TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Construction Product Category

Construction Machines 3D Adventure Kit by POPAR TOYS

This adventure kit comes included with all the necessary tools to explore the amazing building world of Construction Machines 3D. The kit contains a 3D book, 3D cards, magic costume card, software and Popar Reader. Kids will have an unforgettable experience as they magically turn into a construction worker and watch bulldozers push trees off the page, cranes lift huge pipes, and excavators dig foundations. "Popar® Toys use Augmented Reality (AR) technology to create an immersive reading experience that will allow the user to see incredible virtually “real” 3D objects and animations that will pop off the book or card," Scott Jochim, President of Popar Toys, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Best of the Toy Fair - The View; 2012 National Parenting Centers Seal of Approval. 4/27/2012 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

Now youngsters can take pegging to a whole new level of excitement when playing with this versatile building set that combines popular Tall-Stacker Pegs with Mighty Monkey Pegs. Kids can stack colorful pegs and create different configurations for their monkeys to play. Use the included monkey figurines to swing from a vine, zoom down the slide or ride the elevator basket — with the Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset, the thrills are endless. "The Tall-Stacker Mighty Monkey Playset encourages free-form building and role-play, while fostering creativity and imagination," Mary Dolan, public relations coordinator for Patch Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2012.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 4/27/2012 (Price: $29.99)

Tegu Dart by TEGU INC.

With 10 classic Tegu blocks, a signature magnetic styling top, and 4 magnetic wooden wheels, Dart is a member of the Compact Line of Tegu Mobility. Deconstruct Dart and click the wheels on and off to create any number of mobile creations. Magnetic connections make racing and crashing as fun as building. Dart integrates seamlessly with the existing line of Tegu blocks. 4/24/2012 (Price: $38.00)

Quercetti Georello Basics by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

Allows children to learn about cause and effect and simple principles of mechanics. Build a base by attaching the interlocking plates and attach gears to form a chain reaction. Turn the handle to set everything in motion. Soft plastic with round edges, totally unbreakable and safe. 80 pieces. 4/24/2012 (Price: $19.99)

LEGO Friends City Park Cafe 3061 by LEGO

Andrea works at the City Park Cafe and loves dishing out tasty treats — when she is not singing into her broom and daydreaming of her big performance. It's the perfect place in Heartlake City for all of the Lego Friends to meet for milkshakes and burgers or to chill and have fun. Kids can bake goodies for the girls in the cafe kitchen, complete with everything needed to serve up cafe cuisine in style. Then hang in the outdoor dining area and have a milkshake in the sun. Order up a sweet snack, serve the customers and pay with Lego money bricks. Includes 2 mini-doll figures: Andrea and Marie.
— As of 4/18/2012 this product had 4.9 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Cute; fun to play with; very detailed. Cons: Too easy to put together; not as much educational or developmental value as other LEGO sets. 4/18/2012 (Price: $29.99)

Bailey's Box of Big Shovels by BAILEY'S TOY STORE

These big shovels are perfect for large scale sand projects at the beach. Shovels are made in the USA. Includes 40 Big Shovels. 4/18/2012

Bailey's Box of Double Castles by BAILEY'S TOY STORE

This fun sand mold features two towers connected by a castle wall. Castles are made in the USA. Includes 80 Double Castles and 80 Shovels. 4/18/2012

Hexactly by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

One of five unique hexagon-based pieces make up a single block piece providing versatility, variety, and extended thought. The five hexagon-based pieces include: a single hexagon; 2, 3, and 4 hexagons - joined in linear arrangement; 3 hexagons joined in a non-linear arrangement. Includes 24 Congruently cool & colorful hexagonal building blocks; 5 unique hexagon-based pieces - a single hexagon; 2, 3, and 4 hexagons - joined in linear arrangement; 3 hexagons joined a non-linear arrangement; Full-color illustrated Building Guide with 20 engaging design challenges; facts of hexagons in nature & mechanics.
Awards: 2011 Parents' Choice Recommended Award 4/13/2012 (Price: $24.95)

Arx by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

An innovative new magnetic, crescent shaped building block. A magnet rolls through each Arx piece, giving any builder the option of building in ways that defy common thought. When the magnetic force between two Arx pieces meets, kids’ll feel the slight click as the magnets adhere. 24 Versatile magnetic pieces. Building base included (optional for building). Launch date: August 2012. 4/13/2012 (Price: $32.95)

littleBits Teaser kit by LITTLEBITS ELECTRONICS INC

Each bit has a simple, unique function (light, sound, sensors, etc), and modules snap to make larger circuits. With a growing number of available modules, littleBits aims to put the power of engineers in the hands of artists, makers and children. Contents: coin battery (rechargeable via micro usb cable) bargraph pressure sensor. Snap and play: magnets prevent kids from putting things the wrong way. Play with light, sound, sensing and buttons without wiring, soldering or programming. Kids can make their own interactive objects, or combine with other construction toys. 4/11/2012 (Price: $29.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The LEGO Ideas Book by Daniel Lipkowitz by DK PUBLISHING INC.

The book is divided into six themed chapters—transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure, and useful makes—each with basic templates of key models and spreads to inspire kids to create their own. Hints and tips from Master Builders can help kids turn their classic car into a race car or add a bridge to their castle. Featuring all-new LEGO® building projects, tips to supplement and enhance LEGO creations, inspirational builds, and expert advice from LEGO Master Builders, The LEGO Ideas Book will keep kids of all ages creating for hours. Launch date: September 19, 2012. 4/11/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Star Wars Tie Fighter 9492q by LEGO

Hunt down the Rebels in the iconic TIE Fighter. Equipped with dual flick missiles and opening cockpit, this instantly recognizable and hugely popular starship of the Imperial fleet returns to battle the rebel alliance once again. Includes 4 minifigures: TIE fighter pilot, Imperial officer, Death Star trooper and R5-J2 droid.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Stonger than previous sets; more representative of the Tie Fighters seen in the movies than previous sets.
— In a May 2013 survey, 50% of retailers surveyed told TDmonthly that LEGO Star Wars was their best-selling line of licensed products.
— Helen Santosuosso, owner of Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that LEGO Star Wars is one of their store's best-selling toy lines. 4/11/2012 (Price: $54.99)

LEGO Star Wars Droid Escape 9490 by LEGO

C-3PO and R2-D2 have the secret plans to escape the Death Star, and must avoid capture by heading to the desert planet Tatooine in their escape pod. Will they land safely and avoid being captured by the Imperial sandtroopers on their swoop bike? Includes 4 minifigures: C-3PO, R2-D2 and 2 sandtroopers.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Design has improved from previous sets; escape pod is larger and more detailed; good assortment of useful LEGO bricks.
— In a May 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO Star Wars was their best selling licensed product. 4/11/2012 (Price: $19.99)

LEGO Sydney Opera House by LEGO

Introducing the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. This masterpiece of expressionist architecture is the vision of young Danish architect, Jorn Utzon, whose unique interlocking vaulted ‘shell' design beat 933 competitors from 28 countries to win an international design competition held by the New South Wales Government in 1959. Combined with the beautiful setting of Sydney Harbour, the opera house has become a true symbol of late modern architecture and one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century. This LEGO Architecture series interpretation of the Sydney Opera House was designed by US architect Adam Reed Tucker in collaboration with the LEGO design team. 4/11/2012 (Price: $39.99)

LEGO Ninjago Kai's Blade Cycle 9441 by LEGO

On a dangerous journey aboard Destiny's Bounty, an ancient shipwreck, Sensei Wu and the ninja have located the powerful golden Hypnobrai staff deep inside of the secret snake shrine. As they land the flying ship in the water to seize the staff, Zane and Jay get a scaly surprise from Hynobrai General Skales and his accomplice warrior, Slithraa. Sensei Wu fires the ship's cannon into the battle until his ancient enemy, Lord Garmadon, appears. Can Sensei Wu protect the Ninjago treasures onboard without the help of the ninjas? Choose the battle in an epic showdown where the fate of the Ninjago world hangs in the balance. Includes 6 minifigures: Sensei Wu, Kendo Zane, Kendo Jay, Lord Garmadon, Skales and Slithraa; Destiny's Bounty ninja ship, snake staff shrine, golden Hypnobrai staff and 16 weapons.
— As of 4/11/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Lots of minifigs; sets are sturdy enough to play with after building.
— In an April 2012 survey, five of 13 retailers said that LEGO is their best selling construction brand. Melissa McCollum, owner of Learning Express in Hoover, Ala., told TDmonthly that they sell about 150 LEGO sets each month, especially from the Ninjago and DC Universe lines. 4/11/2012 (Price: $14.99)

String-Along Shapes by HAPE

String-Along Shapes are first toys that encourage coordination, dexterity, imagination, and simple problem solving. This brightly colored set of 30 maple shapes includes two strings that turn blocks into a train, a caterpillar or a tower. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun. Shapes are approximately 1.25' wide each. 4/9/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO Creator Winter Bakery (10216) by LEGO

Return to yesteryear with this festive holiday scene. It's a winter wonderland in this snow-covered little town. A special-delivery evergreen, all ready for decorating, arrives at the tree-sellers stand by horse-drawn cart, while ice skaters frolic on the frozen pond with colorful lights and a curious owl perched overhead. Just look out for the freshly-shoveled snow piles one skater has already tumbled in head-first. At the bakery nearby, the friendly baker prepares delicious holiday treats in his oven and rings up sales at the cash register. Push the glowing LEGO Power Functions brick to fill the building with warm interior light. Includes 7 minifigures, snow owl, horse and lots of winter accessories. 3/30/2012 (Price: $54.99)

LEGO Ninjago Zane DX (2171) by LEGO

LEGO Ninjago Zane DX (2171). Kids spin their way to victory and become a Spinjitzu master. Zane is now a dragon ninja and has reached a level of Spinjitzu ability that allows him to ride the awe-inspiring Ice Dragon. Wearing the white dragon suit and armed with the Shurikens of Ice, no skeleton is a match for him. Use the four battle cards included in the set to influence the battle.
— As of 3/30/2012 this product had 4.3 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews on ToysRUs.com. 3/30/2012 (Price: $12.99)

LEGO Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter 9493 by LEGO

Take to the stars in the classic X-wing starfighter. Featuring wings that fold into attack mode, proton torpedoes, retractable landing gear and opening cockpit, this most iconic vehicle of the Star Wars universe returns to turn the tide in the battle against the evil Empire. Includes 4 minifigures: Luke Skywalker, Jek Porkins, R2-D2 and R5-D8.
— As of 3/30/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In a May 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO Star Wars was their best selling licensed product.
— In a May 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that LEGO Star Wars was their best-selling construction toy line. 3/30/2012 (Price: $59.99)

ANKER Coloros Stone Building Set by GOKI

Another stone building set from Anker Blocks, made of natural ingredients, these shapes of stones will allow kids to create endless forms. It contains 20 sample cards to fire kids' imaginations. With 36 stone building bricks made from the original Anker stone material kids can construct creative buildings and let their imagination run riot. There are countless possibilities to build mosaics, aesthetically appealing puzzles and edifices using the stones of the New Stone Age. Made in Germany of chalk, quartz sand, pigments and linseed oil. ( Watch Video) 3/26/2012 (Price: $52.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quadrilla Twist and Rail Set by HAPE

The possibilities are endless with the 147-piece Quadrilla Twist and Rail Set. A combination of straight and curved rails and even funnels plus color-coordinated blocks offers a new level of fascination to a build and play toy. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award; 2007 TDmonthly Top Seller Award; 2007 Creative Child Preferred Choice Award. ( Watch Video) 3/26/2012 (Price: $150.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cobi Titanic by IMEX

This 500 piece model of the Titanic celebrates the 100th anniversary of the doomed ship's voyage. ( Watch Video) 3/26/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Work Bench - (Tools included 22 pcs) by MAGICFOREST LTD

The Sevi workbench is what every little carpenter dreams about. Each detail is carefully designed by the toy designers from Sevi, a company with a tradition of making great children’s products since 1831. The bench has a nice big work surface (about 18 by 19 inches). There is also a vice and a place to put your tools when finished. The tool bench is designed as a companion product to Sevi’s full range of construction toys. There are five different sets in the construction series (sold separately). In addition to the workbench, the set comes with 20 pieces including nuts, screws, and a set of five tools: mallet, wrench, screw driver, saw, and a square. The size of the pieces are ideal for little fingers just learning to manipulate and develop dexterity. The Sevi workbench is recommended for children ages 3+. 3/21/2012 (Price: $170.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Terra Kids Construction Sets by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

These construction sets offer exciting insights into the world of technics and also foster the technical skills of all amateur craftsmen. Thanks to the pre-cut wooden pieces budding craftsmen have immediate construction pleasure without having to do any sawing. Thanks to the easy to read instructions assembling the pieces is very simply. The construction sets bring physics within easy reach and are real fun to assemble, and then to observe and test the results. 3/21/2012 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Discover the Building Blocks Technics - Basic Pack Vehicles by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Solid beechwood blocks still made in Germany. Perfect for little architects with the 6 building block clamps, 6 wheel clamps, 3 building block clutches, 11 building blocks. 26 pieces.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 3/21/2012 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]