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

Star Wars Jedi Projector by UNCLE MILTON INDUSTRIES INC.

This product projects 24 images on your wall or ceiling, and includes exclusive images of Clone Wars vehicles with a synchronized audio tour narration on CD.  Also features bright, clear projection with a focus dial, narration by Captain Rex.  Dimensions: Length: 8.5 "; Height: 6.0 "; Width: 8.5".   Product Weight: 2.0 Lb.
  — As of 10.25.10, this product was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games on Target.com. 10/26/2010 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

B. Zany Zoo by TOYSMITH

Features include doors to open, friends to find beautifully illustrated animals from A to Z, loopty-loo routes for you to wind through, zigzag paths to race up and down, spinners to spin, and a beautiful display box with gift tag.
 —  As of 10.25.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 20 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Durable and fun for infants and toddlers. 10/26/2010 (Price: $54.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Loving Family Grand Dollhouse & Mini-Van Value Bundle by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The New Loving Family Grand Dollhouse has a new design and an all-new unique fold feature, which allows the dollhouse to fold up for convenient storage.  Features include eight rooms that are deeper and wider for 20% more playable space, stairs to the second floor, mom, dad, twin babies, a complete dining room set, and a patio table with adjustable umbrella and two chairs.  Product box dimensions - inches(LxWxH): 15.875 x 9 x 23.375.  Fisher-Price Loving Mini-Van included in bundle.
— As of 10.25.10, this product was rated #1 in Walmart's Dollhouses and Furniture. 10/26/2010 (Price: $78.00)

Imaginext Tri-County Landfill - Toy Story 3 by FISHER-PRICE INC.

With the Imaginext Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Tri-County Landfill, you can open the furnace, spin the sorter and pick up figures and drop them to safety with the crane arm. The conveyor belt even carries junk to the furnace. It's a whole new adventure every time you play.  It also features three characters from the movie: Lotso, Buzz, and Three Little Green Aliens.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 18 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 15 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys.  PROS: Fun, easy assembly, durable  CONS: Parts often fall off. 10/26/2010 (Price: $49.99)

Imaginext Adventures DC Superfriends Batman Bat Cave by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Product features include five activation points in all, so kids can help the caped crusader complete his missions and save the day.  Kids can turn the figure to raise and lower the elevator, and open the portal.  Or they can press the button to launch the grappling hook.  Product folds for easy storage.  Playset is approximately 21 inches long x 6 inches wide x 16 inches high.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4 out of 5 stars from 209 reviews on ToysRUs.com and this product was listed No. 7 in ToysRUs.com's best-selling toys. PROS: Durable, good for range of ages, encourages sharing  CONS: Gates won't close with all pieces inside. 10/26/2010 (Price: $44.99)

Slice and Bake Cookie Set by MELISSA & DOUG

The Melissa & Doug Wooden Slice and Bake Cookie Set lets children ages three and up pretend to bake, decorate, and serve cookies, all while practicing fine motor skills, learning number concepts, and more. The set includes a dozen wooden cookies, a dozen wooden decorating pieces, and toy wooden kitchen utensils.
— As of 10.25.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 81 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 22 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS:  Durable and fun.  CONS:  Recalled in Canada for barium in the paint.
— The Slice and Bake Cookie Set was one of only two wooden items that sells well for Tracie Meadows, owner of Whippersnappers on St. Simons Island, Ga. 10/25/2010 (Price: $19.99)

Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Jet Pack by DISGUISE INC.

This makes a great costume from the movie Toy Story.  Product includes set of inflatable vinyl wings.
—As of 10.25.2010, this product had 3 out of 5 stars from 19 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 3 on the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Good costume. CONS: Can leak air. 10/25/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Turtleneck Turtle Puppet by FOLKMANIS INC.

The Folkmanis turtleneck turtle puppet has a moveable mouth and two front legs.  It is 12 inches tall, 8 inches wide and 5 inches long (30.5 x 20.3 x 12.7 cm). This cute green turtle has a gray/green shell and a yellow turtle neck and underneath. 10/22/2010 (Price: $31.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

14Pcs Large Tool Set with Helmet on net bag by YMC TRADING CORPORATION

Features 14 distinct, real tools, with safety helmet included. 10/18/2010 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brickadoo Arab Mosque by RS2PLAY

Made especially for Arab countries, Brickadoo has designed an extra large kit for this market segment, which is the Arab Mosque.  Brickadoo's water-soluble cement is an extremely safe and convenient adhesive. Safe because it is made from rice and contains no gluten. Convenient because the bricks stuck together with it quickly come apart when the structure is immersed in water. 10/18/2010

Brickadoo Farmhouse by RS2PLAY

The box contains two buildings: a farmhouse and a stable, but also includes the fencing and entrance gate.  Now that two horses have also been added to the set, this has become a great building and play set for kids. Using their imagination, girls and boys can expand their Brickadoo Cities with this set. 10/18/2010

Step2 Click and Whirl Mower Blower by THE STEP2 COMPANY

A push toy with lots of pretend possibilities.  This mower is designed for true walkers.  It is not weighted for toddlers that are looking for something to hold onto.  This is a prop that makes a pleasing sound when it's pushed.  The top of the mower comes off and doubles as a leaf blower. It has a crank and a see-thru window so that you can see the parts move. Not difficult to put together.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum, 2010. 10/14/2010 (Price: $24.99)

Step 2 Little Helper's Shopping Cart by THE STEP2 COMPANY

A gender free red, white, and blue shopping cart. Scaled perfectly for toddlers and preschoolers. This is a favorite piece of equipment for pretend play. It can hold a doll, bear or other soft toy in the usual up front place. It has an open basket that is easy to load as well as a lower shelf for big items. The top basket has no openings for small items to fall through.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum, 2010. 10/14/2010 (Price: $29.99)

I'm a Little Tea Pot Musical Tea Set by SCHYLLING

This 15 piece tin tea set that comes with a wind-up tea pot.  Wind it up and then pour--it plays "I'm a Little Tea Pot".  The set comes with the tea pot, four plates, four cups and saucers and a tray--just right for pretend tea parties.  No batteries are required to get the tea pot to play-it just winds up like a music box. 
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum, 2010. 10/14/2010 (Price: $22.99)

Leap Frog Cook & Play Potsy by LEAPFROG

This is a talking pot that speaks when you put its lid on and off. Sometimes it says "on" or "off" or switches to "closed" or "open." Toss the toy veggies into the pot and use the big grey spoon and it adds stirring and mixing sounds along with little factoids about the foods.
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Platinum, 2010. 10/14/2010 (Price: $21.99)

Little Tikes Pirate Water Table by LITTLE TIKES INC.

Here's a water table with a theme that is bound to appeal to kids who like playing pirates. One mom from toyportfolio.com said: "The fountain in the middle was a big hit! I also like that the pump automatically shuts off after a couple minutes--The button is very easy to operate on the pump. Both my 23 month old and 3 and half year old had no trouble with it! They loved all of the characters that came with it and enjoyed putting them in the boats and having them go down the slide. Clean-up was very easy! Just pop the plug out and empty."
Awards:  Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Best Toy Award, Gold Seal, 2010. 10/14/2010 (Price: $99.00)

Deluxe Classic Train Set 20-pc by PLYMOUTH TOY

This is a great new assortment of authentic battery-powered steam and diesel locomotives hauling a variety of cargo and passenger cars. Kids will love the large, sturdy size of these trains as well as the realistic lights and sounds. Also included are the top ten railroading fun facts on back of packaging.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/13/2010 (Price: $19.95)

Hairy Tangle Jr by TANGLE INC.

For the sensory sensitive, this Tangle provides wonderful tactile amusement for all ages. Collectable and connectable to the full Tangle Jr. line, you can create different designs and tactile combinations. Enjoy Tangle Toys anytime and anywhere and they are perfect for all ages.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products -2010 10/13/2010 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

2Skoolbus by RUBBABU

The new soft and colorful Rubbabu 2Skoolbus is fun and the rounded body and soft wheels make it is uniquely huggable.  Made of natural rubber, it is a great alternative to PU foam, and is as plush as it is strong despite its soft texture. Skoolbus is available in all the Rubbabu colors – so there’s plenty to choose from.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/13/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Stackers Barn Yard by TIER TOYS

This is an active barnyard that will keep your youngster busily engaged and learning at the same time.  Every young farmer will enjoy opening the box and spilling out the 51 detailed figures smartly stored in 5 layers of tiers.  From the bright rooster on the roof to the red tractor and white fencing, nothing has been forgotten to recreate a down-on-the-farm experience. The red and white barn overlooks horses, sheep, pigs, and cows.  This activity will build eye-hand coordination and expand communication skills.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/11/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Schoenhut® Piano Pals Dog Piano by SCHOENHUT PIANO COMPANY

This versatile new little piano grows with your child! The main unit, decorated with a whimsical animal’s head, is perfect for toddlers because it sits safely and squarely on the floor within easy reach of little hands. Later on, the sides with the animal’s body can be attached, conveniently raising the piano to a comfortable upright height for an older child seated at the bench. Schoenhut toy pianos are noted for their excellent quality and unique chime-like tones. The width of the keys promotes proper finger placement, enabling an easy transition to a larger piano.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 ( Watch Video) 10/11/2010 (Price: $105.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fairy Fantasy Tea Party Set by SAFARI LTD.®

Safari Ltd’s latest addition to its Fairy Fantasies® Collection is this fanciful Tea Party set, which includes a brightly colored sunflower table with a teacake and teacups, 2 colorful fairies with butterfly wings and toadstool seats. Figures not sold separately. Meticulously painted by hand, this set is phthalate and lead free and meets or exceeds all safety standards. Includes educational information in 5 languages.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/11/2010 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pet Doctor by NORTH AMERICAN BEAR

This delightful new soft jersey knit 15” doll with long yarn hair and nice embroidered face is a daily prescription for practical dress-up play. Contemporary rag doll has a variety of wardrobe features, including stretchy hair bow, tie-up shoe lace, Velcro shoe tab, button lab coat with zipper pocket, snap on stethoscope and attached pup, to encourage motor skill development and make getting dressed for the day fun through imaginative play. Doctor role playing addresses issues of compassion, health, and caring at an early age plus it reduces fear of the doctor and curtails possible upsets during those important examinations. This is the perfect doll for home, preschool, and, of course, the pediatrician’s office.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/11/2010 (Price: $35.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes Cozy Shopping Cart by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Now your child can go shopping with a colorful and sturdy Cozy Cart and put in a favorite toy. Push the cart around just like mom and dad do at the grocery store. The seat is big enough for a 12” doll or plush animal. Ample space in cart for toys and
other small items. Rugged construction lasts for many years. Easy assembly. No batteries required.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/11/2010 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Smart Snacks Gingerbread Shape Sorter by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Spice up imaginative play while learning shapes, colors, and fine motor skills. This new cottage contains six holes that match six chunky candy shapes. The sorter engages children as they explore shape recognition, spatial reasoning, color recognition, fine motor skills, and imaginative play. Pieces store in the durable plastic house, which encourages clean up, and then empty through the door. Durable plastic pieces wipe clean. Good product for home and school.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 10/11/2010 (Price: $18.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]