TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Creative Activities Product Category

101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math by SCIENCE, NATURALLY! LLC

"101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math!" uses an accessible question-and-answer approach to explore key concepts in math while making connections to everyday life: sports, hobbies, food, music, travel, etc. It is the second book in its series, following the NSTA recommended "101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science."  "'101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math' is a fun and entertaining way to link mathematics to everyday life. Kids learn that math really does help solve real-world problems," Dia Michels, Owner of Science, Naturally! told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2010. 3/24/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math! by SCIENCE, NATURALLY! LLC

"One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math!" is authored by the same father-daughter team that introduced the award-winning, NSTA recommended, "One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science!" Co-authored by a high-school girl, this title is a great way to encourage girls to excel in math. Readers will learn much and have fun as they use their logic and their mathematical know-how to solve the various "mysteries" presented in this book. "'One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math!' skillfully meshes humor and excitement with challenging real world problems and allows young mathematicians to hone their sleuthing skills," Dia Michels, Owner of Science, Naturally! told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. 3/24/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Creating Fiber Weavings and Baskets by CRYSTAL PRODUCTIONS

In this educational video, Peggy Flores explains the use of natural fibers in history and then introduces a variety of yarns that can be used to make weavings, as well as the fabrication of looms for the process. She also demonstrates the weaving process and coiling rope wrapped with yarn to shape and create baskets, after which students will be able to enjoy creating colorful yarn weavings at home on a cardboard or coat hanger loom. "An art teacher demonstrates the weaving process and finished examples are shown," Amy Woodworth, President of Crystal Productions, told TDmonthly. Launch date: Feb. 26, 2010. 3/24/2010 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Whatever Comes to Mind by ArtrevelationsKids.com

Art Revelations introduces Innovation in coil. The modular sculpture product that lets you create a sculpture of "whatever comes to mind" in minutes without tools. Just expand the coil, shape and connect the ends. Available in eight colors and three sizes. ( Watch Video) 3/24/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle by LEGO

Harry Potter fans and LEGOmaniacs alike will enjoy this recreation of Harry's alma mater, Hogwarts School. The 682-piece castle is intricate and has a number of special features, but comes with a clear set of instructions for kids to follow. The castle's portraits revolve, owls dwell in the spires, and flames rise up from torches. The set includes number of characters from the Harry Potter series: Harry himself, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Professor Snape, Hagrid, and Professor Dumbledore.
— In late Spring 2011, 5 of 12 retailers surveyed said that LEGO was their best-selling brand of licensed products. Joe Berardoni Jr., Owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., said that "We try to avoid licensed products...that said, however, we still do carry LEGO, and their licensed kits sell well, such as Star Wars and Harry Potter."
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.4 out of 5 stars from 57 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Reviewers really liked the mini-figures included in the set; very detailed. Cons: Recommended age seemed too young to several reviewers.

 3/19/2010

The Playdate Kids: DVD & Adventure Book by PLAYDATE KIDS PUBLISHING

Cartoon DVD vignettes on behavioral issues along with a coloring and puzzle book. This set mainly focuses in on valuable lessons for young children such as lending a helping hand, the importance of paying attention, sharing with friends, and being polite. 3/16/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pottery Wheel by BSW TOY INC.

Children can use a real, kid-sized motorized pottery wheel to shape clay creations. It includes a foot pedal for speed control, six colors of paint, two lbs. of clay, cutting/sculpting tools and complete instructions on how to throw and mold bowls and vases. The compact dimensions of the electrically operated wheel let kids use it anywhere they like, and it runs on batteries if a plug isn’t handy. An AC adapter is included, or it uses 8 C batteries (not included). "This pottery wheel has the most powerful motor in the market," Andrew Tober, Director of Creative Development, BSW Toy Inc., told TDmonthly. 3/15/2010 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

PIPEROID Characters - Guyzer & Bean by MAGNOTE

PIPEROID is a paper craft robot designed and produced in Japan. The robot is made out of paper pipes with pre-drilled holes and marks to cut, fold, and connect the pipes without the need of glue or tape. All one needs is a pair of scissors, and with minimal assembly they can bring your own PIPEROID to life. It's "very easy to make - with only scissors and 30 minutes," Shinya Fujimoto, owner, Magnote, told TDmonthly. Awards: Good Design Award (2007). Launch date: 2009. 3/15/2010 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

How To Become an Entrepreneurial Kid, 4-book series by THE FIRST MOMS CLUB PRESS

The concept of this series is to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes for readers of many ages in a time when economic realities demand a new kind of savvy skill set. It's designed for both kids and adults. "The simplicity of the work book takes the fear factor out of starting a business," Dianne Linderman, CEO, The First Moms Club Press, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2010. 3/15/2010 (Price: $8.95)

Farm Animals by 1-2-3 PRESCHOOL PROJECTS LLC

Living on a farm is a lot of hard work, but just think about the variety of animals under care. Using the stiff straw, the soft feathers and the bubble wrap, preschoolers can learn through their sense of touch about these animals. "Children ages 2 to 5 years old learn best when engaged in activities that integrate their fine motor skills. 1-2-3 Preschool Projects develops hands-on activities that are packaged according to themes. They feature a variety of textural materials that encourage the development of a child’s fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, language, math, drama, science, and tactile skills," Linda Scanlan, owner,1-2-3 Preschool Projects LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/15/2010 (Price: $7.95)

Project Runway Light Box Fashion Design Set by FASHION ANGELS

Girls use the light box with the fashion films and sketch sheets to start drawing some of the 100+ clothing and accessory combinations. They can use the design guide for inspiration to find theiir inner diva and start sketching their own designer wardrobe. "This light box sketch kit is a huge draw for any girl. They can start their sketches out on the right path by tracing the outlines of the clothing. Plus, the design guide in this kit is amazing — it has easy to follow instructions, ideas, and tips on how to make their designs look like a professional drew them," Sarah Koth, PR Manager, Fashion Angels Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/10/2010 (Price: $31.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BusyKiddy by TravelKiddy

BusyKiddy includes a collection of small toys and activities conveniently packaged in a reusable lunch bag — perfect for entertaining kids in restaurants, appointments or short trips. "We combine products from a variety of quality vendors to create an activity kit that will entertain for hours," Jennifer Untermeyer, owner, PurpleSnakes LLC (DBA TravelKiddy), told TDmonthly. Launch date: November 2009. 3/10/2010 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 2in1 Books by LEE PUBLICATIONS

Buzz Lightyear and Woody are two great friends on one big adventure. The activities include Magic Pen® Painting, and Invisible Ink with Stickers. The Special Pen also produces a rainbow of colors instantly. The Special Pen reveals the invisibly printed pictures. Then match your stickers to the appropriate spot.
Book 1: Each book includes 24 pages of fun and a special pen.
Book 2: Each book includes 24 pages of fun, a special pen and stickers. 3/9/2010 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Explorer Adventure Set by ArtrevelationsKids.com

Bright, fabric-covered, build and play mat for playing fun adventures. Children can invent many of their own adventures using the adventure-themed elements on the mat. Includes a map, Leo along with his treehouse and yellow convertible, Fishing pole with velcro hook, Trees and flower bushes, Wishing Well, Rainbow Rock, and Purple Mountain, Troll and Troll Bridge, Hot Air Balloon, Sticky Tape, Chocolate Tree, Castle and Castle Draw Bridge. 3/8/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Disney/Pixar's Toy Story Magnetic Fun® Tin by LEE PUBLICATIONS

Andy's friends are out of the toy box. Woody and Buzz are ready to round them up for another adventure! Each tin includes a colorful play scene printed on the inside of the tin, 1 additional colorful play scene (2 cards) and 3 sheets of magnets. ( Watch Video) 3/5/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mindmatchers by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

Two to four players get inside the heads of family and friends while playing this competitive matching game. Players try to match each other on categories like best foreign accent, best U.S. president and best topping for pancakes. It includes six game-show wipe-off answer paddles and 50 game cards with 100 categories. 3/4/2010 (Price: $22.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Stackers Sea X-Plorer by TIER TOYS

This ship hoists a yellow submachine attached by hook and rope for imaginative journeys through the depths of the ocean. The boat’s nine built-in layers of storage space contain 44 figures, including deep-sea divers, shipwrecked items and various forms of sea life. A bonus DVD is included with the story of Captain Nemo plus interactive sea games. Launch date: April 2010.
Awards: 2010 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products ( Watch Video) 3/4/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Animal Stackers Dog House by TIER TOYS

This stack-and-play dog house comes complete with fencing, dog cages, feeding dishes, a main dog house, a variety of pups, a cat, a bunny and a bird. There are 44 accessories in eight stackable layers of storage that create this imaginative play environment. A bonus DVD is included with the story of B-I-N-G-O and interactive games. Launch date: April 2010. 3/4/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teifoc Brick and Mortar Construction Sets by EITECH AMERICA

Teifoc allows kids to build with real bricks made from high-quality materials. The mortar is made from a mixture of fine sand and a corn-extract, easy to create by just adding water. Teifoc offers many sets that include all materials needed to build housing structures. The bricks are reusable after immersion in water for a few hours. After the cement is dissolved, the bricks are easy to clean with fresh water. Launch date: June 2010 (U.S.). 3/4/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge – Book 8 by MONKEYING AROUND

These are definitely not your father's dot-to-dots. With no clues given to the final image, numbers into the thousands, and amazing detailed pictures, The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge provides a whole new level of challenge and intrigue. Author and artist David Kalvitis continues his Dot-to-Dot revolution by introducing a variety of brand new puzzle inventions such as "Arrows", "Compass" and "Alpha Dots" as well as double page spreads with over 1,400 dots.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.2 out of 5stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: One user said that it was too challenging. ( Watch Video) 3/1/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

B. Pop-Arty! by TOYSMITH

Pop, pop, pop. This snap-together jewelry features fashionable colors and distinctive shapes for playtime and party fun. Launch date: 2010. 2/26/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Get-Set Placemats – Hello Robot by HELLO HANNA

Designed to keep children busy and amused during meal time, Get-Set Placemats come in three variety packs: Hello Robot, Hello Me, and Hello Jungle. They include eight full-color heavyweight paper placemats and matching sticker sheets. Every Get-Set Placemat features a pop-up person, animal or robot to be decorated like a paper doll with the stickers. The placemats also have marked locations for a plate, cup and utensils so kids can learn about setting the table.
— Reviewers across the Web universally praised the Get-Set Placemats for living up to the goals of entertaining kids at the table. Kids who tried the product were instantly enthralled, decorating to their hearts’ content while their parents enjoyed a meal in peace. Many reviewers feel that although the non-laminated placemats might not be the best value for everyday use, they would make excellent and functional party decorations. Kimberly of Oh My Baby lamented the fact that the placemats’ large size and inability to fold make them difficult to take to a restaurant. See also In the Know Mom and She Scribes. 2/23/2010 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fubulous Wubulous™ Glam Art™ Magnificent Mermaids by DO-A-DOT ART!

This craft kit includes three 10" x 12" designs with a mermaid theme, sparkling sequins and jewels to give the pictures dazzle, and a glam grabber tool to grab and stick the decorative pieces. Launch date: 2010.
— John MacDougall, owner of Golden Apple Learning Store in Pleasanton, Calif., liked this product at Toy Fair 2010, saying, "[It's] easy to do and [the] results are dazzling!"
— Gladys Griffin, owner of Main Street Toy Shop in Columbus, Ga., told TDmonthly in a January 2014 survey that Do-A-Dot-Art is a best-selling arts & crafts toy. ( Watch Video) 2/19/2010

Color Me™ Elmer by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

Kids can create their very own patchwork of colors directly on Elmer. He starts out plain white and awaits your imagination to make him stand out in the herd. Wash him off to return to the black and white canvas to color again and again! Awards: Creative Child Coloring Product of the Year 2010 2/19/2010 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dixit by ASMODEE EDITIONS

In this game for three to six players, each participant in turn is given a picture card, while the other players receive a hand of six pictures. The designated storyteller uses a word or phrase to strategically hint at his picture (without being too obvious), and the other players each choose one of their cards that best fits the description. Everyone then bets on which picture belongs to the storyteller. ( Watch Video) 2/19/2010 (Price: $35.00)