TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Kits Product Category

My First Airplane Kit by SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER

How do airplanes fly in the sky? With My First Airplane Kit, children can learn all about flight. They can build and paint easy-to-make airplanes with pens, and then watch their custom aircraft soar through the sky. Next, using their planes and other components, they can conduct experiments to learn about gravity, lift, drag and thrust, the forces involved in flight. This kit “tailors the fascinating world of flight to the young child. Not only can you build, paint and decorate planes — but you can also use these planes to conduct experiments,” Susan Rives at Scientific Explorer told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2007.
— Idanna Smith, owner of Juggles in Wakefield, R.I., cited My First Airplane as one of the best toys at Toy Fair 2007.
— Scientific Explorer experiments do well, Owner Fred Rosenberg of On the Park in Kingwood, Texas, told TDmonthly in spring 2007.
— Scientific Explorer is one of “the most accommodating companies that I have dealt with,” Joshua Grindstaff of Education Station in Coldwater, Mich., told TDmonthly in spring 2007. “They … allow for a very small minimum order, and the quantities that you have to buy of each item are reasonable.”
THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE 2/28/2007 (Price: $19.99)

Little Labs: Stepping Into Science by THAMES & KOSMOS

With this bilingual experiment kit, children can learn science fundamentals through 25 experiments that cover five key areas: biology, physics, chemistry, air and water. It includes a 48-page color guidebook with simple pictorial instructions and text in English and Spanish. “Because the steps are clear and easy to follow, a child as young as 5 can successfully complete the experiments,” Christa Raimondo of Thames & Kosmos told TDmonthly. The Little Labs series also includes single-topic kits on plants, physics, light and colors, animals, weather, and cars and motors. This product is a Fall 2007 Parent's Choice Award winner. Launch date: June 2007. 2/27/2007 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Superfab Sleepover Kit by BEACON STREET GIRLS

Tweens will be ready for their next sleepover with the new Beacon Street Girl Sleepover kit.  The Vinyl train case, covered in cool swirly flowers, contains everything needed for an overnight — a toothbrush, face cloth, BSG soap, even a mini book filled to the brim with fun sleepover ideas.  It’s a must for any slumber party.  Launch Date: January 29, 2007.  ( Watch Video) 1/11/2007 (Price: $24.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

S'more Campout Treat Bar Kit by SASSAFRAS ENTERPRISES INC.

The combination of rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow in a graham cracker sandwich evokes the warm memory of cool summer nights spent sitting around a campfire with the family. That same memory can be made in the kitchen with the high-quality S’more Campout Treat Bar Kit, which includes mix, a wooden spoon, three unique baking trays, a baking hat and a rhyming recipe. Launch date: January 2007. 1/8/2007 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lab-in-a-Bag – Test Tube Adventures by BE AMAZING!

Using this science kit, kids will learn the secret of the Giant Test Tube and how to make Touchable Bubbles that don’t pop. They can make a super bouncing ball and 20’ of gooey, slimy worms. Almost everything kids need comes in one clear vinyl bag for easy clean-up.
— In a September 2011 survey, Joe Berardoni, owner of Pun's Toys in Brynn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly, "Be Amazing’s Lab in a Bag (any one) does very well here. They have great experiments included and are a good 'birthday present' price."
— In a Fall 2013 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Lab in a Bag was one of their best-selling science toys. ( Watch Video) 10/17/2006 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EDU-7090 Tree of Knowledge ROBOTICS Kit by ELENCO

You will be able to assemble three fantastic robots. One robot detects objects using infra-red rays, the wake-up robot is sensitive to light and the third robot is operated by any TV remote control. A separate circuit and body are supplied for each robot. No soldering required. 10/11/2006 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SCROV-10 Snap Rover by ELENCO

Have fun building your own RC Snap Rover using the colorful Snap Circuit parts that come with this kit. There is no soldering required as all the parts snap together with ease. Once completed, you will be able to navigate your surroundings with the easy-to-use Snap Rover remote control. “The Snap Rover is a hands-on experience and gives children an opportunity to build their own RC Snap Rover along with 20 other projects,” Walter Larsen, national sales manager for Elenco, told TDmonthly. It was named one of the 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy. 10/11/2006 (Price: $74.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Candy Factory by THAMES & KOSMOS

Willy Wonka. Milton Hershey. Forrest Mars. John Cadbury. Factual or fictional, the great names in the history of candy making all share one thing: they were experimenters and innovators. Now you can experiment with the art of making candy, and learn the science behind how it forms and why it tastes so good. Inside this giant chocolate bar-shaped box is a scientific candy wonderland including the special tools and recipes you need to make candy. Use the plastic and metal molds, shape cutters, candy thermometer, spatula, dipping fork and various other tools to form and coat your candies. Finish them with foils, paper cups, sticks and wrappers. The 48-page illustrated book provides instructions, recipes and scientific explanations. This kit does not contain any food items. Ingredients must be purchased separately, giving you control over the ingredients you use. 5/4/2006 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Elements of Science by THAMES & KOSMOS

Investigate the most important phenomena in biology, chemistry, and physics by conducting more than 100 fun experiments. A broad, yet elaborate introduction to the physical and natural sciences, this kit is intended to expose children to the full spectrum of science and show first-hand how these three core disciplines interrelate. The full-color, 112-page book guides your experiments and discoveries. 5/4/2006 (Price: $74.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Physics Solar Workshop by THAMES & KOSMOS

Physics Solar Workshop explores the topic of solar energy, focusing on photovoltaic cells. By building 12 models and conducting 30 experiments, you will learn how solar cells transform light into electrical energy, and how motors and mechanical devices can optimize the work done by this energy. You will build different types of vehicles and machines to demonstrate how gears can convert and transform power for different needs. There are 320 parts, which are also compatible with the other physics kits. The 64-page book offers illustrated instructions for the projects. This kit was developed with Greenpeace in Germany.
— This kit offers experimentation “with different mechanisms that allow you optimize the use of the solar power depending on specific applications. For example, you build vehicles with different gear ratios….In this way, it teaches kids how solar power can be harnessed and transformed for use in the real world,” president Ted McGuire of Thames & Kosmos told TDmonthly. 5/4/2006 (Price: $59.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Physics Discovery by THAMES & KOSMOS

With Physics Discovery, you can build 12 models and then conduct experiments with the models to learn about forces and simple machines. Each model demonstrates a fundamental idea in mechanical physics. For example, you can build a balance scale to learn about lever arms, a freight elevator to learn about pulleys, a bicycle to learn about wheels, a motion picture machine to learn about centripetal and centrifugal forces, and a transmission to learn about gears. Physics Discovery is a smaller, introductory companion to our best-selling Physics Workshop kit. It has different building projects and experiments, but parts that are compatible with those in Physics Workshop and Physics Solar Workshop. This kit includes more than 100 building pieces. The 32-page book offers illustrated instructions for building projects and experiments. 5/4/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bruise Away Balm kit by KITS FOR CRAFTS

Our Bruise Away Balm kit contains everything you need to make a natural healing balm for bumps and bruises.

Arnica, emu and calendula oils are known for their deep healing properties. They reduce swelling and redness, and promote tissue repair. Essential oils of lavender and geranium, and herbs such as comfrey and licorice root, also help reduce inflammation and regenerate damaged tissues.

This is a wonderful product to keep in the first aid cabinet. You may even want to carry one along with you on outings. 4/27/2006 (Price: $39.95)

Basic Clay Facial Kit by KITS FOR CRAFTS

Founded by two parents anxious to unearth a remedy for their daughter’s eczema, Kits for Crafts encourages crafters to “show responsibility by labeling ingredients properly.” Kids have the opportunity to do so, as well as to personalize their own products, with downloadable packaging designs on the Kits for Crafts web site. “We want to teach kids that [taking good care of themselves] is something they can be doing for the rest of their lives,” Wendy Robbins of Kits for Crafts told TDmonthly.  4/27/2006 (Price: $29.95)

Milk Chocolate Bath kit by KITS FOR CRAFTS

The Milk Chocolate Bath kit contains everything you need to make luscious, skin softening, chocolatey milk baths with vitamin E and oatmeal.

Milk has lactic acid which helps soften and exfoliate the top layer of your skin while colloidal oatmeal and vitamin E soothe and nourish your skin. Grated cocoa butter adds an unusual twist to this bath blend.

These milk baths make a scrumptious gift for Valentine's Day! To make a chocolate lover's gift basket, include a bag of Milk Chocolate Bath, a jar of pure cocoa butter and a canister of hot chocolate mix. 4/26/2006

Cooling Cucumber Mint Foot Scrub kit by KITS FOR CRAFTS

The Cooling Cucumber Mint Foot Scrub kit contains everything you need to make a cooling, exfoliating natural foot scrub.

Many forms of holistic medicine have demonstrated the importance of foot massage to increase circulation and improve overall health. Use this natural, cooling, salt scrub to scrub away the dead skin cells under your feet, and to increase blood circulation. Peppermint oil cools and soothes tired feet, and the nourishing oils help keep them soft. Grapefruit seed extract is an antimicrobial agent that helps kill germs. Your feet will love this handmade scrub! 4/26/2006

Butter Bath Melts kit by KITS FOR CRAFTS

The Butter Bath Melts kit contains everything you need to make luscious, velvety cocoa butter and oatmeal bath melts.

These irresistable bath melts combine cocoa, mango and aloe butters with skin soothing oatmeal and vanilla buttercream fragrance. Butters help soften the skin and protect it from the elements while oatmeal soothes dry, irritated skin. Toss 1 or 2 melts in your tub, sit back and enjoy the chocolatey goodness. 4/26/2006

Chocolate Chip Bath Cookie Kit by KITS FOR CRAFTS

The Chocolate Chip Bath Cookie Kit contains everything you need to make decadent chocolate chip bath cookies that fizz in the tub. Cocoa butter and glycerin moisturize your skin while you soak. Sea salt, milk and oatmeal soothe and nourish your skin. The fizzing combination of citric acid and baking soda add extra fun to your bath. Whether you stack them in cellophane bags, or layer them in cookie boxes, these Chocolate Chip Bath Cookies make a great holiday gift for friends and family. Everyone will be amazed at how real they look and smell! ( Watch Video) 4/26/2006 (Price: $39.95)

Rubberband Ball Kit by THE PENCIL GRIP INC.

The make it yourself rubber band ball kit includes a Super Ball and an ultra bright assortment of the highest quality American made rubber bands available. Children love the highflying rubber band ball that they can create for themselves. Stimulates both eye-hand coordination and visual sequencing in Children. Fun to throw and catch, it can bounce over 40 feet in the air. ( Watch Video) 4/20/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crafty Cooking Kits by BRAND CASTLE

Crafty Cooking Kits™, the new cooking kits that are Fun to Make, Great to Eat™, are designed to give children and caregivers an opportunity to create sweet memories while completing unique, high quality, interactive cooking projects. Launching in spring 2005, six introductory kits encourage limitless creativity, sharing and learning between children and adults of all ages. Crafty Cooking Kits are sold in baking aisles at grocery stores and other specialty retailers. Crafty Cooking Kits are developed by devoted parents Jimmy and Andrea Zeilinger, founders of Brand Castle, LLC, the privately held Cleveland-based company specializing in bringing innovative products to market. ( Watch Video) 4/20/2006

Wooden Leaf Press Kit by CORPS OF RE-DISCOVERY

Children and adults alike will be proud to capture blooms at their best and show off their collection of leaves and flowers pressed with this Wooden Leaf Press Kit. The leaf press is ideal for the nature enthusiast as well as the backyard gardener. The kit includes parts to make the wooden frame, enough blotter paper for a season of collecting, and detailed assembly and use instructions plus other materials needed for a 6” by 6” leaf press. “This kit helped make our botany lesson really come to life,” says Sheila Stern, homeschooling mother of four. “The kids took great pride in growing their plants and choosing the best ones to press. The quality of the Corps of Re-Discovery's Leaf Press will ensure it is still around — and in use — when my younger children reach middle school.” 3/30/2006 (Price: $7.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teaching Tank® Starter Kit by CAPTIVATION INC.

The Teaching Tank Starter Kit is extremely versatile. It comes with Discovery Book 1 and a bag of Clear Growing Crystals. The Teaching Tank will capture your child's natural curiosity in science and enhance his or her understanding of science through a variety of hands-on activities. Paul Reinbold of Captivation Inc. is proud of the acclaim that the Teaching Tank has garnered. He told TDmonthly that the Teaching Tank has received “…not one, but two prestigious awards from Dr. Toy, the first being one of the 100 Best Children's Products for 2006 and the second being one of the 10 Best Educational Products for 2006. 1/11/2006 (Price: $69.95)

The Teaching Tank® Discovery Books© by CAPTIVATION INC.

The lessons in the Discovery Book Series are written by experienced teachers who want students and instructors to succeed. All of the lessons are very well-written, easy to follow and visually exciting! The detailed instructions are augmented by thinking questions and notes for the instructor. Each volume contains 50 new lessons. 1/11/2006 (Price: $87)

Beading Book with Hemp Kit by BEAD BAZAAR/KID JOURNEYS

Check out the Beading Book with hemp kit by Bead Bazaar. This comprehensive kit combines a hot-of-the-press book with an attached bead kit. The Beading Book contains step-by-step beading instructions & fabulous design ideas. It offers fun beginning to intermediate projects in 50 pages of easy-to-follow guidelines complete with color photographs on every page. The Hemp Kit contains different colored and shaped beads. Now you can design your own distinct accessories with this amazing natural fiber. It includes hardware & instructions all of which come in beautiful re-useable packaging! 1/10/2006 (Price: $18.99)