TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

Noah's Ark Matching Game + Kaleidoscope by WEE BELIEVERS

48 sturdy game pieces depict Noah and a boatload of colorful animals waiting for kids to match them with their mate. Our keepsake reusable container is TWO toys in one - doubling as a kaleidoscope when empty. Pieces 2 1/4" round. Recommended Ages 3+. Launch date: September 2012. 9/25/2012 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brilli the Imagination Ball by VTECH

Little ones will love Brilli the Imagination Ball, an educational toy from VTech. There are 5 different modes of play, including games with counting, natural sounds, rhymes and silly sounds. The firm surface provides an easy grip for small hands, and the included motion sensor offers a wide variety of feedback responses for each game played. 9/24/2012 (Price: $17.99)

SunMod Solar Modification Kit by SPARKLE LABS

This device allows users to add on the Solar Mod kit to any device that runs on AA or AAA batteries. Just turn the device over and let the sun's rays charge it. Hack any AA or AAA powered device to make it solar powered. Included: a flexible solar cell 4.8V with soldered metal connectors, mailable packaging and double -sided tape. Fun hack. Easy way to break into solar projects. NiMH batteries not included. 9/21/2012 (Price: $18.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

InnoTab 2 Learning App Tablet by VTECH

With the addition of a rotatable camera that can also take video, children can capture memories of their friends and themselves. With hundreds of apps to download, children will have so much fun they won't realize they are learning. Combines photo/video camera, interactive animated eBooks, creative activities, tilt sensor learning games and a rich collection of application. Teaches essential skills in reading, logic and creativity. Parents can also track their child's progress on a variety of educational milestones and lessons. Launch date: 2012. 9/19/2012 (Price: $79.00)

Handstand Kids Baking Around the World Cookbook by HANDSTAND KIDS

Packaged with a whisk and silicone baking cups, the Handstand Kids Baking Around the World Cookbook kit introduces children to the world of baking in a colorful, hardbound and illustrated book with new recipes from Arleen Scavone, two-time winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and founder of the famous bakery, Sweet Arleen’s. This cookbook features PB&J Cupcakes, South African Pumpkin Bread Pudding, and Carrot Walnut Cupcakes, among others. Launch date: January 2008.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 9/17/2012 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

16 Piece Cupcake Kit by CURIOUS CHEF INC.

The Curious Chef line provides kids with real, functional, kitchen utensils. The 16 PC Cupcake Kit is just one of many items that helps families create special memories centered on the joy of cooking and positive eating habits. "Curious Chef is the only complete line of real cooking utensils designed for kids that have safety features built-in with kids' size (and behaviors) in mind," Taylor Crenshaw, brand manager for Tailor Made Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009. 9/17/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Papertronics Lunar Landers by SPARKLE LABS

Papertronics are paper toys with paper electronic circuits in them. The Lunar Landers come in a pack of three. Spaceboy, Alien Girl and Tabula Rasa. Tabula Rasa is blank and can be designed by the user.Turn them into a cool night light, party lights or fun additions to a room or desk. When the spaceships are put in their landers one way, they light up. Turn them another way and they are off. Kids fold them themselves- they come pre-cut. Fun DIY with paper and electronics. Follow along with the instructional video. Launch date: August 2010. 9/17/2012 (Price: $18.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cowboy Playground by PUTUMAYO KIDS

A fun collection of classic cowboy songs for buckaroos of all ages by artists such as Western music stalwarts Riders in the Sky and Don Edwards. "Cowboy Playground includes a 24-page booklet featuring archival photos from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, Wyoming," Marie-Louise Sturm, Co-Manager of Putumayo Kids, told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2012.
— As of 9/25/2012 this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. 9/17/2012 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

4D Octopus Siamensis Puzzle by TEDCO INC.

Packed in a gift box the model is approximately 3" and consist of 26 pieces. Museum quality fine detailed sculpturing and hand painted. Collect the series - great gifts for the future marine biologist. 9/17/2012 (Price: $6.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ignition Series - Color-Changing Crystals by THAMES & KOSMOS

With this kit, kids can grow amazing crystals that change color. Learn about the chemical reaction that causes the beautiful shift in colors, and examine the factors that influence the reaction. Conduct a chemical analysis to better understand why the color change occurs. Show off the crystal creations in two special locking display cases.
— In a Fall 2013 survey, three out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Thames & Kosmos was a best-selling brand of science toy. 9/17/2012 (Price: $13.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spot it! Alphabet by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

There is always one, and only one, matching letter between any two cards. Spot it to win. As they search for matches, preschoolers will learn to identify letters and colors, building essential skills for preschool and beyond. There are 3 ways to play with different challenge levels. The rule booklet includes advanced play tips for little learners ready to explore alphabetic order and basic spelling. Launch date: September 2012. 9/12/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spot it! Basic English by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Spot it! Basic English boosts sight word recognition while having fun. This educational game features universal images and words for emergent readers, including sight words. There is always one, and only one, matching symbol between any two cards. Spot it to win. Players search for matches between a word and its corresponding picture, between two pictures, or between two words. While the repetition solidifies word recognition, the pictures support reading comprehension. A fun learning tool for kindergarten through second grade. Launch date: September 2012. 9/12/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Fascinating World of Birds by BRAINFOOD LEARNING

The Fascinating World of Birds is part of a video series designed by BrainFood Learning to build confidence in science through fun and interesting content. The video series advances a child's education by showing amazing video footage along with narration describing bird features and abilities. This format is designed to expand a child's vocabulary as the video content grabs the viewer's attention and the vocabulary is absorbed. This animal DVD is appropriate for kids of all ages. Each bird is clearly identified and shown in their natural habitat keeping children engaged. More advanced children will enjoy learning larger concepts such as depth perception. Birds featured in this animal video include ostrich, penguin, Canada Goose, owl, hummingbird, woodpecker, macaw, pelican, American Robin, and eagle. A multi-section review reinforces information presented earlier in the video. The beginner level reviews show bird flash cards and what features are common among all birds. The more advanced levels quiz children on bird facts and broader scientific terms related to birds.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

E-Z Crafts™ Paint-A-Bank Kits by WOWTOYZ

These unique paint-your-own coin banks encourage artistic skills while creating a keepsake. Each set comes with everything that’s needed: a ceramic coin bank, set of six paints, and an artist quality paint brush.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MobiGo® 2 by VTECH

The new MobiGo 2 Touch Learning System by V Tech is a multi-functional educational handheld system that allows kids to enjoy on-the-go play and hone their creativity all while learning basic skills such as math, vocabulary, spelling, reading, logic, drawing and more. MobiGo 2 has two new ways to play: it comes equipped with a motion sensor and microphone, in addition to the touchscreen. The motion sensor provides total game control, allowing kids to create action movements within games and programs while playing. The microphone provides different methods of game play. Kids can blow into the microphone to move objects, blow off dust, or initiate other special effects. Or they can speak into it to give a command or trigger an action. The QWERTY keyboard helps kids become familiar with a keyboard layout. Additionally, the handheld system functions as an e-reader, photo album, photo viewer, art studio, coloring book, and comes pre-loaded with three great games that take advantage of the product’s many features. The expanded onboard memory allows kids to store more fun, and there are more than 80 other apps available for download at the VTech Learning Lodge Navigator.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $59.99)

iTikes Map by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

The iTikes Map and companion app are jam-packed with great content. The map comes with a smart-pen that recognizes images on the map. Through the eyes of the iDevice camera and technology of Augmented Reality, the map virtually turns into a lifelike playground. Compatible with all iDevices.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Worlds Together Series by MASTER COMMUNICATIONS

Worlds Together is a new excellent educational film series that explores a number of the world’s most out of the way places seen from the viewpoint of a curious traveler. Each documentary in the series introduces their culture, history, food, geography, and people. The series includes East Africa, Ethiopia, and West Africa. Approximately 25 minutes are included per country. Features include close-captioning and a free Teacher’s Guide.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Multiplication Master Electronic Flash Card™ by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

A handheld flash-card game that targets tricky times tables. Kids can play just the ones they want or select them all. Answer as many problems (numbers 0–12) as they can in 60 seconds. Vertical problem format, 2 skill levels, timed/untimed modes, plus fun sound effects. Requires 3 AAA batteries, not included.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LaQ Dinosaur World T-REX by LaQ USA, Inc.

The LaQ Dinosaur T-REX is a clever and creative 4-in-1 kit with 300 standard parts, and 4 specialized parts. Build a ferocious looking T-REX searching for its prey, or an Ankylosaurus, Deinonychus, or Pteranodon. Clear instructions to make each of the dinosaur models are offered in a colorful 24-page instruction guidebook. A Starter’s Model building instruction page is included for beginners. This is a very simple, yet highly creative construction toy block set, which offers an infinite possibility of creation from just 7 types of block parts, including 2 types of base parts and 5 types of joint parts.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Exploracise® Multiplication Football by EXPLORAMANIA

Turn one of the most difficult math topics into the most FUN. The NEW Multiplication football is more fun than flash cards for learning these important math facts. Help kids learn the multiplication tables through engaging active play to increase retention and recall for higher test scores. Take along this soft stuffed ball to review the multiplication tables outdoors, indoors and even in the car. It is a colorful picture dictionary on an oversized ball making it easier to catch and throw.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $22.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

That's Baloney Game by EDUPRESS

Cross-curricular games packed with 500 grade-level questions. Players spin to see which category their challenge will come from: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies or Mystery Meat. Players must read the statement in the corresponding category on their card and then determine whether it is true or baloney (false). Points are given for correct answers. Each game includes 200, 4-1/4" -dia. cards, spinner and directions.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $14.99)

Shark Teeth Excavation Kit! by DISCOVER WITH DR. COOL

Excavate 3 genuine shark teeth just like a real paleontologist. Buried inside the shark tooth shaped digging brick shark-lovers will uncover 3 different species of shark teeth. This hands-on kit includes an excavation tool, brush, magnifying glass, full-color information guide, and an activity booklet with 10 fun games, puzzles, and challenges to complete. This is a must have gift for anyone who loves sharks. The genuine specimens in this kit are each millions of years old. This educational gift is a great way to start a fossil collection. Launch date: August 2012.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys; 2012 Seal of Approval - Parent Tested, Parent Approved; 2012 Dr. Toy 10 Best Socially Responsible Products. 9/11/2012 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Black Capped Chickadees Scramble Squares® 9-Piece Puzzle by b. dazzle, inc.

The Black Capped Chickadee is a pretty little bird with a pretty “chicka-dee-dee-dee” song. It ranges throughout Canada and the northern United States, including Alaska. The scientific name for the Black Capped Chickadee species is Poecile atricapillus. Black Capped Chickadees can be found anywhere in the woods or even residential areas. They usually flock together. Those flocks are likely to be mixed groups, having other species of small and chirpy birds. They settle on tree branches, woody shrubs, in parks in residential areas, marshes and even weedy fields, which they choose for nesting. They sometimes even use woodpeckers’ abandoned nests. Their nesting season extends from the beginning of May to the end of June.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy 100 Best Toys 9/11/2012 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science by SCIENCE, NATURALLY! LLC

"65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science!" continues the fun in the acclaimed One Minute Mysteries series. These brainteasers have a clever twist; kids  must tap into their science wisdom and critical thinking skills to solve them. This entertaining and educational book is great for anyone who loves good mysteries, good science or both. Become a super sleuth with the newest book from this award-winning father-daughter team. Launch date: October 2012. 9/7/2012 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Twelve Timbers' Chalk Board Bubbles by TWELVE TIMBERS

Twelve Timbers Chalk Board Bubbles are uniquely shaped chalk boards that resemble conversation bubbles. They range in size from 18" to 24" wide and 14" to 20" tall. They come with a colorful border that can be chosen from 31 different colors. Can be hung on a wall, used on a desk or table top, and are fun and durable. This is an American Made Product. Launch date: 2012. 9/7/2012 (Price: $31.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]