TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Wooden Toys Product Category

Minuta 2 by LEARNING MATERIALS WORKSHOP

The collection of modular boxes increases perceptual and motor skills, stimulates language development, provokes mathematical thinking and nurtures aesthetic ideas and imaginative play.
Children recognize that these beautiful little boxes are perfect for storing their special collections, building high towers or long slinky roads, framing their pictures and photographs and much more,” Learning Materials Workshop Sales and Marketing Director Meg Walker told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

3D Tree Puzzle by CREATIVELY YOURS GIFT DESIGNS

The wood puzzle is very environmentally friendly. It is constructed from two tree bases that fit into one interlocking base. Each piece of the puzzle must be assembled in order, helping children learn the order of the alphabet and numbers. “Children enjoy this puzzle because they feel twice as satisfied when completing the puzzle,” Tony Goonewardenn of Creatively Yours Gift Designs told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2008. 5/5/2008 (Price: $27.00)

Nina Ballerina Magnetic Dress-Up by MELISSA & DOUG

This wooden, magnetic dress-up doll will encourage imaginative play. The 27-piece set comes with a stand and colorful, magnetic outfits and accessories.
— Over one-fifth of retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in March 2008 singled out Melissa & Doug as the hottest manufacturer of travel toys.
— “Melissa & Doug has a whole new line of travel games. We sell about one a week,” Steve Ricks, owner of My Storyhouse Toys in Roswell, Ga., told TDmonthly in March 2008.
— “Melissa & Doug has a magnetic paper doll that is great for travel, and we sell about one a week,” Pam Horwitz, manager of Mr. Toad’s Toy Company in Naples, Fla., told TDmonthly in March 2008. 4/30/2008 (Price: $9.99)

Spotty Pull-Along by APPLEPIE TOY DISTRIBUTION

The dog’s body is split into three sections, leading his body to wiggle when he is pulled. The toy rolls along on four wheels and comes with a red leash around his neck.
— “Applepie Toy’s Pull-Along Pals,” Jacob Roehl, manager of Necker’s in Simsbury, Conn., told TDmonthly in March 2008, when asked to name the best-selling infant and toddler toy in his store. Roehl said his store sells approximately 15 of these per month.
— In March 2008, two of 41 retailers singled out wooden pull toys as their best-selling infant and toddler products.
— The Applepie Toy pull-along line includes other animals, such as a cat, a duck and other dog breeds. 4/29/2008

Dancing Alligator by PLANTOYS

This wooden pull-toy makes rhythmic click-clack sounds as it moves along. The toy measures approximately 3” x 10” x 3-1/2” and is intended for children over the age of 19 months.
— “Plan Toys’ Alligator is very good. We sell about one a week,” Dennis Hostedder of The Toy Store in Atlanta, Ga., told TDmonthly.
— “Plan has really moved up and really picked up,” Barbara Fineblum owner of Barston’s Child’s Play in Baltimore, Md., said in March 2008. Five percent of the 40 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in March 2008 named Plan Toys as their most popular infant and toddler manufacturer.
— Plan Toys’ alligator and walk ‘n roll are top sellers at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., Owner Shana Hack told TDmonthly in early summer 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/29/2008

Pizza Party by MELISSA & DOUG

This wooden pizza set comes with 50 toppings, six thick slices of pizza, a bright tray, a cutter and a spatula. All pieces are packaged inside a convenient wooden box.
— Fifteen percent of the 40 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in March 2008 singled out Melissa & Doug products as their best-selling infant and toddler products.
— “A pizza by Melissa & Doug — we sell about one a month,” Mary Fortier, a longtime salesperson at The Toy Palace in Jackson, Miss., told TDmonthly in March 2008.
— “Customers ask if we’re following recalls; they ask for wooden toys from Melissa & Doug,” Barbara Burn, owner of Children’s Orchard in Litchfield Park, Ariz., shared with TDmonthly in March 2008. 4/29/2008 (Price: $19.99)

Blocks Set by TREE BY KERRI LEE LLC

Recommended for ages 6 months and up, these 2" hardwood blocks in a pastel palette are handpainted and handprinted with non-toxic finishes, featuring images of old-fashioned toys, letters and numbers. Six blocks come in a clear drawstring pouch. A bright set is also available. “It is handmade in our small studio in New York,” Owner and Designer Kerri Lee-Sensiba told TDmonthly. ( Watch Video) 4/28/2008 (Price: $24.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Illuminated Model Tiger by PUZZLED, INC.

The 3D wooden toy features standard woodcraft construction with an added color laminate. Over 21 styles are available, including a giraffe and a dragon. Launch date: February 2008. ( Watch Video) 4/18/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Double Shutter Vintage by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

This vintage version of the self-contained Double Shutter comes with wooden dice. The entire game comes in a wooden box. A casino tin and junior version are also available. “Durable, easy to stow away and with minimal pieces this game is perfect to travel with,” Jeremy Smith at Blue Orange Games told TDmonthly.  Launch date: February 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gobblet on the Go by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

This game is the travel version of the Gobblet board game. All pieces come in a little tote bag, making the game easy to store and transport. “The colorful nature of this wooden game makes the game durable to abuse and friendly in use,” Jeremy Smith at Blue Orange Games told TDmonthly. “The bright colors make the pieces hard to lose but easy to play with.” Launch date: June 2004. 4/17/2008 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

X9X Sport Utility Vehicle by AUTOMOBLOX

This sport utility vehicle is built for high-quality performance on rugged terrain. The wooden replica features durable body accessories permanently fixed to the simple wooden body blocks. Launch date: February 2008.
— Jeanette Lauture of Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., told TDmonthly in summer 2008 that Automoblox are top sellers in her store. “This product has mass appeal for girls and boys,” she said. “Children love to pull things apart and build them up again, and the variety and interchangeability of these cars offer many hours of play.”
— Automoblox are top sellers at Green Frog Toys in Portland, Ore., Owner Patricia Fiedler said in spring 2009. “They’re fun, well-made, and offer endless mix-and-match possibilities.” 4/17/2008 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

S9R Sport Sedan by AUTOMOBLOX

This replica of the purpose-built, performance-oriented sport sedan features durable body accessories permanently fixed to the simple wooden body blocks. Launch date: February 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

C9R Sportscar by AUTOMOBLOX

The purpose-built, performance-oriented car features durable body accessories permanently fixed to the simple wooden body blocks. Launch date: February 2008.
— “Automoblox always does very well. Usually, when we get those in, we sell through,” Leslie Chiaverini, owner of Adventure Toys and Teacher Supplies in Los Altos, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— “Automoblox have become very hot. They're a little pricey … but people really seem to like them,” Yamil Castillo, owner of The Red Balloon Toy Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, told TDmonthly in April 2008.
— In spring 2008, three of 50 retailers mentioned Automoblox to TDmonthly, when asked about best-selling construction toys and those they are interested in selling in their stores. ( Watch Video) 4/17/2008 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wooden Rocking Horse – Woody by ZEIGER ENTERPRISES INC.

The durable, wooden rocking horse is made by Old World craftsmen in Poland. These toys make “great heirloom gifts…because grandparents remember growing up with these,” Zeiger Enterprises Inc. President Marion Zeiger, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $220.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spinny Critter by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.

The Spinnys are three 1” cubes strung on a 5" dowel that is capped with bright blue enders. Kids can expand their imaginations by creating over three dozen, different animal combinations, including a horinocerlion or even a liodogous. The toy, intended for children over the age of 18 months, is made with non-toxic finishes and inks. Spinny Speller and Spinny People versions are also available. “Our Spinnys are compact and durable, [allowing them] to go everywhere the toddler goes. Always creative and interesting,” Maple Landmark Woodcraft Co. Marketing Manager Barbara Rainville told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 1, 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $9.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dog Cat Mouse Pull Toy Family by RICH FROG INDUSTRIES

Children can watch the baby animals follow them as they pull the animals along on sturdy wooden wheels. This product is intended for children over the age of 18 months. Awards: TDmonthly Top Toy 2009. Launch date: January 1, 2008.

Where to Buy: The Satin Button

( Watch Video) 4/11/2008 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Red and Blue Wooden Guitars by COLORI USA/TATIRI

Tatiri's wooden Guitar comes in 2 nice colors...It's a nice piece to have for beginners to learn to appreciate music! 4/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Xylophone Dots by COLORI USA/TATIRI

Great instrument with great sound for young and older kids! It comes in happy colors. ( Watch Video) 4/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mirror Ponytail by COLORI USA/TATIRI

Tie your hair with Tatiri's latest ponytail collection! It's nice and easy! 4/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tic Tac Toe by COLORI USA/TATIRI

Must have Tatiri's colorful Tic Tac Toe. Children enjoy playing this simple game...to break the boredom! 4/8/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Doll House by SIMPLEX INTERNATIONAL (PVT) LTD.

The white and blue two-story house features a front that opens like a door to reveal the rooms inside. 4/3/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Princess Chair by SIMPLEX INTERNATIONAL (PVT) LTD.

The wooden chair features a back in the shape and image of a princess. 4/3/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pumpkin by ESTIA HOLZSPIELWAREN

This hard-carved piece of fruit is one in a new collection of fruits and vegetables that are first put on a drexel machine for one minute and then require approximately ten minutes of expert hand carving per piece. ( Watch Video) 3/31/2008 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Balancing Cactus by PLANTOYS

The player that can balance the cactus without making it fall is the winner. Plan Toys are made from sustainable rubberwood. Great for 1 to 4 players. ( Watch Video) 3/28/2008

Pull-Along Zebra by PLANTOYS

When pulling the zebra, the head will nod up and down and the back rolls as the hind legs spring up and down. For children 19 months and up. 3/28/2008