TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--General Toys Product Category

ItzaBot Grow-A-Head by SOURCING INTERNATIONAL LLC

Itzabots are robot shaped ceramic planters that kids can customize with any of the included mix and match stickers. Create and recreate new companion as many times as kids like. When kids fill the planter with water and give it a little light, their itzabot will begin to sprout a thick head of grass "hair" within 5-7 days. The hair will continue to grow for 2 months with continued watering and styling. Available in three styles/sticker kits: Monster, Girl, and Robot. 6/8/2012 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Multi-Activity Train Table by MELISSA & DOUG

This easy-to-assemble, sturdy wooden play table is ideal for trains, dollhouses, arts & crafts projects, blocks, puzzles and more. It also features a double-sided play board and jumbo-sized drawer for convenient storage.
— In a May 2012 survey, Andy Ricks, owner of My Imagination Station in Hattiesburg, Miss., told TDmonthly that they sell one of these items each month, "but much more around the holidays." 6/7/2012 (Price: $149.99)

Erector 30 Model Set by SCHYLLING

Build 30 Amazing Erector Models. Designs include Dune buggy, lawn mower, crane, speedboat, tractor, forklift, motorcycle with rider. Kids can make their own masterpiece with a 6 Volt Motor (Requires 4 AA batteries not included). Set has 352 Parts and includes instructions and illustrations for 18 models.
— Joe Berardoni Jr., owner of Puns Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly that Erector sets are one of their top selling hobby items. 5/25/2012 (Price: $64.99)

85 Piece Bristle Blocks by TOYSMITH

This 85-piece set contains 72 easy-to-handle building blocks in a variety of brightly colored, interlocking geometric shapes, 8 wheels to construct buildings and vehicles with and 5 figurines. A convenient handled carrying case stores all the blocks neatly away when not in use.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval
— Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiostiy Zone in Ashburn, Va.,  told TDmonthly in a May 2015 survey that this was a best-selling construction toy at their store.
 5/25/2012 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Glow-in-the-Dark Lab by SMARTLAB TOYS

Put this glow-boratory to the test with 20 experiments that will help you answer questions like, what makes a glowing ball bounce and, what does fake snow have in common with spaghetti? View the experiments with a hand-held black light, build a lava lamp, and create glowing alien blood. Test out projects that teach about these 9 principles of science: fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, polymers, non-Newtonian fluids, carbon dioxide reactions, crystal formation, and nucleation. This kit includes: a handheld black-light activator, 4 glow sticks, mix-n-measure scoop, fluorescent ink, beaker, mixing cup, 3 creature molds, 2 test tubes and stand, funnel, bouncy ball mold, glow-in-the-dark powder, bouncy ball polymer, jelly balls polymer, fake snow polymer, star stickers, and a 24-page Lab Book. 5/25/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Snap Circuits LIGHT by ELENCO

Snap parts together to build different circuits, and watch the different pieces light up. Includes fiber optics over a light organ that can be connected to an iPod; the lights will flash to the beat of the music. Includes strobe lights with different plates so kids can experiment with strobe patterns, white LED lights, glow in the dark and lighted fan blades, a light up egg, and more.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval

Where to buy:
NORTH EAST
SOUTH  5/25/2012 (Price: $75.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Take Along Soccer Match by PLAYMOBIL INC.

With six athlete figures primed and ready to play, this set comes fully equipped with everything kids need to have a complete game experience. Goalie figures connect to an included goal joystick that allows kids to control the goalies' movements from behind the goal net. This compact and travel-ready set also includes a 22 x 33 inch field, soccer ball and other accessories. 5/25/2012 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Grocery Cart / Basket by MELISSA & DOUG

With sturdy metal construction and pivoting front wheels, this kid-size shopping cart is easy to maneuver, fun to fill and built to last. Dimensions: 23.25" x 15" x 11.75" Assembled. 5/25/2012 (Price: $69.99)

E-Rangers Headquarters by PLAYMOBIL INC.

With a detachable roof and changeable transparencies in the command canter. The balance Racer can be turned into a propeller or a jet-car racer. Launch date: August 2012. 5/25/2012 (Price: $129.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

BBQ Blitz!™ by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Grab your spatula and dig into this silly, burger-slidin’ game. Race to fill your paper plates with burgers with each different topping or scoop up all the burgers with matching toppings—either way, the sliding burgers won’t make it easy. 5/25/2012 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

SmartMax Basic Stunt by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC

With a simple click, wheels, cockpits, wings and panels attach to the magnetic bars. 48 magnetic pieces provide building variation and fun that reaches the finish. 18 medium bars, four long bars, two cockpits, four pairs of wheels, ten metal balls, two ramps, two containers, and four panels. Giant, non-swallowable 1.8 inch diameter metal balls. 5/25/2012 (Price: $79.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

OGOBILD Nexus by OGOSPORT, LLC

With over 90 different attachments the Nexus offers maximum play value. With attachments like wheels, a scoop, hands, feet, wings, springs and more, the possibilities for creations are endless. Build a flying Martian, a hovering robot, or objects that fly, drive, and spin. The Nexus includes 4 flexible OGOBILD balls for hours of fun, and increased variety. 5/25/2012 (Price: $34.00)

Sunflowers Master Kitz by KIDZAW INC

Sunflowers have been become an iconic symbol of van Gogh's work. Many of his Sunflower paintings were done in the Yellow House in Arles and were used to decorate the room he created for Gauguin.  The vibrant colors and simplistic beauty of the paintings have led many artists to try and duplicate their beauty.  The Sunflowers Master Kitz includes all the tools your child needs to create their own Sunflowers masterpiece and the learning materials to deepen their understanding of van Gogh the artist and the time he spent in Arles. Each Sunflowers Master Kitz contains: A sturdy, re-usable art tool box with magnetic closures; 3 Custom Acrylic Paints (child friendly); 1 van Gogh Roller specially designed to replicate van Gogh’s active stroke; 2 re-usable Sunflower stencils; 1 foam paint brush; 2 pieces deluxe art paper; Fun, easy-to-understand van Gogh learning materials; Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 5/25/2012 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Playmobil Harbor - Harbor Cafe by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Stop by the Harbor Cafe for a little snack while strolling along the waterfront. Enjoy tasty treats and wonderful views from the dock. Includes Cafe building; Playmobil characters: Mother, Child, & Waiter; Table with umbrella & chairs; Beverages & food; Menu sign; and Birds & plant. 5/25/2012 (Price: $28.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Duper 4 Kid Play Tent by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

The ultimate Giant "Space Dome" is ready for hours of uninterrupted solar system adventures. Our futuristic "pod" design has ample room for an entire crew of explorers. This new design folds "flat" in seconds and opens just as easy. This stealth flaps, several mesh observation ports, roof top portholes for telescopic viewing and "stuff" pouches for all that space gear. This modular has its own self contained floor, so it can withstand spills and wet grass. Set it up indoors or out. Be prepared to connect the "Space Dome" together with "Lunar Tubes" and additional "Space Domes" for a colony of super play fun.
— As of 06/06/2012, this item was the #3 best selling tent in the Kids' Furniture & Room Décor category on Amazon.com.
— As of 05/18/2012 this product has 4.4 out of 5 stars from 62 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to put up and take down; much larger than most tents for kids. Cons: Some users reported difficulty with the zippers. 5/18/2012 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ready, Set, Pogo! by ALEX BRANDS

Ready, Set, Pogo - Jump high, fast and far. This Pogo Stick has soft grip handles, non-slip footrest and a wide rubber foot for extra stability. It has a padded frame for added comfort, too. Includes an encased metal spring for extra safety. Bounces up to 24 inches. Recommended weight is 44-99 lbs.
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books, Inc in Oklahoma City, Okla., told TDmonthly in a March 2014 survey that the pogo sticks were a best-selling outdoor toy. 4/30/2012 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Miracle Bubbles Bubble Turbine by IMPERIAL TOY LLC

The new Super Miracle Bubbles Bubble Turbine is guaranteed to provide kids and adults with the seamless ability to create humongous bubbles and a variety of spectacular bubble tricks. Includes Instructional Booklet and Super Miracle Bubbles Premium Plus Solution in 100% recyclable bottle. 4/30/2012 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Joys of Childhood by Donald Zolan by MASTERPIECES PUZZLE CO. INC.

1000 pc puzzle features artwork by Donald Zolan. A good family activity, or for older children to complete alone. 4/30/2012 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

K'NEX Classics 50 Model Building Set by K'NEX BRANDS

Builders ages 3+ can create a train, garage, bridge and more or accelerate their imagination with other ideas. The Tinkertoy Transit set includes 150 durable, plastic pieces including spools, straight rods, bendable rods, wheels, eyes, two buildable figures and more. The newly redesigned Tinkertoy pieces snap together and stay together for long-lasting play. The colorful guide provides a variety of ideas for all building skill levels. Comes in a sturdy box with lid for easy storage and portability. September 2012. 4/27/2012 (Price: $43.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

K'NEX Thrills: Atomic Coaster by K'NEX BRANDS

Kids can build an atomically cool coaster with dueling action, using over 850 K'NEX pieces to create a thrilling roller coaster building experience. 2 dueling cars twist, turn, and dive as they race through over 37 feet of track. The Atomic Coaster builds over 4 feet tall and includes a motorized chain lift. Color-coded, easy-to-follow building instructions are included. Go to the K'Nex website to download instructions for a 2nd coaster model. Launch date: September 2012.
Awards: 2012 Best in Play at Toy Fair - Parenting Magazine 4/27/2012 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dino Bump by LUVYDUVY CORPORATION

A fast paced game for the entire family. Race to the Dino-Cave but don't be sent back to the Dino-Bath. Large 5" dinosaurs that kids jump and switch, will have kids screaming in minutes. "Beautiful color graphics and an over-sized playing board," Don Rosenthal, president of LuvyDuvy Corporation, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2009.
Awards: 2009 Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence; 2010 National Parenting Magazine Seal of Approval; 2011 Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award. 4/24/2012 (Price: $24.99) [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][?]

Kiddi-o GoNanas See Saw by KETTLER INTERNATIONAL INC.

Bring the playground to the back yard with the Kiddi-o® Parallel See Saw. For added safety this See Saw keeps children parallel to the ground at all times. High back seats provide extra support and spring loaded stoppers underneath allow an easy landing. Launch date: May 2012. 4/24/2012 (Price: $159.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Turnstile by THINKFUN

The goal is to move the colored tokens through the maze to their respective corners. To do this, players must pass through turnstiles, shifting walls to form new pathways...and new barriers. Clever challenges exercise strategic thinking muscles, as one turn may lead to victory or may leave players stranded.
Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval 4/24/2012 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ladybug 8 ft. Parachute by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Made of 70 denier flame retardant polyester taffeta. Has eight sturdy handles so kids can get a good grip. Parachutes clean easily with a damp cloth and mild soap; carry bag included. 4/24/2012 (Price: $32.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]