Make-Believe Helps With Reality

Fantasy play fires up kids' creative juices and helps them grow socially and emotionally.

Satin Princess Cape by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

Satin Princess Cape by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA A bridal satin cape trimmed with gold binding, the Princess Cape is sure to provide imaginative role-play to young aspiring princesses. The cape features a ribbon tie at the neck and the medium size is 30" long. Accessories for the Satin Princess Cape include ribbon tiara, heart slipper, and the Juliette dress.
— "Dress-up by Creative Education is some of the best and we do well with those," said Patricia Masing, co-owner of Tree Town Toys in Ann Arbor, Mich., when predicting hot-sellers for young girls for Christmas 2007. 9/6/2007 (MSRP: $18.50)

Jr. Astronaut Space Helmet by AEROMAX INC.

Kids are now able to blast off to outer space and beyond with the Jr. Astronaut Space Helmet, which features high quality construction and amazing details. It includes built-in sound chips, a spring loaded retractable shield, a mock boom microphone, and an official looking NASA logo. This product received the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award for 2007. Launch date: March 2005. ( Watch Video) 11/10/2006 (MSRP: $49.95)

Papo – Knights Crusader by HOTALING IMPORTS

Papo – Knights Crusader by HOTALING IMPORTS Dressed in white and emblazoned with a cross, this knight is ready to defend his faith. His horse is also dramatically draped. Each is available separately. Launch date: 2006.
— "Papo... across the line. Our Knight Papo figures are our best-selling stand-alone figures," said Alex Witten of Sparks Toy & Hobby Shoppe in Smithfield, R.I. Eighteen of 34 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in spring 2007 cited Papo as best-selling action figures in their stores.
— Retailers reported sales of Papo Knights averaging 50 to 100 units a month.
— "Papo’s design, quality and play value continue to inspire children and even adults with the imaginary world of Papo," said Larry J. Hotaling of distributor Hotaling Imports. ( Watch Video) 5/2/2006 (MSRP: $4.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Le Toy Van Lion Heart Castle by HOTALING IMPORTS

Le Toy Van Lion Heart Castle by HOTALING IMPORTS This large wooden castle features seven towers, a detailed baseboard with a moat, a wind-up drawbridge and portcullis, a knock-out wall, two flags, a ladder and a winch. 9/28/2007 (Age: 4 to 11)

Wild Life – Animal Nursery by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The Animal Nursery provides a fantastic stage for Schleich animal play. Authentically-styled African structure with working shutters and doors and a wrap-around front porch measures a generous 21” x 20” x 12”. Comes with a removable roof for extra play! Animals sold separately. 3/12/2007 (MSRP: $149.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Jet Plane by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Jet Plane by PLAYMOBIL INC. The jet contains room for cargo and passengers, movable seating for more cargo space, mobile doors and four figurines with luggage. "Reality playsets are a feature of Playmobil," Playmobil Inc. Advertising and Marketing Manager Michelle Winfrey told TDmonthly. This product is a Fall 2007 Parent's Choice Award winner. Launch date: August 2007. 1/4/2007 (MSRP: $49.99; Age: 4 and Up)

MACK Granite Cement Mixer by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

With this MACK truck, kids can turn the crank to make the cement mixer spin. The doors open and close, and the cab can be tilted forward for viewing of the engine. The truck has treaded tires and a movable chute fed by the drum. It measures 25.8” L x 7.3” W x 10.8” H. ( Watch Video) 9/28/2007 (Age: 3 to 7)