April 18, 2024
| “Preschool kids wonder what school’s all about and parents can give them a taste with this kit.” — Kim McLynn, Learning Resources |
Marc Truax, store manager of Try & Buy Toy Stores in Katonah, N.Y., told TDmonthly Magazine that the Parents Magazine Animal Hospital kit by Battat Inc. is popular with little girls. But Sandy Kozlowski, sales associate at Toy Loft Ltd in East Aurora, N.Y., said the International Playthings Inc. doctor and veterinarian kits don’t sell as well as the Small Miracles dress-up outfits at her location. Why do the dress-up kits sell better?
“They’re mostly for little girls, and they’re frilly and fancy,” she explained.
While Sue Tice, IPI’s public relations director and product manager, said the gender-neutral doctor kit does quite well for this product category, she noted that that the hands-down best seller is My First Purse. “It may even be the best seller in the whole company,” she said.
“For girls, what’s popular are still the tutus, red glitter Dorothy shoes (from ‘The Wizard of Oz’) and fabulous dress-up costumes from companies like Fairy Finery (ToyShow) or A Wish Come True,” said Diana Nelson, president of Kazoo Toys in Denver.
Boys clamor for costumes from Aeromax (ToyShow), she added. The popular line of boys’ dress-up costumes stays on top with Junior Mail Courier and Junior Biker outfits debuting this year.
“Our best sellers are aimed at girls’ glamour and mix-and-match dress-up. But boys’ choices do hold their own,” Small Miracles president Michael de Jong told TDmonthly. “One makes up in volume what the other does in variety and volume.”
Still, many kids dress less for fantasy than to better understand reality. In Wappingers Falls, N.Y., Toys and More co-owner Jean Zoeller said that the Tool Case by Small World Toys sells better than the doctor kit she carries in her store. “Every little boy has seen his dad use a tool,” she explained, noting that doctors in the home generally aren’t a familiar sight.
Truax said the Deluxe Fire Fighter outfit set by Dress Up America (ToyShow) sells the best at his store. Why? Because 90 percent of the firefighting staff in Westchester County, where the store is located, comprises volunteers so most kids have a dad or an uncle or a neighbor on the force. All Dress Up America kits also contain lots of props to help kids complete their fantasy.
And, at Wayland Toy and Stationery in Providence, R.I., the Pretend & Play School Set from Learning Resources sells well. While people generally don’t come into the store looking for this kit, “We try to push people towards that because the kids really like to play with them,” owner Angela Toljan said. Other retailers TDmonthly spoke with also provided kudos for the product.
Kim McLynn, public relations manager, said the School Set is the best seller in the company’s Pretend & Play line. New to the market as of February 2006 has been the Pretend & Play Office, which has also been a strong seller.
“Preschool kids wonder what school’s all about and parents can give them a taste with this kit.” McLynn explained. As for the office set, McLynn said kids are naturally curious about where their parents go and what they do during the day.
For a closer look at new and top-selling children’s role playing kits, read on.
Parents Magazine Animal Hospital by BATTAT INC.
This kit includes everything kids need to nurse little pet patients back to health. It includes a complete set of play medical instruments for performing checkups and administering medicines. When kids need to make a house call, they just pack up their tools into the lid of the animal hospital and carry them along. Each door has a color and shape coded key to make sure the animals stay safe and secure. It includes three plush animals (parrot, dog, cat) and eight instruments (stethoscope, syringe, flashlight, mirror, tweezers, pet vitamins and boo boo cream. The included flashlight requires one AA battery (not included) and measures 12" by 12" by 5". 5/10/2006 (MSRP: $39.98)
Tool Case by SMALL WORLD TOYS
Everything a kid needs for pretend construction play! The 22-piece set includes a wrench, hammer, work-board, 4 nails, 4 nuts and bolts, pliers, screwdriver, drill plus 3 drill bits. The drill even makes a realistic drilling sound when it is used! Pieces store securely in the hard plastic carrying case with window, snap closures and convenient handle. 5/10/2006 (MSRP: $23.00)
Deluxe Fire Fighter Set by DRESS UP AMERICA TOY INC.
This true-to-life dress-up kit includes a jacket with a realistic embroidered fire fighting symbol, working pockets that stay closed with Velcro and real reflector stripes; pants that have an elastic band for a better fit, real reflector stripes and knee patches; and a head protector. It's 100 percent polyester and comes packaged in a durable snap-sealed poly bag. It comes in five sizes and is flame resistant. A fire helmet is sold separately.
— “Children love to pretend. These costumes are good for Halloween and can be used year round,” is why this line is appreciated by Kim Anderson, manager at The Fun Forrest in Sumter, S.C.
— For boys, “it’s firemen by Dress Up America,” was the direct response given Melody Anderson, owner of Creative Kids in Columbia, S.C.
— Lou Landau, sales manager for Dress Up America Toy Inc., told TDmonthly, “We offer deluxe quality at deluxe prices. Our costumes are machine washable, come with quality embroidering, and have Velcro straps to ensure safety and usability.” 1/25/2006
Jr. Mail Courier by AEROMAX INC.
The Jr. Mail Courier outfit is a realistic one-piece suit. It also comes with a pinstriped shirt with patch, shorts with a wide accent stripe, an official looking visor and a matching courier bag.
— During a March 2010 survey on top-selling dress-up lines, two of 37 retailers named Aeromax as their best vendor. 5/10/2006 (MSRP: $37.95)
Jr. Biker by AEROMAX INC.
Available in five sizes, this tough-looking attire will get kids' motors running. It includes a button down vest, matching chaps, a head wrap and biker fingerless gloves. 5/10/2006 (MSRP: $39.95)
My First Purse by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
This is a little, brightly colored soft "pleather" purse with pretend play accessories. A charming flower decorates the front and soft chunky handles attach on top. Included is a wallet, debit card, lipstick, keys, soft unbreakable mirror and play cell phone.
— As of 8.30.10, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Well-made; encourages imaginative play. 5/10/2006 (MSRP: $12.99; Age: 2 and Up)
Little Doctor Kit by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
This doctor kit features an electronic stethoscope that makes a heartbeat and coughing sound. It also includes a blood pressure gauge complete with arm cuff, pump and spinning dial. Inside the doctor bag, young doctors will find a reflex hammer, thermometer, squeaking syringe, auriscope, laryngoscope and pretend bandage. 5/10/2006 (MSRP: $19.99; Age: 3 and Up)
Jr. Executive Chef by AEROMAX INC.
This award winning line of career preparation costumes has created a real treat for girls and boys who love to spend time in the kitchen or even outside at the grill.
— The Get Real series won accolades from Family Fun Magazine, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Creative Child Magazine and iParenting Media Awards.
— This series received high ratings from MetroKids Toy Test on its appeal, educational value, functionality and durability.
— The company has designed these items to boost a child’s self esteem and get him or her into active play. 2/14/2005 (MSRP: $49.95; Age: 2 to 12)
Velvet Boa Cape by FAIRY FINERY
Crushed stretch velvet and fluffy boa make this the cape the best! Finish any outfit with this top quality, washable garment. Perfect for pageants, skating, or royal coronations! Velcro at neck makes it easy on and off- so safe! So many colors to choose from. 2/24/2006
Tutu by A WISH COME TRUE
Young imaginations will be recharged with creative role-playing. A Wish Come True lets girls and boys act out their favorite fantasies. Twirling tulle skirts, sparkling sequins and fabulous feathers are hard for any little girl to resist. Boys travel back into time in swashbuckling coats, character capes and hats sold separately. High quality dress-up and Halloween costumes, accessories, shoes, dress-up totes and trunks are also available. 12/9/2005
Pretend & Play Snack Shop by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.
Talk about a convenience store — this shop is open and ready for business at a moment’s notice! It comes with more than 104 pieces including snacks, play money, a write-and-wipe board for daily specials and many more shop items, all in a sturdy, tri-fold carrying board. All components store in vinyl pockets when not in use. The board measures 16” by 38” when open, and folds to a convenient 16” by 13” by 3” with a strap for fastening. 5/12/2006 (MSRP: $32.95; Age: 3 and Up)
Pretend & Play School Set by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.
Kids enjoy playing school and this pop-up classroom set will give them hours of fun. It includes everything needed for the ultimate pretend classroom: gradebooks, stickers, hall passes, clock, bell, dry erase board, handpointer, crayons, double-sided calendar, double-sided map and much more. Items come in a convenient tri-fold board for easy set up and storage.
— The product “is an example of an open-ended toy that enables kids to use their imaginations. They can make their play whatever they want it to be….Some parents and caregivers use the Pretend & Play School Set to prepare their preschoolers for school,” Kim McLynn of Learning Resources told TDmonthly. 5/12/2006 (MSRP: $32.95; Age: 3 and Up)
Pretend & Play Office Set by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.
Everything your students need for a pretend day at the office is tucked into this official-looking briefcase. The realistic-looking 74-piece set includes a planner, pretend stapler, cell phone with sound, ID badge and many other office essentials — even a write-and-wipe paycheck and refillable crayon “pen”! The briefcase measures 11” by 9 1/4” by 3 3/4" and is made of top-quality nylon for durability. The cell phone requires two AA batteries that are not included. 5/12/2006 (MSRP: $32.95; Age: 3 and Up)
Fiber Optic Superman by RUBIE'S COSTUME COMPANY
This Superman outfit is like no other: The "S" emblem on the jumpsuit lights up! The kit comes with a cape and jumpsuit with attached boot tops and a belt. It comes in four sizes: toddler, small, medium and large. 5/24/2006
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