TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

Salmon Scramble Squares® 9-Piece Puzzle by b. dazzle, inc.

Salmon are anadromous, meaning that they migrate between freshwater and saltwater habitats, while their relative, trouts, remain in freshwater for their entire life cycle. Salmon is a popular food both because of its delicious taste and versatility and its high nutritional value. Consuming salmon is considered to be healthy because of the fish's high protein, high Omega-3 fatty acids, and high vitamin D content. Salmon flesh is generally orange to red in color, although there are some examples of white fleshed wild salmon. The orange color of salmon results from carotenoid pigments that wild salmon get from eating krill and other tiny shellfish. The Salmon Scramble Squares® 9-piece puzzle is likewise adaptable. It is a beautiful, enjoyable and healthy activity for children, adults and seniors. The object of the Scramble Squares® puzzle game is to arrange the nine colorfully illustrated 4” x 4” square pieces into a 12” x 12” square so that the realistic graphics on the pieces edges match perfectly to form completed pictures in every direction.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Green Toys 5/18/2012 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bald Eagles Scramble Squares® 9-Piece Puzzle by b. dazzle, inc.

This Bald Eagles Scramble Squares® puzzle, provides an appropriately awe inspiring depiction of this majestic symbol of the United States and America’s national bird. The Bald Eagle is unique to North America and is among the largest birds in North America, growing from 29” to 42” long, weighing 7 to 15 lbs., and possessing a dramatic wingspan of 6’ to 8’. Females are larger than the male Bald Eagles. The Bald Eagle is listed as a "threatened" species in the lower 48 states, its population having fallen from an estimated 300,000 to 500,000 in the early 1700s to levels of less than 500 pairs by the early 1960s. The object of the Scramble Squares® puzzle game is to arrange the nine colorfully illustrated 4” x 4” square pieces into a 12” x 12” square so that the realistic graphics on the pieces edges match perfectly to form completed pictures in every direction.
Awards: 2012 Dr. Toy Best Green Toys, 2012 Dr.Toy Best 20 for $20 5/18/2012 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

COLORS: Children's Music and Movement Activity Kit by ARTS EDUCATION IDEAS

This exciting activity kit includes the Sing Along Sing Alone COLORS Song book that includes music and activities. Twelve 27" square nylon IDEAScarves, one of each of the following colors: red, royal blue, orange, yellow, pink, kelly green, black, white, medium blue, grey, purple and sunset lavender swirl. Colors Music CD and Data CD (with all songs and activities ready to print), crayola crayons to color the music pages and an instructional/informational insert. Launch date: July 2011. 5/11/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sing 2 Learn by Sing2Learn

Learn English, Spanish, and Chinese by singing at the same time, using this immersive Singing Approach with story and animation DVD. Launch date: January 2012. 5/11/2012 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brainetics Kit by BRAINETICS

Brainetics teaches how to MASTER all the vitally important learning SKILLS (focus, concentration, problem solving, thinking outside the box, organizational, increased mental capacity and memory) that are rarely taught in schools and people lack throughout their lives. Brainetics TRAINS two different parts of the MIND to work simultaneously yet independently of each other. One part memorizes information while another part is sorting and processing new information. The mind will begin to work much more efficiently and be more powerful giving Brainetics kids a huge advantage throughout their academic lives and beyond. Brainetics can either be learned alone, or entire families can learn together. Package includes 5 DVDs, Parents Manual, Playbook with practices and exercises, flash cards, and playing cards.
Awards: Parents Choice Gold Award; Dr. Toy's Best Classic Toys 2012. 5/11/2012 (Price: $149.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hiccups by PLASMART INC.

8 cups, plenty of Hiccups. This hand-held puzzler has straightforward direction but challenging play. Pass the ball sequentially from cup to cup without a hiccup. Drop the ball and start back at cup #1. Frustratingly fun.
Awards: 2012 Creative Child Awards – Seal of Excellence 4/27/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fingertips by WIGGLES 3D

3 Matching and memory cards games in one! This colorful deck of hand-shaped cards helps children build their matching skills, memory skills and hand-eye coordination, all while having fun. Young players will love the finger-puppet inspired characters. Each deck features 15 different characters. Choose either our Animal or our People deck. For players aged 3 and up.
Model #'s
Animal Edition  80800
People Edition  80801

 4/27/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Planets 3D Adventure Kit by POPAR TOYS

This adventure kit comes included with all the necessary tools to explore the amazing world of Planets 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 an astronaut and watch rockets, space probes, rovers, and the international space station leap from the pages or cards. Launch date: 2011.
Awards: 2012 Best of the Toy Fair - The View; 2012 National Parenting Centers Seal of Approval.
— Fred Rosenberg, owner of Toy on the Park in Kindwood, Texas, told TDmonthly in a Winter 2012 survey that augmented reality books by Popar Toys are their bestsellers in the category. 4/27/2012 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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][?]

Blunders by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

This game was designed as a way to help kids discover the etiquette that will help them be successful in life. In it, the Blunder family members are known for their rude behavior, but Billy, Brenda, Bobby and Becky Blunder want to learn manners so they will be invited to the Mannerlys’ Annual Pool Party Extravaganza. Kids can follow them on their manners adventure, reading fun scenarios and answering important manner questions to be the first one invited to the pool party. "The inventor, Aimee Symington, is a well-respected authority on manners, and she created Blunders as a fun way to teach children good behaviors in various social situations," Mary Dolan, public relations coordinator at Patch Products, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012. 4/27/2012 (Price: $24.99)

Balance Boat by HAPE

Kids need to try to stack this pair of sailors without tipping the boat. The life ring spins from one side to the other when the weight is off center. All posts are elasticized for added safety. Launch date: January 2012. 4/27/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Alphabet Puzzle by HAPE

Sturdy, stand-along letters let kids practice their ABC's as well as form simple words. Birch wood puzzle frame and stand-up puzzle pieces painted with water-based paint. Launch date: January 2012. 4/27/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puzzle Match by WOWOPOLIS LLC

The fun of matching and the challenge of puzzles. There are puzzles and there are memory games...but only Puzzle Match™ combines these two timeless play patterns in one unique, patent-pending game designed for kids ages 3 to 6. Puzzle Match offers a unique challenge unlike any traditional memory game: Rather than searching for two identical images, kids have to find two halves of a whole image, such as the bottom and top of a seahorse. Once the interlocking pieces are found, they can be assembled into a giant, beautifully illustrated scene. Launch date: May 2012. ( Watch Video) 4/24/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Magic School Bus - Attracted to Magnificent Magnets by THE YOUNG SCIENTISTS CLUB

Ms. Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride while becoming attracted to magnificent magnets. Young Scientists go on a magnetic scavenger hunt, build a compass, make magnetic slime, design magnetic faces, experiment with lodestone, play magnetic games, hold magnetic car races, and much, much more. This magnified kit includes a colorful poster with a racing track, game board, and experiment diagrams. Seatbelts everyone! Get ready and become Attracted to Magnificent Magnets. Launch date: January 2012.
Awards: 2012 PALS award 4/24/2012 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Telepathy Jr by LMD GAMES

Telepathy Jr is the younger version of the Telepathy board game. Telepathy Jr teaches kids how to use logic and deduction at an early age and is important in the area of critical thinking. Game plays in around 10 - 15 minutes. "There are not a lot of logic/deduction games for youngsters out there and Telepathy Jr will help kids practice their deductive skills," Derek Chinn, owner of LMD Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 2012. 4/24/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Candy Construction™ by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Build some sweet structures. Stretches creativity, problem solving and fine motor skills. Includes chunky, durable candy pieces in a variety of fun, familiar designs plus Activity Guide with illustrated, step-by-step building directions. Largest piece measures 7"L x 1⁄2“ in diameter. Launch date: January 2012. 4/24/2012 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Snap Circuits XP by ELENCO

Kids can build and program their own computer. As easy as snapping together the circuits and downloading Elenco’s programs. Kids can write their own programs using Basic commands or flowcharts. Includes over 100 projects and over 50 parts. A great introduction to microcontrollers and how they are used in the world around us. Requires 3 "AA" batteries.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 4/24/2012 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rocks by SCIENCE WIZ / NORMAN & GLOBUS INC.

Relate rocks to the history of the planet. Uses exciting eruptive experiments to foster comprehension. Mold and slice open a model of the earth, Create a lava fountain to explore density, Spew a volcano, Make pyroclastic eruptions, Discover which rocks will float and which will burn, Identify, break & display volcanic rocks, Sediment sedimentary rocks, Acid test rocks, Explore metamorphic rocks, and Form fossils.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— John Blair, owner of Science Safari in Cary, N.C., told TDmonthly in a late Summer 2012 survey that Norman & Globus products "are perennial. I continuously do well with these." 4/18/2012 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EquiLogic by FAT BRAIN TOY CO.

Nine Squares + Three Rules = One Solution. This collection of 48 puzzles will enhance critical thinking, logic and deductive reasoning skills while sharpening math and sequencing. Each EquiLogic puzzle provides number, symbol, color or shape hints. Using these clues, players put their deductive reasoning skills to the test and must find the magic number by identifying the correct combination of tiles and numbers. With only three rules to follow, kids will quickly be scratching their brain to arrive at the solution.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 4/11/2012 (Price: $24.95)

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][?]

Peg Stilts for Kids and Adults by PEGSTILTS.COM

Stilt walking is great for co-ordination, cognitive and physical development, balance, confidence, self-esteem, strength, and trust building, and is an extremely interactive activity. Kids' Peg Stilts are recommended for ages 8+ and/or for users under 5ft 2in tall. Kids stilts are available in heights of: 1', 1.5', 2', 2.5', and 3' tall. All stilts have adjustable nylon webbing straps that include Velcro. Straps are located at the toe, ankle, and knee; Knee also has a padding cup to increase stability and comfort. Re-claimed mountain bike tires are used on the peg bottom to increase traction and to absorb shock. Stilts are handmade with care and attention to detail by PegStilts.com and can be used by kids of most sizes. All PegStilts.com products are woman veteran handmade by Kricket Caffery in Portland, OR USA. 4/10/2012 (Price: $140.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SWIMTRAINER "Classic" by FREDS SWIM ACADEMY

Using the 3-stage learn-to-swim SWIMTRAINER "Classic" children develop the perfect swimming style. In accordance with the company motto "it's safe to have fun," from the age of 3 months children can safely enjoy independence and have lots of fun while learning how to swim. Specially designed swimming aids are introduced according to the child's age and learning ability (red, orange, yellow). The SWIMTRAINER "Classic" comes in three different sizes. Red, for ages 3 months-4 years, is used for early habituation with the water and for learning the correct leg movements; orange, for ages 2-6, focuses on encouraging proper leg and arm movement; yellow, for ages 4-8, provides a methodical progression towards swimming with no swimming aids.  These training techniques are applied for the child to achieve a perfect swimming style. SWIMTRAINER "Classic" offers children: Ideal swimming position in the water, Fast and easy to put on with clip fastener, Inflatable pads to prevent slipping through, Adjustable safety belt to prevent tipping forwards. 4/10/2012 (Price: $24.90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Digital eReader Light by MARK-MY-TIME LLC

The new Mark-My-Time Digital eReader Light combines the unique features of a back-lit LCD screen, time of day clock, cumulative timer to 100 hours, adjustable LED light, countdown timer with alarm and auto light shut off.  This tool makes it simple to monitor daily reading minutes on eReader displays. Easy to use with any hardback or paperback book. Launch date: June 15, 2012. 4/10/2012 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Sticky Mosaics® Princess Mirror by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

Have a bedroom fit for a Princess with this whimsical Mirror. Match shapes and colors to create this sparkling piece of room decor. This kit uses bright oversized tiles perfect for the youngest crafters. Launch date: March 2012. 4/4/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Sticky Mosaics® Princess Jewelry Box by THE ORB FACTORY LIMITED

Have a bedroom fit for a Princess with this whimsical Jewelry Box. Match shapes and colors to create this sparkling piece of room decor. This kit uses bright oversized tiles perfect for the youngest crafters. "Each kit contains 4 unique projects to hang and display," Stephanie Carver, marketing manager at The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Sticky Mosaics were their best selling hobby item. 4/4/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]