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

Safari Chunky Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

A great beginner's puzzle in a 9” x 12” frame, Melissa & Doug's Safari Chunky Puzzle presents kids with eight whimsical African animals. Each thick wood piece fits neatly into its corresponding place on the panel and sticks up far enough for small fingers to easily grip and pull out. Each animal has its picture in full color underneath to keep matching easy, and the pieces are thick enough to stand up on their own for pretend play outside of the puzzle frame. 
― “Melissa & Doug [puzzles] sell two to three a day,” said Sandy Challinor, owner of Owl's Nest Toy Store in Southlake, Texas, in summer 2010.
― “[Melissa & Doug] is an excellent quality product,” said Diane Sartain, owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, Utah, in June 2010.
― Ten percent of 40 retailers told TDmonthly during a summer 2010 survey that chunky puzzles from Melissa & Doug are their top-selling puzzles. 7/21/2010 (Price: $9.99)

Under the Sea Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

Measuring 48” x 18” when assembled, this expansive, 100-piece floor puzzle from Melissa & Doug features an illustrated cross-section of ocean life from the sea floor to the water's sunny surface. Fish, vegetation and bottom-dwelling creatures mingle in vivid colors. The extra-thick pieces are designed to be durable and easy to handle.
― “The Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzles. You can't go wrong with those,” said Genevieve Collonge, manager of The Wooden Horse in Los Gatos, Calif., of her top-selling puzzles in June 2010.
― “[Our top seller] has been the floor puzzles from Melissa & Doug. [It's] always done really well, and we keep a nice big selection,” said Jason Curtis, owner of Funtopia in Middletown, Calif., in summer 2010.
― Nine of 40 retailers told TDmonthly in summer 2010 that Melissa & Doug Floor Puzzles are some of their best-selling puzzles. 7/21/2010 (Price: $12.99)

Wonders of the World Puzzle by RAVENSBURGER

Teenagers, adults and families can assemble this challenging 2,000-piece puzzle to a finished size of 38.5” x 29.5”. The picture is a richly colored montage of the world's great wonders, from ancient Stonehenge to the majestic Statue of Liberty. The photos are clustered around an image of the globe.
― “Ravensburger is my top brand,” said Terry Myers, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Round Rock, Texas, during a summer 2010 survey.
― “For the most part, our business is under 12, but we sell a surprising amount of the adult [Ravensburger] puzzles,” remarked John Naisbitt, owner of Thinker Things in Solana Beach, Calif., in June 2010.
― Nine of 40 retailers listed Ravensburger 1,000-piece puzzles as top-selling puzzles in summer 2010. 7/21/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dress Up Duel Puzzle by RAVENSBURGER

This durable, 35-piece puzzle measures 11.5” x 8.25” when complete. Assembled, it features a softly watercolored illustration of two happy little ones roleplaying a sword-fighting princess and a mighty dragon in a room full of toys and dress-up accessories.
― “We always do well with Ravensburger because of the quality,” said Diane Sartain, owner of Tutoring Toy in Salt Lake City, Utah, in June 2010.
― Sandy Jones, owner of The Learning Faire in Napa, Calif., said in summer 2010 that “anything less than 65 pieces” from Ravensburger makes up her best-selling puzzles.
― Fifteen of 40 retailers told TDmonthly in June 2010 that Ravensburger is their best-selling puzzle brand. 7/21/2010 (Price: $9.49) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fun Time Table Mat by THE PIGGY STORY INC.

This placemat with reversible chalk mat is durable, waterproof and easy to clean. The mat turns any table into a creative play space or clean eating area, then easily folds into the included travel pouch to hold creative essentials or eating utensils. 7/9/2010 (Price: $9.00)

Triple Action Yo Yo by Astrojax USA – Active People

This multifunctional yo-yo combines fixed axle, auto return and free spin technologies. It can easily switch from beginner to professional-level functionality. ( Watch Video) 6/29/2010 (Price: $12.99)

Sonic Controlled Giggle Ball with Lights. by TOY WONDERS INC.

8080D Sonic Controlled Giggle Ball with Lights. 4.25" Giggle Ball features shaking, laughing with flashing lights. Requires 3 "AA" batteries. Box size: 5"L x 4.5"W x 4.75"H. 6/25/2010 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Alphabet Shaded Fun Bands (A-Z).  by TOY WONDERS INC.

800/31M Alphabel Shaded Fun Bands (A-Z).  Each package includes 26 pcs from A to Z shaded rubber bands in rainbow color. 60 packages per display box. Box size is 12.5"L x 8"W x 3.25"H. 6/25/2010 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wheel Runner Hamster by TOY WONDERS INC.

8087 Wheel Runner Hamster. 4" furry hamster runs on an exercise wheel. Looks real! Assorted colors. Requires 2 "AAA" batteries. Box size: 6.25"W x 6.25"H x 2.75"D. 6/25/2010 (Price: $9.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hamster Scooter Ball by TOY WONDERS INC.

8086 Hamster Scooter Ball. 4" furry hamster runs in a 5" transparent exercise ball. Requires 2 "AAA" batteries. Box size: 5"L x 3.5"H x 5"H. 6/25/2010 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Aquatic Universe Soft Toys by C.A. BIO

Aquatic Universe soft toys include a starfish, whale, tortoise and octopus. They are handmade from organic cotton under Fair Trade standards by a small women's association in Lima, Peru. 6/25/2010 (Price: $67.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cliko by FOXMIND GAMES

An exquisite game of spatial logic where players attempt to reconstruct 3D models based on 2D images. Logical analysis is brought into play as players progress trying to resolve the more advanced challenges. This ingenious game is for players, 8 years and over, who enjoy sophisticated puzzles.
Awards: Triple Star Canadian Toy Testing Council 6/23/2010 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tangramino by FOXMIND GAMES

Using the Architect precision blocks, players attempt to replicate the Tangram models illustrated in the challenges book. Initially, the puzzles are illustrated on a scale of 1:1 allowing players to experiment on the puzzle surface itself. As players advance, the illustrated models are reduced, thereby introducing the concept of scale. In addition, players are required to use the pieces horizontally and vertically, exposing them intuitively to more advanced concepts in geometry. Tangramino offers creative play for players 6 years and over.
Awards: Triple Star Canadian Toy Testing Council 6/23/2010 (Price: $34.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Turbo Mind Twister by FOXMIND GAMES

In this puzzle, players slide the cars and twist the sphere in an effort to park each car beside its matching color spot. 6/23/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Smooth Rider by RADIO FLYER

With high performance features and a cool, classic design, the Radio Flyer Smooth Rider scooter is designed for cruising around town with friends. Experienced riders can appreciate the ultra-smooth, ultra-comfortable ride delivered by the extra-large 170mm wheels and precision ball bearings. This product also features a wider, longer deck for easy foot placement and hand and foot brakes for added control. The real wood deck provides a classic look, and the handlebar adjusts so kids can enjoy the scooter for years to come.
Awards: 2010 Parents' Choice Award; 2010 iParenting Award; 2010 Parent Tested, Parent Approved; 2010 Seal of Approval Award 6/18/2010 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rocket Balloons by TOYSMITH

This kit includes a 7" pump and 20 balloons. Kids and teens can use the pump to fill the balloons, then let them go and watch them zoom high into the air. ( Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $4.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Marble Run by HOUSE OF MARBLES

Made of heavy-duty plastic with snap-together tubes and chutes, this kit includes plenty of marbles for hours of building and rolling. ( Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Early Learning Stack and Nest Birds by EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

These three cute birds can be stacked and nested like Russian dolls.  This set is designed to help children develop spacial, counting and fine motor skills. ( Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty Purple Strawberry Plush by SANRIO

This 8" Hello Kitty plush looks chic in a soft lavender dress and matching hair bow adorned with sweet strawberries. 6/16/2010 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty Baby Chick Mascot Plush by SANRIO

This Hello Kitty plush comes dressed in a pink baby chick suit. The fluffy suit includes a hood, polka dot paws and a ribbon. 6/16/2010 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hello Kitty Sundae Plush by SANRIO

This 8" Hello Kitty plush wears a sweet party dress with a matching hair ribbon in strawberry sundae colors. 6/16/2010 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Toy Story 3 Spud Lightyear by HASBRO INC.

Kids can reenact their favorite scenes from the "Toy Story" trilogy with this cute potato figure. The playful spud sports a space outfit just like Buzz Lightyear's, from shoes to protective visor. 6/15/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Toy Story 3 Woody's Tater Roundup by HASBRO INC.

This cute cowboy spud is ready to wrangle up some fun. Dressed like Woody from the "Toy Story" movies, this potato character features a removable cowboy hat, vest, boots and belt. 6/15/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ZipBin Ice Cream Shoppe by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

When unzipped, ZipBin Ice Cream Shoppe becomes an activity center and messy mat perfect for building Ice Cream creations. When play is done, all the toys can be captured inside. This play set includes four colors of modeling dough and five utensils. It "creates a fun and educational area to play and makes clean up a breeze!" Neat-Oh! International Sales & Marketing Specialist Noah Winterer told TDmonthly. 6/14/2010 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bloose Pluffie by TY INC.

The Bloose Pluffie's floppy body and plush exterior are both super soft, inviting cuddles from babies on up.  The cozy fabric is provided as a desirable tactile sensation for the littlest ones to explore, and the toy is machine washable, making it both safe and sanitary for infants.
— In May 2010, two of 43 retailers said Ty is their best-selling brand of plush. 6/10/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]