TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Educational Product Category

Pedestal Pets - Safari Friends by INSPIRED DESIGN LLC

The Safari Friends Pedestal Pets collection includes a gorilla, lion, hippo, and elephant. Pedestal Pets are sets of pencil toppers featuring a variety of animal figures. Each package comes with 4 animal pencil toppers, 4 matching pencils and 4 fun fact trading cards. Children can also go to the Pedestal Pets website and "adopt" their pets and print out coloring pages of all the animals. 8/13/2010 (Price: $5.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pedestal Pets - Barnyard Friends by INSPIRED DESIGN LLC

The Barnyard Friends Pedestal Pets collection includes a horse, pig, sheep, and duck. Pedestal Pets are sets of pencil toppers featuring a variety of animal figures. Each package comes with 4 animal pencil toppers, 4 matching pencils and 4 fun fact trading cards. Children can also go to the Pedestal Pets website and "adopt" their pets and print out coloring pages of all the animals. 8/13/2010 (Price: $5.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pedestal Pets - Neighborhood Friends by INSPIRED DESIGN LLC

The Neighborhood Friends Pedestal Pets collection includes a cat, turtle, frog, and dog. Pedestal Pets are sets of pencil toppers featuring a variety of animal figures. Each package comes with 4 animal pencil toppers, 4 matching pencils and 4 fun fact trading cards. Children can also go to the Pedestal Pets website and "adopt" their pets and print out coloring pages of all the animals. 8/13/2010 (Price: $5.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning In Two Languages /Aprendiendo en dos idiomas by HAP-PAL MUSIC INC.

This album features 20 original songs that aim to help children build vocabulary in both English and Spanish through active multisensory participation. The songs are a combination of new compositions and updated versions of early Hap Palmer favorites along with new translations into Spanish. The lyrics and activities were developed in conjunction with Spanish language educational expert Laura Radchik, PhD.
Awards: Parent's Choice Foundation Audio Award Fall 2010, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 8/13/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Science Putty by WILD CREATIONS

Science Putty can be molded into a multitude of shapes, then it melts and forms a pool over a long period of time. With its range of unique properties, this product is designed for stress relief and educational play. 8/11/2010 (Price: $7.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Endangered Species Bath Coloring Scenes by HEALTH SCIENCE LABS

This set is designed to entertain children while they learn about the endangered species of the world. The set and its packaging are made from 100-percent eco-friendly materials. Included are five bath crayons, six bath coloring scenes and an animal sponge eraser. 8/11/2010 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Endangered Species Eco-Doodles Tabletop Activity Mat by HEALTH SCIENCE LABS

This mat is designed to entertain children while they learn about the endangered species of the world. The set and its packaging are made from 100-percent eco-friendly materials. Included are an activity placemat, four crayons and a 3-D animal eraser. ( Watch Video) 8/11/2010 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sequence NUM6ERS by JAX LTD INC.

For 2 to 6 players, or up to 3 individual players, Sequence Numbers is similar to the original Sequence game, except the cards are a mathematical equation, whose answer is a number found on the game board. First player or team to achieve the required amount of Sequences wins the game. 8/9/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Merbs™ Motivational Game System by PRECISION MATHEMATICS CORP. / THE MERBS™

The Merbs™ Motivational Game System is an incentive-based program with a twist. This tool provides a game-based storyline that motivates kids to complete schoolwork. Students are challenged to help a populations of creatures, The Merbs™, build a civilization. They earn cash to buy game properties, creating an economy. The competition of the system encourages increased homework completion and class participation. This allows the instructor to evaluate students daily through simple game play. Parents can also use the System at home to motivate children to complete homework. For 2 or more players. 8/6/2010 (Price: $58.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lockrobots 30-Piece Medium Bucket by LOCKROBOTS

Lockrobots are brightly hued interlocking plastic robot-shaped blocks designed for building, stacking, balancing and creating puzzles. Made in the USA, the Lockrobot 30-Piece Medium Bucket includes six each of green, red, yellow, blue and orange Lockrobots.
— Brandi of Living Solo Gratia tried Lockrobots with her kids, who “had a ball playing with these little guys,” stacking the Lockrobots and making pyramids. However, Brandi recommended buying a larger Lockrobots set: “The 15-piece set is fun but we would have been able to be more creative with a larger set.” 8/6/2010 (Price: $21.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Let's Recycle Pocket Chart by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

This chart provides hands-on environmental education by introducing six key recyclable material categories and teaching how to sort 48 “recyclable” cards into the right bins. The cards are made of 65-percent recycled card stock and the chart is made from 80-percent recycled plastic. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010 8/4/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hydro-Dome by DUNECRAFT INC.

The Hydro-Dome is a hydroponic system that features a Hydro-Pump, offering true hydroponic gardening on a small scale with a flood plain and bubbler system. The Hydro-Dome includes a greenhouse with a hydroponic tray, two-part nutrients, net pots, rock-wool seeds and comprehensive instructions. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010 8/4/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bug's Adventure Series by CREATIVELY CANNY

Bug takes children on a lively, animated, educational journey, encouraging them to try hard to work through the games and puzzles at hand. Awards: Dr. Toy Best Green Toy Award 2010 8/4/2010 (Price: $8.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

i-explore™ scope by C & A SCIENTIFIC

Designed for viewing solid or three dimensional objects rather than glass slides at 20X magnification. Binocular head allows comfortable viewing with both eyes (no more squinting) and built in light illuminates all specimens for premium viewing every time. Real glass optics provide high quality images and battery power makes it portable for outdoor use to explore nature. Also ideal for collectors: view stamps, coins, gems & rocks, etc. Uses 2 AA Batteries (not included). 8/3/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Magnetic Responsibility Chart by MELISSA & DOUG

Designed to help kids understand the concept of behavior and rewards, this magnetic activities board features a combination of magnets and wood. The set includes a 16" x 12" dry-erase board and 134 magnets depicting behaviors and rewards. The set measures 16" x 24" when opened.
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 97 reviews on Amazon.com and was #38 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Helpful, educational, entertaining and well-priced. CONS: Magnets can fall off; can easily become messy. 8/3/2010 (Price: $19.99)

Kentrosaurus 4D Dinosaur Model by TEDCO INC.

Packed in a gift box, the model is approximately 3" and consist of 25 pieces. Museum quality, finely detailed sculpturing and hand painted. 8/3/2010 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vtech Tote and Go Laptop by VTECH

This colorful laptop with LCD screen comes with 30 engaging activities. A detachable mouse with mouse pad is included.
 —  As of 1.10.2011 this product had 4 out of 5 stars on Target.com from 37 reviews and was listed as a top 30 bestselling toy. Pros: Interactive; portable; educational. Cons: Lower quality graphics; some reports of trouble with the mouse. 7/27/2010 (Price: $26.99)

Eames House Blocks by PLAYSAM

Tours of the Eames House and Studio require a sizable donation to the Eames Foundation, but with this toy kids can bring the Case Study No. 8 house to the convenience of a coffee table or playroom. Each set of 36 replenishable Michigan-grown basswood blocks represents 29 separate hand-pulled screen passes. The set is made in the USA with non-toxic, lead-free, child-safe inks. 7/26/2010 (Price: $175.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Journey on the Amazon Playzzle by TALICOR / ARISTOPLAY

Players can join characters Bromley and Cotica on a bilingual journey through the Amazon, learning the names of exotic animals along the way. The game is designed to encourage the development of multi-language, critical thinking and memory skills. The first to reach the ocean wins. "The game board is actually a floor puzzle that you put together before playing the game. This joins the activity of a puzzle and beginner game; both are great for kids just starting to play board games," Todd Jacobs, vice president of Talicor Inc., told TDmonthly.
Awards: 2010 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award 7/26/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Brilliant Basics Baby's First Blocks by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Ten bright blocks are ready for baby to drop into the open bucket or through the shape-sorting lid. This toy is designed for developing eye-hand coordination and other early skills. Then children can move on to sorting, stacking and learning about identifying and matching shapes. This set includes a plastic shape-sorting box with a handle and ten colorful blocks.
Awards: 1995 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Blue Chip Classic Award Winner.
— As of 05/21/2012 this product had 4.1 out of 5 stars from 314 reviews on Amazon.com. PROS: Basic, durable baby toy that keeps children entertained. CONS: Lid does not snap on; May contain carcinogens.


 7/26/2010 (Price: $12.99)

LeapFrog® Leapster® Learning Game: Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 by LEAPFROG

As Andy prepares to depart for college, Buzz, Woody and the rest of the loyal toys are troubled about their uncertain future. This comical adventure lands the toys in a room full of untamed tots who can't wait to get their sticky little fingers on these "new" toys. It's pandemonium as they try to stay together to ensure that "no toy gets left behind." The game features expanded play for the Leapster2 system, so Leapster2 players can connect online for extra games, activities and rewards, and parents can get detailed learning progress reports through the online LeapFrog Learning Path.
— As of 7.26.2010, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com, and was listed No. 1 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Multiple games to choose from. CONS: Not perceived as challenging enough by some children. 7/26/2010 (Price: $24.99)

Strobotop LightPhase Animator by EYE THINK INC.

The Strobotop™ LightPhase Animator is a combination of a hand-powered spinning top and cutting-edge LED electronics to make pictures and drawings magically spring to life before your eyes. Just spin the Strobotop™, aim your LightPhaser at it, and capture the motion.
Awards: Mom's Best Award 2010, Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products 2010 7/23/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Strobotop LightPhase Animator Booster Pack #1 — Eyemazing Animations by EYE THINK INC.

This booster pack for the Strobotop LightPhase Animator contains 18 Strobodisks to add to the existing disks found in the Strobotop LightPhase Animator set. The booster pack's disks contain 12 picture disks and six draw-your-own disks. 7/23/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Storybook Treasures: A Pocket For Corduroy...and More Stories About Friendship by SCHOLASTIC

This line of DVDs is designed to teach early sign language skills to preschool-age children. Featuring beautiful video productions of some of the most recognizable children’s books of all time, this series offers a unique approach to learning sign language and helping kids of all hearing abilities to gain literacy and pre-reading skills. "A Pocket For Corduroy...and More Stories About Friendship" is adapted from the beloved book by Don Freeman. 7/21/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Storybook Treasures: Goodnight Moon …and More Great Bedtime Stories by SCHOLASTIC

This line of DVDs is designed to teach early sign language skills to preschool-age children. Featuring beautiful video productions of some of the most recognizable children’s books of all time, this series offers a unique approach to learning sign language and helping kids of all hearing abilities to gain literacy and pre-reading skills. "Goodnight Moon…and More Great Bedtime Stories" is adapted from the 1947 storybook by Margaret Wise Brown that has sold tens of millions of units worldwide. 7/21/2010 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]