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

Black and Decker Jr. Electronic Tool Workshop by CREATIVE DESIGNS INTERNATIONAL LTD.

These role-play tools for your young craftsman include pretend hammer, screwdriver, saw, wrench, nuts, bolts and a non-working cell phone. Realistic action, lights, and sounds are also included. 12/8/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Big Red Fire Engine by PLAYHUT INC.

This fun fire engine includes two sunroofs, side windows, a roll-up flap door and an inflatable steering wheel. The play structure folds up for convenient storage. It was named one of the 100 Best Children’s Products of 2006 by Dr. Toy. 12/6/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Power Rangers Overdrive Tracker Morpher by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

The Overdrive Tracker Morpher comes equipped with a unique black light feature that enables kids to decode and decipher clues like their favorite Power Ranger. Clues can be found on the five included scan cards as well as on the packaging of other Operation Overdrive toys. The cell phone-like morpher features a fun keypad that creates many different sound combinations, as well as a rolling wheel at the bottom that imitates a vehicle sound. Launch Date: January 2007. 11/20/2006 (Price: $16.99)

little WoWo mini-nursing pillow by DESIGNS BY DANIELLE

Every little girl wants to be just like Mom and now she can! Girls will love playing Mommy with the little WoWo mini-nursing pillow, sized just for her. These cute pillows are soft and cuddly, and come in fun patterns your girl will adore, from fairy princesses to beautiful ballerinas. Each little WoWo comes with a bottle and burp cloth to bring playtime to life. 11/2/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cottage Play House by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Soft colors combine with beautiful “landscaping” to help create the most imaginative play environment around. This play cottage tent is made of 70 Denier nylon 190T with PE coated fiberglass shock-corded poles. It provides excellent fun for developing cooperative play. The tent comes with “mesh” ventilation panels at the top for airflow on hot days as well as for easy viewing. One tunnel port includes roll-up flaps that secure with Velcro® tabs. Color-coded poles make for easy assembly. The tent cleans easily with a damp cloth and mild soap. A carry bag is included. Each tent comes in a color display box; they’re packed 4 to a carton The tent measures 58" x 48" x 58" high. Launch date: 2006. 10/26/2006 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X by BANDAI AMERICA INC.

The alien adventures of Ben 10 come to life with the realistic Omnitrix F/X.  This awesome role-play toy can be worn on the wrist — just like the one our favorite hero Ben Tennyson wears — and features red and green flashing lights, as well as sound effects direct from the show.  Turn the dial to select from one of the 10 alien characters and then press down on the face of the Omnitrix to launch the cool transformation action. This lineup will return in 2007 with different alien characters, as well as new unique features once they have been transformed.
— Cliff Jin, a public relations rep for Bandai America, described Ben 10 Omnitrix F/X as “mini role-play toys.” He told TDmonthly that, “It’s like having two different toys in one.” 10/24/2006 (Price: $14.99)

Secret Castle Bed Tent by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Girls — and kids in general — like to have a safe, comforting place they can get away to, and the Secret Castle Bed Tent is a perfect space for some respite. It provides a secure play area during the day and a monster-resistant fort at night. The easy-to-assemble lightweight frame supports a colorful nylon shell that has a wide-opening double-zippered T-style door. 10/6/2006 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Never-Ever Droop" Princess Hat by FAIRY FINERY

This classic Princess hat has a special secret lining that keeps it standing tall! The perfect addition to any dress-up box. Matches all the Fairy Finery fashions — in boa or sequin trim.
—  "Girls like the princess hats from Fairy Finery," said Terry Myers of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Tes.
— Peggy Sebert, owner of Becky & Me in Glenview, Ill., listed "Fairy Finery" as among her "strongest sellers" in costume accessories.
— Nine of the 67 retailers TDmonthly spoke with cited princess hats and accessories as favorites among the little girls in their stores. ( Watch Video) 10/4/2006 (Price: $21.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

You Are My Sunshine Musical Skirt by ACTING OUT

This skirt features the popular "You are my Sunshine" written by Jimmy Davis. Little girls can twirl around to this beautiful melody in a four-layered skirt adorned with an extra-large flower. One size fits most 3 to 6 year olds. Three AAA batteries are included. The updated 2009 version includes a rainbow ribbon. 9/15/2006 (Price: $34.00)

Hokey Pokey Musical Skirt by ACTING OUT

Acting Out's Musical Hokey Pokey is fun for the entire family. Dancing fun...that's what it's all about!!!
This interactive dance song has been a favorite since the 1940's. The Musical Hokey Pokey skirt is available in two styles. Style 10014 is pink satin covered with colorful polka dots. The second layer is purple crinoline for a full skirt, lined in hot pink satin for itch free play.  Style 10015 is purple and hot pink tulle with a polka dotted ribbon sewn through, lined with satin for itch free wear. One size fits most three to six year olds. Three AAA batteries included.  Andrea Nasstrom of Acting Out told TDmonthly the skirt plays high-quality music girls can dance to. “What little princess doesn't want to dance around in her dress-up?” It received the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. 9/15/2006 (Price: $32.00)

Super Fun Animal Folding Chairs by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

An assortment of 4 super fun animal chairs for your relaxing pleasure. Blue Elephants, Black & White Pandas, Red & Yellow Lions and Orange Kitties make these chairs your personal favorites. Multi colored steel frames add extra durability. Deluxe padded back and arm rest for supreme comfort. Cup holder in armrest. Durable UV treated Dacronn material. These chairs come with their own carry bag and shoulder strap for easy transporting. You can use them inside or out and they clean easily with a damp sponge and mild liquid soap. Each with color hang tag. ( Watch Video) 9/5/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Starburst" Nursery Tent™ by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Ideal portable shelter for your baby. Roll-down front mesh door with Velcro® closure. Side mesh panel for flow through ventilation. 9/5/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Bubbles" Nursery Tent™ by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Ideal portable shelter for your baby. Roll-down front mesh door with Velcro® closure. Side mesh panel for flow through ventilation. Durable, easy to clean waterproof polyethylene floor. 9/5/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"Winners Circle" Tunnel by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Before and after the big race, you need the "Winners Circle" to help you through the crowds. The perfect match to the "Rad Racer Pit Stop" tent. 9/5/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magical Sword by SMALL WORLD TOYS

This is a natural for kids who want to imagine themselves engaged in fantastic activities. It comes with a plastic handle and is made with foam, so the only thing it clobbers is boredom.
— "Magical Sword from Small World does real well," said Marilyn Walker, owner of Play Fair Toys in Boulder, Colo.
— "Foam Swords from Small World," was also the quick response that Betty Quigley, manager of Grandrabbits Toy Shoppe in Superior, Colo., gave when asked to name a best-seller in the foam category.
— The “blade” comes in red, yellow or blue and has a plastic handle. 8/21/2006 (Price: $7.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wrap-n-Rides — Dragon by AEROMAX INC.

Kids who have a hankering for firey breath can slip on this plush stuffed dragon and steam things up a bit. There are 20 wild styles of wrap-around costumes to choose from, including Crocodile, Duck and Dolphin. 8/17/2006 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Knights Eagle Castle by PLAYMOBIL INC.

The knight's castle playset features a drawbridge, boulder-drop and trap-door to fend off invading knights.However, the castle also has a break-through wall that invaders may succeed in knocking down.
— Over 20 percent of retailers revealed to TDmonthly that Playmobil’s playsets will most likely be their wow item of the holiday season.
— “As far as Playmobil’s line goes, we have been selling 30 to 40 percent of those [items],” Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, told TDmonthly.
— “This year, there are a couple of Playmobil items that are going to do very well, [including] the airport and the castle,” Peter Scott, owner of Perfect Toy in Avon, Conn., told TDmonthly. 8/8/2006 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate Treasure Chest by PLAYMOBIL INC.

This chest offers three exciting playscapes to provide fun and exciting imaginative play experiences. With one side open, the chest reveals the pirates’ cove, an inlet that needs to be protected from invading enemies. With both sides open, the chest reveals Treasure Island. The chest also acts as a storage container with a carrying handle so children can take the fun wherever they go. Moms will appreciate it as much as their kids.
— “Playmobil is made from high-quality indestructible plastic,” is one of the reasons the toy does so well, according to Harry Bolles, manager at Sweet Dreams in Berkeley, Calif.
— “My hands-down best-selling toy is Playmobil. Kids like it because you can play with it without it falling apart. It’s a play system. Everything snaps in,” was the enthusiastic feedback from Linda Graham, owner of Scheffel’s Toys in Jacksonville, Ore.
— Graham had even more to say about why this toy stands out in her store, “The hands, arms, legs and heads move. ... Their boats float. A lot of toys out there have boats that don’t float.”
— Carol Pilarski-Remis, owner of Marblehead Toy Shop in Marblehead, Mass., provided her reason for stocking Playmobil as a last-minute gift item: "We try to bring families together, while at the same time we want to encourage childhood independence."
— "Playmobil: we sell all their stuff. They just capture the interest of the child," commented Gerri Garniss, owner of Toys That Teach in Bothell, Wash.
— Rosie Morris, manager of Whiz Kid Toys LLC in San Luis Obispo, Calif., believes Playmobil is a great gift idea "for both girls and boys." 8/8/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Skull Pirate Ship by PLAYMOBIL INC.

A new cannon, more pirates, more gadgets and a hoist to swing through the air! The new Skull Pirate Ship is a pirate's dream come true. It's filled with secret compartments for booty and all the accessories needed for a swashbuckling adventure at sea. Available at Target, Toys “R” Us and specialty for an estimated retail price of $29.99. 8/8/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Castle with Princess Crown by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Little girls are transformed into princesses as they wear the golden crown that comes with the set. Set the table with precious porcelain and silverware under the dazzling chandeliers in the magnificent mirrored dining room. As the Princess awaits her handsome Prince’s arrival on the balcony, his Highness rides up on his noble white stallion. Shhh, don’t tell anyone about the secret hiding place in the roof! Available at specialty stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $129.99. 8/8/2006 (Price: $129.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cargo Ship by PLAYMOBIL INC.

With a large storage compartment, the Cargo Ship is fully equipped to transport children’s items around the playroom or even in the bathtub! To speed up delivery, the Ship can be fitted with the Underwater Motor accessory and the roof can be detached for the Captain to access the bridge. Don’t look now, but is that a stowaway in the secret hatch? Available at specialty stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $59.99. 8/8/2006 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Harbor Crane by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Kids use their motor skills to transport the set’s bulk load, PLAYMOBIL accessories or other favorite toys with the Harbor Crane, which carries cargo up to a quarter of a pound. With a fully mobile arm that bends at several angles and a body that rotates 360 degrees, the crane easily picks up items within a large radius. Available at specialty stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $44.99. 8/8/2006 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Take-Along Farm by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Next up in the popular PLAYMOBIL My Take-Along series, the My Take-Along Farm! Imagine fitting an entire farm, including stables and bunny hutches, into one convenient, easy-to-carry portable set consisting of animals, plants and crops, tools, hay, farmhands and more – the Farmer (and Mom!) would never have to worry about losing stray animals again. Available at specialty stores for a suggested retail price of $29.99. Also available at Target and Steinmart. 8/8/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

CAT Excavator by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

This realistic replica of a real Caterpillar Excavator allows kids to imagine they're behind the controls of the real thing. Components such as a handle for digging and rubber tracks simulate the performance of its real-life counterpart.
— Steven Levy, owner of Toy City in Surry, N.H., believed they "are built very well, and the play value is endless. “
— "They’re rough and tough," said Amanda Toupes, manager of Magic of Box Ltd. in New Orleans, La., and "they have so many features."
— Attention to detail and sturdiness puts kids in control of a toy that mimics the experience of handling actual construction equipment. ( Watch Video) 7/28/2006 (Price: $58.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chef Dramatic Dress Up™ by BRAND NEW WORLD

Here is a recipe for fun: Combine one white chef’s jacket with its signature hat and oven mitt, and have the key ingredients for an afternoon of entertainment. Also includes a hanger and a curriculum of learning activities. Machine washable. Ages 3-6. Brand New World’s Dramatic Dress Ups™ promote the ultimate in child safety and durability. The entire line consists of eight Community Helper Dress Ups™ and seven Fantasy Dress Ups™ to promote children’s growing imaginations and creativity. 7/24/2006 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]