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

Learning Resources - Gears! Gears! Gears! Beginners Building Set by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Help kids work on their logic and creativity with this ingenious set. Made up of brightly-colored gears that fit together, it's a great exercise for both sides of the brain! 10/5/2007 (Price: $21.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning Resources - Teaching Cash Register by UNIVERSITY GAMES

The lights and sounds of the Teaching Cash Register engages and entertains kids as they learn math and money skills. Features four interactive games and multiple levels of play.
— In autumn 2010, Marc Holcomb of Toys & Co. in Greensboro, S.C., said he sells 8 per month. “It's in our top 5 every year as far as dollars sold,” he shared with TDmonthly.
— ''It's a great way for the kid's to learn math,'' added Jeanne McCullough, owner of Children's Store Inc. in Boise, Idaho. 10/5/2007 (Price: $29.48) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning Resources - Doctor Kit - Pretend Play Set by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Is there a doctor in the house? This doctor kit features enough medical tools for a whole team of young "doctors" to play at the same time, and everything fits into a handy plastic clamp-tight case. 10/5/2007 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Learning Resources - Pretend & Play® School Set by LEARNING RESOURCES INC.

Playing school is fun and prepares kids for learning. This set has everything a kid needs to let his or her imagination run wild in the ultimate pretend classroom: grade book, clock, bell, calendar, map, pointer and much more.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers said that the Pretend & Play School Set was their best selling educational toy. 10/5/2007 (Price: $28.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Square Root - Pillars of Plato by UNIVERSITY GAMES

A simple, beautiful game with wooden beads and posts: Pillars of Plato will take you 10 seconds to learn, and you'll be mastering it for the remainder of your days! 10/5/2007 (Price: $18.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Square Root - Dirty Dozen Brain Teaser Puzzle by UNIVERSITY GAMES

Dare to take on the dirty dozen - twelve fiendish sliding puzzles locked into one beautifully handcrafted game set. There's a mind teaser to captivate everyone, from a beginner to a genius! It makes such a neat addition to any coffee table! 10/5/2007 (Price: $19.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Tikes Play Smarter Cook N Learn Kitchen by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

This fun, bright kitchen comes with two interactive play modes. In Free Play mode, children play as they please and kitchen recognizes each food they use. In Learning mode, children are prompted to follow instructions on the recipe cards. Teaches colors, shapes, numbers, letters, following directions, sorting and measuring. 10/4/2007 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bratz Kidz Super Secret Ice Cream Making Snow Lodge with Vinessa by MGA ENTERTAINMENT

Winter vacation for the Bratz Kidz™ is all about winter fun! This beautiful, two-story ice hotel is perfect for winter adventures with bedroom, lounge, fireplace and real working slide! But the adventures continue with secret ice cream making equipment, hidden sprinkles, and fireplace that really dispenses syrup topping! 10/4/2007 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

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][?]

Le Toy Van Lion Heart Castle by HOTALING IMPORTS

This large wooden castle features seven towers, a detailed baseboard with a moat, a wind-up drawbridge and portcullis, a knock-out wall, two flags, a ladder and a winch. 9/28/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Puchi Petite Collections – Cupcake Creations by RE-MENT INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Each hand-carved, miniature model is crafted to fine detail, such as the cupcake that is missing a bite. (In a different set, the steak has grill marks that match the grill.) Other sets include Cookie Cutouts and Happy Birthday, all of whose contents can be mixed and matched. Launch date: August 2006. 9/27/2007 (Price: $3.99)

ZipBin® Softie™ Train Depot Playset™ Play, Zip, Go! by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

This soft-sided bin is not only decorated according to the theme, but is also shaped to resemble a train depot. It looks like an engine house when it’s carrying toys, but opens up into a train lover’s delight of a playscape. It also includes eight sections of wooden track and three train cars, all of which match other popular wooden trains. “Neat-Oh! products alone offer the patent-pending ability to convert back and forth from toy to storage,” said Gerry Linda, director of marketing for Neat-Oh! International. Launch date: August 2007. This product was previously catalogued under the name ZipBin® Softie™ Train Depot Playset™ Play, Zip, Go! (changed January 2009).
— The shape, artwork and usefulness of this ZipBin® set made it a recipient of a TDmonthly Innovations 2007 award. Not only does it zip-up into a storage space and zip-out into a play mat, but it also includes toys for play so that kids and parents have everything they need right at the time of purchase. ( Watch Video) 9/21/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Pirate's Treasure Chest by MELISSA & DOUG

This treasure chest features ornate brass handles, a locking skull latch, a pirate bandana, an eye patch, gold dubloon coins and a secret compartment for stashing away the most valuable loot. It has pretend-play value and allows little pirates to learn about adventure on the high seas. The chest measures 6.5" x 9.5" x 7.5".
— Melissa and Doug's Pirate’s Treasure Chest was cited by Linda Hays, owner of Hopscotch Inc. in McMinnville, Ore., when discussing popular items for young boys.
— Five of 54 retailers told TDmonthly Melissa & Doug items would be popular during the 2007 Christmas season.
— "Kids can store all kinds of treasures in this sturdy wooden pirate chest," said Valerie Cavallaro of Melissa & Doug. 9/20/2007 (Price: $29.95)

Disney - Jack Sparrow's Pirate Gear by ZIZZLE

Any child can become a pirate with this 10-piece Jack Sparrow outfit set. The set includes an adjustable headband with beads and dreadlocks, an extending telescope, a dagger, a tri-corner pirate hat, an ancient navigational chart, three adjustable rings and two temporary tattoos. 9/18/2007 (Price: $29.95)

Mythical Realms Sea Dragon by SAFARI LTD.®

From the Mythical Realms line, this hand-painted piece is made from translucent phthalate-free PVC. Other creatures in the Mythical Realms collection include Poseidon, Griffin, Mermaid, Pegasus and Minotaur. Launch date: January 2008. ( Watch Video) 9/14/2007 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sonya Lee & Her Pet Salon by FISHER-PRICE INC.

The Her Pet Salon allows little girls to start by giving the pets a wash in the bathtub, then use the blow dryer for realistic sounds. The pets can then get a good brushing. When finished, it's off to the other side for snacks and naps. The set includes salon with hair dryer, bathtub, salon chair, basket, brush, dog & cat with brushable fur, and Sonya Lee figure. Everything folds up and stores inside and includes a convenient carrying handle.
— The little pet shop was among the hot-selling items for customers of Johnny’s Toys in Covington, KY. 9/6/2007 (Price: $15.00)

Sliced Lunch Meats by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

The Sliced Lunch Meats from Haba are a great addition to a child's kitchen collection. Part of Haba's line of pretend play grocery items, which includes Sliced Cheeses and Tagliatelle Noodles, the Sliced Lunch Meats give kids the chance to do what the grown-ups do every day. Mommy and Daddy buy sliced meats with groceries, so now kids, too, can buy sliced meats with their groceries. The grocery items help stimulate creative expressions and independent play, and measure 2.5" x 1.75". Launch date: 2007.
— "I would say any of the Haba grocery items," said Candace Gooch, owner of At Once All Agog in Limerick, Maine, when asked by TDmonthly to suggest what little kids might like for Christmas 2007. 9/6/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

"American Idol" Talent Challenge by KIDdesigns

Do you have what it takes to be the next American Idol? This interactive singing competition allows you to sing along with the original Idols from the show, OR shine on your own by choosing a variety of cool backgrounds, even stages from the show! You also get to control the judges’ comments! 9/4/2007 (Price: $49.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Barbie "Shopping Time" Cash Register by KIDdesigns

You can shop, scan and save just like Mom! Pay with cash or credit and have fun shopping at 12 “Stores” with over 200 items! Make special announcements over the microphone. 9/4/2007 (Price: $39.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Take Along Castle by PLAYMOBIL INC.

This 73-piece set includes a gray "stone" castle measuring 28.75" across, four knights, a horse, weapons, flags and more. It folds into a handy carrying case. This product is a 2007 iParenting Media Award winner. 8/29/2007 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ImagiBRICKS™ Giant Building Blocks 24pc Basic Set by SMART MONKEY TOYS

Designed for ages 18 months and up, this sturdy 24-piece set features blocks that are made in the U.S.A. of at least 50-percent recycled, lightweight corrugated cardboard. The set includes four large red blocks, six medium yellow blocks and 14 small blue blocks, all of which are printed with non-toxic inks and have a water-resistant coating. Adult assembly is required. 8/22/2007 (Price: $46.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Musical Sugar Plum Fairy Skirt by ACTING OUT

This sugar plum fairy skirt will make any girl feel like a ballerina in “The Nutcracker.” With the press of a button in the interior front pocket, Tchaikovsky’s music from “The Nutcracker” will sound; continue dancing and the motion will keep the music playing. The lavender skirt is full of sparkles and layers of soft tulle, and is lined with satin for itch-free wear. This product is an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award winner for best toy. Launch date: July 2007.
— Musical Skirts by Acting Out are best sellers at Red Wagon Toy Co. in Woodstock, Vt., Owner Kim Smith told TDmonthly in summer 2007. 8/15/2007 (Price: $32.00)

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][?]

Danny Boy - Black Scotty Rocker by ZEIGER ENTERPRISES INC.

Danny Boy, black Scotty, looks so real, he almost comes alive for kids. He's already assembled, straight from the factory, and was handcrafted in Poland. 8/7/2007 (Price: $139.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tymeagain Warrior's Broadsword by CHICHESTER, INC.

Since 1994, Tymeagain has specialized in designing, and making by hand, historically inspired toys for castles, palaces, and other historical sites in the British Isles. The broadsword was the sword of the dark age warrior and medieval castle guard. Tymeagain products are made by craftsmen in Britain and distributed in North America by Chichester, Inc. They contain no screws or nails, are made of wood from sustained forests, and are finished in raw linseed oil.
— "Swords and shields by Chichester — Tymeagain historic toys" were among the best-selling gift items for boys in the store of Nancy Barringer, owner of Jamie Two Coats Toy Shop in Shelburne, Vt. 8/7/2007 (Price: $22.00)