2008. “Although not the sellers they were before, they still present the greatest play value in our industry,” Owner Joe Berardoni, Sr., said. 9/19/2008 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Laugh & Learn Smart Bounce & Spin Pony by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Combining physical play with educational activity, this pony connects to the television via a wireless IR device so that toddlers can interact with scenes and lessons on-screen while they ride. Once in the saddle, a child can select from three play levels and bounce and spin while also rolling the ball on the handle bars. More interaction results in increased on-screen activity, which includes animation, sounds, songs, and lessons about shapes, letters and more. The pony can also play music and sounds when not connected to the television. Launch date: 2008. 9/10/2008 (Price: $69.99)

Webkinz Bengal Tiger by GANZ

This striped character comes with an Internet access code that gives kids the freedom to explore Webkinz World online with the virtual equivalent of the plush pet. The tiger’s special item in the virtual world is a rock ledge bed.
— “Webkinz are still selling,” Owner Randy Austin of The Gifted Child in Lenox, Mass., told TDmonthly in summer 2008.
— “We move probably 100 to 150 per month,” William Meredith, owner of Learning Express in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in August 2008.
— Twenty percent of 64 retailers named Webkinz as their top-selling collectible toy in summer 2008.
Six of 63 retailers named Webkinz as their overall best seller in September 2008. 9/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kookeys Plush Monkey by 10VOX ENTERTAINMENT INC.

KooKeys offers a line of plush animals with online, interactive digital counterparts known as the Virtual Koo. Each plush KooKey comes with a special key that unlocks the online world for children to explore, interact, play, and learn. 9/4/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Webkinz Black Poodle by GANZ

This fashionable poodle is one in a line of plush pets featuring interactive computer play. Using a special code specific to the pet, kids can log onto the Webkinz website, meet the pet’s online counterpart, and build special rooms with points gained from answering trivia questions. Online, this pet’s special item is the Poofy Poodle Chair, and its special food is Licorice Canepés.
— Terry Myers, owner of Kaledioscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, told TDmonthly in July 2008 that her store sells about 350 Webkinz per month.
— “[We sell] about 100 per month,” said Donna, owner of The Perfect Present in Suwanee, Ga., who also named Webkinz as a best-selling gift item for girls.
— Eleven percent of 66 retailers polled in summer 2008 cited Webkinz as their top-selling girl gift. 8/28/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Champ by ANIMALAND

Champ, one of Animaland’s most popular stuff-your-own-plush, is dressed in a varsity jacket and offers an interactive experience that is excellent for school fundraisers. Animaland plush is stuffable on any standard stuffing machine or by hand. Animaland offers more than 150 styles of animals and over 100 outfits, making the interactive experience unique and personal for each customer. Launch date: February 2008. 8/27/2008 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crayola Dry-Erase Activity Center by CRAYOLA LLC

The Crayola Dry-Erase Activity Center is a unique, dry-erase board designed for individual use by students. Students can slide blank or pre-printed template cards underneath the window and practice printing, cursive, math, dot-to-dots, etc., by tracing or following the guides with a Crayola Dry-Erase fine line marker. With one quick wipe, the board is clean to practice on again. "This is the only dry-erase board desingned for individual use by students at their desks that allows them to practice fine motor skills - such as handwritting development - with the ablility to easily erase mistakes and practice again without creating any waste," said Susan Tucker, PR specialist for Crayola. Launch date: 2008 8/25/2008 (Price: $14.99)

Clip-Clop Puppets by DAYDREAM TOY

Available in Horse, Pink Poodle and Monkey designs, these 14" puppets have wooden feet that make a clip-clop sound while they dance, and they are easy for small hands to control. The no-tangle marionettes have removable strings that can be lifted from the handle and replaced after untangling. New styles will be available in 2009. Launch date: 2008.
Display Ideas: The company offers a mechanical, plug-in display (see video) that accommodates three puppets and can be placed in a window to attract shoppers. ( Watch Video) 8/22/2008 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]