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

Green Build-A-Fort by BE AMAZING!

With this ample spread of green camouflage material and assortment of clips and hooks, children can erect an enclosure of whatever shape they like with the assistance of handy surfaces or objects — a couple of chairs and the wall, a card table and the corner of the bedframe, or wherever else their imaginations can take them. The set includes neon light wands to illuminate the inside of the space, a technique used by real-life law enforcement and security in low light.
— “Build-A-Fort by Be Amazing,” said Jeanette Lauture, owner of Aunt Jean's Toys and Treats in Montclair, N.J., who named this product as one of her top sellers in a May 2009 survey of furniture and play houses.
— Three of 43 retailers said tents are their best-selling play house item. 6/25/2009 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Produce Pals by SASSY

Parents can attach this little apple, banana, onion or eggplant to the handle or side of the shopping cart to entertain baby. The fruit and veggie characters have smiling, symmetrical faces with high-contrast eyes. Black and white striped leggings and tethers provide visual stimulation and focus for even the youngest babies. Each little character wears tennis shoes and has interesting textures to touch and teethe on. Smooth teethable rings circle one leg on each character for added tactile exploration. Each character makes a soft rattling sound and most have leaves, or petals, that crinkle to the touch. The toys come two to a pack and hook on to shopping carts, strollers, infant carrier handles, high chairs, and other surfaces with simple plastic clamps. Launch date: July 2009. 6/11/2009 (Price: $6.99) [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][?]

The Elf on the Shelf: The Claus Couture™ Scout Elf Skirt by CCA and B LLC

The original Scout Elf Skirt is a dazzling ice-white, pleated skirt, sure to please the most fashion conscious female scout elf. Beautifully embellished with holly berry red snowflakes, this skirt will make your girl elf outshine the stars this Christmas season. Simply place the skirt where your elf can see it and she’ll fly into it during the night. One size fits all.
— The Claus Couture Scout Elf Skirt is deceptively simple. At first glance it may appear to be some simple scraps of cloth. Diana Nelson, owner of Kazoo & Company in Denver, was skeptical when she first saw it, but overwhelming sales erased her doubts and made her regret her reduced order of the item. Parents who have experienced the magical tradition of The Elf on the Shelf know that the watchful gaze of the elf can transform misbehaving children into angels. Similarly, the Claus Couture Scout Elf Skirt transforms a generic elf into a fashionable female elf. More important, it can transform a sale, adding another item to a purchase or even encouraging customers to buy a second so their boys and girls can each have an Elf on the Shelf. 6/3/2009 (Price: $6.95)

Gears! Gears! Gears! School Set by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Kids can name the five figurines and take charge of the day, from writing on the "blackboard" to extra-long recess. This set is compatible with other Gears! Gears! Gears! sets. Kids can follow the color-coded building instructions or use their imaginations. The 60-piece set includes 20 colorful gears, five figurines, playground equipment, a write-and-wipe schoolhouse, a flag, a sticker sheet and a base. All pieces except the cardboard school house are plastic. "Gears! Gears! Gears! School Set is a hands-on educational product that builds fine motor skills while creating positive feelings about school," Nancy Davies, group account director at the Salmon Borre Group, PR agency for Learning Resources, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 5/28/2009 (Price: $34.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Suburban House by PLAYMOBIL INC.

This two-story house comes with attic windows that tilt, an extendable marquee, a garden and a grill, plus four figures. The house has a functioning door bell and two AAA batteries are required. Dimensions are 26" L x 16.9" W x 18.8" H inches (L x W x H). Recommended for ages 4 and up. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. "Playmobil develops toys that help foster the child’s imagination," Michelle Winfrey, marketing and PR manager for Playmobil, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 2009. 5/19/2009 (Price: $154.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Princess by FAMILY PASTIMES

Designed to provide a thoughtful and imaginative play experience, this game features a princess who needs to be rescued from a mean guard and fierce dog. Players go through fields, woods, mountains and villages in search of things magical and practical that are needed to free the Princess. Participants share and help each other remember where special things are hidden, and together think their way past the obstacles. The games includes a 12" x 12" board, die, movers, night cards, good grief cards and special things. 5/19/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gourmet Kitchen (green) by HAPE

Little kids can practice whipping up nutritional meals with this wooden cook station. Launch date: Early 2009. 5/12/2009 (Price: $129.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Giggle Microwave by FISHER-PRICE INC.

Suitable for ages 18 months and up, this product features Elmo, Grover, Oscar and Cookie Monster cooking up some fun. Sound effects, a spinning turntable and lights add to the experience. When kids put the five included play food items into the microwave, they change and come out “cooked.” It comes with 3 AA batteries. Launch date: June 2009. 5/11/2009 (Price: $34.99)

Groovy Girls - Lakinzie by MANHATTAN TOY

Glamorous all around, Lakinzie is ready to take on anything. Stylin' in pink, purple and green, her outfit features: purple shoes, pink polka dot orange tights, a cute shiny patterned dress accented with lime green fur and beautiful bright highlighted blonde hair.
— Manhattan Toy’s products were listed as best sellers in spring 2009 by Steve Melody, owner of Melody’s Choices in Fayetteville, Ark. “Groovy Girls make up a good portion of the sales here, but the line offers much more,” he said. ( Watch Video) 5/6/2009 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Critter Costumes - Cow by EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS INC.

Complete with a cow head and matching cow shirt, this two-piece set may be used for storytelling, dramatic play, school plays, costume parties and dress-up centers. The washable fabric is made from flame-retardant material and features easy-to-use Velcro® fasteners to make dressing up simple. It is designed as a one-size-fits-all costume. 5/6/2009 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Teapot Set by YELLOW LABEL KIDS

This set of five includes crocheted Teapot, two cups and two saucers. Launch date: February 2009. ( Watch Video) 5/5/2009 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cookie Assortment by YELLOW LABEL KIDS

This assortment of knit "cookies" includes: Strawberry cream, Chocolate cream sandwich, Double chocolate chip, Chocolate chip, Chocolate candy and Black and white. It comes packaged in a fabric box with gingham napkin. ( Watch Video) 5/5/2009 (Price: $28.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Granny's House by FAMILY PASTIMES

This adventure game is designed to encourage thought and imagination in young children. On their journey to Granny's, players go through dark woods, cross a stream, need to be very careful passing a sleepy bear, etc. Players decide what to bring along — a dog, a basket of food, perhaps some sticks and a rope — and must use these items to invent ways to deal with whatever obstacle they meet. The game includes a 12" x 12" board, a team mover, a die, and good things tokens. "This is a cooperative game in which all the players use their imaginations to get by the obstacles on their path to Granny's house in the country," Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 28, 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Portable Playtime Adventure Fanny Pack by PORTABLE PLAYTIME™

This fanny pack features a front zipper pocket for small toys and an elastic waistband with sheaths on either side for essential pirate gear. It's a "unique kids' fanny pack with side elastic sheaths to hold kids' pirate swords, toy telescopes, treasures and more," Mike Biggers, president of Portable Playtime Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $10.00)

Jr. Bee by AEROMAX INC.

This costume includes a yellow- and black-striped dress with an attached skirt, detachable black wings and a headband with antennae. The back of the dress is knit fabric for comfort. It is available in sizes 2/3, 4/6 and 6/8. Launch date: July 15, 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jr. Astronaut Space Gloves by AEROMAX INC.

These gloves include official NASA patches, a textured palm for easy grip and an elastic inner cuff. They are available in small, medium and large sizes. "High-quality fabrics, construction, and attention to detail will set this product apart," Sean Schipper, COO of Aeromax, told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $15.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Funny Faces by FAMILY PASTIMES

In this active pantomime game, players move around the board, helping each other bring all the things needed for a party. Command cards get turned, describing an action to be done. Co-operative play allows everyone to get into the actions without worrying about losing and being eliminated, and because players keep up their mime until the next turn, many funny interpretations happen at once. It includes a 12" x 12" board, die, party favor movers and command cards. "The children get to play together and do a mime show together without being against each other," Jim Deacove, president of Family Pastimes, told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 22, 2009. 4/28/2009 (Price: $15.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fold & Go Stable by MELISSA & DOUG

This portable, folding wooden stable comes with four horses, four hay bales, a corral and a ladder. Launch date: 2009. ( Watch Video) 4/27/2009 (Price: $49.99)

Pink Wing, Wand & Antennae Set by TUTU COUTURE INC.

Full of whimsy this set of butterfly wings, wand and fur antennae make a perfect addition to your daughter's dress up trunk! Now at a wonderful price! Includes one set of pink wings, one wand and one set of marabou fur antennae. Fits sizes one to ten years. 4/23/2009 (Price: $18) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Purple Wing and Wand set by TUTU COUTURE INC.

A mix of purple and lavender make this adorable set of wings, wand and crown a perfect addition to any dress up collection. Oversized for the most dramatic entrance! Will fit children 1 year to 10 years. Now at a fabulous price! 4/23/2009 (Price: $18) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Coral Poofy Princess Tutu with Daisies by TUTU COUTURE INC.

Coral poofy princess tutu with daisies. Perfect for weddings, dance, special photography, birthdays, dress up and everyday wear. As seen in Gala Weddings magazine. 4/23/2009 (Price: $70.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pixie Princess by TUTU COUTURE INC.

This fairy costume is full of fun and whimsy. Includes pixie cut multi-colored tutu in shades of lavender, pale pink, and mint green. This exquisite tutu is handcrafted from over seventy yards of premium tulle and features rhinestones. In addition to tutu, costume also features fanciful crown, wand, and wings. Perfect for birthdays, dress up, Halloween, Christmas, portraits and special gifts. A great designer piece that will serve as an everlasting heirloom! Leotard not included. 4/23/2009 (Price: $90) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rose Fairy Dress by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

Rose Fairy Dress is a beautifully designed gown suitable for all little princesses and fairies.  The skirt has many layers and it’s made of bridal satin, tulle, tricot, and shimmery organza with the top layer gathered in a princess style and garnished with four handcrafted red roses.  The stretchy bodice is embellished with five beautiful roses.  Launch date: 2009. 4/15/2009 (Price: $44.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Woodland Fairy Dress by CREATIVE EDUCATION OF CANADA

Woodland Fairy Dress is a beautifully designed gown with layers of satin lining, tulle, and topping the skirt are shimmery rainbow organza petals.  The corset-style stretchy bodice is embellished with golden metallic ribbons and two rainbow organza bows on each shoulder.  The shimmery sleeves are designed from rainbow organza and shaped like petals. Launch date: 2009. 4/15/2009 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]