Out of the thousands of new products at Toy Fair, check out the 10 to 15 new and notable specialty toys and games our editorial team selected for highlight each day of the show.
This multi-dimension, multi-player version of the strategy game Pentago accommodates two, three or four players. Two players can play using one or two colors each, and in games with additional participants, players can choose to play as individuals or in teams. Launch date: March 1, 2010. — A top pick, retailer Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toys, informed TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. 1/5/2010
Name: Geemo Company: BROOKLYN JUNIOR Other products by BROOKLYN JUNIOR MSRP: $39.99 Age: 3 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Construction
Designed by Cas Holman (born 1974), Geemo is a grabby, stretchy, quirky companion designed to occupy a child's mind as much as his hands. This playful building block for the imagination was sold in Geemanisms (sets) of five. Geemo's flexible, magnetic limbs grab and repel each other in unpredictable ways. As Geemo comes to life in one's hands, she can build, discover, create and imagine with freedom. Awards: Conduit Brave New Design 2005. Launch date: October 2006. Geemo was invented while Holman was pursuing her MFA at Cranbrook, and launched at the NY MoMA Design Store in 2007. It has since won numerous awards and shown in design and toy fairs in Moscow, Tokyo,Seoul, New York, Hamburg and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is a professor of industrial design at Rhode Island School of Design. Previously she was a professor at Syracuse University. Holman also invented Rigamajig, a 263-piece building kit for classrooms. (Amazon) Holman was the subject of an episode of the Netflix series Abstract: The Art of Design titled "Cas Holman: Design for Play," focusing on her design philosophies.
Name: Little Sky Riders Company: DANO2 Designer Toys Other products by DANO2 Designer Toys MSRP: $10 Age: 2 to 6 Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Aircraft
This line of modern toy airplanes is compatible with most wooden train systems and is proudly made in the USA with FDA-compliant materials that are PVC, BPA, lead and phthalate free. Parents can visit the Little Sky Riders website to experience how these planes can help teach children the alphabet. "Little Sky Riders' personalities set them apart from all other toy airplanes on the market. Add in that they are made in the USA and have an online educational component and you have a modern classic," Daniel Monahan, President, DANO2, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 4, 2010. Watch Little Sky Riders: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 2/4/2010
Pedestal Pets is a new educational pencil topper line! There are three series: Neighborhood, Safari and Barnyard Friends. Each package comes with 4 animal pencil toppers, 4 matching pencils and 4 fun fact trading cards! Children can also go to the website and 'adopt' their pets and print out coloring pages of all the animals! 2/4/2010
Name: Rowboat Company: MOOSETACHE GAMES LLC Other products by MOOSETACHE GAMES LLC MSRP: $10.99 Age: 13 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Card Games
Played with a unique deck of nautical themed cards, Rowboat is comprised of several different phases play that combine luck and strategy. Combining cards face up on the table and cards held in players' hands, each player must devise a dynamic strategy in order to play his cards, as well as predict how many rounds he might win in order to score the most points and ultimately win the game. “There's a lot to the game that forces you to create a strategy, and based on your opponents moves you have to rethink the way you're going to move forward,” John Montague, owner of Moosetache Games, told TDmonthly in February 2010. 2/9/2010
Name: Be Blocks Company: BELLY PRODUCTIONS Other products by BELLY PRODUCTIONS MSRP: $50 Age: 3 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Construction
These blocks were created for parents as concerned as their child's development as the environment they will inherit. They are made from 100-percent renewable bamboo, as is the storage box. They can be decorated by kids using non-toxic Be Block markers. The stencils are made from partially recycled polyester. All the paper and packaging is partially or completely recycled. The set comes with 18 blocks, eight markers, more than 100 stencils and an idea booklet. They're perfect for “people who want to design everything,” Founder Leah Hamilton told TDmonthly. A percentage of the proceeds funds arts education. Watch Be Blocks: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010.
This simple project from The Little Experience includes everything kids need to create this cute, clever key chain character. Pre-cut felt pieces are hand-stitched together using two colors of embroidery floss from the kit, and then stuffed and attached to the included metal keyring. 2/10/2010
In this two-player game, each participant starts with 12 cubes and proceeds to make a crossword. The first to finish with no cubes remaining yells "Zip!" and, on the bag that holds the pieces, moves his zipper to indicate a point. Players exchange six cubes at the end of each round, to keep their letter hands unpredictable. It can be played in as little as 20 seconds and is designed for take-along play on a plane. The game comes with the Weords mini dictionary. Launch date: spring/summer 2010. 2/15/2010
Cubebots's powerful hardwood frame can hold many poses, and his elastic-band muscles and durable wood limbs make him impervious to breakage. When it’s time for him to rest, he folds into a perfect cube. Designed by David Weeks. Made of sustainably harvested cherry wood. Watch Cubebot: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 2/16/2010
The Snipe hunt game can be played with two people, two teams or special * single seeker play, and incorporates both indoor/outdoor activity and good old fashion fun. The object of Snipe is Be the first team/person to find the other team/persons snipe and return it to its nest. After the players have hidden their snipe the other player will try to find it. After a period of time, if the Snipes have not been discovered, they will chirp and then their eyes will light up. Each game comes with two snipes, (named Biela and Smartin) and a Snipe nest. The packaging tells the story behind the legendary campfire animals. 2/17/2010
The goal of this patent-pending, fast-paced game is for players to swing their ring onto their hook. One to four competitors frantically try to out-duel one another while tuning out the screams to focus on the perfect release. "Hookum is the first collapsible, multi-player Bimini Ring game," Joe Parrish, chief creative officer of 5mississippi, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. Watch Hookum: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 6/29/2009
Kwizniac is a trivia countdown game designed to test your knowledge under pressure. The object of the game is for players to accumulate as many points as possible by correctly answering as many trivia questions as possible. Because Kwizniac consists of only cards and the players’ brain power, it can be played everywhere and at any time. Kwizniac can be played with just two people or a whole group. Watch Kwizniac: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 9/16/2009
Name: Needle Felting Kit Company: ARTTERRO Other products by ARTTERRO MSRP: $22.00 Age: 8 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Arts & Crafts
The perfect introduction to needle felting! Very satisfying and easy to do, simply poke colorful roving wool into the square canvas with a felting needle to paint four pictures of anything you can imagine! No glue or sewing required. Two bonus projects in every kit! Turn the box into a mailbox, birdhouse or special treasure box. The inner tray is perfect for framing your art. Ages 8 and up.
9/22/2009
Name: Ophélie and Her Chicks Company: LILLIPUTIENS Other products by LILLIPUTIENS MSRP: $39.95 Age: 1 to 5 Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Developmental Toys Watch Video Now ToyDirectory Product ID#: 25851
Ophélie hides in her chubby belly a large, cuddly egg in which her four chicks, all with different colors and featuring different sounds, are snuggled up warmly. Each chick gets into the egg through an opening of the corresponding color. Mother Ophélie is a hand puppet and the little chicks are finger puppets. A game encouraging mother-child role playing, recognition, matching colors, and awakening of the senses, Ophélie offers baby various discoveries. "Ophélie and her chicks is a toy that evolves in a way that accompanies the baby throughout his or her passage into early infancy. As the child grows, new play elements are revealed, making new activities possible," Alicia Célérier, assistant sales manager export for Lilliputiens, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. Watch Ophélie and Her Chicks: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 10/29/2009
Children can change the bathwater to vibrant colors using these all-natural dye packs that won't stain the tub. They are preservative and chemical free. Each pack contains two blue and one red. 2/9/2010
Name: Flower Power Gift Set Company: PIGGY PAINT LLC Other products by PIGGY PAINT LLC MSRP: $24.99 Age: All Ages Gender: Girls Category: Cosmetics
Piggy Paint™ is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed for fancy girls. Its non-toxic, hypoallergenic, water-based formula makes it perfect for little (and big) piggies. Piggy Paint™ is a kid-friendly polish that dries to a hard, durable finish and comes in fun, vibrant colors. The Flower Power gift set is another addition to the Piggy Paint gift set line, with polish colors of Forever Fancy, Mac-n-cheese Please and Dandelion Dance. 2/15/2010
Name: Stuffed Animal - Monkey Company: CATE & LEVI Other products by CATE & LEVI MSRP: $85.00 Age: All Ages Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Designer Toys
Cate & Levi stuffed animals are all handmade and eco-friendly. Especially unique, each one is made from reclaimed wool whose colors and textures are individually selected. This one-of-a-kind Monkey stands between 16"-22" tall and is customizable by gender. 2/15/2010
This eco-friendly board game has children compete to create their very own garden. Each player travels around the board visiting different vendors to pick up vegetables, flowers, herbs, and more for their garden. The first to gather all items and head home to tend to their garden wins. Game board folds out to 18x18" and all game pieces are made without plastics. For 2 to 4 players. 2/15/2010
Name: Streamline Car Company: VILAC Other products by VILAC Age: 2 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Wooden Toys
In this game, players take turns tiles with leaf designs on the playing field so as to benefit their plays and thwart their opponents.' In turn, after laying down three drawn tiles, each player strategically turns over two. The goal is to make sure there are not three tiles in a row with the same color leaves; the number of leaves indicates potential point values. 2/16/2010
Name: OgoBild Small Set Company: OGOSPORT, LLC Other products by OGOSPORT, LLC MSRP: $15.00 Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Construction Watch Video Now ToyDirectory Product ID#: 27169
This set combines a fun construction toy with active play. It includes colorful interchangeable pieces to create sculptures that can then be tossed around and thrown on the ground both indoors and out. Watch OgoBild: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 2/17/2010
The Eni Puzzle is a unique puzzle that is simple to play and designed to enhance problem solving and dexterity in both young children and seniors. The Eni Puzzle is cylindrically shaped and divided by several ring shaped sections. Each ring section is composed of a multitude of colored tiles that rotate independently. The tiles can travel each ring by one empty space and then be rotated into different positions. The puzzle is solved by a combination of ring rotations and the movement of colored tiles between rings. 11/3/2009
Made of durable composite suede material with Fun Gripper™ patented Foam Matrix covering, these vibrantly colorful footballs come in 2 sizes (10" and 8.5") and in 3 assorted neon colors. $14.99-$15.99 each. 12/7/2009
The Speedster Race Car lets children 6+ get a detailed look inside to see how it works. The Speedster Race Car comes with an illustrated Howie Work’s adventure hardcover storybook that takes kids through how each of the major parts work in real life. Check out the working engine, transmission, steering and much more. The doors can be opened to get even closer to the action. Launch date: July 2011. 1/6/2010
The Pink line includes organic rattles, teethers and developmental toys designed with purpose. The soft and huggable First Doll is made of plush velour with adorable stitched details, and is stuffed with natural corn fiber filling. She is machine washable. A portion of the proceeds from the PINK line will support Breast Cancer Research. "First Doll is the perfect choice as a safe and soft, simply styled, teethable toy," Beth Saunders, marketing manager for Dandelion, told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2009. 2/4/2010
Spot It is a party game for two to eight players. It's played by laying a random assortment of cards on the table and all players racing to find one image that matches between two cards. This fast-paced game is designed to never be the same twice, and though it has very few rules to remember it requires a sharp eye to master. The set of 55 round cards transports in its own carry tin. Watch Spot It: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 — Spot It has been been a top seller for retailers surveyed by TDmonthly since early Spring 2010. — In a March 2012 survey, 3 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Spot It was their overall best selling product, and had been for more than a year. — Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells 50-60 copies of Spot It each month. Awards: 2010 TDmonthly Top Seller, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
This small, soft teddy bear zips open in the back and holds a black tote bag. Kids can have their teddy along for a trip, and mom or dad will have an easy way to tote things around. Watch Teddy Tote: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 2/16/2010
Spike the Hedgehog plush doll is stuffed with Viscose from organic bamboo, comes with a companion board book exploring the real story of this particular oomfy, and is available in large 21-inch or medium 14-inch sized versions. 2/16/2010
This small clutching toy for babies features bright, wooden balls that are closely connected by a slightly elastic string and can be moved around for play and manipulation. 2/17/2010
Each set consists of soft, flexible pieces in various colors that slide together and lock to create an endless number of different shapes or random creations. Watch Space Chips: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy Award, June 2011 — Why it won: The pieces are small, flat and flexible, so they won't break if Mom or Dad accidentally steps on them. Kids can play with the toys they make with the Space Chips— balls are both throwable and kickable. And though they were designed to create traditional building structures, kids have used their imaginations and turned the flat clips into suits of armor and costumes. 2/17/2010
Name: WEEbabu Wedgits Flocked Blocks by Rubbabu Company: IMAGABILITY Other products by IMAGABILITY Age: 2 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Construction
These soft wristlets have a zip-top and latch to hook onto purses or backpacks. They're designed to hold cell phones, electronic accessories, makeup and other small items girls may wish to tote around. They come in several colorful varieties, including owl, dog, cat and horse. Watch Wristlets: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 2/17/2010
This realistically casted dinosaur figurine has a well-disguised, hinged jaw that allows the bottom of his mouth to move up and down. The figure is 13" tall. 2/17/2010
This red and blue sphere is equipped with a timer and when twisted and thrown will explode with 12 marshmallows. Currently in prototype stage. Launch date: 4Q 2010. 2/17/2010
In this game for three to six players, each participant in turn is given a picture card, while the other players receive a hand of six pictures. The designated storyteller uses a word or phrase to strategically hint at his picture (without being too obvious), and the other players each choose one of their cards that best fits the description. Everyone then bets on which picture belongs to the storyteller. 2/19/2010
Players build their own Paths without opponents steering them in the wrong direction — or off the board. Tsuro is the quick-playing game in which directions can change as easily as the game plays. The rules are simple: Players place their stones, select their tiles and attempt to build a safe Path for their journeys. The Paths of other players cross and connect, so the choices made affect all the journeys across the board. Tsuro is recommended for 2 to 8 players. The game includes a game board, a Dragon tile, 8 markers and 35 playing tiles. Launch date: October 2005. (previously distributed by WizKids) Awards: 2011 Creative Child’s Game of the Year Award; Major Fun Award; 2009 Creative Child’s Preferred Choice Award 3/27/2006
Designed as an alternative to training wheels, the Gyrowheel senses imbalanced riding and recenters the bicycle once it begins to wobble. This effect is accomplished by an interior disk that spins independently of the wheel to stabilize the bike even at very low speeds. It installs quickly with a wrench and has a simple on/off button, three stability settings, rechargeable batteries, and light and sound indicators. The 12" Gyrowheel is available in black and white. Watch Demo Video; Watch Gyrowheel: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 — John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., was impressed with this product at Toy Fair 2010. It's "a step up from a balance bike with a gyro that keeps balance without training wheels. Tech + Bike = Perfect," he said. 1/6/2010
Name: Boikido Eco-friendly Wooden Count and Bolt Caterpillar Company: BOIKIDO Other products by BOIKIDO MSRP: $24.99 Age: 2 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Eco-Friendly
This environmentally friendly wooden Count and Bolt Caterpillar is made of wood from FSC-monitored sources, painted with water-based paints, packaged in a box made of recycled materials, and printed with soy-bean ink. It's designed to help 2-year-olds develop fine motor skills. It features a six-piece puzzle to string together, and kids can learn to screw in the five easy-to-hold bolts. Each caterpillar piece is numbered to help Mom or Dad introduce counting skills. Tots can learn colors and ABCs as well. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 14, 2010. 1/14/2010
Thirty magnetic double Y-pieces click together to form a fun soccer-ball shape, appealing to sports fan as well as creative individuals. The distinctively angled pieces can be put together to create inventive shapes, and the creativity guidebook offers ideas and inspiration for the imagination. "This creativity tool appeals to all ages and can be used at home, at work, and in school to spark the imagination," Lynn Araujo, Communications Director, Creative Whack Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2010. 2/4/2010
Name: Vamplets Company: KAMHI WORLD Other products by KAMHI WORLD MSRP: $16.95 Age: 5 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Plush Watch Video Now ToyDirectory Product ID#: 27009
The Vamplets collection of baby vampires includes six plush dolls at 6" to 7" tall: Cadaverson Nightshade, Lilyrose Shadowlyn, Count Vlad Von Gloom, Evilyn Nocturna, Burton Creepson, Jr., and Midnight Mori. Each cuddly Vamplet is characterized by its own distinctive personality. Launch date: February 14, 2010. Watch Vamplets: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010
This environmentally friendly plush doll is part of Hosung's My Natural brand and is made from certified non-toxic cotton and shaded via a chemical-free PureWaterWash process. It's in partnership with the Lorax Project, an environmental initiative for the Dr. Seuss brand. Launch date: Spring 2010. 2/11/2010
Name: makedo™ - Kit for One Company: REEVES INTL. INC. Other products by REEVES INTL. INC. Age: 5 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Creative Activities
Encouraging kids to reuse, recycle and be creative, makedo kits include connectors that help fashion masterpieces out of cardboard and other objects. The Kit for One houses 69 pieces, including 30 pins, 30 clips, eight hinges, a construction tool and an inspiration poster. Watch makedo: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 — John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., thought the makedo line "clever" at Toy Fair 2010. — Susan Stephenson, The Book Chook, called Makedo “beautifully thought out.” Although she found the cutting tool less effective than scissors, she loved the value and limitless possibilities of a set that uses what would otherwise be junk. — Makedo was a Readers’ Choice Winner for TreeHugger’s Best of Green Awards. 2/17/2010
Name: Infunitum Company: INFUNITUM, INC. Other products by INFUNITUM, INC. MSRP: $24.95 Age: 13 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Board Games
In this interactive party game, players must quickly come up with the most unique answers pertaining to fun and entertaining topics, in order to earn more points and be the first to reach the center of the gameboard. There are hundreds of options on the included 150 cards (with 450 categories), and it comes with a one-minute timer. 2/17/2010
Name: Eco-Dough Company: ECO-KIDS Other products by ECO-KIDS MSRP: $20.00 Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Eco-Friendly Watch Video Now ToyDirectory Product ID#: 27199
Eco-dough is a molding dough handmade with flour, salt, cream of tartar, organic rosemary oil, vitamin E oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, potassium sorbate, citric acid, natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, blueberries and tomatoes. Also available in a Gluten-free version. Watch Eco-Dough: Top-5 Video, Toy Fair 2010 2/17/2010
In this medieval-themed game for two to four players, oppenents must work to protect their castles as they try to knock the other players' wrecking balls off track. It's a sturdy wooden game with several movable elements. Launch date: 2010. 2/19/2010
Name: My STORYBOOK Castle Edition Company: STORYBOOK TOYS INC. Other products by STORYBOOK TOYS INC. MSRP: $39.99 Age: 2 and up Gender: Boys And Girls Category: Play Sets
This multi-paneled portable play space can be toted around as a book but opens up to reveal themed scenes that create a large, personal play area for children. Kids can fold out the panels all around them and play with toys and accessories inside the impromptu play area.The cardboard and paper is made from 100-percent recycled material, and the glossy, UV-cured outer layers are designed to prevent fading and offer a dry-erase surface. The Castle Edition has 15+ panels with a suggested retail price of $39.99 to $42.99. Launch date: May 2010. 2/19/2010
Name: Multi-Player Pentago: The Mind-Twisting Game
Watch Video Now
Name: Geemo
Name: Little Sky Riders
Name: Pedestal Pets
Name: Rowboat
Name: Be Blocks
Name: Stitch-It Raccoon Keyring
Name: ZIP-IT!™
Name: Medium Cubebot
Name: Snipe Hunt
Name: Kwizniac™ The Trivia Countdown Game
Name: Ophélie and Her Chicks
Name: Flower Power Gift Set
Name: Stuffed Animal - Monkey
Name: Streamline Car
Name: Yengo!
Name: OgoBild Small Set
Name: ENI Puzzle
Name: Whirling Twirling Trompo
Name: Spike the Hedgehog plush doll, with Board Book
Name: Space Chips
Name: WEEbabu Wedgits Flocked Blocks by Rubbabu
Name: Giganotosaurus Museum Line
Name: Dixit
Name: Tsuro
Name: Gyrowheel
Name: Boikido Eco-friendly Wooden Count and Bolt Caterpillar
Name: Vamplets
Name: Dr. Seuss
Name: makedo™ - Kit for One
Name: Infunitum
Name: Eco-Dough
Name: My STORYBOOK Castle Edition