Toy Industry News for May 2013 — Demand drives retail jobs ...read more toy news from May 2013

This hard-working tool provides hours of year ‘round fun. Designed for heavy duty sand and snow and made of strong, durable plastic to really get the job done. Sold separately are two other imaginative tools, The Digger, and the Drill.

Roll the die and strategically eliminate other players by Squashing them one pawn at a time. Or, flip the cube for a total wipeout.  Be the last pawn on the Squashed™ cube to win. Invented by ChiTAG Young Inventor Challenge Winner, Nicholas Metzler, when he was just sixteen.

Weaving and knitting like you’ve never seen before. Choose from three kits:  Beanie, Scarf, and Purse. Weave and wear in just 2 hours. Latest yarns, in the coolest colors. Ages 6-9:  I might need some help. Ages 10-12:  I can do it myself.

SQUASH your opponent right out of the game. Play the game on all four sides. Roll the die and strategically eliminate other players by SQUASHING one pawn at a time. Or – flip the cube for a total wipeout. Be the last pawn on the SQUASHED cube to win. Watch out – you may be the one getting SQUASHED. 2-4 players. "SQUASHED was created by ChiTAG Young Inventor Challenge winner, Nicholas Metzler, when he was just sixteen," Virginia Merritt, Marketing Coordinator at PlaSmart Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2013.

Transfer activity packs. Scribble colorful transfers on to themed backgrounds. Creative fun for all ages. Perfect for travel, party bags, restaurants, and rainy day activities. All Scribble Down transfer packs feature the amazing illustrations of Clinton Banbury.Choose from six designs. Launch date: November 2012.

DoodleArt color-it-yourself posters. DoodleArt was originally launched in 1972 and the do-your-own-color-thing instantly became a worldwide craze that lasted through the 1980s. Fantastic family activity, kids’ project, or hobby. Sturdy, long-lasting posters stand the test of time. Enjoyed by kids, teens, college students, and adults. Choose from five 24” x 34” full size poster designs, and two Mini-Kits, each with four 11” x 14” posters. All posters and kits come with 12 non-toxic, dual-tipped pens (calligraphy tip and fine tip). "The Intricate designs provide approximately 60 hours of creative activity," Virginia Merritt, Marketing Coordinator at PlaSmart Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2012

This hard-working tool provides hours of year ‘round fun. Designed for heavy duty sand and snow and made of strong, durable plastic to really get the job done. Sold separately are two other imaginative tools, The Drill, and the Grab-Bot.

This hard-working tool provides hours of year ‘round fun. Designed for heavy duty sand and snow and made of strong, durable plastic to really get the job done. Sold separately are two other imaginative tools, The Digger, and the Grab-Bot.

A timeless classic with a twist. Slide the windows as roadside attractions are spotted to complete a line or the entire card. Backseat Bingo engages kids for hours as they race to be the first to yell “Bingo”.

Clean, simple fun for young artists. A reusable drawing surface, water-filled stylus and sturdy, travel-friendly frame combine to create the perfect activity toy.

Make bath time more constructive with this innovative play set. Arrange the assortment of twisty, straight, and stair chutes, along with the giant water wheel, to create a unique water cascade. 8-oz. reservoir and scooping cup keeps the flow going until bath time is done. Mix and match pieces mean endless possibilities.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

The snap and match puzzle. Push the colored balls and snap them into empty spots to fit each one with its matching, colored ring. Mix them up again for a brand new challenge.
Awards: 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved – Best Product Media Seal of Approval

Another member of the Fun Slides family, Knee Hockey includes two 16” hockey sticks and one carpet puck.

Not your average hockey puck. With an ultra-smooth plastic base, this puck is designed to glide over carpet and bare floors, too. The soft, high density foam ring gives it a safer bounce off walls, baseboards, furniture, and players alike.

Skate indoors year-round. Carpet skates work on any type of carpet for a fun-powered glide. Strap them on and slide away. If you've got carpet, you've got fun. One size fits all. Ages 6+. Recommended for use with The Carpet Puck. Launch date: 2012.

Smart Mat™ multi-purpose play mats are ideal indoors or out, parents have discovered they are perfect for backyard picnics, indoor activities on rainy days, story time, and snack time. Kids will engage in hours of imaginative play using their own vehicles and action figures. Great for playrooms, classrooms, the beach, or yard. Giant play surface (min. 78” x 46”), easy to clean, travel, and store.

Now more than 10 years old, PlasmaCar continues to intrigue and fascinate with millions of units sole and multiple awards in over sixty countries worldwide. Just sit, put feet up, and turn the steering wheel to propel forward up to 6 mph on any smooth, flat surface. With a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs., even parents and grandparents have experienced a giggle by taking it for a spin. Made from state-of-the-art, high-quality ABS plastics, this kid-powered, durable, ride-on vehicle comes in a variety of colors.
Awards: 2012 Parents Choice Awards Recommended, 2009 Green Parents List Check Mark, 2009 DisneyFamily.com Top Action Figures and Toys for Toddlers, 2009+2008+2005 The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval, 2008 iParenting Media Toy Award, 2008 Fat Brain Toy Award Active Play, 2006 TIA Outdoor Toy of the Year - Specialty Toy of the Year, 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, 2005 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, 2005 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, 2001 International Patent Fair, Hong Kong Gold Medal
— Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, Wash., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that the Plasmacar is one of her top-2 overall best selling toys.

No batteries, gears, or pedals - just a fun, encouraging and progressive start to bicycle riding. PlasmaBike’s unique design encourages balance, coordination and motor skill development while offering a fun ride. Children as young as 18 months can enjoy the freedom or riding without the added complication of training wheels or anxiety of having to hold their balance too long, too early. Wide wheels ensure that PlasmaBike doesn't tip over in a stopped or stationary position, giving children added confidence and promoting self-esteem. The wide wheels and limited steering range enhance balancing capabilities and provide a smoother transition to a conventional 2 wheel ride.
Awards: 2012 The Toy Insider – Top Summer Toys, 2012 The National Parenting Centre – Seal of Approval, 2012 Parenting Magazine – Recommended, 2012 Creative Child Awards – Preferred Choice Award, 2011 Parenting Best in Play – New York Toy Fair, 2011 Best Toys Guide

8 cups, plenty of Hiccups. This hand-held puzzler has straightforward direction but challenging play. Pass the ball sequentially from cup to cup without a hiccup. Drop the ball and start back at cup #1. Frustratingly fun.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Awards – Seal of Excellence

Can kids fit all the numbers back in? First, spill the ten digits (0-9) from the box and give them a scramble. Then, place the pieces back in the box so that the lid closes flat. There are over 4000 possible solutions.
Awards: 2011 Parents’ Choice Awards - Recommended

Smart Mat™ multi-purpose play mats are ideal indoors or out, parents have discovered they are perfect for backyard picnics, indoor activities on rainy days, story time, and snack time. Kids will engage in hours of imaginative play using their own vehicles and action figures. Great for playrooms, classrooms, the beach, or yard. Giant play surface (min. 78” x 46”), easy to clean, travel, and store.