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

Papo Pirate With Grapnel by HOTALING IMPORTS

This hand-painted and historically accurate figure stands approximately 3-1/2” tall. He comes equipped with knives, swords, a rope and an anchor.
— “I probably sell 30 a month…a lot of knights and pirates,” Alicia Smith, owner of Juneau's Imagination Station in Juneau, Alaska, said of her store's Papo line.
— Three specialty retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in May 2008 shared that their stores sell “hundreds” of Papo figures every month.
— In May 2008, 40 percent of 55 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly named Papo as one of their best-selling lines of action figures. 6/9/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

I Spy 15th Anniversary Memory Game Limited Edition Silver Tin by BRIARPATCH INC.

Beginners search for matching pairs while advanced players solve riddles. No reading is required, and there are eight different ways to play. The game includes 60 memory cards and 16 challenging riddle cards. 5/30/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Spy Gear Signal Launcher by WILD PLANET

The outdoor aerial alert system allows users to launch signals more than 40 feet straight up into the air. The lightweight, pump-and-release launcher includes three sculpted, whistling foam signals, each with a unique appearance and purpose.  Signals are color-coded to alert secret agents if they should proceed at full speed, continue with caution or abruptly abort their mission.  The green signal features a reflector, the yellow one stores written messages and the red one is trailed by streamers. “The Signal Launcher is the first Spy Gear product designed specifically for outdoor use,” Wild Planet Media Relations Manager Kim Bratcher told TDmonthly. “Signals soar above rooftops, more than three stories high, whistling through the air.” Launch date: Spring 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $21.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Gotz Doll: Aquini Girl with Bath Tub by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The drink-and-wet doll is excellent for both potty training and bath time. The 13” doll features an articulated vinyl body, painted hair, blue sleep eyes and a beautiful, cotton, flower-print sundress. “Kids will love Aquini's pink scalloped-edge bath tub as well as a butterfly sponge, diaper, pink bottle and hooded terry cloth towel,” International Playthings Inc. Representative Nicole Tiedemann told TDmonthly. “The doll also includes a bath tub, sponge, hooded towel, diaper and pacifier.” Launch date: January 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $36.99)

Bébé Chéri by COROLLE DOLLS

The huggable, life-like doll comes snuggly dressed in a white embroidered jumper, with soft blue eyes and kissable cheeks. The 20” doll can even wear real baby clothes. “Bebe Cheri is realistic, specially scaled and weight- proportioned to fit the child's age, and has a delicate vanilla scent.” Liza Marques, a representative for Corolle told TDmonthly. “She will last during a lifetime of play and create a family tradition.” Launch date: February 2008. 5/30/2008 (Price: $80.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kitchen Littles Deluxe Appliance Set with Accessories by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

The toaster pops out toast, the heavy duty die-cast blender blades spin at the push of a button and the can opener opens cans. The set includes two cans fruit, a can opener, a jar of jam, two pieces of toast, a die-cast metal toaster, a lunch plate, a knife, an ice cream carton, three scoops of ice cream, an ice cream scoop, a die-cast metal blender, a carton or milk, a bottle of soda and four glasses. Launch date: Summer 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $20.00)

PBR Champion Bull & Rider Carded by SCHYLLING

This item is part of Schylling’s Professional Bull Riding line. The playset comes with a 3-1/2” rider, a 6” bull and accessories. Assorted varieties are available. Launch date: December 2007. 5/19/2008 (Price: $13.99)

Madeline Tea Set in Carry Case by SCHYLLING

The 31-piece set contains full service for four.  The set includes cups, saucers, a teapot, a sugar bowl, creamer, utensils, a tablecloth and napkins, all packed inside a convenient cardboard carry case for travel.  Each piece was uniquely designed with Madeline in mind. Launch date: December 2001. ( Watch Video) 5/19/2008 (Price: $29.99)

Unicorn Costume by SARAHS SILKS

The complete, one-piece silk costume comes with hood wings and a tail. The costume features a Velcro closure at the neck, allowing kids to easily get in and out of the costume themselves. The costume’s soft silk material is comfortable and itch-free. A dragon costume is also available. Launch date: December 2007. 5/19/2008 (Price: $45.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Princess Dress and Hat by SARAHS SILKS

The soft and shiny silk princess dress comes with flowing, georgette silk sleeves and a matching hat. The combination is available in pink and rainbow, or turquoise and lavender. The MSRP is $20-$65. Launch date: February 2008. 5/19/2008 (Price: $20) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Princess 8-Pc.Going to the Ball Set by DISNEY

The set includes a fan, a jeweled clutch bag, a compact with mirror and note paper, sunglasses, a sunglass case, a lipstick pen, earrings and a play cell phone that produces light and sound effects. The set features five Disney princesses.
— Isaac Gurock, head of operations at Magic Beans in Brookline, Mass., told TDmonthly in April 2008 that Disney Princesses' is his best-selling licensed line. His store sells 12 of the products each month.
— “The Disney Princesses line — we sell at least one a day,” Scott Sloan, manager of Toys, Inc. in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., told TDmonthly in April 2008, when asked to name his best-selling licensed toy.
— In April 2008, four of 50 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly named the Disney Princesses' line as their best-selling licensed line. 5/8/2008 (Price: $19.50)

Bright Beginnings Activity Veterinarian Set by RUSS BERRIE

The playset comes with a dog that squeaks, a cat that chimes and a veterinarian that rattles. Five other themes are available. ( Watch Video) 5/8/2008

Giggles 4 Girls – Dress Up by SAMGAR DISTRIBUTION INC.

A variety of dress-up items are available, including matching fairy wings, tulle skirts, leotards and more. Launch date: March 2008. ( Watch Video) 4/24/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Naturally Playful™ Magic Fountain Cottage by THE STEP2 COMPANY

The cottage features a stone design with a shale roof, a battery-powered wall fountain that re-circulates water, a full-size door, working shutters, a secret crawl-thru door, a stone fireplace a kitchenette with sink, a swivel faucet, a burner, a clicking knob, a postal mail slot, an electronic doorbell with realistic chime and an electronic play phone. The cottage also features durable, double wall poly construction. Launch date: January 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $299.99)

Neighborhood Fun Center by THE STEP2 COMPANY

The durable activity center includes a hook and loop target board, two balls, a ring toss, a crawl-thru rotating door, a wavy slide, a working Dutch door, window and doggy door. Ring toss comes with four rings. Adult assembly is required. Launch date: January 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $279.99)

Elmo's World Ball Zone by PLAYHUT INC.

The 30” x 30” x 34” ball zone can accommodate up to three children and comes with 50 magic Balls. The ball zone features patented EZT Twist Technology for easy set up, a zip-up door, a top entrance and a mesh carrying bag for easy storage and transport. 3/27/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Dora the Explorer Mega Maze by PLAYHUT INC.

The 92” x 28” x 42” maze consists of one large play cube, one small play cube and two play tunnels. The maze also features a patented EZT Twist Technology for easy set up, a carrying case for easy storage and transport, a mesh window and structure expansion capability. Up to four children can fit comfortably inside the maze. 3/27/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cars Bed Slumber Lounger by PLAYHUT INC.

This Lightning McQueen slumber bag measures 70”L x 28”W and features a soft tricot liner, a slide zipper, an inflatable pillow and 16 ounces of polyester hollow fiberfill for a warmer, cozier nap. The slumber lounger converts easily from a lounge chair to a naptime hammock. 3/27/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Disney Princess 5' Tunnel by PLAYHUT INC.

The play tunnel measures 60” x 18” x 42”. It features coil springs for easy set-up, interior padding for comfort and safety and a convenient carrying case for easy transport. 3/27/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Big Yellow Bus by PLAYHUT INC.

The portable and lightweight play bus measures 52” x 26” x 34”. It is constructed of durable, non-woven materials and features a patented Twist 'n Fold technology that allows for easy set-up and storage. The bus also includes a tunnel port, an open sunroof and a mesh window. 3/27/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Cook 'n Clean Kitchen by LITTLE TIKES INC.

The play kitchen measures 46”L x 14”W x 42-1/2”H. It features interactive food technology that recognizes each food kids play with, a stovetop burner that responds with over 50 phrases in three languages (English, French and Spanish), a laundry center that folds up for storage and includes washer and dryer sounds and a light-up iron that makes hissing steam sounds, 21 fun accessories and a pretend microwave, coffee maker, refrigerator, double oven, stovetop and sink. 3/25/2008 (Price: $109.99)

MySims by ELECTRONIC ARTS

The simulation game introduces a cast of whimsical characters while delivering creativity, customization and classic open-ended game play. Players build towns, grow communities and discover new worlds. This product won a 2008 iParenting Media Award. Launch date: September 2007. 3/25/2008 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

My Little Pony Play Phone by HASBRO INC.

Kids can talk to the ponies Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Sweetie-Belle with this play cell phone. Direct dial any of the ponies using the keypad, and then press the heart-shaped button for a conference call with all three ponies. The ponies repeat phrases such as “I’ve been wanting to talk to you!” and “Do you want to hear a joke?” Close the cell phone and the ponies will call back. The phone comes with keys, play credit cards, instructions and batteries. 3/19/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate Gear by FAIRY FINERY

Travel the seas in high style with the woolfelt handcrafted hat, and tunic. Hand appliquéd detailing makes this stand apart from the rest. Available in red, white, and pink on black 3/3/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Adventure Cape, Crown, Sword and Shield by FAIRY FINERY

Be anything in this Adventure Cape! Liquid metal fabric captures the light. Jewel button with loop makes dress-up easy (and safe with an elastic neck piece). The crown with Velcro reverses to regal print. Sword and shield all made in the USA — safe and fun. 3/3/2008 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]