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

The Great Food Race! by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

Players become healthy-eating champions as they compete to eat the most nutritious food. Parents and caregivers can playfully reinforce healthy habits, such as exercise and good food choices. Adding and subtracting the points earned or lost throughout the game also helps children with their math skills. 5/20/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Monkey Nuts by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

In this Bingo-like game with letters and words, kids practice and learn letters and words as they pick up nuts and race around the 3-D monkey tree. Challenging and easy cards are included, so that parents can match the game to their child's ability. The design of the 3-D-tree and the peanut cards keep children interested as they learn. 5/20/2011 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Counting Sheep by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

Children learn numbers up to three by matching the sleeping and the awake animals. The 3-D sheep counter adds a lot of fun to the game, and your child's counting skills will improve playing this game.
Awards: The TOY Award UK 5/20/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fairies Game by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

Kids must discover the hidden fairies and wave the sparkly magic wand to win the game. This counting game helps children start to comprehend numbers and easy additions up to 10. 5/20/2011 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

House Hunt by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

In this scavenger hunt, kids learn about colors, shapes, letters and numbers. Players can be as young as 4, but it's also great for older children. 5/20/2011 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hickory Dickory Dock by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

Hickory Dickory Dock    Learn about time as your help your mouse climb to the top of the clock. Every time you know the time for an activity displayed on the cards, your mouse can move up. A quick game that'll re-enforce your child's time-telling abilities! 5/20/2011 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry by CREATIVE TOYSHOP

In Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry, players create traffic chaos as they race to match the vehicles and their colors. This is a game for young kids similar in concept to Domino or Quirkle. 5/20/2011 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dylan House by brinca dada LLC

Inspired by modern architecture pioneers Le Corbusier and Gropius, Dylan House features a concrete and glass feel, but with the breezy openness of a beach-front home.  Floor-to-ceiling windows open to allow natural light into the house and play from many angles.  Dylan House is created in ¾” scale.  Furniture is sold separately. Doug Rollins, founder and ceo of Brinca Dada, told TDmonthly that this toy's "Modern design" sets it apart from similar products. Launch date: July 2011. 5/20/2011 (Price: $149.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tosy® AFO by WABOBA INC.

Tosy AFO (Aliens' Flying Object) is a boomerang flying-disc game that lights up when it's dark. uper bright LEDs automatically ignite when launched, creating a colorful rainbow through the night sky or in a darkened play space. A specially designed, hand-held launcher and thin, flexible blades allow the user to control the distance, height and flight characteristics. Pull the launch string and watch it fly; horizontally across the field to be caught by a play partner or vertically to an incredible height, then arcing back to return exactly from where it was launched. Indoors, compete to see how long the Tosy AFO can suspend from the ceiling or against the wall, seemingly defying the laws of gravity. 5/18/2011 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Walking Dead Board Game by Z-MAN GAMES, INC.

Based on the popular comic book, The Walking Dead Board Game gives fans the opportunity to play Rick, Shane, Andrea, and other "The Walking Dead" characters as they deal with zombies, collect supplies and pick up the pieces of their lives. For 1-6 players. Launch date: Summer 2011. 5/18/2011 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Thomas & Friends: Thomas in Charge by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Thomas and his friends are preparing for the Railway Inspector’s visit to Knapford Station.  But when the coal trucks crash, covering Gordon in soot, can Thomas take charge and help straighten out the mess? This 48 minute DVD includes four episodes and a bonus trivia game. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Shaun the Sheep: Animal Antics by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Shaun and his barnyard buddies deal with a fiendish fox, attempt some clever catering, take to the links, run a farmer’s market, stage a daring rooster rescue and more in this 44 minute DVD. Episodes include Foxy Laddie, Whistleblower, Frantic Romantic, Who's the Caddy, Everything Must Go, In the Doghouse, and Cock-a-Doodle Shaun. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Barney: 1-2-3 Learn by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

In this DVD, Baby Bop discovers that counting can lead to hidden treasures and that there’s a carnival of shapes and colors for all to enjoy. And BJ™ uses the alphabet to help Riff™ get ready for his music concert in the park. Launch date: July 12, 2011. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Fireman Sam: Brave New Rescues by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Fireman Sam and his friends in Pontypandy work together to save the day when Mike’s kitchen catches fire, Dilys gets stuck out at sea and Norman cries wolf. This 55 minute long DVD features six episodes. 5/18/2011 (Price: $9.98)

Timmy Time™: Picture Day by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

With slapstick humor yet not a single line of dialogue, Timmy Time follows a day in the life of a preschooler where they learn lessons about friendship and trial and error. This 45 minute DVD features five episodes, including "Snapshot Timmy." Launch date: June 28, 2011. 5/18/2011 (Price: $14.98)

Baby Einstein Around the World Collection Play Gym by KIDS II

The Baby Einstein Around the World Play Gym introduces baby to animals, sights and sounds from 5 different regions of the world. The large, 34" mat features crisp, real-life imagery and animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and the Polar Regions to offer a whole world for baby to discover. The mat also has sewn-in loops for attaching extra toys. Additional toys baby can play with include a panda rattle toy, a soft parrot with crinkle, a large baby-safe mirror, a spinning globe rattle ball, animal discovery cards and an igloo-shaped teether.
— As of 05/18/2011 this product had 3.9 out of 5 stars from 59 customer reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Great pictures on the mat; "wonderful songs;" the toys that hook on to the mat can be moved around; easy to store. Cons: One reviewer said their baby rolled the mat over itself like a taco; the fabric stuck to one child's mouth and nose while she was crying. 5/18/2011 (Price: $59.99)

LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions by KLUTZ

LEGO Crazy Action Contraptions is a brand-new book of brand-new, high-performance projects. From the supercharged Speedster to the Squeezeclaw Grabber to the Wall Rocket Racer — all these contraptions spin, stretch, speed, or otherwise spring into action. And all of them are totally buildable thanks to super-clear instructions and step-by-step diagrams. Every single one of the 16 projects can be constructed using just the custom selection of LEGO® bricks that come with the book.
— As of 05/12/2011 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Some contraptions run slowly; the included rubber bands wear out with time.
— "Klutz Lego contraptions is by far our biggest seller," Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Asburn, Va., told TDmonthly in late Spring 2011.
— Want this? As of 05/11/2011 this product was available at The Curiosity Zone. 5/11/2011 (Price: $21.95)

Dave Darinko Uglydoll - red by PRETTY UGLY LLC

Dave Darinko is a natural born leader. He’s the one you want on your side when you’re about to face the music. And when you do face the music, he’s the guy who knows where the volume knob is. Does that make sense? Anyway, Dave gives you the thumbs up. He knows that you know he knows you know. Uglydoll Dave Darinko is approximately 12" tall.
— Two out of 15 retailers surveyed in late Spring 2011 said that Uglydolls were their best-selling plush. 5/6/2011 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Groody Uglydoll by PRETTY UGLY LLC

Groody is a pretty relaxed, easy going, energetic, stressed out, moody broody mess. AAAAHHHH! Did I just close that door? It was a ghost! Did I close the garage door? Did I send that e-mail to the wrong person!!!??? You get the picture…which is exactly why Groody has chosen you to be his pal. If you are willing to help him on his quest for inner peace he will help you on your quest for whatever dealio you got going. Uglydoll Groody is approximately 12" tall. 5/6/2011 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Wheels™ Tin Case by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

This new Hot Wheels Tin Storage Case is designed with a retro but fiery look.  Any kid that has a love for Hot Wheels never has only one hot rod; now, they can store them in this case. There are 18 divided spaces inside the case for storing the cars. Cars not included. – Keep It Together™!   Hot Wheels™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. ©2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved    5/6/2011 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Wheels™ ZipBin® Collector Case by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

This storage and carry-case for Hot Wheels cars is covered in graphics of the mini-vehucles.  Unzip the case to find an interior designed with the speed demon in mind.  With curves to test even the best tires and drivers, what better track to bring the best of the best together than Hot Wheels Toolbox.  When play time is done, kids can store their cars inside the case. Hot Wheels™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. ©2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved 5/6/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hot Wheels™ ZipBin® Ramp It Up by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

This racing themed case displays speeding Hot Wheels cars all over the exterior and a roadway ramp folds out from the interior. Weighing only one pound, this case unzips to lay flat. Discover crisscrossing roads, bridges, tunnels, and jumps. Fold the jumps so that cars go veering off course, into each other, and through the winding map. The included Hot Wheels car fits inside perfectly along with hundreds more. Hot Wheels™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. ©2010 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product has 5 out 5 stars from 1 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Makes playing with small cars a lot more portable. 5/6/2011 (Price: $16.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO® Star Wars® ZipBin® Toy Box by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

Kids can keep their room neat with the LEGO Star Wars ZipBin Storage Case. When unzipped, it becomes a Star Wars-themed playmat for testing out new LEGO creations. When play is done, everything can be placed inside. Sturdy, strong, stackable and portable. LEGO Blocks not included. ZipBin® Keep it Together™. © 2010 The LEGO Group.  © 2010 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. 5/6/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO® CITY Playmat by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

Kids can use this easy to fold up, double-sided LEGO playmat for imaginative play any time, and place. When one side just isn’t enough, kids can use both LEGO city -capes to play and build on.  LEGO Blocks not included. LEGO, The LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configuration are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2010 LEGO 5/6/2011 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LEGO® CITY ZipBin® Large Basket Playmat by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

What’s the perfect size for travel, durable, and can hold anything from sandwiches to building blocks? This ZipBin® Mini Dinosaur Playset's dramatic exterior identifies the contents and is the perfect size for travel. When the bin is unzipped, it becomes a dinosaur island play mat. Fantasy play is encouraged by a prehistoric world featuring a volcano, a river, a tar pit and a mysterious cave. When play is done, the play mat becomes a toy bin in a zip, capturing the toys inside for easy clean up. This mini Playset includes three dinosaurs.
— As of 05/20/2011 this product has 3.5 out 5 stars from 2 review on Amazon.com. Pros: Convenient storage. Cons: The sides are very weak; when lifted by the handles, the basket bends. 5/6/2011 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]