TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Preschool Product Category

Whisper Ride Buggy by THE STEP2 COMPANY

Suitable for ages 1 1/2 to 4, this vehicle features: extra-large, EVA Silent Ride Tires; a cup holder; a pretend steering wheel with electronic horn; an under-hood storage compartment; a seat belt; a push handle for adult steering. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. It is made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts. The steering wheel, tires, seatbelt and grille are made in China.
Awards: Gold Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2007
RECALLED MAY 12, 2010: The CPSC and Step2 recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies because the handle can detach and pose risk of injury. The buggies retailed from August 1999 through March 2010. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step2 at 866-860-1887 for a free repair kit. 5/13/2010 (Price: $59.99)

Push Around Buggy by THE STEP2 COMPANY

Suitable for ages 1 1/2 to 3, the Push Around Buggy offers the following: a steering wheel with a honking horn; a storage compartment under the hood for snacks, keys and more; and a seatbelt. Except for the  seatbelt, it is made in the USA of U.S. and imported parts. Maximum weight limit is 50 lbs. and it requires minimal adult assembly.
RECALLED MAY 12, 2010: The CPSC and Step2 recalled 2.5 million Push Around and Whisper Ride Buggies because the handle can detach and pose risk of injury. The buggies retailed from August 1999 through March 2010. Consumers should stop using the product and contact Step2 at 866-860-1887 for a free repair kit. 5/13/2010 (Price: $44.99)

Take Along Teddy Backpack by VERMONT TEDDY BEAR

Whether going to school, going to grandma's, going on a trip, or just going next door, the Take-Along-Teddy Backpack makes it easy for kids to tote their Take-Along-Teddy everywhere. Featuring comfy, adjustable straps, it has a place for Teddy to ride comfortably on the front, plus a large compartment in the back for books, clothes and more. Storm Tussey, Retail Marketing Coordinator at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, told TDmonthly, "This backpack is sized to fit preschool and Kindergarten children, is machine washable and made in the U.S." Launch date: July 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $38.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learn-To-Dress Knight by VERMONT TEDDY BEAR

The Learn-To-Dress Knight helps little ones learn how to snap, buckle, tie, button, and zip, all while encouraging hours of imaginative playtime. This Noble Knight can change to a Dark Knight with just a swoosh of his reversible cape. Outfits are completely removable and Floppy Bear is machine washable and guaranteed for life. Storm Tussey, Retail Marketing Coordinator at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, told TDmonthly, "The Learn-to-Dress Components are incorporated into the design, so the life and play of the product is longer." Launch date: July 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $58.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learn-To-Dress Fairy Princess by VERMONT TEDDY BEAR

The Learn-To-Dress Fairy Princess helps little ones learn how to snap, buckle, tie, button, and zip all while encouraing hours of imaginative playtime. The Fairy Princess changes into a Pretty Pink Princess by removing her top skirt and unbuttoning her wings. The outfit is completely removable, and the dress and bear are machine washable. The bear is guaranteed for life. Storm Tussey, Retail Marketing Coordinator at Vermont Teddy Bear Company, told TDmonthly, "The Learn-to-Dress Fairy Princess outfit is fully removable and educational portions are designed into the garment for a longer life and to inspire creative play." Launch date: July 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $58.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Playskool Wheel Pals - Mini 4-Pack Assortment by HASBRO INC.

These small scale friends from Playskool are sure to charm toddlers with their bright smiling faces. The squeezable Mini Wheel Pals animals are available in a Jungle, Farm or Arctic (fall 2010) themed assortment of four charismatic pals, each assortment sold separately. Launch date: Spring 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play-Doh Spin N' Store Fun Factory by HASBRO INC.

This updated version of the classic toy features a thick handle so little hands can easily press down on the extruder to create one of eight silly shapes. The extruding dial is now attached so that it cannot get lost- children simply spin the dial to select a favorite shape. Set includes two 2-ounce cans of Play-Doh compound and a plastic cutting tool, which can all be stored in the Fun Factory base. Launch date:
Spring 2010. 5/4/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ranky Tanky by MAYHEM MUSIC

Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem is an acclaimed American string band that released "Ranky Tanky" nationwide in 2010. This release is meant for all ages as family listening and reflects Rani Arbo’s journey into motherhood, as well as her love of American music. The tracks cover songs from various genres, times and traditions, so listeners of practically any musical taste can pick their favorites, from the raucous “Tennessee Wig Walk;” to the swingy “Kemo Kymo;” the Mardi Gras parade styled “They All Ask'd For You,” or the rousing rendition of  “Purple People Eater.” Sugar Mountain PR Publicist Beth Blenz-Clucas told TDmonthly, "Modern arrangements and traditional instruments, plus a collection of familiar songs that invite singing along, make this a great choice for families that love non-commercial acoustic music." 5/3/2010 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tornado Tee Golf by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The Tornado Tee golf is a unique Golf sports item with an innovative feature. On pressing the activation button the golf ball is loaded onto the tee where it levitates in air for about 8 secs. The Tornado Tee makes it easy and fun for kids to hit the ball. Package includes: three balls, stationary tee for beginner or windy-day play and universal golf club for right- or left-handers. Requires six ”D” batteries. Launch date: 2009.

Product Features:

•    Learn to golf with the Tornado Tee
•    Innovative way to teach kids to play golf
•    By pressing the activation button, the golf ball loads
•    Ball will levitate in air for about 8 seconds
•    Kids can hit the ball and golf becomes fun and easy

 4/30/2010 (Price: $38.00)

Rub-a-Dub Color Your Tub Fizzy Tints by ALEX BRANDS

Kids can turn ordinary bath water into a tub of colorful fun. The primary colored tablets (50 each in red, blue and yellow) can be mixed and matched to create all the colors of the rainbow. There are enough tablets for more than 50 colorful baths.
— These bath tints have been a consistent good seller at Jillie Beans Toys & More in Westminster, Col., since the store opened in fall 2006. “Kids love that they change the water and can make different colors by blending,” said Owner Valerie Elsea in April 2010. 4/30/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greenzys - Yew Yew the Panda by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

The Greenzys promote green living and teach eco-friendly practices to young children through heartwarming stories and endearing plush toys that are environmentally safe and fun. All Greenzys toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes, with packaging made from recycled paperboard. A portion of every purchase benefits the Environmental Media Association and for every Greenzys purchase made in 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in U.S. forests. ( Watch Video) 4/29/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greenzys - Violet the Giraffe by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

The Greenzys promote green living and teach eco-friendly practices to young children through heartwarming stories and endearing plush toys that are environmentally safe and fun. All Greenzys toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes, with packaging made from recycled paperboard. A portion of every purchase benefits the Environmental Media Association and for every Greenzys purchase made in 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in U.S. forests. 4/29/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greenzys - Peat the Penguin by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

The Greenzys promote green living and teach eco-friendly practices to young children through heartwarming stories and endearing plush toys that are environmentally safe and fun. All Greenzys toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes, with packaging made from recycled paperboard. A portion of every purchase benefits the Environmental Media Association and for every Greenzys purchase made in 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in U.S. forests. ( Watch Video) 4/29/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greenzys - Willow the Elephant by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

The Greenzys promote green living and teach eco-friendly practices to young children through heartwarming stories and endearing plush toys that are environmentally safe and fun. All Greenzys toys are made in socially responsible factories from soy fibers and non-toxic dyes, with packaging made from recycled paperboard. A portion of every purchase benefits the Environmental Media Association and for every Greenzys purchase made in 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in U.S. forests. 4/29/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grasshopper Preschool Prep Kit: Getting Our Hands Ready by GRASSHOPPER INC.

The Grasshopper Preschool Prep Getting Our Hands Ready Kit is packed with playful games and an illustrated guidebook to get children ready for early writing and grasp. Children can feed bugs to Mr.Crunch, play with dozens of reusable stickers, dough stamps, stretchy dough, and more. The Grasshopper guidebook gives parents the tools they need to give their children a head start for school success. Rachel Rudman, President of Grasshopper Inc., told TDmonthly this is "the only product on the market to get kids ready for preschool without electronics and without workbooks ... all fun!"
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 ( Watch Video) 4/28/2010 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JumpStart® Pet Rescue by KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURE, INC

JumpStart Pet Rescue contains five Discovery worlds where preschoolers navigate through five stories in a search for lost pets. Each Discovery world contains a guided story told by one of the JumpStart friends, leading children on a learning adventure through more than 50 learning lessons and 20 activities that teach kids more than 75 essential skills they need to succeed. As kids progress through the adventures, they improve their pre-reading skills, memory, creativity, motor skills, listening and much more. This imaginative and immersive 3D learning environment is designed to offer hours of exploration and adventure. James Czulewicz, Vice President of Sales and Planning at Knowledge Adventure, told TDmonthly this item is the "first educational product for the Wii." 4/28/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ABC Nesting Cubes by SCHYLLING

Schylling's ABC Nesting Cubes are designed with vivid illustrations to teach young children their A-B-Cs. The cubes can be arranged in a stack, or nest within one another. Launch date: June 2010. 4/21/2010 (Price: $16.99)

Ambi Lock A Block by SCHYLLING

Ambi Toys Lock A Block is a developmental toy for toddlers that includes a lockable box with key and two full sets of 3-dimensional, color coded sorting blocks. The box is approximately 13 cm x 13 cm x 13 cm. Launch date: June 2010. 4/21/2010 (Price: $16.99)

My Name Flashlights by JOHN HINDE LTD.

These kid-powered flashlights are available in 104 designs with 88 popular names and eight color combinations.
— "We have sold a lot of those," Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly, listing this product as one of her best sellers in June 2010.
— Gwen Bowden, manager of Doodlehopper for Kids in Springfield, Va., told TDmonthly that My Name Flashlights from John Hinde are her best selling personalized items. “[We sell] one a day, maybe more.”
— Of 44 retailers, two said John Hinde is a best-selling product line in a September 2010 survey of most-wanted personalized items. 4/21/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

25-lb. Box of Sandtastik White Play Sand by SANDTASTIK PRODUCTS, INC.

Children discover and explore new shapes, learn measurements, develop primary motor skills, improve communication and language skills, and visualize their world in new ways with Sandtastik Play Sand. Sandtastik Play Sand is 100-percent natural, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. The sand molds when wet and can be washed and re-used over and over again. Sandtastik Sales and Marketing Manager Chad Noyes told TDmonthly, "Sandtastik White Play Sand is safe for children of all ages. It is the only sand in the world containing no free crystalline silica or quartz, approved safe by the ACMI, ASTM (USA), Corporate and Consumer Affairs (Canada), and EN-71 (Europe)." Launch date: October 1990. 4/16/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pizza by YELLOW LABEL KIDS

Yellow Label Kids play food is designed in knit or cloth. The Pizza Pie set includes six slices of pizza and one plate. ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $26.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Early Years TAGGIES™ Go Go! Car by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This four-wheeled plush car features lights and sounds. Children can press the button on top for lights and a beeping sound or pull the tab on the back and watch as the car wiggles along. This item features Taggies vibrant "Colours" materials and ribbons and includes a mirror on the back, crinkly wheels, a rattle and a peek-a-boo pup in the window. 4/16/2010 (Price: $24.99)

Tomy Puzzle Ups Helicopter by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

These 2-in-1 toys combine simple building with the excitement of pull back and go action. Each package includes five colorful chunky parts that are easy for little hands to construct. Comes in 2 assorted styles: Helicopter & Sports Car. ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $10.99)

Calico Critters Treehouse by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The Calico Critters Country Tree House comes full of features for pretend play. The Country Tree House has four rooms and comes with two Mango Monkeys, a hot tub, pagoda, patio, water slide and lake. House measures 18" x 24" x 16". ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $199.99)

Knight Tunic by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

This Knight in Shining armor is designed for any "knight to be". This knight set is a light weight armour that coordinates with the chainmail under-armor with hood. ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]