TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Sporting Goods & Accessories Product Category

Jump Rope by GREEN TOYS INC.

Made in the United States and available in pink, purple and green, this eco-friendly jump rope features 7' rope that's adjustable and made of 100-percent cotton, and handles made from recycled plastic. Launch date: 2009. ( Watch Video) 3/13/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tennis Ball (3 pack) by SKY BOUNCE, LLC

The traditional yellow, standard-sized tennis ball from Sky Bounce. Available in a three pack and a twelve pack. 3/9/2009 (Price: $2.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

ZING AIR ZARTZ by ZING

Ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, ZARTZ feature a safe, SOFTEK foam suction cup that sticks to windows, metal, walls, asphalt or nearly anything with a smooth surface. The self-releasing suction cup allows the ZARTZ to fall just a few seconds after adhering to a ceiling or other hard-to-reach place. ZARTZ are available in 7" and 9" forms, and come packaged in a durable carry case. There's also a Fun Pack that includes two hand-target catchers and a 9" ZART, which can be launched as far as 100'. Launch date: 2009.
— “The Zing Air Zartz are really good right now,” Emily Bieritz, manager of My Favorite Toy Store in Downers Grove, Ill., told TDmonthly in June 2009 when asked about her best-selling gift for boys.
— “Zartz are definitely No. 1,” said Steve Banducci, owner of Games Unlimited in Danville, Calif., when TDmonthly asked about his best-selling sports and outdoor items in March 2010. Banducci reported sales of at least one Zartz per day.
— Four of 37 retailers surveyed in spring 2010 listed Zing as their top-selling brand of outdoor products.

Past videos: WTHRA 2009 ( Watch Video) 2/27/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Little Jumpers Trampoline by ALEX BRANDS

This colorful, padded trampoline has a cushioned handle and spring-loaded legs. The weight limit is 70 lbs.
This product was recalled on 7/18/2012 2/25/2009 (Price: $109.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tail Wags Spinner Spider Helmet Cover by TAIL WAGS HELMET COVERS INC.

With two eyes in the front and legs flapping in the wind, Spinner Spider is ready for a ride. Tail Wags help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs. 2/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tail Wags Fairy Princess Helmet Cover by TAIL WAGS HELMET COVERS INC.

For all little girls who dream of becoming a princess one day! The Fairy Princess helmet cover is adorned by a pink veil and topped off with a golden crown. Tail Wags help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs. ( Watch Video) 2/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tail Wags Flutterby the Butterfly Helmet Cover by TAIL WAGS HELMET COVERS INC.

This whimsical helmet cover in vibrant shades of pink, orange and yellow will delight every little girl! Tail Wags help to increase the visibility of the wearer on the slopes, roads and skating rinks. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs. 2/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tail Wags Bizzy Bee Helmet Cover by TAIL WAGS HELMET COVERS INC.

This endearing yellow with black stripes bumble bee will create a BUZZ on the ski slopes, skating rinks and bike paths. Tail Wags helmet covers fit over ALL makes and models of bike, ski, snowboard, toboggan, skate and equestrian helmets. Available in over 35 different animal character designs. Tail Wags received a 2009 iParenting Media Award. 2/18/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tri-ton Mobo by ASA PRODUCTS INC.

This three-wheeled cruiser boasts features that distinguish it from the rest of the Tri-ton line - namely, a reclining seat back and folding design for portability and storage. In addition, it has an adjustable front frame, caliper hand brakes and free wheel maneuverability. Launch date: February 2009. 2/16/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jump Ropes by JUST JUMP IT

Both the single (8') and double (16') are made from a double-braid, soft polypropylene rope that swivels right in the hand, making handles unnecessary. These colorful and durable jump ropes (available in six solid colors and six confetti colors) can be adjusted to fit most size kids, and they can be put into the family wash if soiled. They can be used by adults, too.
— “Jump ropes … are really big right now,” Linda Hamm, owner of Early Work Toy Station in Petaluma, Calif., told TDmonthly in spring 2009.
— Four of 60 retailers surveyed in March 2009 said jump ropes account for their top sales in outdoor and sports toys. ( Watch Video) 2/2/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ecosaucer™ Flying Disc by GREEN TOYS INC.

Made from recycled plastic milk containers, this sturdy flying disc weighs approximately 130 grams. Launch date: February 15, 2009. ( Watch Video) 1/30/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Magnetic SportDARTS by ChalkTalkSPORTS

Full-size sports fun with these double-sided magnetic dartboards. With super strong magnets, the blunt-end darts hit and stick tightly on the board for hours of safe, game-time fun. Choose from Hockey/Lacrosse or Baseball/Soccer SportDARTS. 18"X14" flexible dartboard with eight magnetic darts. 1/26/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

LiddleLAX by ChalkTalkSPORTS

LiddleLAX is the world's first 'liddle-size' lacrosse stick and ball set for great 'off-the-field' lacrosse fun and games. The lacrosse head is strung with 'stretchable stringing' to ensure maximum velocity of the mini elastic lax balls. Goalie target included for additional fun. 1/26/2009 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Shred Sled by THE SHRED SLED

This 4-wheel, dual-deck carve board makes it smoother and easier to start carving up the streets. Its fun and much easier to control than older 2-wheel generation boards. The 4-80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 Bearings are smoother and stronger and rarely need to be replaced. Due to the inline wheels, the Shred Sled offers the feel of snowboarding while skateboarding. Editor's Note: Effective September 2010, the recommended retail price for the Shred Sled is reduced from $119.99 to $59.99. According to a press release, "The affordably priced Shred Sled will offer all of its original features that have proven to be a major success, including 4 x 80mm polyurethane wheels and ABEC-5 bearings." 1/13/2009 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Go! Go! Sports Girls by DREAM BIG TOY COMPANY

Go! Go! Sports Girls are plush, sports-themed dolls for girls. They are designed to be a fun and educational way to promote self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, healthy eating, good sleeping habits and overall healthy life-skills. A portion of profits are donated to organizations that encourage girls to develop healthy lifestyles. Launch date: November 11, 2008.
— Dana of Feeling Fit with Dana praised Dream Big for representing many sports and making the Go! Go! Sports Girls “look like dolls, not models, not movie stars, just dolls.”
— Reviewers from What the Stuff Toy Review found that girls loved the dolls and were easily able to identify with the variety of sports, looks and personalities. Adult reviewers appreciated the positive values and healthy habits encouraged by the dolls. The review did caution that the dolls’ small accessories were likely to be misplaced.
Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010 12/12/2008 (Price: $22.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wai Lana Yogi Phthalate-Free Mats by WAI LANA

A colorful, comfortable, high-performance yoga mat that is also eco and health friendly. Perfect for children!
 
 12/1/2008 (Price: $21.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Wave Stealth by STREET SURFING LLC

The Wave Stealth® Board, a newly designed in-line casterboard, blends the motions of surfing, snowboarding and skateboarding to the fast-growing and popular sport of Street Surfing. With a camouflaged design of Army green and brown colors, the Wave Stealth provides a fresh, fun ride for tweens or teens. It consists of two platforms with a sure grip-tape deckplate design, joined by an anodized torsion bar. The two “Street Tech” wheels have Abec 7 bearings and casters that spin 360 degrees while the swiveling base allows riders to self propel by going forward, downhill and even uphill by just bending their knees and twisting their hips and shoulders. This product was named a Greatest Product of 2008 for sporting goods by iParenting Media. Launch date: November 2008. 11/24/2008 (Price: $79) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Upset by POOF-SLINKY INC.

In this bean bag game of skill and accuracy, kids have the chance to choose their strategy — get three in a row to win or UPSET your opponent before they win. Launch date: 2009. 11/13/2008 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

MyMiniGolf Basic by DEFACTO.GMBH

This is the first minigolf course to take away and play anywhere, indoor or outdoor. It was a finalist for the Golf Europe product award in 2008. The set includes 13 obstacles, one club, two balls and a scorepad. The game can be played on grass, tarmac, carpet, wood floors or ice. Launch date: 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $250) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Aerobie® Megatop™ Spinning Top by AEROBIE INC.

The Megatop is a perimeter-weighted, precision-built, high-performance throw top invented by Alan Adler, the famous inventor of Aerobie flying rings and other Aerobie high-performance sports toys. Using its quick launch accelerator, a skilled player can achieve 3,000+ RPM spin rates. Creative tricks and challenging games provide hours of fun. The Megatop is made in the USA. Launch date: October 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Fuzion Electron by NEXTSPORT

The Fuzion Electron is great for cruising the neighborhood or going big in the park, and it's perfect for all ages. The Electron features an innovative new folding mechanism and ultra-light, compact design so it can be taken anywhere with ease. Although it is a new model, the Fuzion Electron still uses the same Fuzion Steering Technology (FST) as the original Fuzion scooters for maximum carving. "Fuzion scooters are the only four-wheeled carving scooter[s] on the market," Akiko Ezuka, marketing coordinator for Nextsport Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $59.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Muddy Buddy Coveralls by TUFFO LLC

These waterproof coveralls offer toddlers full-body coverage and protection from the rain and elements. The lightweight, breathable coveralls can be worn outdoors in the rain and dirt or worn indoors for messy arts and crafts. They keep kids dry, clean and comfortable, and come with handy waterproof bag for travel. The product has dual front zippers for quick changes, a generous fit for easy movement, extra-heavyweight nylon reinforcement on the seat and knees, sealed seams for waterproof coverage, elasticized wrist and ankle cuffs that fit over mitts and boots, and an elasticized hood with a brim to shed water. Launch date: 2007. 10/27/2008 (Price: $29.95)

Spalding Rookie Gear by SPALDING SPORTS WORLDWIDE

Kids can shoot, kick, throw and catch more easily than ever before. Spalding Rookie Gear is designed to weigh 25% less than standard Youth balls for kids 8 and under. A lighter ball creates a better playing experience for kids, allowing them to practice proper fundamentals more easily and build the confidence they need with a ball that is appropriate in size, and now, weight. Watch as your young athlete learns faster and performs better than ever. These technologically advanced, age-appropriate balls are available for basketball, soccer and football in a variety of colors and patterns. Launch date: 2008. 10/21/2008

The Original djubi™ by ALIQUANTUM INTERNATIONAL INC

djubi™ (pronounced joo-bee) is played with specially designed racquets and a distinctive ball called “the djubi”.  To play, place the rubber loop over the launch hook, pull back and aim.  When the ball is released it flies through the air at varying degrees of speed, distance and height, depending on the launch trajectory. The djubi is then snagged out of the sky in the deep racquet pocket. Playing djubi undoubtedly will take the tried-and-true game of catch to a cool, new level of fun and excitement for all. See video of djubi in action at djubi.com.
— Christine Osborne, owner of Wonder Works in Charleston, S.C., told TDmonthly in March 2010 that her store sells 36 units per month of the djubi.
— In a March 2012 survey, John Taylor, owner of O.P Taylor's in Brevard, N.C., told TDmonthly that the djubi was one of his best selling outdoor toys. ( Watch Video) 9/30/2008 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tail Wags Lucky Lady Helmet Cover by TAIL WAGS HELMET COVERS INC.

Ladybugs are often considered a symbol of good luck! This delightful red with black spots ladybug will bring a smile to every child lucky enough to wear one. Fun and safety team up in the adorable helmet covers from Tail Wags, useful for biking, skating, skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and equestrian riding. Tail Wags Helmet Covers increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and are themed to work for both children and adults. "Kids WANT to wear their safety helmet when they have a helmet cover that they love!" stressed Karyn Climans, owner and creator of Tail Wags Helmet Covers. MSRP ranges from $30 to $45. Tail Wags was selected as a JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) Innovation Award Finalist and was chosen as a “Best Product for Babies and Kids 2008” by Orca Communications. The ABC Kids Expo named Tail Wags one of the “Top 10 Innovative Companies in the Juvenile and Safety Products Industry Worldwide."Launch date: November 2008. 9/19/2008 (Price: $40.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]