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

Groovy Girls Fleurabella by MANHATTAN TOY

This plush doll is ready for a garden party in her perfectly coordinated hair and outfit. Her jewel-toned hair is styled into a bun and echoes the bright hues of her flower-adorned dress.
— In a Summer 2011 survey, 2 out of 14 retailers told TDmonthly that Groovy Girls were their best-selling doll. Linda Laramy, owner of Crackerjacks Toys and Childrens Books in Easton, Md., told TDmonthly that she sells about 5 Groovy Girls each month.
— Five percent of 40 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in early summer 2010 that Groovy Girls dolls are a top seller for girls ages 4 to 12.
― In a May 2012 survey about dolls, 2 out of 11 retailers said that the Groovy Girls line was their best seller. 7/29/2010 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Calico Critters Baby Playground Tea Cup Ride by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This set allows girls to take their critter babies for a fun tea cup ride again and again. The base rotates and each individual cup spins when the handle is turned. The tea pot also spins and lifts its lid. Puppy babies Chubby and Spottie are included.
— In late Spring 2011, 4 out of 12 retailers said toys from Calico Critters were their best-selling play sets. Barb Stein, owner of Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, Pa., said she sells between 30-40 Calico Critter products each month.
— “Calico Critters is one of our best sellers as a brand,” Kristen Dolle, owner of Playthings Toy Shoppe in Louisville, Ky., told TDmonthly in early summer 2010.
— In a June 2010 survey, five percent of 40 retailers named Calico Critters as a best-selling toy for girls. 7/29/2010 (Price: $23.99)

Calico Critters Country Tree House by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This environment includes two Mango Monkeys, a hot tub, pagoda, patio, water slide and lake for pretend play. The Tree House also features four spacious rooms to fill with furniture and accessories. Critters can feel free to take a dip and relax in the hot tub, enjoy meals outside on the patio or take a fun canoe ride on the lake. Critters can also open the trap door to go down the water slide, or travel across the bridge to the pagoda and view beautiful scenery. 7/26/2010 (Price: $199.99)

All In One Play Kitchen by GUIDECRAFT INC.

The All in One Play Kitchen is a canvas for little cooks to practice pretend-play skills. It is full of details that are designed to enhance play value and lead to hours of fun, including a refrigerator, a sink, a microwave, an oven, a dishwasher, a clock with moveable hands and a wall phone. "This product is manufactured to withstand years of enjoyment," Guidecraft designer Dave Ruddock told TDmonthly.
— In a May 2012 survey, Sherry Grisham, owner of Today's Dolls and Toys in Corinth, Miss., told TDmonthly that this is her best selling furniture item. 7/26/2010 (Price: $200.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Polka Dot Tea Set by MODERN LOLA

This charming pastel tea set is crafted in shatter-resistant poly-porcelain, and hand-painted with colorful polka dots. The set includes four tea cups, four saucers, cream, sugar, four teaspoons and a pink basket lined with pink and white gingham fabric. 7/8/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sugar Bear Family by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This bear family includes a father, mother, brother and sister. Each comes with a name and is dressed in a unique outfit. 7/8/2010 (Price: $21.99)

Calico Critters Milky Mouse Family by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This mouse family includes a father, mother, brother and sister. Each comes with a name and is dressed in a unique outfit. 7/8/2010 (Price: $21.99)

Girl Superhero Cape by LITTLE ADVENTURES LLC

Girls gain superhero strength in this fully-lined pink cape made of washable crushed velvet. It's easy for children to put on and take off with quality velcro closures. Add accessories, like the matching fuchsia and white Hero Mask (sold separately), for a quick and easy dress up look.

Sizing
• One size fits most ages 3-8, 24" from neckline to hem 7/7/2010 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bowling Bunnies by SCHYLLING

Inspired by turn-of-the-century parlor games, this classic game brings charming bunnies to life. The bunnies fall and tumble about when bowled over with the soft green cabbage ball. The set features one soft king pin and five soft 9" bunny pins, plus two soft, safe "cabbage" bowling balls. 7/6/2010 (Price: $40.00)

Sprig Toys Dino Adventure Rig by SCHYLLING

Made from recycled Sprigwood, this eco-friendly playset features an adventure truck, a mother and baby dinosaur, an adventure guide, and hat and backpack accessories. 7/6/2010 (Price: $25.00)

Captain Hook by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

This gorgeous 5-piece set is the best Captain Hook value on the market. MSRP is $29.99 and you get all 5 items: Jacket, Hat, Pants, Hook, and an Eye Patch.  This set is made with high quality cotton and the jacket is trimmed with a golden bias. ( Watch Video) 7/5/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Butterfly Dress with Wings & Wand Set by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

This dress, wings, and wand set retails at $29.99. The dress is made with satin top, which is fully ruched for comfort and size flexibility. The skirt is made with tafeta lining and many layers of tulle and tricot petals, adorned with little butterflies. The 3-tone wings are covered with glitter and the elastic wings straps are covered with satin for comfort. 7/5/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spy Gear Lie Detector Kit by WILD PLANET

The Spy Gear Lie Detector Kit allows kids to find out who is telling the truth and who is not by giving them a lie detector test. The indicator lights light up when the "suspect" is not telling the truth. 7/5/2010 (Price: $25.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Playskool Dream Town Rose Petal Cottage Slice and Share Pizza Set by HASBRO INC.

This pretend cooking set comes with all the fixings for a very special and imaginative pizza party. Included are a pizza slicer, pizza server, pizza pan, toppings box, four-piece fabric pizza, two slices of brushed tricot pepperoni, two slices of brushed tricot mushrooms and two slices of brushed tricot green pepper. 7/2/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Playskool Busy Lil Garden Bench by HASBRO INC.

This garden-themed activity toy encourages discovery with flashing lights, playful music and hands-on activities. The activity-filled toy features detachable accessories, including four different-shaped blocks, a "watering" can and a "flower" in a pot. The accessories store conveniently inside the bench. 7/2/2010 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Train Time Sticker Tote by PEACEABLE KINGDOM

Train Time includes two fold-out scenes and more than 50 reusable stickers. Packaged in a self-contained carry tote, it is available in 40 Sticker Tote designs. "The reusable stickers offer hours of play over and over again. Parents often comment that it's easy to take their kids on planes and to restaurants because they know their child will be entertained," Peaceable Kingdom Marketing and Operations Manager Donna Modrell told TDmonthly.
— In a January 2012 survey about arts and crafts toys, Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly that other than Sticky Mosaics from the Orb Factory, her best seller in the category was stickers from Peaceable Kingdom. They sell between 15 and 20 each month. 6/25/2010 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Primary Wooden Kitchen by KIDKRAFT

Constructed of sturdy wood with bright primary colors, this kitchen island comes with four major appliances and accessories. Multiple children can play together, sharing pretend household tasks at the stove, microwave, sink and oven. Turning nobs, opening doors, shakers and utensils add to the fun. 
― “We do well with KidKraft kitchens and playhouses. We sell them year-round and offer free assembly,” said Shawntá Ray, owner of Happy Up Inc in Edwardsville, Ill., when asked about her best-selling furniture and playhouse items during a May 2010 survey.
― Four of 48 retailers told TDmonthly in spring 2010 that KidKraft is a best-selling playhouse and furniture brand in their stores. 6/22/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Deluxe Kitchen Play Center by MELISSA & DOUG

This large wood kitchen from Melissa & Doug is printed with bright graphics and loaded with pretend amenities so kids can take their role-play to the next level. Cabinets for storage above and below the sink, a refrigerator, oven, sink, stove and microwave are designed to accommodate hours of creative storytelling. 
― Five of 43 retailers told TDmonthly Melissa & Doug is a best-selling line during a May 2010 survey on best-selling furniture and play house items.
— In a May 2012 survey, John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that this is their best selling furniture/play house item. 6/22/2010 (Price: $249.99)

Jeep by COBI S.A.

Children can build a realistic miniature army Jeep with this 100-block set. ( Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fairy Flower House by EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

This 11" by 7" by 8" portable playhouse includes three fairy friends, a bee fairy, a table and chairs, and a slide. The  removable roof allows for easy access to the inside. ( Watch Video) 6/16/2010 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ballerina Hand Puppet by MELISSA & DOUG

A flexible and animated hand puppet from Melissa & Doug, this little ballerina's name is Tina Prima.  Her recital-ready outfit is made of realistic satin and tulle. One hand can operate the puppet's mouth, while a detachable rod controls an arm or leg to allow her to pose, dance, and move as a child's imagination sees fit. The puppet can be used easily by right- or left-handed kids.
— “Melissa & Doug puppets always do well,” said Susan Castor, owner of Air Fun in Pentwater, Mich., in late spring 2010. “The Ballerina and Cowgirl are most popular.”
— Two of 43 retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that their top-selling puppets are supplied by Melissa & Doug. 6/10/2010 (Price: $19.99)

Fraggle Rock Boober Hand Puppet by MANHATTAN TOY

A character from the children's cartoon, Fraggle Rock, this hand puppet from Manhattan Toy has bright colors and true-to-character features. Boober's bright orange hair is clamped down tight under a plush brown hat, while a matching scarf wraps around his neck. In the television show, he is the community's blues-singing cook and launderer.
— “Our Manhattan Fraggle Rock puppets are just going great. We tested with a few and our customers have asked for more,” said Priscilla Moore, owner of Mr. Fub's Party in Yellow Springs, Ohio, when asked about her best plush sellers in late spring 2010.
— During a May 2010 survey on top-selling plush and puppets, three of 43 retailers told TDmonthly their top items come from Manhattan Toy. 6/10/2010 (Price: $22.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Miner's Helmet with Light by OPTIONS INC.

These toy miner’s helmets come in a range of bright, fun colors, complete with an adjustable head lamp. They can be customized with a store’s logo.
— These miner’s helmets were listed as top-10 best sellers at Key West Toy Factory in Key West, Fla., in May 2010 by Katie Harris, manager. “They’re the perfect playtime accessory!” she told TDmonthly. 5/27/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Mighty World River Explorer by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

One of many adventure kits from Mighty World, the River Explorer set comes with two character figurines and a load of other accessories to stimulate kids' imaginations. The bright yellow, heavy-duty truck and trailer both have free-rolling wheels and are accompanied by a raft, boating and camping gear, and an alligator.
― “Our rack is empty right now, so they've been doing good,” Wallace Harvey, manager of Three Cheeky Monkeys in Los Angeles, Calif., told TDmonthly of Mighty World, which he listed as his best-selling playset during an April 2010 survey. 5/26/2010 (Price: $59.99)

Sweetheart Cafe by ALEX BRANDS

With this 40-piece restaurant playset, little ones can design their pretend menus with many different pretend food items, and step into fully into their roles with a guest check pad, a waitress's apron and a hat. The table is set with menus, cloth napkins, cups, plates and flatware. The set, which packs into a carrying case, even comes packaged with two play credit cards.
― “The Sweetheart Cafe from Alex does very well,” said Lori Hershman, owner of Evan's Toy Shoppe in Camden, Conn., in spring 2010.
― Five out of 43 retailers who took part in an April 2010 survey of best-selling activity kits and playsets named Alex as their top supplier for this category. 5/26/2010 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]