TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Puzzles & Skill Product Category

Hardwood Chess Pieces by MAPLE LANDMARK WOODCRAFT CO.

These hardwood maple and cherry chess pieces are made in Vermont. The pieces are blocks with a traditional characters engraved on two sides. All the pieces are 1" wide and 1" deep, varying in height depending on the strength of the character. The pawn stands at 1.25" tall and the Queen is 2.25" tall. Each set comes with a cloth pouch for piece storage when not in use. Barbara Rainville, marketing manager for Maple Landmark Woodcraft, told TDmonthly, "Each piece has a diagram to show how that character moves engraved on the bottom — for new players or those just a bit rusty." Launch date: March 13, 2010. ( Watch Video) 4/16/2010 (Price: $38.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Name Puzzle Stool - Flip Back by HOLLOW WOODWORKS

The Name Puzzle Stool can be personalized with child's name and has a back that flips down so child can use it as a step stool. Launch date: April 2010. 4/14/2010 (Price: $69.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Memory Game by RE-MARKS INC.

Re-marks presents the classic tile matching game with stylish and playful images in puppy, kitty or travel editions. Includes 48 deluxe tiles to match in competition with other players or alone as a memory strengthening exercise. Launch date: 2010. ( Watch Video) 3/30/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Official SCRABBLE® Players Dictionary, 4th Edition by FRANKLIN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHERS

Based on the Merriam-Webster's The Official SCRABBLE® Player's Dictionary, 4th edition, this helpful handheld device will be invaluable to players at all levels, who want to master the SCRABBLE® game. It  instantly validates over 100,000 words and provides brief definitions. This device has easy to use features which enhance SCRABBLE® playing skills by building vocabulary. It provides solutions ranked by score and includes three challenging word games that can be played on three different skill levels. It offers easy-to-read large type, on-screen help, automatic shut-off and adjustable contrast control. Requires four AAA batteries (not included). 3/29/2010 (Price: $59.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Telepathy™ by LMD GAMES

Telepathy is a game that combines strategy, logic and deduction. The game board consists of 18 squares by 18 squares which total 324. There are nine different colors and nine different symbols. Each row and column contains two of each color and two of each symbol. There are 81 different colored symbols and 4 of each colored symbols on the board. In this puzzle solving challenge of deduction, logic and intuition, players go head to head to see who can be the first to guess their opponent's secret square. Every action turn brings you closer to finding the hidden, ancient symbol.
Awards: 2009 National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; 2009 Parents' Choice Recommended Award Winner ( Watch Video) 3/26/2010 (Price: $24.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Create Your Own Puzzle by OUTSET MEDIA

Now aspiring artists can create their own puzzles. These blank puzzles are made with high-quality board and are sturdy enough for paints. There are 3 additional sizes of Create Your Own Puzzles as well as the option of pencil crayons. The kit comes with 2 puzzles and a set of crayons. Create Your Own Puzzle makes a great gift for any age. Launch date: 2010. From Cobble Hill.
— In a Summer 2012 survey, two out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Cobble Hill (dist. by Outset Media) was a best selling brand of puzzles. ( Watch Video) 3/25/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LOOPZ™ by MATTEL INC.

LOOPZ™ takes the timeless play pattern of memory games to a new level by adding light, music and motion. This interactive game is a test in rhythm and coordination consisting of four semi-circular rings with infrared sensors that light up to create challenging patterns players must follow. Seven different game modes allow players to play solo, head-to-head, host up to 4 players or even turn LOOPZ™ into a musical instrument.
—As of 1.07.2011 this product had 5 out of 5 stars on Walmart.com and was the #2 bestselling item in the Games & Puzzles category. Pros: Seven different games; single player and multi-player options. Cons: Some levels are not challenging enough for older children. ( Watch Video) 3/17/2010 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Minotaurus by LEGO

The mythical Minotaur protects a secret temple hidden deep inside a labyrinth and players must be the first to lead their three heroes to the temple, avoiding the Minotaur and cleverly placing walls to block their opponents. By changing the LEGO dice, players can jump hedges, and by re-building the maze, every game is a new adventure. For 2 to 4 players, the game includes 1 buildable LEGO® Dice, 12 LEGO microfigures, 1 building instruction booklet, and 1 rule booklet. Awards: Parent's Choice Award 2010
— As of 8.03.2010, this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 14 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 19 in the top 100 best-selling toys and games. PROS: Children enjoy playing, and it holds their interest. CONS: Small parts can be a choking hazard, and are difficult to manipulate on the board.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 ( Watch Video) 3/17/2010 (Price: $24.99)

Quadrilateral Pieces by LEARNING BY DESIGN

Quadrilateral Pieces is a geometry puzzle. Kids of all ages can improve their spatial sense as they rotate, turn and flip the pieces to construct five different quadrilaterals. "Teachers and students will love it because students can use the puzzle to help them remember what they learn about different types of quadrilaterals," Mary Kay Bacallao, President, Learning by Design, told TDmonthly. Launch date: 2010. 3/10/2010 (Price: $7.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

House Scene Baby Puzzles by ArtrevelationsKids.com

Entertain and teach baby by creating scenes made of fabric covered foam. House scene includes a Square, Triangle, Circle, Rectangle, Car, Bus, Door, Window, Chimney, Flower Garden, and Dog. 3/8/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Don't Drop Scooby-Doo!™ by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

Kids practice their skillfulness as they help Scooby-Doo try to keep his balance atop a column of “Shaggys.” On each roll of the die, players see if they have to add or take away another Shaggy. The player who doesn’t make Scooby come crashing down wins. For one to four players. 3/4/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hold On Scooby-Doo!™ by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

In this game of skill, players must take turns carefully pushing out bricks one by one without letting Scooby-Doo and Shaggy fall from atop the wall. For two or more players. 3/4/2010 (Price: $17.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MASTERMIND Animal Towers by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

The classic game that’s been sharpening deductive skills for decades comes in a vertical version designed for kids. Players take turns being the codemaker and the codebreaker, asking yes or no questions while secretly stacking their animals into a tower. There are three levels of play to master as players try to guess what animals are hiding in each location. For two or more players. 3/4/2010 (Price: $11.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rummikub® 8 Round Rummy Card Game by PRESSMAN TOY CORP.

The fast-moving rummy game replaces its tiles in this eight-round card game. Each increasingly difficult round has a different goal and different ways for players to make sets and get points. For two to six players. 3/4/2010 (Price: $5.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

William Wegman 500-piece Jigsaw Puzzle - Stanley by BUFFALO GAMES INC.

One in a collection of William Wegman puzzles offered by Buffalo Games, this 500-piece puzzle features Weimaraner Stanley in a hat and bowtie. 3/4/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge – Book 8 by MONKEYING AROUND

These are definitely not your father's dot-to-dots. With no clues given to the final image, numbers into the thousands, and amazing detailed pictures, The Greatest Dot-to-Dot Super Challenge provides a whole new level of challenge and intrigue. Author and artist David Kalvitis continues his Dot-to-Dot revolution by introducing a variety of brand new puzzle inventions such as "Arrows", "Compass" and "Alpha Dots" as well as double page spreads with over 1,400 dots.
— As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.2 out of 5stars from 4 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: One user said that it was too challenging. ( Watch Video) 3/1/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Green Start™ Giant Floor Puzzles: Puppy-Palooza by INNOVATIVEKIDS

This giant floor puzzle is full of colorful, adorable dogs. Each puppy has style, attitude and class. The puzzle is 2" x 3" when completed. ( Watch Video) 2/26/2010 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Prehistoric Sunset Jigsaw Puzzle by MELISSA & DOUG

This 24-piece wooden jigsaw puzzle features an attractive palette of dinosaurs and scenery. It measures 0.4" x 11.75" x 15.75".
— Eight of 38 retailers named puzzles by Melissa & Doug as a best-selling wooden toy in early 2010. Jamie Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Pa., told TDmonthly his store sells about 36 a month of assorted styles. 2/24/2010 (Price: $9.99)

Elmer Puzzle & Carrying Case by KIDS PREFERRED INC.

This 40-piece puzzle includes every color in Elmer’s patchwork! Open the jigsaw puzzle carrying case and spill all of the pieces on a flat surface. When all finished playing, scoop up the pieces and store for another day of fun. 2/19/2010 (Price: $20.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Hand Puzzles by HABA USA/HABERMAASS CORP.

Each set comes with six, themed puzzles, a matching puzzle piece for each of the six puzzles for cognitive associative development and then a wooden figure for imaginative story play. The chunky, high glass, soft snap cardboard puzzle pieces make them easy enough for a 1 ½ year old to complete all by themselves. Three styles available: Farm, Animals, Construction.
Awards:  Parents’ Choice Approved Award, Fall 2010 Puzzles. 2/19/2010 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rubik's Slide by TECHNO SOURCE

A brand-new challenge for all ages! The object of each puzzle is to rearrange the pattern of lights by shifting and twisting until they match the solution for that puzzle. With two ways to play and multiple challenging levels that train your brain, it's the game that's easy to learn and impossible to put down! 2/16/2010 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Blocks Rock! by BLOCKS ROCK! LLC

Blocks Rock is a fast-paced blocks game of recognition, action and excitement that can be played by two players or two teams. Launch date: March 2010.
— "Blocks Rock with cognitive reasoning and fine motor control.  What makes this game unique is that it was designed by kids for kids and all sales proceeds go back to their school. Kudos to those that inspired these children. Geared to children 6 years and older and played by two individuals or two teams, players race to build a pattern on a matching card. The game is made challenging by a clever a 3D element.  Add a timer for solo play and use multiple cards to increase the level of difficulty as proficiencies rise," Jennifer Shuman, of 1SmartNoodle, told TDmonthly at Toy Fair 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/11/2010 (Price: $24.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DBOX by PUSHKAPOR LLC

Dbox is a patent-pending puzzle game consisting of cubical units that can be attached or detached to several others to create three-dimensional segments in a variety of shapes. Users connect segments to solve an endless number of challenges. DBOX offers pre-existing puzzle selections and also allows players to create and solve puzzle challenges themselves, in addition to sharing them with other puzzlers arround the world on the DBOX website. "Dbox has endless challenges and shapes in one game. It appeals to all minds at all levels. It is a social game where players can invent, create, share and compete," Oded Light, co-founder, Pushkapor LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010. 2/10/2010 (Price: $19.61) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Crazy Cheese by BLUE ORANGE GAMES

Crazy Cheese is both a puzzle and a brain-teaser, all in the same slice of cheese. With two levels of difficulty, the Crazy Cheese puzzle is designed to provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. "Beware, as simple as it appears, completing this puzzle without the solution key is a phenomenal feat of perseverance and brain power!" Bert Devort, Sales Department, Blue Orange Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010.
― Two of 40 retailers told TDmonthly in June 2010 that Crazy Cheese is one of their top-selling puzzles.
— Jeanette Lauture of Aunt Jean's Toys and Treats in Montclair, N.J. Sells about two to four Blue Orange games per month, she said in the fall of 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Y-Ball by CREATIVE WHACK COMPANY

Thirty magnetic double Y-pieces click together to form a fun soccer-ball shape, appealing to sports fan as well as creative individuals. The distinctively angled pieces can be put together to create inventive shapes, and the creativity guidebook offers ideas and inspiration for the imagination. "This creativity tool appeals to all ages and can be used at home, at work, and in school to spark the imagination," Lynn Araujo, Communications Director, Creative Whack Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2010. ( Watch Video) 2/4/2010 (Price: $30.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]