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

Pretend & Play® World Traveler by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

A world of adventure — including a camera, binoculars, a passport, maps, postcards and a write-and-wipe crayon pen to write home — comes packed inside this sturdy suitcase. The set is a great way to inspire curiosity about diverse cultures, natural wonders, geography, architecture, language and more. 5/2/2007 (Price: $32.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rodeo Deluxe Playset by SCHYLLING

The Rodeo Deluxe Playset brings the thrill of the rodeo into a living room. Four-inch-high action figures and bulls each have 21 points of articulation, detailed features and rodeo gear. Rodeo Champion bulls have jointed skeletons and life-like Bio-Skins that move freely to bring the bulls to life. The set is designed by professional rodeo athletes to be as authentic and true to life as possible. Kids can build the arena of their choice using real working chutes, gates and fences. Everything is scaled down for enhanced realism.
— When asked about popular playsets in her store, Cheryl Richmond, owner of Punkin Doodles in Havre, Mont., said, "Probably the Rodeo Champions by Schylling. We have a lot of cowboys around here." One other retailer agreed with Richmond.
— "We probably sell five or six per month, which, for our store, is real good,” Richmond added.
— The idea for western-themed playsets came from the company's owner, who took up horseback riding a couple of years ago, Stephen Medina of Schylling Toys told TDmonthly. "The jointed and poseable characters of the Rodeo Champions Playsets are so realistic that you’ll feel like you’re at a real rodeo or bull riding event. The play value is off the charts and the scenarios are endless." 5/2/2007 (Price: $79.99)

Adventures of James by LEARNING CURVE

Thomas fans can recreate their favorite stories with this two-car pack. James with Team Colors is from the "Thomas and the Colors" storyline. It comes with a 90-day limited warranty.
— When asked about a top-seller in her store, Patty Tepper-Rasmussen of Learning Tree in Oklahoma City, Okla., responded, "Thomas, of course. I sell a lot."
— One other retailer agreed with Tepper-Rasmussen in spring 2007 about the popularity of Thomas in the play sets category.
— Tepper-Rasmussen said she sells up to 35 units of Thomas per month, and the other retailer sells about 90 per month. 5/2/2007 (Price: $26.00)

Gourmet Kitchen by SMALL WORLD TOYS

This deluxe 45-piece cookware and food set has everything a child needs to pretend-cook delicious and nutritious meals. The brightly colored plastic set includes a cutting board, knife, fry pan, cooking pot, pretend foods and everything else kids come to expect when play-dining. The set comes in its own see-through plastic carrying box with a lid that snaps shut on both sides and can be turned over to use as a tray.
— When asked about playsets in spring 2007, Teri Soelter, owner of Teri's Toybox in Edmonds, Wash., said, "We sell a lot of kitchen-type things for boys and girls — play food. We get them from Small World. We probably sell a couple of dozen per month.”
— Two of 39 retailers cited Small World Gourmet as part of their top-selling lines of playsets.
— Marilyn Sipila, owner of Toys Etc. in Poulsbo, Wash., named Small World Toys as one of her favorite vendors in spring 2007. “I like companies that churn out high-quality product,” she said. 5/2/2007 (Price: $21.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Stephanie Sunny-Bunny's Amazing Train Ride by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

One summer day in Cloverleaf Corners, Stephanie decides to go for a ride in her new train. She does not know, of course, what an adventure is waiting for her on the way. The Amazing Train Ride set includes Stephanie Sunny-Bunny, Emma Lambrook, a baby train with an engine and two cars, a lunchbox with a lid, a spoon, a fork, a bottle of water, bananas, candy and a toy bear.
— "Calico Critters right now, by International Playthings. It seems to have taken off. We sell hundreds of units per month," said Sean O’Brien, manager at Blinn’s in Fairfield, Conn., when asked in spring 2007 about popular playsets with customers.
— Specialty retailers reported to TDmonthly average sales ranging from 30 to 80 units per month.
— Five of 39 retailers told TDmonthly that Calico Critters were still hot sellers in their stores. 5/2/2007 (Price: $16.99)

Daisy by LEARNING CURVE

Daisy, a classy and sassy passenger diesel, is back for 2007 only. Little engineers can add her to their Thomas collections before she heads back to the sheds. Daisy believes she should only carry passengers and never pull trucks, though she soon learns that all work is important and helps out whenever she can. She can be seen in "Thomas Meets the Queen,” and was in the Thomas Wooden Railway line from 1995 through 2004.
— "Thomas the Train — we sell a pretty good amount," said Katie Culotta of Victoria’s Toy Station in Baton Rouge, La., about licensed product in spring 2007.
— Culotta added that the store sells about 25 to 30 cars or vehicles of the Thomas brand a month.
— Daisy comes with a 90-day limited warranty. 5/2/2007 (Price: $15.99)

Pirate Treasure Hunt by PLAYGROUND ENTERPRISES INC./DANNY FIRST TOYS

Captain Danny and first mate Sally brave the high seas in search of lost treasures. The set includes a pirate ship, Danny and Sally poseable dolls, treasure and an anchor. “Danny First playsets are designed for both girl and boy play. … They promote imaginative play...no batteries required!” VP of Product Development & Sourcing Jeff Alward told TDmonthly. "Soft sets like ours are mostly in the specialty market. Other playsets, like Playmobil, in the mass market, are not so user-friendly for younger kids." ( Watch Video) 4/6/2007 (Price: $39.95)

Play Town Family House Playset by LEARNING CURVE

The sturdy, two-story Family House Playset is the perfect home for loving Play Town residents. It has everything necessary to keep characters comfortable, including a bed, table, two chairs and a cradle for Baby. It features wooden pillars and accents, a working front door, a working doorbell and a balcony, plus a garden and an attic for storing possessions. It includes Mom, Dad and Baby character pieces plus a bonus Play Town Sound Book. “The world can grow and expand by simply adding more pieces,” said Julie Gwaltney, managing director of Learning Curve. “An extra building or character can open up entirely new avenues for play.” Launch date: Summer 2007. 4/6/2007 (Price: $34.99)

X: The Digital System Basic Set by HORNBY

This set includes three cars, three electronic hand throttles, one central unit power line, one 360 mm terminal track, straights, changeover tracks, curves, one electronic transformer and borders with barriers. The digital technology system features a chip in each car that allows users to give instruction to the vehicles, link the cars to a controller for competition, personalize each car by setting braking power and fuel load, and send information to the Control Unit in order to view times, positions and fuel consumption. 4/6/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Scene: Horse Friends by MUDPUPPY PRESS

This portable playing board features a handle and comes with more than 50 vinyl stickers — including horses, trees, butterflies and more — so that kids can create a new scene every time. Launch date: Spring 2007. 3/29/2007 (Price: $11.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Scene: Happy Camper by MUDPUPPY PRESS

This portable playing board features a handle and comes with more than 50 vinyl stickers — including animals, camping equipment, trees and more — so that kids can create a new scene every time. 3/29/2007 (Price: $11.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Little Sandbox Play Set – Pirates Ahoy! by BE GOOD COMPANY

This little wooden sandbox measures 10” x 10” x 2” and comes with a 20” x 20” no-mess play mat. It features ultra-fine sand, two pirates, a sailing ship, palm trees, a treasure chest, treasure, a booty bucket, a grooming rake, a treasure shovel, a monkey, a parrot and a crocodile. Other new sets include Princess Dreams and Nativity. “Kids are engaged in My Little Sandbox Play Set twice as long as other play sets because of the ultra-fine craft-quality sand. This is proven out by the eight successful themes in the line previously launched (Beach, Construction, Dinosaur, Farm, Mermaid, Fire Rescue, Monster Truck, Space),” Vince Kurr of BE Good Company told TDmonthly.
— Though the sandboxes had been available since 2003, it wasn't until the company introduced a demonstration display for retailers in 2004 that the product really took off. "The mom will go into the store and the kids will be at the display the whole time. Even though it's a $25 item, it's an impulse purchase, and then it becomes a great birthday gift," Kurr explained. Launch date: June 2007.
— These sandbox play sets were listed as best sellers at Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., in late spring 2010 by Manager Katie Harris. “We carry eight different versions of these adorable 12" sandboxes,” she told TDmonthly. “Each one has a different scene that kids can build and play with.” 3/22/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dinosaur Dig Play Set by ODYSSEY TOYS

This unique playset includes seven moving pieces buried in two layers. Kids lift the first layer of dinosaur puzzle pieces to reveal a second layer of fossil pieces. The two layers connect magnetically, the animals can move the magnetic backdrop, and animal names are printed on each piece. The backdrop can be used on either side, for the land of dinosaurs or the fossil dig site. The product is handcrafted in wood, except for the included poseable plastic figure, which has gripping hands, a detailed sculpted face and soft, sewn clothing. "We added value to the set by adding the figure," explained Jessica Klein, vice president of sales for Odyssey Toys. "We wanted moving pieces, because kids love that, and magnetic features so they could play in the car." Launch date: April 20, 2007. ( Watch Video) 3/19/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Pretend & Play Animal Hospital by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Tender loving pet care goes anywhere with this portable animal hospital, and role-play encourages participation in caring for family pets. The hospital comes complete with a puppy and 34 pieces to ensure a thorough check-up. Write-and-wipe components let children play repeatedly, and a tri-fold board with pockets stores components neatly. Launch date: January 2007.
— "Learning Resources: school and doctor sets," said Danny Givens, owner of Little Dickens in Lynchburg, Va., when asked about popular playsets in his store. One other retailer that TDmonthly spoke with agreed that Learning Resources playsets sell well.
— Twenty units per month was a figure one retailer provided to TDmonthly when asked about sales.
— “Dramatic play toys are always a staple item in specialty toy stores, but what makes the Pretend & Play Animal Hospital special is its topic. Since 60 percent of families have at least one household pet, the idea of children taking care of pets — even through imaginative role play — will resonate with parents,” Kim McLynn of Learning Resources told TDmonthly. 3/19/2007 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bridge and Crane Figure 8 Set by LEARNING CURVE

The Bridge & Crane Figure 8 Set is the perfect introduction to the world of Thomas & Friends. It contains the exclusive Sodor Shipping Crane, Sling Bridge, Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt and more.
— Co-owner Bob Breneman indicated that although wooden trains, generally, have shrunk as a category, the RC2 Thomas the Train line is still quite strong and a best seller at G. Willikers in Portsmouth, N.H. In particular, the Figure 8 sets sell well. 3/13/2007

Summer Meadow Set by PLAYMOBIL INC.

This charming Summer Meadow set features farm animals and a wagon. The 1-2-3 sets encourage young children to explore a variety of settings and environments through imaginative play. 
— Playmobil is a great seller at G. Willikers in Portsmouth, N.H., the Breneman family of owners told TDmonthly. 3/13/2007 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Breyer Classics Veterinary Care Gift Set by REEVES INTL. INC.

This cute young veterinarian in cool-colored scrubs has everything she needs to take care of her dun Thoroughbred cross. The set includes horse and veterinarian figurines, a first aid kit, a bag, medicine and more. "Our Veterinary Care Gift Set encourages children to use their imagination but is also educational in that it teaches them how to care for their animals," Kim Abbott of Reeves International told TDmonthly. "This set also includes authentic replicas of a horse and veterinary medical accessories." 3/6/2007 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Fort™ Carnival Clubhouse by CRANIUM INC.

With Super Fort Carnival Clubhouse, kids can try their hand at Super Roll, Moon Toss, Dunk the Splat, Prize Booth and more. In this life-sized construction-meets-games activity toy, kids create and play 15 classic carnival games — or use the building pieces to create a funhouse fort like no other. Compatible with all Super Fort sets, the quick-snap Magnaball™ magnetic connectors and flexible foam tubes get kids building and rebuilding. Launch date: Fall 2007.  ( Watch Video) 3/6/2007 (Price: $79.99)

ZipBin® Country Stable Play Set by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

This soft-sided, horse stable-shaped and -decorated carrying case converts to an entire horse farm playscape with a barn, stable, corral and riding paddock. Gerry Linda, director of marketing at Neat-Oh! told TDmonthly, "We’re beginning to sense a movement toward branded/licensed accessories and toys in playsets, driven more by manufacturers than by consumers or the trade. However, we are also seeing higher-quality toys and accessories being incorporated into playsets ... and this demand is coming from consumers. Either way, playsets are taking on a more important role.” Launch date: February 2007. This product was previously catalogued under the name ZipBin® Softie™ Country Stable (changed January 2009).
— Georgia Wampler of The Learning Station in Newark, Del., called ZipBins “very, very clever” while at Toy Fair 2007. “They can be used in a lot of different ways. We were excited about the good price point,” she said. ( Watch Video) 2/28/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jay Jay the Jet Plane® Super Sky Tag by DARDA INC USA

Children can send Jay Jay through the course of narrow turns and upside down action as he flies high in an ultimate game of tag. Jay Jay tags Tracy so that she can mimic his stunts. Perfect for preschoolers, this toy does not require electricity or batteries.”The Jay Jay the Jet Plane license sets this product apart. It is the only set of its kind featuring accurately replicated Jay Jay and Tracy characters. Because the Jay Jay show airs on PBS, it is aligned perfectly with the consumers who shop in the specialty toy market,” Marketing Specialist Robin Fitzpatrick of Like-Like Products told TDmonthly. 2/27/2007 (Price: $44.99)

Malvern Manor by TOP SHELF HOLDINGS LLC

This elegant dollhouse features beautiful dormer windows, exquisite brickwork, and working windows and doors. The set includes six rooms of furniture and a family of six dolls, who can go upstairs via a sturdy staircase or out to the backyard through French doors. A hatch door grants access to the loft attic. The house assembles in minutes. Launch date: March 15, 2007. 2/23/2007 (Price: $179.95)

Only Hearts Horse & Pony Club™ by ONLY HEARTS CLUB GROUP LLC

Only Hearts Club introduces its newest line, the Only Hearts Horse and Pony Club™. This exciting brand features a complete equestrian line, from horses, to riders, to stables and tack-room accessories. The Only Hearts Horse & Pony Club features both Western and English riding lines, and is sure to delight horse lovers of all ages. Kids can experience realistic fashions and horse breeds with soft and poseable dolls and horses.
— “Only Hearts Club with the equestrian theme,” is tops for fashion dolls at J.W. Allen and Sons Children’s Provisions in Park City, Utah. Owner Jonathan Allen said, “We sell on the average 15 a month.”
— “Only Hearts Club has done well as far as fashion,” agreed Stephanie Dupuy, owner of Playville in Covington, La.
— Ten percent of retailers surveyed in January 2008 named the Only Hearts Club as their most “stable” fashion line. ( Watch Video) 2/22/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Playhouse Kit by LITTLE PARTNERS INC.

This kit transforms The Learning Tower — a high-quality birch tower of adjustable height — into a fun playhouse. The set features an easily-attachable roof, red curtains and four theme signs to create a puppet theatre, doll house, drive-thru and lemonade stand. A combination set that includes the tower and the playhouse kit is available for a suggested retail price of $189.95. It is suitable for children aged 18 months and up. According to Lisa Orman of Kidstuff PR, the open-ended structure of The Learning Tower allows children to use their imagination and create special play spaces. Launch date: July 2006.   2/21/2007 (Price: $32.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Set - Ballet Studio Theater by ONLY HEARTS CLUB GROUP LLC

Dance enthusiast Karina Grace and the Only Hearts Girls™ invite you to visit the ballet studio and theater, as described in the Only Hearts Club™ story Dancing Dilemma! The innovative design features a ballet studio on one side, and a theater on the other side. Fold-out design maximizes play and enables closing to a smaller size for easy storage.


(Dolls and other accessories not listed above not included.) 2/19/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate Adventure Fun Kit by DOVER PUBLICATIONS

This treasure chest of pirate booty includes 29 stickers, including many that glow in the dark, 20 tattoos and stencils, two complete coloring books, four stained glass coloring sheets, and a pirate eye patch and bandana. “Fun Kits feature high-quality multiple components offering good value,” Joanne Cole of Cole Communications told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2006.
— "That would be activity books. I sell a variety of different ones. I sell them from Dover," was the comment on best-selling travel toys given to TDmonthly by Scott Loveless, owner of Toys That Teach in Bothell, Wash.
— One other retailer had similar sentiments about the travel appeal of Dover books.
— Loveless told TDmonthly he sells up to 150 Dover books during his peak selling season. 2/19/2007 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]