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

Oval Xylophone by PLANTOYS

This colorful, five-note xylophone is solid wood, yielding a gentle sound when struck by the included mallet. Made from sustainably harvested materials and safe for children under 3, the simple instrument is a great first tool for young children to begin exploring tone and rhythm.
— Denis Hofsetter, owner of The Toy Store in Atlanta, told TDmonthly in summer 2008 that Plan Toys is his top supplier of musical instruments for children. “We don't always have them in stock, but they always do well when we have them.”
— “More and more parents are aware of the importance of interaction with sound, both visually and textually,” said Mary Ellen Cerney, owner of Dear Friends and Children in Duncan, Okla.
— Meredith Zellweger, owner of Toy Jungle in Manhattan Beach, said she has noticed an increase in Plan Toys as people search for greener products for their children. Three of 52 retailers named products from Plan as best sellers in their stores when surveyed in November 2008. ( Watch Video) 8/12/2008 (Price: $18.99)

Chick-Itas (pair) by LATIN PERCUSSION

Small, light, and shaped with an easy-to-grip handle, these compact maracas invite rhythm and dance in kids of all ages. Safe for children under 3, Chick-Itas make a nice, simple rattle for babies and a great early instrument for preschoolers. Just the right amount of filling gives them a nice tone and allows for a variety of different sounds to be made.
— “We sell hundreds of LP baby maracas,” said Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids in Madison, Wis.
— Six percent of retailers named maracas as their top musical toy.
— Teresa Ford, owner of Kids Ketch in Lewes, Del., told TDmonthly in July 2008 that maracas are her music section’s best seller, with as many as two dozen per month going out the door. 8/12/2008 (Price: $8.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Translucent Harmonica by HOHNER

Bright colored and bright sounding, this simple beginner’s harmonica from Hohner is an easy, portable, durable introduction to musical instruments for a young child. The translucent plastic casing comes in a variety of cheerful colors, and will stand up to being carried around for a little bit of music anywhere. A classic diatonic harmonica, this is a great way to start kids learning about blues music and beyond while having fun creating their own unique sounds.
— “Harmonicas have been selling very well this last year or so,” David Campbell, owner of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., told TDmonthly in summer 2008.
— “Our translucent harmonicas are really popular,” said Donna Stone, manager of The Treasured Child in La Grange, Ky.
— Laurel Marvin Jacobs of Science to Go in Tampa, Fla., named harmonicas as a hands-down best seller in her store: “They always move; [we] probably sell 100 harmonicas per month.” 8/12/2008 (Price: $3.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

30" Acoustic Guitar by TROPHY MUSIC COMPANY

Sized for small people, the 30” acoustic guitar from Trophy Music has six steel strings that are tunable with durable metal pegs. It stores well in the heavy cardboard box it comes in, and is also offered in a 34” size.
— “Guitars are big sellers,” Paul Faustine of Red Dragon Toys in Brunswick, Maine, said in summer 2008.
— Retailers surveyed sold an average of six guitars per month.
— Nine percent of 68 retailers named guitars as their best-selling musical toy for children. 8/12/2008 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Percussion Floor Tom by REMO

The Remo Floor Tom is a professional quality drum made to fit smaller hands. It can be played with the two included mallets, hands, or the stick side of the mallet for a variety of sounds. Manufactured with Remo Acousticon®, a proprietary material made with 100% recycled wood fiber and a durable synthetic drumhead. Measures 7.5” tall x 10” diameter. Drumming is a great way to start learning basic musical skills and explore counting. It has been shown to channel energy in a positive way and help kids express themselves.
— “Tom Tom drum by Remo; [we sell] about 100 per year,” said Joanne Farrugia, owner of JaZams in Pennington, NJ, of her top-selling musical toy.
— “I think drums as a category are strongest,” Tara Friese, assistant manager of Tree Top Toys in Redmond, Wash., replied when asked about her store’s music category in July 2008.
— “[My customers] prefer cymbals and percussion instruments,” said Anna Barr, owner of Anna's Toy Depot in Austin, Texas, who credited her clients’ preference for basic acoustic instruments over more electronic or battery operated toys. 8/12/2008 (Price: $44.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

16" Daniel the Dreidel Bear by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

16" Daniel the Dreidel Bear with yamika, tallis, dreidel and zippered pouch with embroidered Star of David. Head sways and mouth moves while singing "The Dreidel Song" 7/17/2008 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chantilly Lane® 19" Noel angel bear by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

Chantilly Lane® 19" Noel angel bear with moving wings. Head sways and mouth moves while singing "O Holy Night" 7/17/2008 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chantilly Lane® 19" Kringle & Jingle Duet™ by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

Chantilly Lane® 19" Santa and mouse sing verses of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" back and forth as well as together. Heads sway and mouths move while singing. Sleigh not included. 7/17/2008 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chantilly Lane® Bessy Mae by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

Chantilly Lane® 19" Bessy Mae cow is in the moooood for love! Head sways & mouth moves while singing, “Bésame Mucho”. 7/14/2008 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lois & Lil' Lulu Panda Duet™ by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

12'' Lois and Lil’ Lulu Panda Duet™ with matching fleece winter wear. Both bears' heads sway and mouths move together and separately in syncopation while singing, “Button Up Your Overcoat." 7/14/2008 (Price: $26.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chantilly Lane® Olivia Singing Bear by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

Chantilly Lane® 19" Olivia has a poodle skirt and pink satin jacket. Her head sways and her mouth moves while singing, “You’re the One That I Want”. 7/14/2008 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Musical Dolls - Chinese Girls by CHINASPROUT INC.

These charming little Chinese dolls are more than just pretty faces! Dressed in beautiful native costumes from China, they also play songs. The doll with the red "Fu" (Good Luck) shirt plays "Jasmine Flower". The doll with the pink "Ai" (Love) shirt plays the "Kang Ding Love Song". Just turn their heads and the music begins! The dolls can be posed to sit up unassisted. All new materials. 7.5" Tall. Each sold separately. 7/8/2008 (Price: $17.95)

Chimes of Santa Fe by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

This idyllic chime incorporates amber-colored stones, four bronze tubes, walnut finish wood and copper to evoke the colors and flavor of this wonderful locale. Part of the Precious Stones Series, this chime hangs 26” long. Launch date: Summer 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $60.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chimes of Hope by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

Part of the Precious Stones Series, the chime is composed of three silver tubes, accompanied by genuine stones and a pink powder-coated steel "ribbon," all hanging delicately from black finish wood.  A portion of the proceeds from this 30” chime will be donated to organizations committed to the fight against Breast Cancer. Launch date: Summer 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Torii Garden Gong by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

The beautiful 20” bronze gong features walnut finish ash wood and black powder-coated aluminum spacers and steel frame. It stands freely at 43” tall and measures 37” wide. Launch date: Summer 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $550.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodstock Healing Gong by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

The gong is handcrafted using traditional methods, bringing the ancient wonders of the Far East home. Its elegant look is pronounced by its bold cherry and black ash wood finish. This hanging wind gong is 30” long and 15” wide with a 10” bronze gong. Launch date: Summer 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $80.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

America the Beautiful Chime by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

Part of the Artist's Garden Series, this chime features the favorite classic "America, the Beautiful." Its satin silver anodized aluminum tubes are accented with blue wash finished wood and measures 24” in length. Launch date: Summer 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $50.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodstock Habitats by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

Part of the Woodstock Castings line, these chimes are made in verdigris finished cast metal and adorned with cast aluminum grape bunches, hummingbirds and butterflies. The Hummingbird Spiral and Butterfly Spiral both hang from cherry finish wood accents, while the Grapes Spiral chime hangs from burgundy wash finish wood. The Hummingbird Spiral and Grapes Spiral are both 18” long and the Butterfly Spiral measures 19” long. Launch date: Summer 2008. 6/16/2008 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ballerina Xylophone Music Box by CROSLEY RADIO CORPORATION

The music box plays 50 tunes: 25 holiday tunes and 25 all-time classics. It “captures realistic xylophone movement, [and the] ballet dancers rise up and twirl gracefully,” Crosley Radio Corporation Public Relations Coordinator Laura Cothran told TDmonthly. 6/16/2008 (Price: $149.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Guitar Hero® Air Guitar Rocker™ by JADA TOYS INC.

The Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker uses patented technology consisting of guitar picks, a rockin' belt buckle and a portable, mini-amplifier. Users wave the guitar pick over the belt buckle sensor to determine the tempo of the song, which can be heard through the mini-amplifier. The product comes with a demo mode and an Air Cartridge that features ten signature guitar riffs, ranging in skill level from one to five, including epic hits. Launch date: May 6, 2008.
— Customers have expressed mixed feelings about Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker. While six out of six reviewers on Amazon.com raved about the toy's fun factors, others on Youtube.com and engadget.com felt the product was pushing its luck after the success of the original Guitar Hero. All agree, however, that the product works well and is for the most part durable. (9.15.08) 6/16/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Musical Jewelry Box by TREE BY KERRI LEE LLC

A special box to hold all her treasures. The top of the box has an embroidered picture framed in wood. Inside is a simple wooden figure and inspiring wood (treasure, love, or bloom) above a circular mirror. Wind the key in the back of the box to play a pretty song while the wooden figure rotates. For children 3 years and up. 8" x 6" x 5" deep. 3 styles available: Treasure (pink box), Love (purple box), or Bloom (yellow box). 6/12/2008 (Price: $60.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodstock JingleBands by WOODSTOCK CHIMES

Each JingleBand features four bells riveted onto a 9.5" long strap with a Velcro fastener. 5/30/2008 (Price: $5.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chantilly Lane™ Text Message Bear by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

The 19” musical, animated plush sing “Party Started” and come dressed in hip, colorful dresses with matching “cop” hats. Text message acronyms such as “BFF” and “LOL” are printed in bright colors across the front of their tops. 5/30/2008 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

M&M's® Musical Ornaments by PBC INTERNATIONAL INC.

The green ornament features eyes and a mouth that move up and down, and eyes that light up. The ornament also sings, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” A red version that sings “Holly Jolly Christmas” is also available. “These ornaments are the first of their kind by M&M's and are perfect for collectors as well as any one who loves M&M’s gifts and/or candy,” PBC International Inc. Marketing Director Maureen Gonzales told TDmonthly. “The decorative box fits into a stocking perfectly and the M&M’s ornament is a gift that can be used every holiday season.” Launch date: June 1, 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $12.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

John Deere Animal Band by LEARNING CURVE

This fun animal band allows preschoolers to create their own music. Decide which instrument the animals will play, and who the "singer" will be: cow, chicken, sheep or pig. Kids will have a great time moving the animals from instrument to instrument, and each animal has its own unique "voice" when placed at the microphone. The toy plays four classic preschool songs: "Old McDonald", "B-I-N-G-O", "The Farmer in the Dell" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." Launch date: June 2008. 5/21/2008 (Price: $22.99)