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

Bake Time by AWESOME KIDS

These pots and pans can actually go into the microwave oven. Kids can bake right along with mom and even use her ingredients in cooking. This is a great box for the homemaker to be, and includes a Magic Book CD. 5/24/2006 (Price: $25.95)

Poodle Tote by A WISH COME TRUE

A cute poodle tote bag with matching poodle-emblem'd skirt and sunglasses. What little girl could resist? 5/11/2006 (Price: $16.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Doctor Kit by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This doctor kit features an electronic stethoscope that makes a heartbeat and coughing sound. It also includes a blood pressure gauge complete with arm cuff, pump and spinning dial. Inside the doctor bag, young doctors will find a reflex hammer, thermometer, squeaking syringe, auriscope, laryngoscope and pretend bandage. 5/10/2006 (Price: $19.99)

My First Purse by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

This is a little, brightly colored soft "pleather" purse with pretend play accessories. A charming flower decorates the front and soft chunky handles attach on top. Included is a wallet, debit card, lipstick, keys, soft unbreakable mirror and play cell phone.
 —  As of 8.30.10, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews on Target.com and was listed in the top 30 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Well-made; encourages imaginative play. 5/10/2006 (Price: $12.99)

Jr. Biker by AEROMAX INC.

Available in five sizes, this tough-looking attire will get kids' motors running. It includes a button down vest, matching chaps, a head wrap and biker fingerless gloves. 5/10/2006 (Price: $39.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jr. Mail Courier by AEROMAX INC.

The Jr. Mail Courier outfit is a realistic one-piece suit. It also comes with a pinstriped shirt with patch, shorts with a wide accent stripe, an official looking visor and a matching courier bag.
—  During a March 2010 survey on top-selling dress-up lines, two of 37 retailers named Aeromax as their best vendor. 5/10/2006 (Price: $37.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Parents Magazine Animal Hospital by BATTAT INC.

This kit includes everything kids need to nurse little pet patients back to health. It includes a complete set of play medical instruments for performing checkups and administering medicines. When kids need to make a house call, they just pack up their tools into the lid of the animal hospital and carry them along. Each door has a color and shape coded key to make sure the animals stay safe and secure. It includes three plush animals (parrot, dog, cat) and eight instruments (stethoscope, syringe, flashlight, mirror, tweezers, pet vitamins and boo boo cream. The included flashlight requires one AA battery (not included) and measures 12" by 12" by 5". 5/10/2006 (Price: $39.98)

Papo Dead Head Pirate Figure by HOTALING IMPORTS

This spooky skeletal pirate figure, standing approximately 3.5" tall, is hand-painted and highly detailed. He has a massive sword and shiny pistol. "Each Papo figure is painted by hand and incredibly detailed," said Brian J. Shackelton, operations manager for Hotaling Imports Inc.
— Betsy Justings, owner of Betsy's on Ross in Auburn, Ala., told TDmonthly that Papo Pirates is the hottest selling item in her store.
— Two of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly specifically cited Papo Pirates as a continuing hot-seller in their stores. Both retailers are located in the Southeast.
— Pirates came in second to knights in the best-selling action figure category, according to research conducted by TDmonthly in spring 2007. 5/9/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Triceratops by SCHLEICH NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Hand painted with nontoxic paint and crafted of high-quality vinyl, this dinosaur replica was launched in January 2006.
— “I should just open a store for those things,” said Warren Brown, owner of French’s Toy Shop in Concord, N.H., of Schleich figures.
— Michele and Ken Gietz, owners of Where’d You Get That? In Williamstown, Mass., said these are consistent good sellers.
— Jordan Walden, manager of Finegans Toys and Gifts in Portland, Ore., said anything dinosaur is usually popular. 5/9/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Family Yacht by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Part of the company’s Sun Beach Vacation line launched in April 2006, this snazzy yacht floats on water and when combined with the Underwater Motor moves around. The deck is removable and the anchor winch works. The cabin comes complete with beds, a kitchen, furniture and a bathroom. It is 17.3” by 5.9” by 7”.
— “The police set has always been huge here. Also, the boys like the arctic collection, too,” said Warren Brown, owner of French’s Toy Shop in Concord, N.H.
— “Playmobil sets of all kinds” sell well for Village Toy Shop general manager Lee Ann Stern, in North Easton, Mass.
— Marc Truax, store manager of Try & Buy Toy Stores in Katonah, N.Y., said that these are a hit with his male clientele ages 4 to 8. 5/9/2006 (Price: $36.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

JCB Fastrac 3220 with Frontloader by BRUDER TOYS AMERICA INC.

This heavy-duty tractor is packed with realistic play features, including independent suspension on each of the treaded wheels, and can be steered using the included wheel tool. It also has a movable front loader that really works, an adjustable trailer hitch, doors that open and close, and a hood that lifts to reveal a detailed engine.
— Direct replicas of the real thing “are very popular right now” according to Village Toy Shop general manager Lee Ann Stern in North Easton, Mass.
— Frank Meyer, manager of A Child’s Delight in Corte Madera, Calif., said that these are his top sellers for boys in this age group.
— Emily, aka she who “has been there the longest,” said that these are top sellers at Ambassador Toys in San Francisco. 5/9/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Judaica by KIDKRAFT

Celebrate the holidays with our wooden Chanuka Set! Kids can role-play safely with our wooden menorah and 9 colorful wooden candles. ( Watch Video) 4/21/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Side by Side Kitchen by LITTLE TIKES INC.

This compact corner kitchen encourages side-by-side pretend play. It includes a towel bar, towel, "granite" counter top and tiled back splash, faucet, oven, refrigerator, coffee pot and a bay window with a view. It comes with 18 accessories. It will be launched in August 2006. 4/14/2006 (Price: $69.99)

Mighty World: Diego the Firefighter by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC

“Fearless” is the word that comes to mind when kids see Diego the Firefighter at work. Imagine charging into a roaring fire without a moment’s hesitation. That’s what it’s like to be Diego, who’ll chop through a door with his axe to save anyone trapped behind. But while kids might think he’s fearless, Diego knows to be careful and precise in how he fights even the worst fires. After years of training, he knows just where the danger lurks, and just how to avoid it. He’s part of the Emergency line in Mighty World. 4/12/2006 (Price: $3.99)

Prince Crown by SARAHS SILKS

Reversible silk crowns adorned with felt stars and jewels. (Decorations may vary.) Prince Crown is reversible from Gold to Green. 4/10/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Harald, The Knight's Charger by HEROES & LEGENDS, THE GOOD KNIGHT COMPANY

Harald, The Knight's Charger, is a hippity, hop pretend play toy for year round indoor and outdoor fun. This unique toy is made from lightweight vinyl and, with a brightly colored battle skirt, is secured around the child's waist. While the child's legs are hidden beneath the skirt, a knight’s leg in shining armor is printed on each side, making it look like the child is riding a magnificent knight’s horse as in, "Once upon a time ..." 4/2/2006

Velvet Boa Cape by FAIRY FINERY

Crushed stretch velvet and fluffy boa make this the cape the best! Finish any outfit with this top quality, washable garment. Perfect for pageants, skating, or royal coronations! Velcro at neck makes it easy on and off- so safe! So many colors to choose from. 2/24/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fairy Flower Tulle Dress by FAIRY FINERY

Beautiful flower petals captured inside a pocket of tulle with a satin underskirt & flower pin. Stretch velvet bodice. Looks great with our fairy wings and make unique flower girl dresses. Hand washable. 2/24/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Knight's Tabard and Helmet by FAIRY FINERY

9 out of 10 Knights agree - our medieval tabard will last through many a battle. Wool blend felt with finished edges, metallic knit helmet – Dragon felt crown sold separately. 2/24/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Xiaolin Showdown Monkey Staff by TOY PLAY

The electronic Xiaolin Showdown Monkey Staff comes with tail and ears for kids who want to monkey around … seriously. They can dress up as one of their favorite Xiaolin Showdown characters and stave off the bad guys with this special gear. 2/22/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fred Flintstone by MCFARLANE TOYS

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has formed a global partnership with McFarlane Toys to introduce an all-new line of action figures based on characters from the hugely successful Hanna-Barbera library. This new range of action figures will be available at retail outlets worldwide beginning in the summer and continuing through the fall of 2006. Fred Flintstone will be one of the first figures to be released, alongside Tom and Jerry and Quickdraw McGraw. 2/7/2006 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Verticon Air Battle Arena by WILD PLANET

Verticon, the first aerial battle system, allows kids to experience the magic of mid-air combat. Kids can go head-to-head with 3-D warriors that fight in flight. Combat commences when kids release their palm-sized battling sphere into an inverted dome perched atop a foot-high air-blowing base. The Verticon warriors hover over the dome, floating and fighting in its powerful jet stream until one warrior is knocked out of the airflow and plummets to defeat. Each warrior is equipped with a combination of weapons best suited for its fighting style. This base unit comes with 4 warriors and 12 weapons. “Verticon wowed the crowd at the Western States Toy and Hobby show with the thrill of warriors battling to the finish in mid-air,” Robin Russell of Wild Planet told TDmonthly. This toy will be ready for retail in Fall 2006. ( Watch Video) 2/7/2006 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Barbie Hug N' Heal Doctor by KIDdesigns

This complete set comes with everything a girl needs to make sure her fluffy friend feels his frisky best. This adorable interactive puppy barks, yelp, pants and responds to feeding and touching with sensitive switches in his head, mouth, back and paws. He comes complete with a trendy handbag full of “medical” supplies so a little girl's puppy can go everywhere she goes. There are three puppies to choose from: Beagle, Cocker Spaniel or a Golden Retriever. Launch date: February 2006. 2/6/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ZipBin™ - Dinosaur by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

10-year-old Max Rothschild co-invented these storage bins/toys with his father, Wayne. Unzipped, the Dinosaur ZipBin becomes a dinosaur island activity surface for use with dinosaurs, animals, vehicles, boats and action figures. Fantasy play is encouraged by a prehistoric world featuring a volcano, a river, a tar pit and a mysterious cave. ZipBins also come in Road & Rail, Castle, Medieval Castle, Farm, Unicorn and other versions. ZipBins were launched in January 2006.
— Katherine and John Hodge of Neat-oh! International consider their Zip Bin line of toys to be a “a new way to play ... and put things away!” ( Watch Video) 2/6/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ZipBin™ - Mansion by NEAT-OH! INTERNATIONAL LLC

Wayne Rothschild and his 10-year-old son Max co-invented these nifty toys that double as storage bins. The ZipBin Mansion looks and plays like a dollhouse. Unzipped, it’s a “multi-room” activity surface with built-in closets for doll accessories. Dolls can throw a rooftop garden party, lounge by the pool, entertain, dance and have a fashion show. Zipped up, the Mansion still looks like a house, but can hold a gaggle of toys, keeping Mom’s and Dad’s “mansion” neat and tidy. ZipBins also come in Road & Rail, Castle, Medieval Castle, Farm, Unicorn and other versions. Launch date: January 2006. ( Watch Video) 2/6/2006 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]