May 2010 Notable Toys — Pretend Play

One of many adventure kits from Mighty World, the River Explorer set comes with two character figurines and a load of other accessories to stimulate kids' imaginations. The bright yellow, heavy-duty truck and trailer both have free-rolling wheels and are accompanied by a raft, boating and camping gear, and an alligator.
― “Our rack is empty right now, so they've been doing good,” Wallace Harvey, manager of Three Cheeky Monkeys in Los Angeles, Calif., told TDmonthly of Mighty World, which he listed as his best-selling playset during an April 2010 survey.

With this 40-piece restaurant playset, little ones can design their pretend menus with many different pretend food items, and step into fully into their roles with a guest check pad, a waitress's apron and a hat. The table is set with menus, cloth napkins, cups, plates and flatware. The set, which packs into a carrying case, even comes packaged with two play credit cards.
― “The Sweetheart Cafe from Alex does very well,” said Lori Hershman, owner of Evan's Toy Shoppe in Camden, Conn., in spring 2010.
― Five out of 43 retailers who took part in an April 2010 survey of best-selling activity kits and playsets named Alex as their top supplier for this category.

The Preschool Activity Pack uses different textures to create activities.

Lilly Bean's play food line is made of super-soft fleece and velour, with stuffing made entirely from recycled soda bottles. The Market Sandwich Lunch is American made and features two slices of wheat bread, one slice of lunch meat, lettuce, cheese, tomato, a carrot and a cream-filled cookie. "Our play foods are more life-sized than play foods currently available in the market. We believe that it makes our product more fun, safe and easy for little hands to play with," Lilly Bean Owner Hilary Karnatz told TDmonthly.

This refrigerator, stove and sink set provides generous storage space. The sink features a realistic pull-out "sprayer," and the "burner" stove has wood turn-button controls. The four-piece set includes an additional cupboard, and each item is available for individual purchase.

This set includes a corn broom, push broom, whisk broom, dust pan, and two wet mops. The unit is 11" x 11" x 18" and features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

The Imagination Station features a stage, store and drive-up window. Shelves in back can hold toys, puppets and other play items. Wooden braces are attached for stability. A curtain rod is included, but optional curtains are sold separately. Available with a Write-n-Wipe, Flannel or Chalkboard front, the station measures 49"x15"x49" and features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Children can rock their dolls in this roomy 14½" x 27" x 12" cradle. The head and footboards are made of sturdy Birch plywood and the side rails are made with rich Maple wood. The cradle features an ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish that "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

Young puppeteers can hang their puppets on the 16 branches of this puppet tree. Each branch is 8" long, allowing for maximum puppet storage. The unit is 11" W x 11" D x 48" H, and is made of rich maple and sturdy birch wood. The puppet tree's ultra-violet KYDZTuff finish "is as tough as a gym floor and allows marks from common items to be simply wiped away," Jonti-Craft Marketing Associate Melissa Gustafson told TDmonthly.

This realistic kitchen and dining counter has a dual-sided design for multi-child use. Its modern features include a "stainless steel” oven, refrigerator and serving utensils. Also included are a 39-piece accessory set, lots of storage, two electronic sound features, and a deep sink.

This sleek European-influenced styling uses gender-neutral colors to appeal to both boys and girls. “Stainless steel” appliances and accents add to the clean, modern look. A special frying pan and boiling pot with lid activate electronic frying and boiling water sounds in the stove’s cook top burner. Additional electronic sounds in the oven, microwave and phone add to realistic play. The set also includes a refrigerator, coffee maker, faucet and sink.

Made of washable suede cloth, this set includes a full hood with tassel and a velcro closure. The hat is lined with wool blend felt and is accented with pheasant and ostrich feathers.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Product of the Year.

Great for make-believe in Camelot, on the High Seas or even at Hogwarts, these swords are crafted from hardwood plywood, highly sanded with gently rounded edges, and finished with an earth-based naturoil finish. Each sword measures about .25” thick and 20” long, and the handle is designed to fit comfortably in a child’s hand. Barbara Rainville, Marketing Manager at Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "The swords are American-made and singles are available." Launch date: Feb. 10, 2010.

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.

Girls can fill the pool and whirlpool area with water and press down on the sunflower leaf for a real shower, or glide Strawberry Shortcake doll down the pink waterslide into the pool with the Strawberry Shortcake Splashin' Petal Pool Playset. The set also includes a fabric towel, sun bonnet, and removable umbrella. Some assembly required. Launch date: Spring 2010.

Girls can join little Pinkie Pie and her mom for a fun-filled adventure with the My Little Pony Family Convertible vehicle. This colorful pink and purple car features blue and yellow embossed balloons and a comfy car seat, and includes a grocery bag, lunch pail and travel "coffee cup." While supplies last, the playset comes complete with a 20 minute My Little Pony animated DVD. Launch date: Spring 2010.

Furreal Friends Snuggimals palm-sized pets come in a variety of animal species. Pet the Snuggimals puppies on their backs and they'll move their heads and wag their tails. Snuggimals kitties love to have their tummies rubbed, and furry Snuggimals bunnies are comfiest when they cuddle. When you stroke their backs, the Snuggimals seals wiggle about in hand. Little girls can choose from more than 20 different Snuggimals pets, each sold separately. Requires one "AA" battery, included. Launch date: Spring 2010.

This multicolored scarf kit contains 24 durable 36” square, washable nylon scarves —  two of each of the following 12 colors: purple, lavender, royal blue, medium blue, kelly green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, pink, black and white. A CD is included with songs to accompany the scarves, as well as an instructional insert, a self-closing sturdy carrying bag with handle, and Velcro to hang the scarves in a special place.

Designed to “Start” with the green light and large enough for your fellow racers to join you in some action filled imaginative fun. Tunnel port comes with roll-up flaps that secure with Velcro tabs. Add a Tunnel before and after the big race, to help you navigate. 70 Denier Nylon 190T with PE Coated fiberglass shock corded poles. Comes complete with it’s own carry bag and can be easily maintained by cleaning it with warm water and mild soap. Each in color display box.

With a completely covered top and mesh sides and front, you will be protected from the sun and any flying insects. Water proof floor will keep you dry while on the beach and will also prevent any spills from getting out. Easy clean up polyethylene floor and see through mesh make this an ideal Cabana take along. Collapsible poles make this easy to set-up and store as well as carry along to the field. Fabric is UV Protected SPF 30 rated. This cabana is large enough for 2-3 kids to rest inside. Free carry bag.

Easier than a magic wand, simply remove the tent from the carry bag, unfold it and then lift it up and with just One Touch™ the tent is set up. No more parts or extra hands needed to enjoy the benefits of this new patented technology. This is the perfect companion for any trip to the beach, park, lake or back yard. Easy to carry and even easier to set up. Due to the engineering of this ultra high quality tent, it has the structural stability to withstand wind and provide protection from the harmful UV rays. Each tent is UV treated; SPF 30 rated, and has a water proof floor. Simple to set up and take down, easy to store and carry… One Touch™ is the last name you will need to know in outdoor children’s sun protection.

This dress is made out of a velvety velour with a satin inset and gold brainded trim. The dress comes with an adjustable headpiece to complete the medieval look. Launch date: 2010.

The Princess Dress is made with beautiful hot pink velour and shimmery organza. The velour top is stretchy for comfort and size flexibility, and it's adorned with 3 flowers and capped organza sleeves. The back has a v-cut finished with a satin bow. The satin skirt is topped with a gathered layer of organza, and it showcases organza petals on top. Each petal is trimmed with a satin flower and a gem in the center. Launch date: 2010.

Kids can pretend to draw their Iron Man role-playing energy from the light-up Iron Man 2 Arch Chest Light, which features power-up sounds and easily clips onto shirts. Launch date: 2010.