TDmonthly Magazine went to Toy Fair to hunt down toys that were high-quality, high-play value, and bound to do well in specialty stores. Below, you can see some of these toys featured in TDmonthly's original videos, shot on the floor of the Javits Center at the 2012 New York International Toy Fair.
Are you the speediest bee in the hive? Then join in the fun with this ultimate word game! With 150 fun challenges and four alphabet dice, players race to find words containing or excluding the letters shown on the dice.
The variety of creative challenges and dice combinations make Speedeebee excitingly different every time you play. Launch date: May 2012.
Codigo Cube is a socially interactive trivia game that uses players' web-enabled camera phone, a free app, and a patent-pending 2D bar-coded die. Codigo Cube is updated with new questions daily. Whenever breaking news happens Codigo Cube gets updated. Playing is fun and easy. Players simply download a free QR code reader for their phone, then scan any side of the cube. Roll the cube, scan the code, and answer the question from a list of four multiple choice answers. Guess correctly and re-roll. Guess wrong and the cube is passed to the next player. Launch date: October 2011. Awards:TDmonthly Top Toy Award, January 2012; 2011/2012 The Toy Man Award of Excellence; 2011/2012 The Toy Man eChoice Award; 2011 The Toy Man Top 50 Toy Of The Year Award. — Why it won: Codigo Cube is harnessing new technology for an innovative and inexpensive new game. Players simply scan the QR code on the die with their Smartphone to access a trivia question online. The trivia questions are constantly being updated, so the game never gets old. — As of 9/21/2012 this product had 4.7 out of 5 stars from 23 reviews on Amazon.com. Pros: Easy to use; more variety than a traditional trivia game because questions are always being updated. Cons: Needs to be played in a well-lit area or the QR code readers can scan the codes properly.
Build and roll this Construction Toolbox around like a vehicle. 5 projects included; kids can use their imagination to build anything. Includes 11 Geometric Shapes, 4 Wheels, 12 Screws, 10 Nuts, 1 Screwdriver, and 1 Wrench. This Toolbox also provides easy storage for all the pieces. Develops imagination, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and problem solving and fine motor skills. Tested to meet European and U.S. safety standards. "Unique design - the attractive colors, unique features, super play value, learning elements and cute character of this toolbox draws kids attention and become their best friend in no time," David To from Biokido/Georgeous Products Inc. told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
Tranquil Turtle is the first Cloud B product that combines both sight and sound features in one soft, comforting character. Glowing in a relaxing aquamarine or amethyst color, the shell projects a magical underwater light effect with a gentle wave motion and plays soothing sounds to help children sleep. Launch date: February 2012. Awards: 2012 NAPPA Honors, 2012 The National Parenting Center - Seal of Approval
Fishing Camp is a game where both children & adults can play & learn fun facts about Fishing. The game is designed to grow with the player, starting at level one questions, which are primarily identification of fish and fishing tackle. As the players increase in their knowledge about Fishing, they grow into the higher level questions. A fun & educational game where parents & children can play to see who catches the first fish and gets back to the docks. Game includes: 1 game board, 200 game cards(400 questions, and 100 fun facts), 1 decoder, 8 game characters, 1 die, 16 level cards, and 1 GPS card. Launch date: 2012.
The Blast is made specifically for pool play with its engineered design to be more controllable and not bounce as high as the Extreme and Pro. Since it's lightweight, softer, and easier to catch, it is suitable for the whole family. — Dean Smith, Co-owner of JaZams in Princeton, N.J., told TDmonthly in a Summer 2011 survey that he sells "about a gross" (144) of Waboba skip balls each month, but it's usually a summer item. — Michelle Deutschmann, owner of Kaleidoscope Toys in Falmouth, Mass., told TDmonthly in an August 2014 survey that Waboba is their best-selling toy. They sell over 100 each month between two styles of the ball.
Kids love to role-play and the Shop and Learn Cash Register gives them the opportunity to play grown upShoppers. Three play modes encourage kids to shop, count, identify food and determine values. Thiselectronic talking register guides children through learning with encouraging words, amusing sounds and fun games. Kids can scan food, enter coins, slide the credit card and openthe cash drawer. The toy requires two “AA” batteries (included).
Little Pim Spanish Deluxe Gift Set by LITTLE PIM CO.
The Little Pim Spanish Deluxe Gift Set includes DVDs 1, 2, and 3 in Spanish, Little Pim Spanish Bop music CD, Spanish Word and Phrase Cards, and an 8” plush panda packaged in a clear reusable tote. Themes include eating and drinking (Disc 1), wake up smiling (Disc 2), and playtime (Disc 3). Each DVD has a run time of 35 minutes, presented in seven short episodes to keep young minds engaged. Awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products - 2010
Domo, the loveable strange creature who hatched from an egg, is now a bobble head. Fresh from his underground cave, Domo stands 6inches tall and features a sturdy spring that will provide years of bobbling fun. Launch date: June 2012.
MIMOMICRO™ can be used as a USB flash drive with interchangeable microSD memory cards, and also functions as a microSD card reader to transport data between mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, and mp3 players to one's computer. "MIMOMICRO™ boasts three dimensional sculpted characters and the first in a series of vehicles. MIMOMICRO's cap-free design with flip-out USB plug also includes a built-in keychain and LED indicator light. Measuring a mere 1.6" H x 1.0" W in its compact form factor, MIMOMICRO™ lives up to its name," Clint Weiler, PR for mimoco llc, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 2012.
Fandooble is a party game filled with dragons, knights, wizards… and a scoundrel named Fandooble. Opponents must race against one another to steal all of the gold from the fearsome dragon and possibly some of the other players. Taking turns, players roll the four dice, pushing their luck to see how much gold they can get. Rolling as often as they want, taking treasure from the dragon or their friends and foes alike, it’s the luck of the dice- but if a player rolls three dragons, they are eliminated. Three of the dice have treasure and dragons. The treasure gets players gold; the dragons foil their spoils. Three dragons rolled and a players' stash goes back to the dragon’s pile; if those dragons are red, the player loses the stash from their turn and all the gold in their bank. The other die has wizards and knights to help along the way. It also has the rascally scoundrel Fandooble; he’ll steal players' hard stolen gold and give it to someone else. Fandooble is for 2-6 players, and game time last from 10-30 minutes. "Easy to learn, simple to take with you on the go," Monica Lucas, VP of Operations at Mindtwister USA, told TDmonthly.
Sleep and Play Anywhere. PRIMO’s PLAY YARD CABANA is for indoor and outdoor use. It comes complete with a removable sun-proof cabana cover and travel bag. It has waterproof fabric, a padded bottom, is lightweight, comes fully assembled, and is portable. Extra large size offers plenty of play room for up to 2 children. Great for home, park, beach, grandma’s house. For ages Newborn to 3 years. Launch date: February 2012.
Prince Lionheart Play Mat by PRINCE LIONHEART INC.
Finally, a well-designed play mat that lasts through the developmental stages of your child! Our play mats have been designed to cushion and delight babies during tummy time, entertain toddlers for play time, and encourage young learners of all ages to engage and explore. Search for the hidden characters, count the creatures, sound out letters, or master the road rules: the only limit is their imagination. Reversible: engaging art on both sides; Water-resistant, wipes clean; Soft & cushiony ; Non-toxic. "The play mat lasts through multiple developmental stages of a child - from baby to kindergarten," Lea Janowicz, marketing director for Prince Lionheart, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2012.
MagnaMobiles are designed for kids to exercise their creativity. Put the pieces together and take them apart to create new and inventive vehicles. Magnamobilles roll, carry, lift, dig, drop and spin much like the real life machines they are modeled after. With multiple connectors on every piece, kids will have fun creating their own custom vehicles. All MagnaMobiles are made from high quality beech wood with a non-toxic finish. Launch date: January 2012.
Design lots of different road layout using the 20 chunky interchangeable puzzle pieces. Add to the fun with your favorite toy cars! 20 pieces. 38"x38" average size.
A combination slipcover, outfit and carrier, Petjamas accessories for kids' favorite Pillow Pets. This super soft, super cute and super cleanable cover acts as clothes or a carrying case for plush companions and a pillow case for children. Launch date: November 2011.
A unique twist on the classic stacking toy. Stack the rings in different ways to make various patterns. Flip the rings upside down to add even more variety. Rod is bendable at base for added safety. Made from PlanWood and solid rubber wood. Launch date: March 2012.
SmartMax Magnetic Building Set 36 Pieces by SMART TOYS AND GAMES INC
SmartMax allows children to explore magnetism safely. The oversized pieces are specifically designed for handling by young kids as they learn about the effects of magnetic attraction and repulsion. Older children will have fun using the pieces to construct towers and bridges. The magnets are strong enough to carry up to 60 times their weight. Basic 36 includes long bars, short bars, large 1.8" diameter metal balls and a guide to build models. 25-piece and 42-piece sets are also available.
Three layers of high quality fabric provide a patented internal support structure that puts a stop to the bag deflating on the floor. Its durable and lightweight construction even has two perfectly sized pockets. This bag works for all ages - from keeping schoolwork safe to keeping diapers organized. 15" x 10.5" with a 4"gusset Reversible Machine Wash Cold. Tumble Dry Cool. No Iron. No Softener.
This garage-themed playhouse is made of soft, durable 100% Cotton Canvas. A carry bag is included. Flame retardant, meets CPAI-84 & ASTM F963 safety standards. Dimensions: 52.5” x 42” x 64.5”. Launch date: August 2012.
Ugh is the life of a caveman through the eyes of John Kovalic. In Ugh! players encounter the Stone Age life by pushing their luck against the deck and trying to lock in as many sets of cards as they can before they are abruptly shocked by a natural disaster… Ugh! Each turn players can flip over up to three cards, all of which are good options for their set. Contents: 110 cards, including 4 Wild Cards, 28 Ugh! Cards, and 78 Number Cards.
Jumbo Bananagrams features 144 waterproof, three-inch square tiles packaged in a funky giant yellow banana-shaped tote bag. Requiring no pencil, paper or board, Jumbo Bananagrams is addictive fun and educational play for kids age five to 105. Players race against each other to build giant crossword grids and use all their letter tiles. Launch date: Summer 2012.
Meet Mrs. Pinkelmeyer, Silliest, Warmest Know-It-All™ and her lovable dog Moopus McGlinden. Follow their adventures in the Pinkelmeyer book series, dance along with their music or snuggle up with their plush, singing doll as they inspire self-esteem in children through love, warmth and silliness.
Green Start Chunky Wooden Puzzles: Silly Squares by INNOVATIVEKIDS
Brand new Earth-friendly green start chunky wooden puzzles are made with wood from sustainable forests and packaged in a reusable carry-along storage case. Created with the help of child-development experts, these puzzles have chunky, raised pieces to support basic grasping skills, combined with slight gradations of cognitive challenge. A fun double-decker bus contains six square windows of the same size and shape that can fit into any of the spots but need to be rotated so the animals face right side up. Border of each piece matches color inside well. Launch date: April 2012. Awards: 2013 TDmonthly Seal of Approval — In a February 2013 survey, two out of 11 retailers told TDmonthly that puzzles were their best selling wooden toy.
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Justina Huddleston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing in 2009. After graduating she was the on-site director of the Boston Children's Museum gift store for a year, selling educational, developmental, and creative activity toys that tied in with the museum's exhibits. Justina also interned at children's book publisher Candlewick Press before moving from Boston to Los Angeles, where she is now Editorial Director of TDmonthly Magazine. Read more articles by this author
