TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Play Sets Product Category

Play Along Awesome Adventure Park by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

The playset comes with two exclusive pocket puppies: Digby and Jumper. The playset also features a spinning Ferris wheel, swinging ship, teeter-totter and much more. 5/30/2008 (Price: $24.99)

Play Along Newborn Nursery by JAKKS PACIFIC INC.

The playset includes a mommy puppy, her three newborn pups and a lot of accessories. The puppies can play on a seesaw, take baths, enjoy treats and snuggle in at bedtime. The nursery folds up for on-the-go fun. 5/30/2008 (Price: $14.99)

Carrera Go!!! Speed Racer 1:43 Scale Slot Car Race Set by CARRERA

The supercharged Mach 5 goes head-to-head with Racer X’s infamous #9 – Shooting Star – on a 1:43 scale. Fly down the track, careen around, over and through the competition, in this high-octane race set that includes almost 21 feet of track, a double loop, junction, flyover, lap counter, two turbo-speed controllers and the Mach 5 and Shooting Star cars. “Multi-generational fun,” Keith L. Strickland, a representative for Carrera Toys, emphasized to TDmonthly. “No matter whether you're a beginner, young racer, or young at heart, Carrera Toys' entertainment-licensed 1:43 scale GO!!! MarioKart and Speed Racer slot-car race sets have mass appeal.” This product won a Dr. Toy Award for Best Products for Summer 2008. Launch date: April 2008.
— "This toy was a huge hit in our household," said Sue Christensen, mother of four boys ages 6 to 14, all of whom participated in TDmonthly's Roundtable review of this product. "The kids were thrilled with Speed Racer from the moment they saw it in the box, through assembly and racing." 5/22/2008 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Carrera Go!!! MarioKart 1:43 Scale Slot Car Race Set by CARRERA

Super Mario is participating in wild, incredible speed-duels on racetracks, battling to “crack lap records” against his archrival, Wario. “With top quality, durable tracks and cars and Carrera’s legendary Turbo speed controller, Carrera GO!!! is the ideal starter system for beginners, young racers and the young at heart,” Keith L. Strickland, a representative for Carrera Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2007. 5/22/2008 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnetic Play Scenes – Pirate Ship and Fairy Tree House by MAGNETIC POETRY

The kit features play scenes equipped with magnetic pieces that kids can use to create and recreate different play scenes. Over 20 colorful, magnetic pieces are included. The magnetic play scenes are available in two varieties: pirate ship and fairy tree house. “The Magnetic Play Scenes encourage kids’ imagination because they can use it to act out a different story every time they play with it,” Joyce Johannson, a representative for Magnetic Poetry, told TDmonthly. “Use the colorful magnetic characters and accessories to have tea in the fairy house, or have someone walk the plank on the pirate ship.” Launch date: Spring 2008. 5/22/2008 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

John Deere Animal Band by LEARNING CURVE

This fun animal band allows preschoolers to create their own music. Decide which instrument the animals will play, and who the "singer" will be: cow, chicken, sheep or pig. Kids will have a great time moving the animals from instrument to instrument, and each animal has its own unique "voice" when placed at the microphone. The toy plays four classic preschool songs: "Old McDonald", "B-I-N-G-O", "The Farmer in the Dell" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Launch date: June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $22.99)

Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Pirates Cove Set by LEARNING CURVE

This adventure-packed set features a fun Pirate Shipwreck, Skull Mountain and Treasure Tunnel. Launch date: May 2008.
— Two of 66 retailers told TDmonthly in July 2008 that Thomas products are a top-selling gift item for boys.
— Thomas items are best sellers at Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark., as reported by Owner Steve Melody in spring 2009. 5/21/2008 (Price: $149.99)

Take Along Thomas Morgan's Mine by LEARNING CURVE

The Lights & Sounds playset is based on the major video, “The Great Discovery.” Discover two different play patterns with this set that includes die-cast Thomas and Troublesome Truck. Launch date: June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $49.99)

Mugwaz Teez—Funky Diva by MUGWAZ

Girls can personalize the t-shirt using six neon fabric markets. Each machine washable, tagless t-shirt is made from 100 percent cotton and comes boxed in a bright pink gift box. Launch date: May/June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $18.00)

Mugwaz Teez--Glam Goddess by MUGWAZ

Each machine washable, tagless t-shirt is made from 100 percent cotton and comes boxed in a bright pink gift box with six neon fabric markers. Launch date: May/June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $18.00)

Dream Designer Hannah Montana by ELMER'S

The kit comes with over 500 pieces, allowing Hannah Montana fans everywhere to create her own customized tabletop versions of familiar show scenes, including Miley’s living room and Hannah’s stage and closet. The kit’s themed stickers, markers, beads and characters allow kids to design, decorate and play over and over again. Launch date: July 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

All-in-One Art Set: Dora the Explorer by ELMER'S

The 40-piece Dora-themed art set includes five jumbo crayons, five markers, seven watercolors, one brush, two paper pads, 16 stickers, three stencils and one glue stick. The set will keep creative kids engaged and entertained for hours. Launch date: September 2007. 5/21/2008 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe 14 pc. Ice Cream Making Set by SASSAFRAS ENTERPRISES INC.

Kids can make their own ice cream and ice cream sundaes with this kit.  The kit includes an ice cream maker, two sundae cups, two sundae spoons, a recipe and instruction booklet, sprinkles, an ice cream scoop, two soda jerk hats and crayons. All items are packaged attractively inside a window box. Launch date: May 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $44.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DYO Real Hockey Puck Kit by DESIGN YOUR OWN

The kit allows kids to decorate their own, real hockey puck and stick. Kids will be able to express themselves while staying active and can easily spot their puck on the ice. Launch date: June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DYO Real Skateboard Kit by DESIGN YOUR OWN

The kit combines art and athletics, allowing children to express their creativity and individuality while being active. Kids can now decorate their own, real, one-of-a-kind skateboard. Launch date: June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mythmorphs Silver by RIVER DOLPHIN TOYS

The set comes with 60 rugged, plastic pieces that kids can snap together easily to form endless poseable creatures, with hinged jaws. Kids can create a dragon, Pegasus, a phoenix, Wyvern, Golden Boar, Capricorn or their own unique creatures. Several extra pieces are included, to make creatures even more poseable. All Zoomorphs sets are interchangeable. 5/21/2008 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kitchen Littles Deluxe Appliance Set with Accessories by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The toaster pops out toast, the heavy duty die-cast blender blades spin at the push of a button and the can opener opens cans. The set includes two cans fruit, a can opener, a jar of jam, two pieces of toast, a die-cast metal toaster, a lunch plate, a knife, an ice cream carton, three scoops of ice cream, an ice cream scoop, a die-cast metal blender, a carton or milk, a bottle of soda and four glasses. Launch date: Summer 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $20.00)

Calico Critters Melanie & Sparky's Playdate by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

When Laurel mouse is looking after her little mouse sister Melanie, and her hound dog friend Sparky, the kids learn that sharing toys is twice the fun. The adorable playset includes two mice, a hound dog, a horse rocker, a red toy car and two additional baby outfits on hangers. Launch date: January 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $16.99)

Historical Signals and Semaphores Collector's Set by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.

The collector’s set teaches kids about maritime signaling techniques in a vivid and interactive way. The set includes a 60-page book full of colorful photos and fascinating information, two playing card decks, two full-color posters, two Morse code flashers, two replica semaphore training dials and more. The book even comes with a special flipbook feature. Launch date: 2007. 5/19/2008 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PBR Champion Bull & Rider Carded by SCHYLLING

This item is part of Schylling’s Professional Bull Riding line. The playset comes with a 3-1/2” rider, a 6” bull and accessories. Assorted varieties are available. Launch date: December 2007. 5/19/2008 (Price: $13.99)

Bring Along Thomas by SCHYLLING

The playset includes a construction track, a wind-up Thomas train, a bell, horses, a bridge and trees. The track folds into a convenient 6-1/2” x 6” carrying case for Thomas and his accessories. Launch date: May 2007. ( Watch Video) 5/19/2008 (Price: $11.99)

SuperSet Dream Garden by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The Dream Garden comes with a magic fountain, a prince, a princess, a swan, a peacock, a unicorn, butterflies, a tree, flowers and more. The fountain features a waterspout that works with a hand pump. All pieces come stored inside an easy-to-carry box with a handle. Launch date: January 2008.
— Playmobil is a best-selling line at Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., Owner Jeanette Lauture said in summer 2008. “I find this ‘gold standard’ to be awesome for girls and boys for a wide age range (1-1/2 to 12 years old),” she told TDmonthly. “I’ve been selling this item since I opened [in spring 2007].”
— Jamie Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Pa., told TDmonthly in July 2008 that he sells 60 units of Playmobil per month.  “We go through them like there’s no tomorrow,” noted Bill Sartain, co-owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, Utah.
— Seven of 66 retailers named Playmobil as their overall best seller in summer 2008. ( Watch Video) 5/13/2008 (Price: $25.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SuperSet Pirate Island by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The shipwrecked pirate set includes the bow of a ship, an anchor, a working cannon, a palm tree, a parrot, a turtle, two figures and more. Treasures can be hidden in a secret compartment and the shark can float. All pieces come stored inside an easy-to-carry box with a handle. Launch date: January 2008.
— “[We] carry a big line of Playmobil,” Margy Pein, owner of Tree House Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in May 2008. “So far this month, we have sold 1,700 action figures, including Papo and Schleich. In June last year, Playmobil sold 464 units average.”
— Playmobil actions figures “always [do] well … last month I sold $800 [worth],” Children's Store Inc. Owner Jeanne McCullough in Boise, Idaho, told TDmonthly in May 2008.
— Over 12 percent of 55 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in May 2008 named Playmobil action figures as best-sellers. 5/13/2008 (Price: $25.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SuperSet Ice Cream Parlor by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The set’s counter features a sink, a cash register and an assortment of ice cream. The set also comes with three figures, a table, two chairs, a bike, a bike rack and more. All pieces come stored inside an easy-to-carry box with a handle. Launch date: January 2008. 5/13/2008 (Price: $25.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fireman Carrying Case by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The convenient, take-along case comes with 65 pieces, including a figure, a hose, a fire hydrant, cones, a walkie talkie, a flashlight, construction signs, a shovel and more. Launch date: January 2008. 5/13/2008 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]