TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Preschool Product Category

Super Fun Marble Run by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

This gigantic marble run features 103 pieces with 12 marbles. Kids can build their structure any way they like, then drop the marbles and watch them race through the run.
— In a May 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that marble runs were one of their best-selling construction toys. 11/20/2012 (Price: $29.95)

Who Lives Here? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

The jungle is warm and steamy. What kind of animal might live there, a snow goose or a sloth? What about a still, cool pond -- could that be home for a howler monkey? Find out why meerkats like dry sunny grasslands (hint: they like to dig holes to hide in) or why clown fish feel right at home in a coral reef. Small flaps and a matching spread at the end make learning about habitats fun. Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What Happens Next? by CANDLEWICK PRESS

Here’s a hungry chameleon with a long, long tongue. And here’s a big juicy caterpillar. Can you guess what happens next? What if a honeybee comes upon a beautiful patch of flowers, but the members of her hive don’t know how to find her? Or if two chimps want to munch on termites that are out of reach deep inside a mound? Peek under large flaps to find out - and refresh your memory at the end! Lift the flaps and learn about animal life with two new books in a fresh, fun-filled series for curious preschoolers. Launch date: November 2012. 11/20/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Down at the Zoo by TRACE ELEMENTS SHRUB MUSIC

DOWN AT THE ZOO is a 10 song album for children featuring songs about different animals. Launch date: 2002.
Awards: Parent's Choice Approved; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award 11/20/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

About Dinosaurs by AZ BOOKS LLC

Kids have millions of questions. In these books real doctors, geologists, biologists, and other scientists provide answers. The series includes books on the human body, planet Earth, wildlife, and dinosaurs.  11/16/2012 (Price: $18.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

3D Wall Murals for Nursery and Kids Rooms - Jungle Animals Set (Lion, Gorilla, Elephant, Panda) by COLORFUL CHILDHOOD LLC

Large, bright, and colorful jungle, safari and zoo animals wall murals are made in USA by a proprietary process that provides thickness and creates a three-dimensional silhouette image that pops off the wall and creates a 3D effect. Each large animal character measures approximately 2 feet wide, 3 feet tall and nearly 1/4 inch thick, but is still very lightweight and can be installed even by a child. Unique 100% removable adhesive strips make the murals very easy to install and remove without any tools or causing any damage to the walls. Launch date: August 2012. 11/16/2012 (Price: $199.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boikido Wooden Boat Maze by BOIKIDO

Everyone knows that kids are fascinated with mazes, especially this vibrant wooden Boat Maze that is loaded with activities. Build the boat, stack the sail, play the maze with 5 colorful beads, and have fun with the cute Boikido characters. Develops fine motor skills. Launch date: February 2013. 11/14/2012 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SmartMax Set - BASIC 25 by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

SmartMax Set - BASIC 25 allows children ages three and up to experience the wonders of magnetism and the fascinating world of construction in a safe way. Towers, bridges, and houses are just a few building options that take advantage of the large pieces to engage even the youngest builder.
— Diane Gervais from Amato's Toy & Hobby in Middletown, Conn., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Smartmax sets are one of their store's best-selling educational toys. "Smartmax is pretty popular right now in preschool," she told us.

Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
 11/14/2012 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

CuddleUppets by JAY AT PLAY

CuddleUppets are both playful puppets that encourage creative play and practical blankets. Their soft plush head can be used as a small travel pillow for children on planes, cars or in daycare while the fuzzy blanket keeps small children warm. CuddleUppets help children transition from play time to bed time. CuddleUppets are available in eight varieties: Pink Poodle, Blue Elephant, Purple Monkey, Yellow Puppy, Brown Bear Green Crocodile and the newest additions Pink Ladybug and Magic Unicorn. 11/14/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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][?]

BubbleBum by BUBBLEBUM USA

BubbleBum is perfect for parents and tots or kids always on-the-go ages 4-11. The first inflatable lightweight car booster seat, BubbleBum is a fun way for kids to ride comfortably. BubbleBum comes with seat belt positioning clips in place of arm rests and fits in small spaces, making it possible to fit three kids across the back seat. It easily deflates after use allowing it to be stored in a backpack, flight bag, trunk or even a large purse. Perfect for family car trips, fly ins with car rentals and every day use with car pools. 11/8/2012 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Very First Game - Gitti Giraffe by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

In free play children will pile the animal blocks on top of each other by color or all mixed up, and play with the animal vehicle. A colorful stacking game. All in one toy and game with instructions. Game material designed with special care. Conceived for small children's hands. 1 - 4 players. 11/8/2012 (Price: $35.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spin 'N Saucer™ With Lights & Sounds by RADIO FLYER

The Spin ‘N Saucer™ comes with EZ-Glide wheels for 360°movement so children are free to create their own motion and can move in any direction – there is no getting stuck. The SafeSpin™ design offers a low-profile for stability and the ergonomic handle gives children the leverage they need to spin freely. For added fun, buttons are built into the handle to play sounds on the move. 11/8/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Train Set / 20 Pieces by BIGJIGS

Set contains 20 pieces. Perfect way to begin - starter set of circular track, brightly colored train & two carriages to push around the track, three colorful houses and trees included. Additional track pieces and accessories can be added as required. 11/8/2012 (Price: $16.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Turtle and Me by SCHOLASTIC

An interactive light book based on the bestselling TWILIGHT TURTLE by Cloud B. Made in association with Cloud B, the baby sleep specialists. Follow a young child and his turtle as they do everything together. Includes a turtle-shaped night light visible on every page, just like the real thing. 10/30/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

About Face by eeBoo corp.

In this fun game, kids create an endless cast of characters as leaves, ribbons, coins, seashells, paper clips and a variety of found objects combine to make millions of faces. 160 object images. Made from 90% recycled materials.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 10/30/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dora the Explorer Inflatable Play Cube for iPad by CTA DIGITAL

The Dora the Explorer Inflatable Play Cube for iPad will delight and entertain children of all ages while they play, learn and interact with their iPad. The inflatable cube helps protect the iPad from bumps and damage, safely bringing the wonder of tablet technology to young children while entertaining them with the playful images of Dora's adventures. The cube is easily inflated with the included foot pump and features a protective case recessed on a padded side to hold and secure the iPad. Once inflated it can safely be bounced and turned over to use in either an upright tabletop position for playing with the apps kids love like the included Dora Dress-Up Adventures! HD game or flipped to its side for enjoying videos and episodes of kid's favorite Dora adventure. Parents can have peace of mind and comfortably watch their child play games, learn and discover magical interactive moments while child proofing and protecting the iPad with the official licensed Nickelodeon Dora the Explorer Inflatable Cube for iPad from CTA Digital. 10/30/2012 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SpongeBob SquarePants Inflatable Play Cube for iPad by CTA DIGITAL

The super bouncy SpongeBob SquarePants Inflatable Cube for iPad will delight and entertain children of all ages while they play and interact with their iPad. The inflatable cube helps protect the iPad from bumps and damage, safely bringing the wonder of tablet technology to young children while entertaining them with the playful faces of Bikini Bottom's favorite talking sponge. The cube is easily inflated with the included foot pump and features a protective case recessed on a padded side to hold and secure the iPad. Once inflated it can safely be bounced and turned over to use in either an upright tabletop position for playing with Apps like the included SpongeBob's Super Bouncy Fun Time HD game or flipped to its side for enjoying videos and episodes of kid's favorite SpongeBob adventure. Parents can have peace of mind and comfortably watch their child play games, learn and discover magical interactive moments while child proofing and protecting the iPad with the official licensed Nickelodeon SpongeBob SquarePants Inflatable Cube for iPad from CTA Digital. 10/30/2012 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SpongeBob SquarePants Universal Activity Tray for iPad by CTA DIGITAL

Are you ready kids? Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! Absorbent and yellow and protective is he! The SpongeBob SquarePants Universal Activity Tray for iPad will delight and entertain children while they play and interact with their iPad. The Activity Tray helps protect the iPad from bumps, spills and damage, safely bringing the wonder of tablet technology to toddlers and young children while entertaining them with the playful images of Bikini Bottom's favorite talking sponge. This unique and universal activity tray can be easily fitted and securely attached to a car seat, stroller or a high chair. 10/30/2012 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pig10 by LION RAMPANT IMPORTS

Focusing on the number 10, Pig 10 is an exciting card game for children. As in "MAU MAU", players take turns in placing cards in the middle of the table while adding the number of the card to the value of the card pile. A player reaching 10 exactly wins all played cards, whereas a player exceeding the 10 has to give the reward to his right neighbor. In this easy and popular game, players must make decisions with every turn: do I have the right cards in my hand, can I put my left neighbor under pressure, or will I step into the trap my right neighbors have set for me? 10/30/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Toys Flatbed Truck and Race Car by GREEN TOYS INC.

Green Toys' Flatbed Truck and Race Car lets kids ages one and up enjoy two cars, either apart for racing or stacked together for hauling. These eco-conscious vehicles are made in the USA from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers. The recycled products in this set help to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Parents can feel confident giving this toy to their little one as it contains no BPA, PVC, phthalates, or external coatings.
— As of 10/26/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 51 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; BPA and pthalate free; made in the USA. Cons: Several users mentioned that the wheels had difficulty turning. 10/26/2012 (Price: $32.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shake 'n Go! DC Super Friends Joker Mobile by FISHER-PRICE INC.

This villain’s car can go up to 20 feet—and that’s no joke. Just shake it up to start the engine. The more kids shake it up, the longer it goes. Says cool phrases every time kids let it go. 10/26/2012 (Price: $16.99)

Thomas & Friends: Preschool Steam 'n by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Kids control the action as Thomas puffs on his way with real cool to the touch steam. They can send Thomas forward or backward with a spin, hear whistles, fun phrases and more. Thomas does 3 special moves and comes with an easy to use remote-control.
— As of 10/26/2012 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 24 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Durable; works on carpet and vinyl. Cons: Short battery life, remote control has limited range. 10/26/2012 (Price: $44.99)

Vet Clinic Carrying Case by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Kids will have fun even when they're on the go with the Carrying Case Vet Clinic. This easy to take-along case comes with a figure, kitten, puppy, guinea pigs, and accessories to help the vet treat the animals.
— In a July 2013 survey Donna Frederick, owner of The Play House Toy Store in Durham, N.C., told TDmonthly that toys by Playmbil are one of her store's overall best-sellers.
— In a May 2014 survey Suzi McMullen, manager of Doodlehopper 4 Kids in Falls Church, Va., told TDmonthly that Playmobil was her store's best-selling play set. 10/24/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Castle Princess Carrying Case by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Kids will have fun when they are on the go with the Princess Carrying Case. This easy to take-along playset comes with a figure, unicorn, peacock, swan, vanity, and other accessories.
— Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids LTD in Madison, Wis., told TDmonthly in a December 2014 interview that Playmobil take-along sets, particularly princess and pirate, are some of their best-selling play sets. 10/24/2012 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]