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

Crooked Restaurant Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

Setting up a lemonade stand will never be the same again. This playhouse features outdoor seating, customized signs and an extra-large window for serving customers. For children who want to learn all about business, it provides hours of fun and stylish business opportunity. For both pretend play and real kids’ businesses, this playhouse lets children design the company of their dreams. Quality wood construction and hand-crafted detail mean the playhouse will stand up to the seasons and to years of fun. 7/3/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crooked Train Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

For the train enthusiast or would-be station engineer, this playhouse provides hours of fun. Quality wood construction and careful hand-crafting in Maine ensure safety and quality. Customized details allow for the creation of a unique playhouse. This house includes a stovepipe, customizable signs, wheels and even a tiny house that acts as a train car behind the main playhouse. 7/3/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Crooked House - Wagon Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

The Crooked Wagon Playhouse features a stovepipe, window boxes and authentic, handmade wagon wheels. An optional dormer and porch allow for a custom design. Available in an array of colors, this playhouse is perfect for anyone who loves to plant or garden, or for anyone who likes pretending to be in the Old West. Like all Kids Crooked House playhouses, this one is handmade in Maine with windows, exterior wood siding, a cedar shingle roof, a peep hole, and a kid-sized door with a handle. 7/3/2007 (Price: $4989.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Crooked House - Junkyard/Gas Station Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

This playhouse comes with accessories such as a stove pipe, custom signs, a porch and a dormer. Each accessory can be personalized for a one-of-a-kind playhouse. A secret door and a back hideout make imagination even more fun. The base of this playhouse is 4’ x 6’ for plenty of play space. The frame is carefully assembled with nails, screws and bolts for easy set-up. Ready-to-assemble, this house can be constructed and ready for play in minutes. 7/3/2007 (Price: $5149.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crooked Castle Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

The Kids Crooked House Basic playhouse is carefully handcrafted in Maine out of 2 x 4 wood pieces, cedar shingles and other high-quality materials. Accessories such as a roof dormer or front porch can easily be added for even more fun, and the house can be painted with a number of fun colors, including Tigger Orange, Red Barn, Deep Woods Green, Garden Green, Camp Brown and Rustic Blue/Gray. White or black trim is available. 7/3/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Crooked House - Standard Playhouse by KIDS CROOKED HOUSE

The Kids Crooked House Basic playhouse is carefully handcrafted in Maine out of 2 x 4 wood pieces, cedar shingles and other high-quality materials. Accessories such as a roof dormer or front porch can easily be added for even more fun, and the house can be painted with a number of fun colors, including Tigger Orange, Red Barn, Deep Woods Green, Garden Green, Camp Brown and Rustic Blue/Gray. White or black trim is available. 7/3/2007 (Price: $1949.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cozy Clubhouse by SMALL WORLD TOYS

The Cozy Clubhouse makes for a perfect play house setting. It's a cabin-shaped tent with two mesh windows, hook-and-loop enclosures, and an awning that rolls up and ties. It comes with a waterproof ground sheet, lightweight and brightly colored polyester, and plastic poles for safe and active play. The Clubhouse includes a bag with hook-and-loop closure for easy storage, and it connects to Tube Travel, Hide In Hideout and See Mee TeePee.
— "Small World's crawl tent" was among the best-selling items in play houses according to Amy Barrett, owner of Lasso the Moon Wonderful Toys in Helena, Mont.
— Three of 62 retailers cited Small World play houses as best-sellers in their stores. These specialty retailers told TDmonthly in spring 2007 that they sell about one Small World tent per month.
— "Lightweight, brightly colored, and ideal for indoor or outdoor fun, this clubhouse strengthens all of the skills associated with active play, including movement and agility, while also encouraging imaginative play. It makes for the perfect playhouse for all children," said Debra Fine, CEO of Small World Toys. 6/15/2007 (Price: $31.50) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Super Fort by CRANIUM INC.

Kids can supercharge their imagination with Cranium's Super Fort building system. Hundreds of structures can be built with the Super Fort, including submarines, fantasy castles and more. The fort can be built safely and easily using quick-snap magnetic connectors and foam tubes, and it comes with floor and fabric panels, clips and large and small storage bags.
— "Probably the best [play house] we've got going now is the Super Fort from Cranium," said Dan Willis, owner of Communique Toys in Seattle. "We probably sell a couple a month.”
— Two of 62 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in spring 2007 specifically cited Cranium forts when asked about customer favorites in play houses and furniture. 
— “As opposed to fantasy-based play delivered by traditional small-scale construction toys, Super Fort delivers a stronger role-play experience where kids can actually climb into the ‘rocket’ they just built, for example,” said Cranium Head of the Hive Heather Snavely. 6/15/2007 (Price: $39.99)

Ryan's Room: Home Is Where the Heart Is by SMALL WORLD TOYS

This sturdy, three-story dollhouse is the perfect setting for expansive living. There’s plenty of room for all kinds of accessories and endless imaginative play. Features include an open design for easy access, stairs from the second to third floor, and a built-in handle in the roof for easy carrying. "With its sturdy, heirloom-quality wood construction and open design, this beautiful dollhouse is not only a home where little imaginations can play and grow, but also a wonderful setting to encourage cooperative play with caregivers and other children," said Debra Fine, CEO of Small World Toys.
— "They're really good quality," said Tristan Hewitt, manager of Dragon's Toy Box in Seattle, when asked about Ryan's Room dollhouses.
— Seventeen of 62 retailers told TDmonthly  in spring 2007 that Small World is generally the best-selling brand in play houses. One or two dollhouses a year was a common sales figure given among retailers — especially those concentrated in the Northwest — regarding the Ryan's Room brand.
— Ryan’s Room dollhouses and furniture are in the top-10 best sellers at LB Toys in Media, Pa. “The traditional dollhouses and furniture are made of natural wood,” Owner Jamie Burdette told TDmonthly in spring 2008. “That’s obviously a plus with the lead-paint situation.” 6/15/2007 (Price: $110.25) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Wooden Fold & Go Dollhouse by MELISSA & DOUG

The Fold & Go is a roomy portable dollhouse that features working doors, two flexible wooden play figures, 11 wooden furniture pieces and easy-access design, as well as a convenient carrying handle. It's an adorable "mobile home" that's solid, lightweight and built to last. The Fold & Go measures 11.5" x 16" x 10" and weighs 6 lbs.
— "We have a Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Dollhouse that does real well for us," said Joel Hardy, owner of Magpie Toys in Red Lodge, Mont., when asked about play house favorites in his store.
— Seventeen of 62 retailers TDmonthly spoke with in spring 2007 cited Melissa & Doug when asked about play house and furniture favorites with their customers.
— Lynn Robillard told TDmonthly in summer 2007 that Melissa & Doug wooden items are top sellers at her store, Toys in the Attic in Manchester, Vt., for many reasons: They are non-toxic and the company is diverse, including “arts and crafts, magnetic dolls and a huge array of everything imaginable.”  6/15/2007 (Price: $29.99)

Cottage - Lil' Ladybug by BAZOONGI KIDS

New for 2007, it's home-sweet-home with the Lil'Ladybug Cottage. Kids can open and shut doors and windows for perfect peekaboo fun, or crawl in and out to their heart's desire. Other Bazoongi Kids' Cottages include the Garden House, Froggy Fun Roof, and Beatiful Butterfly Roof. Bazoongi also makes "Mini" versions of these cottages that are designed for doll and miniature role-play.
— "We just sold a few of the Bazoongi houses," was a testament to the popularity of the item provided by Mary Sisson, owner of Kazoodles in Vancouver, WA. 6/14/2007 (Price: $64.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cottage Bed Tent by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

How much fun will it be to go to sleep in your very own cottage bed tent? With flower boxes and a picket tent, roof windows and side windows, it will be just like sleeping in the country with all of the singing birds. Full curtain front doors and soft colors make this a very imaginative play environment. Our new removable and washable poly-cotton bed sheet enables you to simply detach from the Velcro tabs and through in the wash. You can even play in the tent by placing it on the floor without the sheet attached. When bed time comes, put the sheet back on the bed, lift the tent atop the bed and re-attach it to the sheet with the Velcro tabs. Exterior of the bed tents may be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. Our exclusive patented “G-3” poles are safe and easy to use, making set up effortless. Designed to help you enter dream land in real country style! 5/24/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Doorway Playhouse by THE STEP2 COMPANY

Turn any room into a playhouse with this unique playset. This indoor "playhouse" can be used in a doorway or freestanding to create a playhouse as big as your child's imagination. “We just make sure that things are very bright and colorful,” Jacklyn Warrick, marketing coordinator for Lumisource, said of the company’s furniture. 5/22/2007 (Price: $59.99)

Pirate Ship by BAZOONGI KIDS

This fun, brightly colored play structure is easy to assemble for hours of indoor/outdoor play. Launch date: April 13, 2007. 4/18/2007 (Price: $64.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mushroom House by BAZOONGI KIDS

This fun play structure is quick and easy to assemble, and has bright colors to fuel a kids' imagination for hours of indoor/outdoor play. Launch date: Mid March 2007. 3/7/2007 (Price: $124.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fashion Dollhouse Set by KIDKRAFT

Perfectly sized for most fashion dolls, this large dollhouse is filled with wooden furniture, and is brightly finished in trendy colors of hot pink, lime and lavender. The fashion dollhouse set includes a secret attic under the flip-top roof, three floors (excluding attic) including living room, kitchen, den, bedroom and bathroom, and 18 pieces of wooden furniture, some with fabric detail. The house weighs 39 lbs. and measures 32 ½” x 13 ½” x 51” H.
― Kelly Rummelhart of Ruby Q’s in Gridley, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2007 that she’s had “great experiences” with KidKraft. 1/9/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Space Module by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Kids can let their imaginations “take off” in this play space module, which is decorated with exciting graphics. It comes with 2 roll-up “hatch flaps” for secret access, and a roll-up entry door for easy passage, with zipper and Velcro on the front door. The tent is made of 70 Denier nylon 190T with PE-coated fiberglass shock-corded poles. It features a durable, washable floor. The tent measures 48” x 48” x 44” high. A carry bag is included. 10/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Club House Tent by PACIFIC PLAY TENTS INC

Kids can pretend that they’re up in the trees or in their secret hiding place using this new play tent. “Keep Out” is clearly posted to let the unwanted know they can’t come in. This lifelike Club House comes complete with “secret” windows and doors. Oversize space is big enough for the entire “club” and all their “secret stuff”.  It’s made of 70 Denier nylon 190T with PE coated fiberglass shock-corded poles. The tent comes with “mesh” ventilation panels at the top for airflow on hot days as well as for easy viewing. One tunnel port comes with roll-up flaps that secure with Velcro® tabs. Color coded poles makes for easy assembly. Carry bag included. Each tent comes in a color display box, packed 4 to a carton. It measures 58" x 48" x 58"high. Launch date: 2006 10/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tattletale Tudor by LILLIPUT PLAYHOUSES INC.

The premier designer of children's play homes is proud to introduce the Gold Kit Series, a fun and economical way to own a Lilliput Play Home. The Tattletale Tudor is a Cotswold-inspired playhouse that features brick- and stone-look walls, criss-cross trim and an eye-catching cedar roof. The always-popular Dutch door is the crowning accent to this picturesque 8' L x 6' D x 9' H play home. Features include an interior loft, operable aluminum windows, no-rot polyurethane trim, window boxes, cedar roofing and Dutch door. It’s easy to assemble with pre-cut, pre-painted panels. 9/22/2006 (Price: $3499.00)

Color It! Cardboard Playhouse – SpongeBob SquarePants by TOY PLAY

This unique playhouse allows kids to color in their favorite characters - and then build their own playhouse, decorated with their designs! Made of durable cardboard and styled in iconic shapes, it comes with five colorful markers for little artists. Color It! Playhouses are available for Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans, SpongeBob SquarePants, Blue’s Room, Care Bears, Koala Brothers, My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, Tonka, Groovy Girls and a generic race car. Color It! Furniture is also available. 2/22/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Blockables™ Farm Friends Play Set by Melissa & Doug, LLC

Melissa & Doug Blockables™ are connectable, stackable, and playable! The solid wood connect-and-play building blocks are perfect manipulatives to help preschoolers two and older boost developmental skills (fine motor, problem-solving, matching, storytelling, and self-esteem), while using their imaginations and having fun! Easy-to-grasp smooth, colorful wooden blocks fit together in a snap with large connectors that even little hands can push in and pull out. An illustrated guide shows how to arrange and link the Blockables™ to create multi-textured farm animals (a goat, duck, eggs) and a spinning windmill, or kids can use their imaginations to mix, match, and combine pieces to make unique figures and play their own way! The 16-piece Farm Friends Play Set is a great starter set or add-on to any Blockables™ collection, as it’s compatible with all other Blockables™ play sets. 8/22/2025 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

What’s for Lunch?™ Surprise Meal Play Food Set - Series 2 by Melissa & Doug, LLC

It’s a surprise what’s inside! What’s for Lunch?™ is a whole new way for kids two and older to experience unboxing play -- open up the mystery lunch bag to discover which play food meal will be served for lunch today! Wooden and felt play food pieces include the ingredients for a favorite kid lunch. Possible meals incl 8/22/2025 (Price: $65.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set with Water WOW! Color Reveal by Melissa & Doug, LLC

Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set with Water WOW! Color Reveal 8/22/2025 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spray & Shine Car Wash Play Set by Melissa & Doug, LLC

Little drivers will have good, clean fun with the Melissa & Doug Spray & Shine Car Wash! Spray the jumbo-sized red sports car with ice cold water from the car wash basin using the built-in pump sprayer, and watch the “dirt” magically disappear! Make it sparkle with the sponge, squeegee, and play soap bottle, wi 8/22/2025 (Price: $32.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play to Go Ice Cream Play Set by Melissa & Doug, LLC

Scoop up imaginative fun with the Play to Go Ice Cream Set: Felt cones, wooden cookies, and more for 'cool' pretend treats. A delightful playtime choice! 8/22/2025 (Price: $10.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]