TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

Amazing Science! - Volume 1 by MATH TUTOR DVD

Learn fundamental principles of science through Amazing Science Experiments. Viewers learn about electricity, magnetism, heat, temperature, pressure, surface tension, buoyancy, and much more. For every demonstration, a complete materials list is given, and each experiment features multiple camera views so kids can see exactly what happens.  Most importantly, every concept is explained in a step-by-step fashion. Viewers not only be amazed - they'll understand the science behind every experiment. 2/6/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

3D MAGIC MAGNETS by SMART PLAY LLC

Tilt and see images flip magically to teach the alphabet and numbers. Special 3D lenticular printing makes these magnets interactive and captivating for young children. Large magnets (2.25” square) are easy to hold and play with. Each set includes a colorful teaching guide in English, French and Spanish. "The first magnet toy for children that uses 3D lenticular printing," Ilango Sankaralingam, president of Smart Play LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012. 2/3/2012 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magic Flash Cards by SMART PLAY LLC

Tilt and see images flip magically to teach the alphabet, numbers, opposites or animal babies. Special lenticular printing makes these cards interactive and captivating for young children. Colorful illustrations make learning fun in English, Spanish and French.   High-quality, durable flashcards are easy to clean and maintain. Reclosable ring keeps cards together. "Our flash cards utilize an unique lenticular printing process and provides the ability to learn in 3 languages," Ilango Sankaralingam, president of Smart Play LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012. 2/3/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

REAL 3D FLASH CARDS by SMART PLAY LLC

Images on these 3-D flashcards will take on a new dimension to view the world in a whole new way. Realistic 3-D images make these cards captivating and fun to play with. Learn animal or fruit/vegetable names in English, French and Spanish. Includes 20 durable & easy to clean cards. Perfect for on-the-go learning as the Reclosable ring keeps cards together. Comes in 3 fun styles – Zoo animals, Marine animals and Fruits/Vegetables. Launch date: March 2012. 2/3/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lab In A Bag - The Science Behind Magic by BE AMAZING!

Kids will learn over 30 amazing tricks and effects and learn the science principles behind them. Science and magic are very closely related. In fact, many science experiments look like magic and many cool magic tricks are science based. Kids will make water disappear, learn to read minds, mix up some disappearing orbs, levitate magnets, lift up a bottle of rice with a chop stick, stick pencils through a bag of water with noting leaking out, write secret messages and much more.
— In a late Summer 2012 survey, Joe Berardoni Sr., owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Penn., told TDmonthly that "Any of the Lab-in-a-Bag kits from Be Amazing Toys" become their best selling Science & Nature toys. 1/20/2012 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crystal Growing by THAMES & KOSMOS

Grow dozens of dazzling crystals and conduct 15 illuminating experiments with this classic science kit. Experiment with four chemically different crystals each with different properties, including potassium alum crystals that form regular octahedrons, rapidly growing sodium sulfate crystals, long needle-shaped sodium acetate crystals, and plaster which is made from gypsum crystals. Mold fun plaster shapes and mix the dyes to grow a rainbow of custom colored crystals. Measure how the crystallization of solids out of a solution, and the dissolution of crystals back into solution, affect the temperature of the solution. Learn about the energy of crystallization. Investigate solutions, crystallization, and the chemistry of crystal growing. Learn about the structures and geometries of different crystal shapes. This kit is thoroughly tested and safe: Over one million units of this kit have sold worldwide. A full-color, 32-page experiment manual guides your experiments in crystal chemistry and Earth science. Launch date: Summer 2012.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that kits from Thames & Kosmos are one of their top-2 bestselling educational products. They sell dozens each month.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that crystal growing kits were a best-selling products. 1/20/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

National Geographic Space Exploration by THAMES & KOSMOS

Blast off on a mission to explore outer space and the objects in it with a wide array of cosmic experiments. Launch three types of rockets, using balloons and chemical reactions to learn about rocket propulsion. Build a telescope and star map to investigate the stars and constellations. Assemble a model of the solar system, and learn about the planets that share it. Find out how Earth's rotation creates day and night, how Earth's axis and revolution around the sun cause the seasons, and how the moon's rotation around Earth gives us the phases of the moon. Kis will see for themselves how meteorites formed the craters on the moon. Make a moon flip book and a moon calendar, and find the "man in the moon." Model lunar and solar eclipses. Build a sundial and a solar collector to experiment with the sun. Grasp a comet's tail, and learn how meteoroids become falling stars. See how the universe is expanding with a simple model. A full-color, 48-page experiment book guides the exploration. Launch date: Summer 2012. 1/20/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

National Geographic Volcanoes & Earthquakes by THAMES & KOSMOS

Earth is constantly changing. Massive pieces of its outer layer are slowly sliding under, over, away from, or past each other. Earthquakes shake the continents and oceans, and volcanoes spew out the molten insides of our planet. By studying these awe-inspiring and devastating natural phenomena, kids can learn more about the inner workings of Earth. Build and erupt a model volcano with plaster-based "lava" that hardens after each eruption. The volcano can be erupted multiple times, and the volcanic cone builds up with each eruption, like a real volcano. Kids will learn about the different types of volcanoes, build a working seismograph, and fake some 'quakes to see for themselves how scientists measure earthquake forces. Discover plate tectonics, and see how volcanoes and earthquakes are caused by the constant movement of the planet's parts. Assemble a plate tectonics puzzle and a geological globe. Play a volcano quiz game to learn about well-known volcanoes. A full-color, 48-page experiment manual is included. Launch date: Summer 2012. 1/20/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bubble Science by THAMES & KOSMOS

Kids experiment with fascinating soap bubbles to learn physical science fundamentals in a fun way. For countless generations, people have been captivated by the unique properties of soap bubbles. Now kids can see for themselves why these elegantly simple structures of soap, water, and air are still studied by scientists, modeled by mathematicians, emulated by architects, and immortalized by artists and writers. Blow giant bubbles, mini-bubbles, bubbles within bubbles, chains of bubbles, and bubble blankets. Mix the perfect bubble solution. Learn about the love-hate relationship between soap and water, and the scientific phenomenon of surface tension. Observe the subtle colors of bubbles, and discover how a bubble's color can reveal when it will pop. Make geometric bubble shapes and build soap film domes, roofs, and bridges. Kids can also learn some tricks and games that they can play with bubbles. The full-color, 48-page book guides you through 29 experiments. Launch date: Summer 2012. 1/20/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Candy Chemistry by THAMES & KOSMOS

Kids can explore chemistry as they cook up candies and chocolates in the kitchen. Users will perform a number of sweet experiments and learn important physical science principles related to candy and cooking. Discover why sugar crystallizes to make rock candy. Learn about specific heat and the phases of matter by molding chocolates. Use a thermometer and learn about heat and temperature while boiling sugar. Gain experience with measurements and conversions, volumes, and weights. Investigate the chemistry of gummy bears. Learn about the mysterious phenomenon of triboluminescence with wintergreen candies. Make gummy candies, chocolate shapes, and hard sugar candy using the special tools included: plastic and metal molds, candy thermometer, spatula, dipping fork, and more. Finish them with foils, paper cups, sticks, and wrappers. The 48-page, full-color manual provides instructions and explanations. Does not contain hazardous chemicals or food items; users supply the safe ingredients from their kitchen. Launch date: Summer 2012. 1/20/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mammal Skulls TOOBS® by SAFARI LTD.®

Each mini figure in this TOOBS ® ranges from 1” to 3” and is carefully sculpted and finely hand painted. Packaged in a reusable acetate TOOBS ®, the figures guarantee years of learning fun. These small, highly detailed figures depict the skulls of the most beloved mammals. This TOOBS ® includes the skulls of a Dolphin, Lion, Rhinoceros, Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Hippopotamus. Educational information in five languages is available. All figures are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Suggested ages 3+. Launch date: March 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Carnegie Scale Model Dinosaur Collectibles Brachiosaurus by SAFARI LTD.®

This long-necked plant-eating dinosaur lived during the Jurassic Period, in western North America. Authenticated by the paleontologists of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, this licensed scale model is designed to reflect the latest scientific research. Finely hand painted with up to 25 steps, this model is phthalate and lead free. The scale of the Brachiosaurus is 1:50 and measures 18.5”L x 7”H. Suggested ages 3+. Educational information in 5 languages is available. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: April 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Laminated Poster Prehistoric Life by SAFARI LTD.®

Safari Ltd.® offers a wide variety of vibrant, richly detailed educational posters that feature a diverse array of subjects. Some encourage the awareness of fundamental aspects of an animal's life, where others allow children to learn key scientific information on man fascinating topics. All are a perfect complement for lesson plans and are also ideal for any classroom wall. All posters are available non laminated, laminated in 3 mm plastic, rolled & sleeved or laminated rolled & sleeved. Featured poster is Prehistoric Marine Life Laminated. Size: 24" W x 36" H [61 x 91 cm]. Poster title is Multilingual. Launch date: 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $18.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Incredible Creatures® Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Baby by SAFARI LTD.®

Found from Canada to South America, befriend our delightful Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Baby with its fluffy “cotton ball” tail. This baby rabbit is life size at 4.25”L x 2.75”H and is suitable for ages 3+. Educational information in 5 languages is available. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $8.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wild Safari® Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Life Dracorex by SAFARI LTD.®

Safari Ltd® flies into the world of Harry Potter with this detailed sculpt of the plant-eating dinosaur who’s name means the “dragon king of Hogwarts”. Hand painted figure measures 7.75”L x 3”H. Appropriate for ages 3+. Educational information in five languages is available. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

American Revolutionary War British Army TOOBS® by SAFARI LTD.®

Relive the American Revolutionary War with these hand-painted, action packed and historically accurate representations. The British Army figures include a Flag-bearer, Bugler, Fifer, General Cornwallis and two Musketeers. Figures range in size from 1” to 3” and are suitable for ages 3+. Educational information in five languages is available. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: February 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

American Revolutionary War Continental Army TOOBS® by SAFARI LTD.®

Relive the American Revolutionary War with these hand-painted, action packed and historically accurate representations. The Continental Army figures include a Flag-bearer, Drummer, Fifer, General Washington and two Musketeers. Figures range in size from 1” to 3” and are suitable for ages 3+. Educational information in five languages is available. All products are 100% guaranteed and phthalate and lead free to ensure children’s safety. Launch date: February 2012. 1/13/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Perplexus™ Epic by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.

The third Perplexus family member is a hot favorite with all ages, including teens and adults. Epic’s track is over 30 ft. long, and has 125 barriers. It is so challenging that it even has a mid-way restart point. Once kids pick it up, they won’t want to put Epic down.
— As of 01/12/2012 this product had 4.2 out of 5 stars from 114 reviews on Amazon.com.
— In an April 2012 survey about best selling travel toys, Kai Rady, owner of Shenanigans Inc in Charlottesville, Va., told TDmonthly that her best seller is "Perplexus, especially the Epic version."
Awards: 2012 The National Parenting Centre - Seal of Approval, 2012 Learning Express Toys - Best Toy Award, Games Category, 2012 Canadian Toy Testing Council- Best Bet 2012, 2011 The National Parenting Centre - Gold Seal of Approval, 2011 Parent Tested Parent Approved - Seal of Approval, 2011 Neighbourhood Educational Toy Stores - Gold Star, 2011 Fat Brain Toy ‘Award - Brainteasers, 2011 Family Fun - Toy of the Year, 2011 Disney Top 10 Family Fun - Toy of the Year, 2011 Creative Child Magazine - Game of the Year 1/12/2012 (Price: $29.99)

4M® Green Science Green Rocket by TOYSMITH

Add a recycled magazine and two plastic bottles to this kit and blast a paper rocket up to 80 feet high. Exclusive to Toysmith in the U.S.
— In a January 2015 survey, 2 out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that 4M, distributed in the US by Toysmith, was their best-selling brand of STEM toys. 1/4/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Art Activities with Paper, Clay, Fibers, and Printmaking by Kay Alexander by CRYSTAL PRODUCTIONS

Adapted from the CLEAR program, this colorfully illustrated book emphasizes the art production skills of cutting and folding paper, sculpting, weaving, printmaking, and more and introduces masterworks created by artists from different backgrounds and cultures. This encourages students to learn about art history and to develop aesthetic perception and the ability to evaluate and discriminate between different art forms. Each activity covers materials, the procedures step-by-step, and related vocabulary. 8-1/2 x 11 in. Over 300 color illus. Grades K-8. 112 pages, paperback. 1/3/2012 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boikido Wooden Marble Game by BOIKIDO

Challenge your kids to build a different Marble Game everyday! This set includes 30 colorful wooden blocks, allowing kids to create and build their own Marble Games. Use your imagination; the sky is the limit!  Develops fine motor skills and promotes manual dexterity. Encourages problem solving and creativity. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012. 1/2/2012 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boikido Wooden Bongo Drum Trio by BOIKIDO

This colorful and attractive wooden Bongo Drum Trio will keep kids busy for hours. It helps children develop motor skills, rhythm and melody. Encourages creativity and imagination. Helps develop hand-eye coordination. 2 Drum Sticks are included. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012. 1/2/2012 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boikido Wooden Animal Constructions 54 Pc Set by BOIKIDO

Kids can build their favorite Boikido animals or create their own by mixing the pieces together. Encourages problem solving and creativity. Develops fine motor skills and manual dexterity.  Includes 54 pcs:  3 Heads, 3 Bodies, 6 Arms, 6 Legs, 18 Screws, and 18 Nuts. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012. 1/2/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Boikido Wooden Dinner Set by BOIKIDO

This beautiful and easy to assemble Boikido Wooden Dinner Set is a perfect compliment to our Kitchenette, or any other cooking set. It includes 1 Table, 2 Plates, 2 Cups, 2 Forks, 2 Knives, and 1 Teapot. Develops social skills and imagination. Tested to European and U.S. safety standards. Launch date: February 2012. 12/29/2011 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Life on Earth Tot Tower by eeBoo corp.

eBoo's eco-friendly Tot Towers are beautifully illustrated with the same characters from our revered "Life On Earth" series. The Tower includes ten sturdy cardboard blocks to nest, stack, and tumble down. Great for children who love to build things as much as they love to see them knocked over. "eeBoo's eco-friendly Tot Tower helps build large motor skills while promoting language and concept development," Regina Gelin, sales & marketing associate at eeBoo, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2012. 12/29/2011 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]