TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Play Houses Product Category

Disney Princess Adventure Hut by PLAYHUT INC.

The Disney Princess Adventure Hut is designed to be a magical getaway for any little princess. This versatile play tent is comprised of a large play hut and 4’ tunnel. It has multiple tunnel ports for crawl-through fun and structure expansion, mesh windows for peek-through entertainment, a flap door entrance for easy accessibility, and bright, bold Disney Princess graphics. EZ Twist technology allows for instant set-up and quick-fold down for convenient storage. It received a 2009 Outstanding Products iParenting Media Award. Launch date: July 2009. 8/19/2009 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Crooked House - Pirate Ship Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

Kids Crooked House can customize a playhouse specifically to the interests or needs of a child. Custom-designed playhouses are handcrafted and built to individual requirements. Parents can turn to the company's existing designs for inspiration or ask their kids (or inner kid) to describe their dream playhouse. Launch date: June 2009. 7/17/2009 (Price: $7300.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Little Pony Ponyville Sweetie Belle's Gumball House by HASBRO INC.

Shaped like a giant gumball machine, this house has two levels of fun. Sweetie Belle, from the Newborn Cuties line, can have her friends over for a snack in the first floor kitchen, take the musical elevator up, and check out the view over the giant lollipop balcony. It comes with Sweetie Belle, and a house full of accessories like a kitchen set shaped like candies. Launch date: Fall 2009. 6/10/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Tent Dragon Cave by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

This colorful tent with a flag on top is constructed of cotton and polyester, mesh fabric and plastic rods. It can be folded for storage, and the mirror and window are removable. 6/5/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

EZ-Fort by TOOBEEZ LLC

EZ-Fort is an open-ended building toy that just requires the addition of sheets. The easy to use, 54-piece building system can transform into a playhouse, a ship, or even an obstacle course. Also, it's designed as an educational toy for developing critical thinking skills and nurturing the creative thought process. Launch date: September 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/22/2009 (Price: $44.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My First Summer House by GIGA TENTS

This tent features four large, closeable windows and door for ventilation and easy viewing by parents, a 58”x45” floor size that easily accommodates several children and their toys, an attached porch that shades the door and gives a little one somewhere to kick back and relax after a hard day, and fiberglass poles that go together easily to make set-up quick. It is designed to be used inside or outside and can keep children busy for hours. The floorless design makes clean up easy, and the home comes with carry bags for the poles and tent and stakes. It is made from durable and fire-retardant coated polyester to last for years. "We design each tent, tunnel and play house to be large enough for more than one child to play in. All of our products are evaluated and tested by seasoned professionals before hitting the open market," CEO Joe Robey of Gigatent told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. ( Watch Video) 2/27/2009 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Le Cafe by TIME TO PLAY CORPORATION LIMITED

Le Cafe is the perfect place to share a cup of coffee or tea. This 48' x 48" x 70" playhouse features an awning, roll-out patio and swinging front door with a roll-up window. The cover is made of high-quality polyester in bright, vibrant colors. Shock-corded poles make for easy set up and storage. It includes an apron. Launch date: January 4, 2008. 8/27/2008 (Price: $49.99)

Camp Out Adventure by TIME TO PLAY CORPORATION LIMITED

This 5’ structure has plenty of room for little campers to gather around the fire, simulated by inflatable logs and a battery-operated fire pit. Fun, colorful graphics add to a great outdoor feeling, and shock-corded poles make for easy set up and storage. Launch date: April 2008. 8/27/2008 (Price: $39.99)

Bright Beginnings Activity Barnyard Set by RUSS BERRIE

Toddlers can open the barn door on this activity set and find a barnyard of fun just waiting for them. They'll be delighted to discover three soft removable friends inside: a cow that chimes, a squeaky little chick and a cute pig that rattles. "This playset combines different sights, sounds, and textures to encourage toddlers' development and stimulate their imagination," said Stephanie Araujo, marketing coordinator for Russ Berrie. Launch date: 2008. 8/25/2008 (Price: $25.00)

Lilach Doll House by PASTEL TOYS

This two-floor, open-plan doll house with a base and slanting roof features window openings at the back. It is styled from composite wood (MDF) and comes with sanded corners that give it a traditional look. Dimensions are 69 cm H x 30 cm D x 60 cm W. Launch date: 2006.
Display Ideas: Display with a few items of doll furniture that will show off the versatility of the layout. 7/18/2008 (Price: $97.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lilach Library / Toy Shelves / Doll House by PASTEL TOYS

This versatile shelf set has a back, roof and two side walls with a slanting roof. It is styled from composite wood (MDF) painted in range non-toxic pastel colors, and comes with a sanded-corner finish. The set of shelves can hold books and toys and also serve as a large doll house. Dimensions are 171 cm H x 70 cm W x 32 cm D. Launch date: 2008.
Display Ideas: Preferably holding books/toys/doll house furniture to enhance the unique features of the item. 7/18/2008 (Price: $250.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crawlerpillar by INSECT LORE

This 5'-long crawl-through tunnel comes with a removable Caterpillar face and is made of sturdy material.
—“The Crawlerpillar always does really well in spring. I probably go through a dozen of those a month,” Lynn Sanchez, owner of Wiz Bang Toys in Lake Oswego, Ore., told TDmonthly when asked about best-selling furniture and playhouses in June 2008.
— Five of 62 specialty retailers mentioned tents and tunnels from various manufacturers.
— Insect Lore also offers a Butterfly Bungalow tent. 7/10/2008 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My 1st Wooden Doll House by PLANTOYS

This 1:12 scale wooden dollhouse includes four rooms and a balcony, and comes with tools for assembly. It measures 24.8" L x 14.2" D x 23"H.
— “We cycle out what we carry year to year — right now we have a Plan dollhouse,” Tina Schwindt of Fairhaven Toy Garden in Bellingham, Wash., said when asked in June 2008 about top-selling furniture and playhouses.
— “Plan Toys — not selling a lot right now, given the time of year; generally, I’ll sell six rooms a month. … As we get into fall, [we] will expand [the line] a lot more; it’s a line we love and their dollhouses are great,” Jerome Crawford, owner of Crawdaddy’s Toys in Lafayette, Calif., told TDmonthly.
— When asked about best-selling furniture and playhouse items, three of 62 retailers told TDmonthly that they carry dollhouses by Plan Toys. There was some concern, though, about slow sales at the time of the interviews, in early summer 2008.
— Heiko Peine, owner of Treehouse Toy Shop in Cumberland, Md., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that they sell 1-2 each month.
— As of 06/29/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 22 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Simple yet high-quality; durable. Cons: Too deep and dark to play on the bottom floor. ( Watch Video) 7/10/2008 (Price: $119.99)

Ryan's Room Carry 'n' Play Dollhouse by SMALL WORLD TOYS

Outfitted with magnetic closures, this portable dollhouse with a wooden handle comes with a kitchen unit, a table, a rug, a fireplace, a sofa and other accessories.
— “We sell playhouses — wood playhouses from Ryan's Room,” Kathy Goeddy, manager of JaZams in Pennington, N.J., told TDmonthly when asked about best-selling furniture and playhouses in June 2008.
— One other retailer, out of 62, mentioned dollhouses from Ryan’s Room as a top-selling item in that category.
— The Ryan’s Room brand offers several different styles of wooden dollhouses. 7/10/2008 (Price: $80.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cozy Country Dollhouse by KIDKRAFT

With classic decor against a subtle pastel color palette, this three-floor dollhouse include four open rooms, two staircases, a chandelier, a terrace and wide windows. It comes with 11 furniture pieces and is suitable for fashion dolls up to 11.5" tall.
— “KidCraft always does well,” Kate Tanner, owner of Kidstop Toy & Book Store in Scottsdale, Ariz., told TDmonthly in June 2008.
— “KidKraft — their big dollhouse for Barbie,” answered Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children’s Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho, when asked about best-selling furniture and playhouses.
— More than 6 percent of retailers surveyed in June 2008 said dollhouses by KidKraft are good sellers in the category of playhouses and furniture. 7/10/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Lucy's Retro Kitchen by KIDKRAFT

This bright red, wooden kitchen features a retro design and includes under-sink storage, a removable sink for cleanup, knobs that turn, and a microwave, refrigerator and freezer that open and close. It measures 33.75" x 11.75" x 36.5".
— Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, owner of Learning Tree Toys, Games & Books in Oklahoma City, said she typically sells about one KidKraft kitchen per month, but sells about six around Christmas.
— Three of 62 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in June 2008 that they carry kitchens by KidKraft when asked about best-selling furniture and playhouse items.
— KidKraft offers 16 different kitchens in various colors and sizes. 7/10/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wild West Sheriff Station by TIME TO PLAY CORPORATION LIMITED

The 4’ x 4’ sheriff station is roomy enough for six kids. The station features saloon-style swinging doors, realistic plastic jail bars and a wanted poster cut out for a child’s face. Shock-corded PVC makes make for easy set up and storage, while the polyester cover makes cleaning easy. ( Watch Video) 11/21/2007 (Price: $29.99)

Snuggle-Kins Sparkling Moves Nursery by FISHER-PRICE INC.

With this jungle-inspired nursery little girls can role-play as mom to an adorable stuffed monkey. The monkey can coo, suck on a pacifier and go to sleep like a real baby. The nursery also includes a butterfly, dancing lights and soothing lullabies. 10/11/2007 (Price: $39.99)

Hotel Pawparazzi® by NOODLE HEAD INC.

Welcome to the 5-star Hotel Pawparazzi! Pawparazzi® pets can relax, sniff, dine and sleep in this luxurious hotel designed especially to fit their needs! Pet-carrier compartments store their handbags while they dance under the stars, doggy paddle along the coastline or take a nap by the pool. This vacation destination has everything your pet needs to get away from it all! Includes: Hotel playset, 2 sunbrellas, 2 beach towels. 10/4/2007 (Price: $36.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Crooked House - Deluxe Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

A kids' playhouse is a place where make-believe blooms into the kind of playtime that produces huge benefits. You don't need a lot of plastic bells and neon-colored whistles either, because a well-built outdoor playhouse that's made from high-quality, natural materials is best, and will last the longest. A sturdy, wooden playhouse is durable, and will stand up to both the elements AND your kids rough housing. 9/26/2007 (Price: $2549.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Quickbuild Playscale Townhouse by HOUSEWORKS LTD.

Designed for 11.5" fashion dolls, this completely finished kit includes 3/8" MDF exterior walls with clapboard finish. Only a screwdriver and white glue are required for assembly, and simple instructions are included. The exterior and interior are completely finished with paint, stain and wallpaper. There are two closets with rods. Measurements are 26" W x 52" H x 22"D (includes railing on top). Sales Manager Nancy Van Horn of Houseworks pointed out “the sturdy quality of the construction of the house. [It’s] something to cherish as an heirloom,” she said. 9/25/2007 (Price: $479.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Circus Tent by BAZOONGI KIDS

Our Circus Tent is fun with vibrant colors for hours of indoor and outdoor play. 9/21/2007 (Price: $124.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sports Cabana by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

This is the perfect take along item to any outdoor sporting event. With a completely covered top and mesh sides and front, you will be protected from the sun and any flying insects. Water proof floor will keep you dry on wet grass and will also prevent any spills from getting out. Easy clean up polyethylene floor and see through mesh make this an ideal Cabana take along. Collapsible poles make this easy to set-up and store as well as carry along to the field. Fabric is UV Protected SPF 30 rated. This cabana is large enough for 2-3 kids to rest inside. Free carry bag. 8/9/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tent Combo Set by SCHYLLING

This combo set includes two colorful pop-up tents that pop up and down in seconds, plus a sturdy polyester tunnel that connects them. It includes hold-down pegs and a “Go Anywhere Bag.”
— Joe Berardoni Jr, owner of Pun's Toys in Bryn Mawr, Pa., told TDmonthly in a June 2013 survey that they don't sell traditional playhouses, but they do sell these nylon play tents from Schylling. 7/6/2007 (Price: $59.90)

Invent A Tent by INVENT A TENT

The colorful Invent a Tent system is designed to help build children’s minds through creative play, allowing them to construct a unique play structure every time they pull it out. The kit includes set pole lengths and fabric dimensions and condenses easily into one storage bag. “Compared to similar products on the market, Invent A Tent builds a much sturdier play structure that is large enough for multiple children to play in at once. It also comes with an ample amount of fabric to cover the whole structure,” Cameron Scott of Invent A Tent told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 2007. ( Watch Video) 7/6/2007 (Price: $79.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]